nhokt

Hi, I am going to be buying a 2000 Maxima SE or GLE, Ilive in Boston so will be getting a automatic . I test drove a couple SE's and they had excellent acceleration. When I drove the GLE I didn't feel like it had quite the same pull. I really like the GLE otherwise, should the acceleration be the same on both (do they have the same trans. and gearing)?

Thanks!

01SE02SER

Yes, acceleration between the GXE, SE, and GLE automatic transmission trims should all be about the same. The main thing that sets the SE apart from the other two is its sports-tuned suspension.

Maybe the floatier ride of the GLE isolated you more from the road so it seemed slower?

Driver72

iTrader: (1)

Or maybe that particular GLE wasn't running as strong. Or the previous owner used regular gas instead of premium. Or his air filter was dirty and it wasn't getting as much air into the intake system, or....

Oh by the way, see if there's anyway you can ante up and get a 2002 instead. You'll be grinning ear to ear when you feel the 3.5 liter over the 3.0 liter that's in the 2000.

Darth Vader

This is true, I just wish there were more engine mods available. Guess I'll just have to be patient.

serin

iTrader: (2)

nhokt

Maybe it was the firmer ride...Anyhow, are the leather seats different in the GLE from the SE? When I got in the GLE the leather seats felt totally different to me (much firmer wiht more support). Also, has anyone added a changer to the factory BOSE system, and if so what changer did you get and how easy was the install?

2001SE

you should defeintley try to get the 02 man, you think the 00/01 are fast?, wait till you get into an 02/03. if you plan on gettin an 00/01, DONT test drive the 02/03, you'll regret you got the 00/01

nhokt

I am in a situation where I was planning on buying a used 2002 Max in a few months (I just got a new job) but the trans just started to let go on my old car. I'm not ready financially just yet for the 2002 and since I want to buy now while my old car still runs I am left looking at the 2000's which I am fine with because I really do like the car. I find the older I get the more I like quiet comfort over accleration (hence GLE) I know its lame but I guess my prioritues are shifting... Anyway, I really like the Max and can't wait to get mine!

andrew3616

Get an 02 at least. You will regret it if you buy less

RichSpidizzy

Just curious, why does living in Boston mean you can't get a manual?

bigdo26

iTrader: (3)

i drove an auto 2000 Maxima (gxe I think) a couple years ago, and it shifted differently than the 2k2 I have now. The 2k2 definatly feels like a smoother shifting car compared to the earlier. But as far as the trims, GXE, SE, and GLE should all shift the same for a 2000/01. And yes, the power of the 3.5 is way nicer than 2k2 in stock form

Madmax1991

Boston traffic is among the worst in the US...from what I heard

Ammi

iTrader: (26)

despite the bad traffic, manual is the way to go~

Jasonb1982

iTrader: (3)

Manual is much more fun. But in traffic it sucks. My weekend car is a manual. My Max which I'm gonna be driving about 50,000 a year is an auto. Despite being an auto I think the 3.5 pulls it weight pretty good compared to the 6spd. (my friend has an 02 6spd that I test drove before I bought mine.) However if your looking at the 3.0 in 00/01 its gonna be somewhat of a dog. I'd go with the manual.

Ammi

iTrader: (26)

I drive through traffic everyday for over an hour. At first, my left calf hurt so bad. Now it's fine.

sloppymax

iTrader: (8)

gle tend to be the heavier of the models but most 2k & 2k1 GLE have the smaller wheels. with less unsprung weight, it should accelerate quicker than an SE with 17s would. the se wheels weigh 26 lbs so like others have said, it may the difference in the maintenace of each car. all 2k & 2k1 have the same trans. & gearing but early build 2k had problems with tranny slip. if it was made before 5/00 then make sure it has the new solenoids and updated TCM.

nhokt

You guys are awesome! Thanks for all the info. Traffic in Boston is the worst I have ever driven in. I challenge anyone from out of state to navigate from one side of Boston to another and tell me what you think. People drive amazingly bad here, I see people do things in cars everyday that just amazes me.

Unfortunatly until I move I will be driving a car with an auto, but as soon as I do move, time to sell and buy a 3.5L manual!

How can I tell by looking if my transmission has been updated? My car was definitely built before 5/00 because it was registered 4/7/2000 according to CarFax.

sloppymax

iTrader: (8)

if you are buying from a nissan dealer, then have their service dept check the part numbers on the tranny solenoids and transmission control module for the most current part numbers. if the parts are old, then make sure they are updated or tell them you will walk away from the deal. if they are hard up for a sale then they will have it in the bay before you finish the sentence.

nhokt

I'm getting it from a dealer but not a Nissan one, is there any way to check myself or do I have to go and argue with the service people at a Nissan dealership?

.45

I spent 3 years living "inside the loop" in the early 80's. Pre "big-dig" and the Boston traffic totally sucked then, I'm sure it still does (love to visit Beantown though - great city). At one point I had an 84' Chevy 1/2 ton running 40" treads on 10" inches of suspension lift and 2" body-lift, talk about a drag in Boston traffic (people generally got the H*** outta my way though ). I drive a lot in Chicago and Minneapolis these days and one of the primary reasons I unloaded my 3-series Bimmer is because I got tired of running up&down the gears constantly. I hated it. One thing about Chicago traffic though, if you ain't in a "jam" you better be doin' 90mph or your a road-hazzard - heh heh.

Worst traffic I ever dealt with though wasn't Boston, it was Seoul, SK.

nhokt

The big dig has really made a mess of things in certain areas. You can go down a street one day and the next it will literely be gone. 40's on a 12" lift would make things more interesting though... I vote Boston worse domestic traffic/drivers

sloppymax

iTrader: (8)

the nissan dealer can check them but they arent going to replace them for free unless it under the 3yr/36k warranty. hopefully it was handled by the past owner but i wouldnt bet on it. a good amount of people just drive the car and would no idea the tranny was actually slipping. if you take it on a test drive, try and a hill and accelerate from a dead stop. if the revs climb without the speed climbing then its slipping. it only lasts a few seconds. it should be most noticeable on the 1-2 shift.

nhokt

The transmission doesn't fall under the 60k powertrain warranty?

sloppymax

iTrader: (8)

it does but the technical service bulletins for it are covered under the 36k/3yr.