I own a 1999 Honda Accord Coupe V6 and am interested in purchasing a 2001 SE. I am new to this forum, and have read many posts with negative opinions of the Maxima(especially the paint). We test drove a white pearl SE auto today and liked it. My main concern is the paint and the interior noise level. Have you found the interior quiet? Asking price was $26,700 with C & C, Meridian(no leather), mud flaps, traction control,floor mats. Is the basic stereo ok, for a normal music listener?We live in northern Wisconsin, if price makes a differance. Thanks for all your help.

 

as everyone will tell you, its all about personal opinion.

 

I have been doing research on a fast 4 door sedan and came to one conclusion, Maxima. Whether it is the GXE, SE, or GLE it is all the same basic design and same engine. I test drove a 98 SE and 2k GXE, and immediately fell in love with the GXE. I bought it yesterday and have not regretted it at all. If you have any doubts about the purchase, do your own research and try to find something similar.

 

I think for the money, you can't go wrong. If your looking to go fast, get a 5spd SE AE. That will be a very rare car.

 

I had a 2k Accord V6 before the Maxima. In my opinion, there is no comparison. The Maxima is better in almost all areas. The engine, interior, and styling are all a notch above, in my opinion. The interior is about as quiet as the Accord. Though, the maxima engine has more of a growl to it than the Honda V6. If you want really quiet and soft ride, look at the Camry. The basic non-bose stereo is decent. Still better than the Accord stock stereo. If you swap out the speakers it would be much better. The Maxima SE you are looking at has the exact same options as mine and I got mine for $23,800 + tax. It was $25k out the door. Good luck with your decision and let us know what you choose.

 

I don't think you have to worry about the paint. Nissan uses very good paint on their cars, if that's what you were wondering. It is personal opinion, but I would say that the Maxima is definitely the superior of the two. Plus it has a little more "kick".

BriGuyMax

 

The Maxima is a fine vehicle-good value for the money.As far as pricing, I can't help you here (live in Canada).

If the consumer looking for a V6 sedan import really did his homework, hands down the Max beats the Camry XLEV6 or Accord V6..

Go for it-you won't be sorry..







GLE 2K stock-loaded Sterling Mist

 

Is pretty much non-exsistant. When I test drove the car, a bus just happened to pass by. Well, to out amazement, we didn't even hear the bus pass by. With the radio playing, and the windows up, the interior is almost soundproof.

 

...maybe on your 1997, but check out my thread on the paint on the 5th gen. Not quite the same story.

To Julie...I am amazed at my max daily, and wouldn't have considered another car. Aside from the minor grievances, you won't be disappointed with the purchase of a max. It is a blast to drive, and has impeccable road manners that put it in a different class than accords and camrys. Good luck with whatever you choose.

And remember, the guys (and gals) on this forum are probably more obsessed about their cars (me included) than the average driver, so we are hypersensitive about everything...not that issues we raise are always trivial, but we expect perfection. And for $25-$30k...well, I think we're entitled to something close!

Scott

 

IMHO .. I'd wait a couple months for the 2002 Maxima ... it's been RUMORED to come with the engine in the Infiniti truck/Nissan Pathfinder which would provide the Max with at LEAST 260 HP ... that's 33 more than the AE SE ...

BTW .. why another car? I test drove the 2K V6 Honda Coupe ... it's a gr8 car .. except the slushbox ... plus .. I need 4 doors ...

Keep us posted on your decision ...

 

You can't go wrong with the Max. The Meridian package (heated seats and mirrors) in the Maxima that you described would come in handy in Wisconsin. I find my base stereo with combo CD/cassette to be very adequate.

 

Go w/the Maxima. We picked ours up three weeks ago. So far no paint problems. There is a bit of annoying wind noise coming from the rear passenger door -- probably some misfit weatherstripping. I have not for a second regretted buying it. In fact, I park it in a spot right in front of my office window at work and am constantly looking at it. Makes the day go quicker.

 

...and I thought I was the only one who did that

 

how can you say "No". =)

 

My wife absolutely loves her Maxima. We have had many people stop us in parking lots to complement us on the car.

 

I know the feeling.. I'm actually getting noticed buy ricers now since I did my front clears