To all Maxima enthusiasts!

I am a recent maxima convert, and I am looking into
buying a 5-speed Maxima SE. I saw a 5-spd fully loaded
20th Aniversary Edition at a local dealership (that
is one sweeeeet lookin' car!!!) with a sticker price
of about $30k. Is the limited slip differential and
the extra 5 hp (I would have preferred a boost in
torque) worth the extra cost?

This conveniently leads up to my dilemna. I keep
hearing that Nissan is going to put the Pathfinder's
engine (240 hp?) into the 2002 Maxima. If that's
so, then maybe it's worth waiting around for the
extra boost in hp and torque!?!

Since there are only going to be 10000 SE Anniversary
editions being produced (I guess I'd better make
a decision fast)...

Should I just go for the 2001 Maxima SE AE, or should I
gamble and wait for the 2002 Maxima SE?

Thanks for your help!!!

 

Some people say it wont happen until 2003, so if you wait for the 2002, and its still the same engine, you'll be kicking yourself for missing the A.E.

 

My dealer assures me that the 3.5 VQ is going into the Maxima next year for the 2002 Maxima. It will be at least 265 HP in this form. Car and Driver forecast says the same thing. Rumor has it that Nissan will transplant this engine, even before they upsize the car. (2003) Maybe this will be an optional engine.

BTW- most of the AE Maxima stuff can be added to your car.

 

i've heard one variation of this rumor that in 2003 the maxima will have the se-r version with the vq35de...