Well, my pops wants a second car for the family. My grandfather's unfortunate conditions, among other things, require us to have a 2nd car seeing as how I'm always with the one we have now. After tossing around some cars (Mazda 3, WRX, Mazda 6, Scion tC) I came down to the conclusion that we'll be better off with another Max. I thought about getting a 97-99 Max in Neptune Blue and ricing it out all to hell (still not out of the option), but it looks like I'll be handing over the payments of the 01 to my dad and jump my a** into an 02. I'm looking around auto trader and there's a ton of 02/03 Maximas out there for less than 16000 with incredible mileage (45k and less).

As far as what color I'm leaning towards...I'm definitely leaning towards the Merlot. The Merlots with the color matched grille = sick. The Majestic Blue is also another possibility, and thankfully, there's many of them around. Definitely avoid the Grey Lustre, though...everyone has it. No Sterling or even Polished Titanium since I already have a Sterling. Wish me luck, guys. My hunt has begun.

 

Hey! I just bought a Grey Lustre and my old 2001 was a Grey Lustre...it's an awesome color! That said, both merlot and Majestic blue are cooler colors anyway. I would think the merlot would scream "pull me over" though.

Definitely go for the 2002 model over the 97-99 option - I went from 2001 to 2002 and it's like night in day in terms of refinement, speed, etc. Make sure you get the 6-speed!

 

6-speed = no in NYC. Besides the urge to find an excuse to drop gears just so I can pass a car (who's already probably going 70) would be uncontrollable. I wish I lived in an area less dense, I'd get a 6spd in a heartbeat.

 

Merlot is a great choice. Best of luck.

 

OK, I'm not just saying this 'cuz I own one, but I think that the gray lustre is one of the prettiest colors to get on the Max (besides black). Darker colors really complement the 5th gen, and GL just looks awesome--classy and sporty all at the same time. If anything, the silvers (excepting the poloshed titanium, which good luck finding anyways) are a dime a dozen. Oh well, since you live in NY, you'll probably want a color that will hide the many scratches you're sure to accumulate in an area that populated.

 

2 Maximas, that's the way to go.

Polished Titanium. . . .I guess I lucked out. . .

 

I drive a 6MT in NYC and I have no issues. To top it off, I also have a Gray Lustre 6MT. Hmm...I guess selling my car to Arnold K. is out of the question. =)

Not that I'm selling anyways.