I have found the car I want. 2001 Sterling Mist 5-spd with no options. Call me weird, but I don't care about the leather, sunroof, bose, etc... I am getting a great deal on it (21,300) brand new. I love it, but now that 2002 is showing some details and the altima is just around the corner, I am second guessing my decision. if the price goes up at all, i won't be able to get the new one and Nissan has 3.9% right now which will probably go away with the 2002. Please help. I have a 99 se auto now and need that 5-spd back again. Should I go ahead or wait. Thanks.

 

you could buy now and get a great price and low interest financing and make out pretty well, knowing the specs of the new models that are coming out.

If you wait until 2002 you can get the newer models, but you're most likely NOT gonna get the great prices that you can now, and probably now the ultra low financing, either.

So it's your call. Get a 2001 for cheap, or wait for 2002 but probably pay a lot more.

 

That's a tough call. Another option is to wait until Spring 2002 and you could get a better price and incentives at that time on the new Maxima. Nissan offers better incentives late in the model year. The incentives will get even better this August though.

 

If you buy now, you will definately get the best deal on a great car. The 2002 Maxima will have a bit more and the price difference between those models and the 2001s will probably not be too bad, but you definately won't get good deals on them until this time next year when they have to really clear them out for the all-new 2003 models.

If I could have waited until this fall or winter, I would have gone for the 2002, but things don't always go that way, so I ended up with a 2001 SE. I don't regret buying it anyway, and love it a lot.

 

Wait til fall 2002 then buy, mabe then the bugs will be worked out.

 

IMO, since you have a 99 Max, you can afford to wait a bit. After the 2K2 Max come out in the fall, I'm sure that the prices of 2K1 Maxes will fall just like the 2K1 Altimas. You'll probably be able to get a better deal and maybe a better financing plan with the dealers having to rid themselves of 2K1 inventory. Also, that'll give you the option to go for the 6-speed...even if you don't want to shell out the $$$, at least you can test drive it and compare before making your decision. Have fun and keep us posted.

 

Yea I think you're right. Get a 2002 or 2003 Max if you are willing to pay more and wait.

 

I would wait. I would love the additional HP but since the body style won't change until 2003 or 2004, I would rather have a REAL new car and have both the increased HP and the new body style. Get the good deal and wait a few years. 222hp is great! Even though I drive fast and all, I don't take max mine that often to need more than 222hp. And hell, our cars beat like 80% + of the cars we see daily so more isn't required for me.

 

you have to ask yourself once the new ones come out if you wished you had waited...if you think the answer is yes then wait.

 

I agree with tdogg...I'd wait...the 260 ponies combined with a 6-speed will be lethal!

 

I was faced with the same choice, so I started to really think about it, the engine was the selling point a 260hp max wow, but then we have the six speed option as well. my though on that was. If they are only going to produce it for one year they will most likely just slam another gear into the same tranny, why would I want that potential headache when I can have a proven winner now! the other point the engine, this is going to be the first release in other words a new variable. I've been stung by that one with my 98 Dakota (POS). so in the end I have a 2001 se 5spd and will never complain. I Love it.

 

Wait and if not sure goto speedvision.com and see the new I35 yes I35 replacing the I30 The new Max will be based on the I35. Go check it out it on the main page.

 

I found a 2001 max 5-spd that I really what for a great price, but i am worried that the new 2002 will make me regret my purchase. The power is not an issue to me, but the tranny could be. I have heard 6-spd? My guess is that the new features would put the car out of my reach. This car is 23,000 with no options. What do you guys think I should do??? Help.

 

I thought my first thread never posted...take this one off

 

If money is an issue give it a few more months and get the 2001 Max.

The 2002 Max will come out with a stronger engine. The 2003 will be remodeled again. I've spoken with various dealers and received insights from people here.

If you consider the idea of buying a 97 or 98 Max you will save about 35% of the MSRP. Just make sure you buy it from a good Nissan dealer and get the extendend warranty.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the responses. I guess the major selling point is that my payments would only go up $20 a month for a 2001 with 0 miles compared to a 99 auto with 32,000. Plus I need tires, 30K check up, a new key. All totaling around $1100.00! Sometimes I wonder if I should get another Maxima to. Some of the problems you guys have scare the sh*t out of me. I am just as **** about my car as everyone else on this site and I don't want problems. The only other option is a 5-spd accord, but that is 4cyl and looks very plain. I am one for getting a proven car, not a first year. If I did wait, it would be like 2004 before I got something (with all of the changes taking place in the next couple of years). I think I might have answered my own question. Any other opinions are welcome. I make my "final answer" this Saturday. Thanks.