It's really nice.

Engine

Very strong. 255 horses and 246 torque. Enough said. Feels every bit as smooth as the 3.0 VQDE.

Shifter

The shifter was not as notchy as the preproduction model. I didn't miss any shifts or have any problems with it, except one... I couldn't find reverse. It turns out you need to pull up on a ring (within easy reach of the shift ball) for reverse to engage. Once you figure that out, it's easy as pie. The throws seem to be shorter than the 5 speed. I'm going from memory, so don't put a lot of weight on that statement. The clutch was pretty smooth. Very forgiving. Even though I hadn't drove a stick in a while, I had no problems operating it. 5th gear is plenty for 60 MPH. If you are going 60 in 6th gear and you hit the accelerator, it climbs slowly. 3rd and 4th gears are the passing gears. When I was going a little over 80, it was around 2500 RPM. It should get awesome highway mileage. Strange observation... this car didn't seem to have much torque steer. I don't know if it was because I wasn't wailing on it or if the 6 speed deals with TS better. (This car did not have HLSD, if you were wondering.) The 2002 automatic Maxima I test drove in August seemed to have more torque steer. Maybe I pushed it harder. I don't know for sure.

Ride

Seemed smoother than my 2000. Maybe that's because I have a FSTB and RSB? I took the car over some bumpy spots and it smoothed it out. I believe Nissan made some changes to the springs, IIRC.

Interior

Similar to a 2001. Seats are definitely nicer. They are firmer and shaped or contoured differently. The fabric is sturdier.

Brakes

Really nice and firm. Didn't test out the EBD though.

Final...

I didn't buy it after all. I'm still way upside down in my current ride. I didn't put much down on my loan and it's too early to trade. I haven't had my car for 2 full years yet. I was able to make the trade and Nissan was willing to finance my negative equity, but I couldn't pull the trigger. I would have to finance 32K. Too rich for my blood.

EPILOGUE

VOB called back with a much better price. I need to change my screen name.

 

Thanks Paul.


Now I can't wait to test drive it.

 

Where did you find a 6-speed, the dealer called me and told me it might not be out till Dec. I almost I'm located in GA, and haven't heard from any dealers about it being out yet and three are supposed to be calling me as soon as their available.

 

YOu want one at Invoice

Here U go My friend. Thank me later. 02 SE 6Spd

 

$25,782 for a 6-spd!?!?!?!? Someone better pick that up ASAP. That is a great deal. That is cheaper than an auto SE at my dealer, w/o leather.

 

Naw, that's the invoice, and then you make an offer (right?).

 

Paul,

too bad you didn't get it.... it's all good though... just mod the one you have for now and save up.... get the G35 later

 

all 6spds come with hlsd as standard......thats why no torque steer.look in the brochure...

 

HLSD isn't available til the end of the year or so from what I hear.... the first 6 speed models will not have HLSD

 

All 6spd Maximas that have the HLSD also come with drilled metal pedals like in the 2K1 AE. Did you happen to notice if this car had those?

 

Thanks Pioneer, but is there any way you can find me a blue/fully loaded and I mean everything. Oh, and black interior would be nice too. BIG thanks, I may just have to get super black if no other choice.

 

I got mine at invoice. + 5.9% for 60 months + a higher trade allotment. I couldn't refuse that offer!

 

Congratulations!! Take lots of pictures for us.

 

no no no...that was for his 2k. He didn't get the 2k2

 

"EPILOGUE

VOB called back with a much better price. I need to change my screen name."

 

Very nice!

 

Have fun Paul!


BTW, what did your wife and your daughter have to say about it?

 

uh-oh.... no more racing Paul on I-270 anymore

 

wait a minute...did I miss something?

I thought he said that he did not get the 2k2...

You guys are making it sound like he did...

 

He did get it. He did not get it from the dealer he test drove, another dealer gave him a great deal so he bought another 6 speed.

Congrats Paul! Take some pics!

 

We need details, what was your year, options, and mileage, etc.. on your traded in car? Thanks man, thinking of doing the same with my 01 SE 5 SP, fully loaded.

 

I think his sig gave it away.

 

Woohoo!!!!! Congrats!

Race ya?

 

What did you pay for your 2K Max originally and what did they give you on trade? I'm interested in knowing how much the trade cost you.

 

What? Mr. SC throwing it down? I'd take the challenge if I were you Paul.

What's up Kev...been a long time.

 

I test drove and liked it, but the price they first quoted me was not acceptable. After I got home in the evening the called me with a MUCH better price. So see my sig. arty:

 

I say it'll be a fair match.

Yeah, it's been a while... where have you been?

 

I would say with 11 PSI, it would be a close match. Going to Maxus in 2002 Kev?

Can you change my user account name?

 

Did you get the drilled pedals?
What was you're net balance?

Congrats

 

Congratulations!!! Going from a 4 spd auto to 6 spd manual!
The 6speed Max is FINALLY here, and you're one of the very first
to get one!

Can you look up the gear ratios and post it up for us?

Also, do you have any pics up yet?

Thanks,
Vincent

 

Of course it'll be a fair match. You have 2 more gears over me... manual... more hp (I haven't dynoed so we can say you have more)...

All I do is blow a lot of hot air out of my end.

I'll be at Maxus 02 if it's in Vegas.

 

Thanks! I wasn't trying to be one of the first; it just happened to work out that way. It's quite the difference. I'm not an automagic hater though. I won't be doing that around here.

I'm interested in the gear ratios too. As soon as I find those figures, I'll post.

I'll take lots of pics.

 

You can't be serious...Kev's should EASILY be a 13 second car with 11psi.....that's over 300 hp at the flywheel....I don't think you have a chance paul

 

Shhhhhh... don't spoil my fun.

 

I have no idea what Kevin's car will do, as well as the rest of us. He has yet to take it to a dragstrip. I said it would be a good race. I didn't say who would win. Move along... nothing to see here.

I just phoned in my order for the V2 SC. Do you think I should upgrade my clutch?

 

Hehehe Good luck fitting the SC next to your VTC.

Maybe you can take some pictures of the big hunk of metal that's blocking the blower. It is located where the timing chain cover is... remember how the 2k-2k1's are flat? This new thing bulges out.

 

First I have to remove my Twin Turbos. But I think the VTC issue is easy enough. I've already ordered my MSD ignition.

 

Paul, any mods planned? Your RSB should still fit just fine

 

Correct me if I'm wrong ...

Doesn't the 2k2 comes with the Front and Rear Stabilizer bars as
factory equipment?

 

so do the 2k and 2k1 models.... the stock bar is directly under the rear axle.... it's pretty small though....