I am on the market for a 2002 SE. I wrecked my last Max, '91 SE, ( God I loved that car, sniffle ), it's totaled, insurance is kicking in, and now I need to move on! I've been all over the web sites having fun picking out colors options etc. I'm down to a couple musts:

1) manual trans.
2) moon roof & wind guard
3) floor mats


I'm going to buy within the next week and half, tops. Is leather worth it? I was interested in the Bose package. But now I'm hearing the Bose system is overrated and problematic. I was looking at the Merridian package as well, but now after all this talk about strange stearing wheel heater, I'm not so sure about that either.

Any suggestions/tips, things to be aware of relative the options, purchase process, dealing with the dealer (oh God) would be awesome!

Plus what should I expect to pay with those options, so I'll know if they're taking me to the cleaners?

Thanks!!!!

 

justify the leather by telling yourself you are saving the money by not getting an auto...

 

I just bought a 2002 SE in Majestic Blue (pictures to come soon). I got the 6 speed, with leather, sunroof, and BOSE system. I say get the leather package, unless you plan to install racing seats later on. For the BOSE system, it's ok, but the low-end response at high volumes SUCKS. It's nice at low low levels (like background music on a date), but as you turn up the radio, it turns down the sub. I am looking right now to adding more subs to the car (if anyone would reply to my post about where to tap the line level signal from the head unit to the sub-amp). As for the sunroof, I live in Florida, so it's a definite must. I paid 29640 drive out. Tax, tag, BS all included.

 

If you think that you might even remotely want one of the options, then you probably want to get it. Otherwise you'll feel bad later that you didn't. There's more to the Meridian than just the heated wheel, right? So if you like those features, then you sholdn't worry about the wheel -- it's new to Nissan and maybe it hasn't been perfected yet. Leather can be real nice, so if you're a leather person, go for it Otherwise you'll just be settling for something instead of buying the things you want. I don't mean to sound like I'm pushing for you to give Nissan your money, just that you should be happy with you do end up buying. New cars chould be fun! Especially new cars with 255HP

 

The manual tranny option must always be top priority!

 

I actually like the way the heated stearing wheel works. It seems to me that the heat it produces is related to the interior temperature of the car.

The only time I've noticed it not producing much heat is when both the stearing wheel and the inside temperature are comfortable.

The other night while it was nice and cold, I took a short drive to let it warm up slightly. I then rolled down all the windows and did some shopping for about 15 minutes. When I got back to my car it had cooled down significantly. I turned everything back on and things were working fine. I like it.

 

Here's my take on the BOSE or any OEM Premium stereo's. Don't get it.

Why? Well, if you're concerned enough to choose between Bose and the standard stereo set-up then chances are you also have better taste in music, or at the very least, prefer a better sounding system.

Taking that into account, you are better off saving the $1500 (?) or so it takes to "upgrade" your sound system with Bose by spending 2 - 3/4 of that by getting a complete aftermarket system that will sound so much better - i guarantee it.

Even at the basest you could do this and it will still sound so much better than the Bose system plus you'll still save a good chunk of money.

Get the standard radio
Get aftermarket amps with speaker level inputs
Get aftermarket speakers and components
Get aftermarket subwoofer

With the current MSN promotion (e.g. $20 back for every $100 spent) and (only if you have one) American Express' Blue Pricematching feature you could easily get that whole sub-amp-spkr set for around $500 or less with quality components (Infinity Reference spkrs, Sony Xplod amps).

Sure it's not audiophile quality but my point is, for much less money you can get a system that will sound better than the Bose.

Another added bonus is since you retain your stock headunit it's not as likely to attract unwanted visitors.

Just my 2c

 

gives you dual heated seats? in my 2k1 it does. It's a nice option if you live in colder climates. It also gives you dual heated outside mirrors, which is really nice. If you get those options it will have the Bose system.

 

I just picked up a 2002SE about 10 days ago. I was not going to get leather but after seeing how nice it looks I could'nt go with the cloth. On the plus side you get the auto temp control with the leather package. I think the Bose sounds pretty good but not as good as a high end aftermarket unit.

GaryWayne

 

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice on this thread! I really appreciate having such an awesome source of consumer perspectives. I have more ammo when I go to the dealer and I'm better equiped to 'wheel and deal'.

 

OK... I'll go in order.

Bose system - skip it. As someone said before, for the same amount of money you can put together a better system yourself, and if you keep the stock head unit no one will know it's there.

Leather - Nissan just changed their leather provider for 2002, and from the impressions on the board it's much better than the previous leather seats. It seems Nissan leather is finally on par with the other cars in its class. One other option, you can get custom leather seats in any color with a logo of your choice for around $600-700 before installation. If you like the Nissan leather though, I say go for it. I haven't ever been in another Maxima with leather but I did try a 2002, and it felt very high quality.

You can check the invoice price of any option by going to http://carpoint.msn.com and pricing out a new car. It will tell you the car's invoice price and that of the options. Good luck, and have fun.