The 2k2 Altima 3.5 SE 5 speed is understood to be a less expensive car than the 2k2 Maxima 6-speed...here's what Edmunds.com lists the two at, comparably equipped with leather, sunroof, ABS, Bose, etc. (MSRP = Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, TMV = True Market Value):

2k2 Altima SE 5-speed: $28,468 MSRP/$28,423 TMV
2k2 Maxima SE 6-speed: $30,401 MSRP/$27,647 TMV

Evidently the Altima is much in demand and selling at almost MSRP, whereas the less popular Maxima is selling, on average, at nearly $3000 less than MSRP. The bottom line is that a similarly equipped Altima is some $800 more expensive than the presumptively superior Maxima. Interesting situation.

 

That's just sad...

I've driven the 3.5 Altima and it's a strong runner. But, it's interior is lacking. The Maxima is a much better, all around, car.

Makes you wonder...

 

True Market Value: Well this would vary region by region though. I would imagine that the big cities would have no trouble keeping Maxima prices up, as opposed to more rural areas where I don't think there are many Maxima buyers.

It is true that the Altimas are going for nearly full list, but I'm not sure that even that will beat the selling cost of Maxima in more metropolitan areas.

I'm just curious how they got to the TMV part.

 

I don't know either how Edmund's arrives at their True Market Value prices, but my experience has also been that, unlike the Altima, Maxima selling prices can approach invoice, i.e., up to around $3000 off MSRP, depending on options. In Milwaukee (sort of a metropolitan area!) I ordered out a delivered 2k2 SE (HLSD, floor mats, splash guards, no other options) last month for $24,000, or about $200 above invoice. I think this week, especially (Christmas, end of the month, end of the year), some very good deals could be struck on the now out-of-favor Maxima, either in-stock or on-order.