I am interested in this 2001 anniversary edition for sale near by with a manual transmission and no rust but high mileage (210,000) with blemished interior. I currently have a 2000 SE auto transmission with low mileage (127,000) and rust on the wheel wells, frame rails and lower core support with flawless interior. The AE as you know has a ground effects kit and I think it looks a lot cooler than the standard SE. I'm looking to have the best of both worlds. Is it possible to swap my current engine and tranny into the body of the AE without any major issues? Or should I just keep what I have?

 

The trans swap in itself is a big job. Plenty of swaps have been done the other way around but that's an easier swap. Search some of those threads to get an idea. You'll have to swap wiring harnesses and TCM at the very least. Different emissions and options can make it even more difficult to finish correctly.

I'd do what it takes to keep a rust free car going, but wouldn't swap to an auto. 200k miles isn't that big of a deal though. If you have the time and tools and just can't drive a stick, have at it.

The interior swap can be easy if the colors are the same. There are minor differences between 00 and 01, which again can complicate things.

 

Okay gotcha thanks for sharing your input. The guy ended up flaking on the deal anyways... The AE was listed for 1000. I was willing to spend a couple grand on top to do the swap then sell the other. I'll just save more money in the mean time and wait for another nice AE to pop up.

My current max has been extremely reliable and still drives great but the rust is getting worst.

What all have you done with your maxima?