I'm in a 97 SE and the new $339/mo lease interests me. I haven't driven a 2k, but I may have to venture out this weekend and do so.

My question is who has moved up from a 4th gen and how you like your 5th gen in comparison, because otherwise I'm thinking of moving into a used 99.

Thanks!

 

Hi Bernie,

I also had a 97 SE and now own the 2K.
Comparison....hmmm

I liked how much quieter the 97's engine was, but I like the improved performance of the 2K.

I also liked the seats better in the 97'. Some people here differ with that, but the 97 lumbar just seemed to be a better fit for me.

I really do like the styling of the 2K better. The rear end is questionable(isn't always), but I like the profile of the car much more. The front end looks better also !

My 2K has the BOSE where the 97 did not. The Bose is so such a sounding system.

Oberall, I am happier having the 2K, just hope to have it paid off in 6 more months. The 97 was paid off when I decided to get the 2K. I hate payments !!!!

 

Power is smooth and very quiet, might be due to the different exhaust system. It's something that has to be driven so venture out and drive the car.

I spent over 3 years in a 4th gen, wanted to stay with the Maxima but needed a change. The 5th gen A.E. was it for me.

[Edited by Jeff K on 11-28-2000 at 09:24 AM]

 

I owe a little over $11k on my 97 with 71k miles...yikes! So I think if a trade would give me $12,500-13,000 I could roll the difference and pay the initial $1299 or whatever it is and some of the taxes.

Am I dreaming or what do you guys think?

 

I've had two 4th gens ('96-gxe, '99-se) an I am almost two months old in the 5th gen. The 4th gens were good cars for me, but i never modded anything on them because of lease. The GXE had the stronger engine of the two 4ths because it was a carryover from the '95 Motor trend award winner and I understand why nissan would not do anything special for the '99 because of the body change that would come the following year, other than special edition max's in red color. In terms of reliability, i never had one major problem out of 4th gens because i keep a strengent maintenance schedule on them.

The 5th gen. in my terms, get's a lot of looks, right now and people i talk too are curious to find out if it really performs as well as the sleek commercials show it as. It is much heavier (nissan's way of slowin' down the car) and it's much stiffer stock wise with the new suspension parts. the service advisors will preach to you that it is a totally different car and that you should treat it different from 4ths.
You'll need to get with some of the technical minds on this site to find out about modding (what works and what doesn't)
Overall I'm happy with what i have. Stay DRIVEN my friend!!

 

Well I had a '94 maxima and here are a couple of my 5th gen favorites:

1. NO freaking electric antenna going up and down and needing freaking oiling and chit

2. NO damn guess work when closing the sunroof as to whether or not it's closed for sure

3. No automatic seat belt gettin on my nerves

4. The keyless entry is great

5. Automatic opening and closing of sunroof

6. automatic climate control

7. better rear wing except where it's tight on the sides to clean

8. digital mileage and trip

9. CD player

well theres a few for ya

 

My wife's 96 SE auto is great.

My 2000 SE 5spd is better all around - hands down. Especially like the stick

 

I had a 98 SE auto for 2 years.
and now I have a 2k GXE 5-speed..
4th gen feels much lighter, because it is.
Even in automatic, the throttle response is IMMEDIATE.
When I first drove the 98, I was like, HOLY CRAP! This is what they have been talking about!!
Also, the 4th gen engine is much quieter. It is incredible.
Not that 5th gen is loud, but compared to the 4th gen.

I LOVE the profile of the 5th gen. Much much better.
But, i like the sphositecated front look of the 4th gen.

4th gen. feels like it has more low end power, probably becaue it is lighter. 4th gen. pulls hard until about 5000 rpm, but the 5th gen, it will pull much harder than 4th gen. once you go over 5000 rpm.

But how often do we go over 5000? not often.
96 is even stronger than 98s. My cousin has a 96 auto, and it is much more responsive than the 98 I used to have.

If I were you, I would stick with your current 4th gen, and pay it off. And then, in 2002, you can get the 260 hp monster.

5th gen. auto feels sluggish compared to 4th. gen.

 

I had a 98 se for 3 years, I loved that car, but my 2001 se 20th is definitely a better car, I found it much powerfull than the 98, and so far I am really happy with the car.

Double A

 

I liked the 2000 so much I traded my 99 in. Luckily I got the 99 with a huge rebate and a good price, so I didn't take a huge bath.

Big improvements with the GXE. Ride and handling. The 120 watt Premium stereo in the 2000 was much nicer than my older 60 watt. The seats are more comfortable. Antilock brakes. Styling is nicer. The 2000 has better lower end, while the 4th gens have better lower end. The 2000's can run 14.9 stock at the track. Not sure a 97-99 can do that.

We early 2000 buyers got the one's with the bugs. If you get a late 2000 or a 2001, you should be fine.

 

I racked up 110,000 miles in my 96' over the 3 1/2 yrs. I owned it - loved every single mile! I traded the 96 for a 2k 10/99 and have put 36,000 on it already - (I can FEEL the cash sucking out of my wallet due to depreciation).
To give you my opinion in 3 words......Keep your 97'.
The 2k is nice, the interior is MUCH nicer than the 96', the exterior is nice but I think is becoming the "norm" and blends in too much on the highway. As far as powertrain the 96 felt soooo much more spirited, the 2k has the power it just doesn't feel like it.
I sometimes regret trading the 96' for the 2k because of the payments, still not sure the 2k is worth it. I don't think Nissan put as much into engineering the 2k as they did advertising it - ever see a 4th gen commercial?
Don't get me wrong, I like my Maxima. It's that I am still not convinced it was worth it.

Just My opinion...