Ok People.......help Me Out!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 114
Ok People.......help Me Out!!
I have a 2000 SE and I am looking at trading it in for the 04!
I am considering the 6 speed.
How is the car compared to the 2000 and is the 6 speed alot of fun?
Also, what are you people paying for this baby out the door?
Should I?????
I am considering the 6 speed.
How is the car compared to the 2000 and is the 6 speed alot of fun?
Also, what are you people paying for this baby out the door?
Should I?????
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 95
From: Las Vegas, NV
Re: Ok People.......help Me Out!!
I can tell you that I upgraded to an '04 from a '97 SE. There's no comparison in terms of luxury and performance. When you hit 2nd gear, the '04 feels like it's going to leap off the pavement. What a blast to drive! Go for the nav system. Invoice + $300 is what I paid.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,282
Originally posted by bluemaxx
Many of us have day jobs.
Many of us have day jobs.
I have been surfing a bit more than usual this week. Damn MS SQL 2000 class is boring the **** out of me...
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 191
Originally posted by gmc74
no internet at work? That must slow the day way down...
I have been surfing a bit more than usual this week. Damn MS SQL 2000 class is boring the **** out of me...
no internet at work? That must slow the day way down...
I have been surfing a bit more than usual this week. Damn MS SQL 2000 class is boring the **** out of me...
I have the internet at work but i am on the other side of the world.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 233
G35... too small, ergonomics are God-awful, exterior is bland IMO
TLS... sure, if you wan't your tranny to crap out on you.. bland styling as well
Compared to the 2000 SE, the '04 is miles above in every single way. Of course, test drive the Max and any other cars you may be considering. Not everyone has the same body. Not everyone is the same height. Not everyone has the same tastes...
TLS... sure, if you wan't your tranny to crap out on you.. bland styling as well
Compared to the 2000 SE, the '04 is miles above in every single way. Of course, test drive the Max and any other cars you may be considering. Not everyone has the same body. Not everyone is the same height. Not everyone has the same tastes...
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,143
From: a meadow south of Atlanta
And before you buy, take a careful test drive, watching closely for any of the problems mentioned in other threads. Especially watch for steering wheel shimmy at any speed, fuel guage sticking at/near empty, tail pipe extensions/mufflers not aligned, hood not aligned, trunk lid not closing correctly, etc, etc.
All but the shimmy and guage problems can easily be fixed by the dealer. The dealer might have to replace the fuel gauge if it sticks. The shimmy may be poor factory balancing, but be sure.
Pricing varies widely. Some areas/dealers are getting hundreds above invoice, while others can't even get cars to sell, so get nearer MSRP. Look around before deciding on a dealer.
All but the shimmy and guage problems can easily be fixed by the dealer. The dealer might have to replace the fuel gauge if it sticks. The shimmy may be poor factory balancing, but be sure.
Pricing varies widely. Some areas/dealers are getting hundreds above invoice, while others can't even get cars to sell, so get nearer MSRP. Look around before deciding on a dealer.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 125
I've got an '01 5 speed and I am considering the '04 SE 6-sped as a replacement (yep, that's right still haven't made a choice). Here's a rough list of pros and cons as I see them for your consideration:
PROS:
1) Space - lots of room for adult-sized passengers and their cargo, though this will be diminished somewhat if you get the rear buckets with the wall between them.
2) Engine - one of the best on the planet. The 3.5 VQ is the equal or better of any V6 out there and puts a lot of V8s to shame. An addictive blend of power, torque and smooooothness. I actually wish they'd let you hear a bit more of the motor. It makes a lovely ripping sound in the G35.
3) Clutch - surprisingly light and progressive for a car with this much power. You won't develop a huge left thigh driving this car.
4) Rear three-quarter styling. Looks fantastic to me. Reminds me a bit of the much more pricey Lexus GS 400.
5) Interior amenities. What this car doesn't have you probably don't need. A lot of luxury for the money.
6) Handling. Quick and communicative response to inputs from the steering wheel, not a lot of body roll, tracks well on the highway
CONS:
1) Front end styling. That buck-tooth Bugs Bunny grill has me muttering "What's up Doc?" all day long.
2) Shift feel. Seriously bordering on harsh and clunky. Throws aren't as long as on my '01, but could be shorter still. Acura does this a LOT better.
3) Turning radius. Want to know what a 3 point turn in school bus feels like? A lot like a 5 point turn. Yikes.
4) No VDC or even traction control with the 6sp. This utterly defies comprehension as far as I'm concerned.
The good news is that there are a lot of really good sports sedans out there for either a little more or a little less than the Maxima. Each of them have their own set of plusses and minuses. Drive them all before you buy. But to answer your original question - yes, the '04 is a definite step up from the '00. And priced accordingly.
Cheers,
Jaeger
PROS:
1) Space - lots of room for adult-sized passengers and their cargo, though this will be diminished somewhat if you get the rear buckets with the wall between them.
2) Engine - one of the best on the planet. The 3.5 VQ is the equal or better of any V6 out there and puts a lot of V8s to shame. An addictive blend of power, torque and smooooothness. I actually wish they'd let you hear a bit more of the motor. It makes a lovely ripping sound in the G35.
3) Clutch - surprisingly light and progressive for a car with this much power. You won't develop a huge left thigh driving this car.
4) Rear three-quarter styling. Looks fantastic to me. Reminds me a bit of the much more pricey Lexus GS 400.
5) Interior amenities. What this car doesn't have you probably don't need. A lot of luxury for the money.
6) Handling. Quick and communicative response to inputs from the steering wheel, not a lot of body roll, tracks well on the highway
CONS:
1) Front end styling. That buck-tooth Bugs Bunny grill has me muttering "What's up Doc?" all day long.
2) Shift feel. Seriously bordering on harsh and clunky. Throws aren't as long as on my '01, but could be shorter still. Acura does this a LOT better.
3) Turning radius. Want to know what a 3 point turn in school bus feels like? A lot like a 5 point turn. Yikes.
4) No VDC or even traction control with the 6sp. This utterly defies comprehension as far as I'm concerned.
The good news is that there are a lot of really good sports sedans out there for either a little more or a little less than the Maxima. Each of them have their own set of plusses and minuses. Drive them all before you buy. But to answer your original question - yes, the '04 is a definite step up from the '00. And priced accordingly.
Cheers,
Jaeger
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 717
Originally posted by Jaeger
I've got an '01 5 speed and I am considering the '04 SE 6-sped as a replacement (yep, that's right still haven't made a choice). Here's a rough list of pros and cons as I see them for your consideration:
PROS:
1) Space - lots of room for adult-sized passengers and their cargo, though this will be diminished somewhat if you get the rear buckets with the wall between them.
2) Engine - one of the best on the planet. The 3.5 VQ is the equal or better of any V6 out there and puts a lot of V8s to shame. An addictive blend of power, torque and smooooothness. I actually wish they'd let you hear a bit more of the motor. It makes a lovely ripping sound in the G35.
3) Clutch - surprisingly light and progressive for a car with this much power. You won't develop a huge left thigh driving this car.
4) Rear three-quarter styling. Looks fantastic to me. Reminds me a bit of the much more pricey Lexus GS 400.
5) Interior amenities. What this car doesn't have you probably don't need. A lot of luxury for the money.
6) Handling. Quick and communicative response to inputs from the steering wheel, not a lot of body roll, tracks well on the highway
CONS:
1) Front end styling. That buck-tooth Bugs Bunny grill has me muttering "What's up Doc?" all day long.
2) Shift feel. Seriously bordering on harsh and clunky. Throws aren't as long as on my '01, but could be shorter still. Acura does this a LOT better.
3) Turning radius. Want to know what a 3 point turn in school bus feels like? A lot like a 5 point turn. Yikes.
4) No VDC or even traction control with the 6sp. This utterly defies comprehension as far as I'm concerned.
The good news is that there are a lot of really good sports sedans out there for either a little more or a little less than the Maxima. Each of them have their own set of plusses and minuses. Drive them all before you buy. But to answer your original question - yes, the '04 is a definite step up from the '00. And priced accordingly.
Cheers,
Jaeger
I've got an '01 5 speed and I am considering the '04 SE 6-sped as a replacement (yep, that's right still haven't made a choice). Here's a rough list of pros and cons as I see them for your consideration:
PROS:
1) Space - lots of room for adult-sized passengers and their cargo, though this will be diminished somewhat if you get the rear buckets with the wall between them.
2) Engine - one of the best on the planet. The 3.5 VQ is the equal or better of any V6 out there and puts a lot of V8s to shame. An addictive blend of power, torque and smooooothness. I actually wish they'd let you hear a bit more of the motor. It makes a lovely ripping sound in the G35.
3) Clutch - surprisingly light and progressive for a car with this much power. You won't develop a huge left thigh driving this car.
4) Rear three-quarter styling. Looks fantastic to me. Reminds me a bit of the much more pricey Lexus GS 400.
5) Interior amenities. What this car doesn't have you probably don't need. A lot of luxury for the money.
6) Handling. Quick and communicative response to inputs from the steering wheel, not a lot of body roll, tracks well on the highway
CONS:
1) Front end styling. That buck-tooth Bugs Bunny grill has me muttering "What's up Doc?" all day long.
2) Shift feel. Seriously bordering on harsh and clunky. Throws aren't as long as on my '01, but could be shorter still. Acura does this a LOT better.
3) Turning radius. Want to know what a 3 point turn in school bus feels like? A lot like a 5 point turn. Yikes.
4) No VDC or even traction control with the 6sp. This utterly defies comprehension as far as I'm concerned.
The good news is that there are a lot of really good sports sedans out there for either a little more or a little less than the Maxima. Each of them have their own set of plusses and minuses. Drive them all before you buy. But to answer your original question - yes, the '04 is a definite step up from the '00. And priced accordingly.
Cheers,
Jaeger
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,282
Originally posted by Jaeger
I've got an '01 5 speed and I am considering the '04 SE 6-sped as a replacement (yep, that's right still haven't made a choice). Here's a rough list of pros and cons as I see them for your consideration:
PROS:
1) Space - lots of room for adult-sized passengers and their cargo, though this will be diminished somewhat if you get the rear buckets with the wall between them.
2) Engine - one of the best on the planet. The 3.5 VQ is the equal or better of any V6 out there and puts a lot of V8s to shame. An addictive blend of power, torque and smooooothness. I actually wish they'd let you hear a bit more of the motor. It makes a lovely ripping sound in the G35.
3) Clutch - surprisingly light and progressive for a car with this much power. You won't develop a huge left thigh driving this car.
4) Rear three-quarter styling. Looks fantastic to me. Reminds me a bit of the much more pricey Lexus GS 400.
5) Interior amenities. What this car doesn't have you probably don't need. A lot of luxury for the money.
6) Handling. Quick and communicative response to inputs from the steering wheel, not a lot of body roll, tracks well on the highway
CONS:
1) Front end styling. That buck-tooth Bugs Bunny grill has me muttering "What's up Doc?" all day long.
2) Shift feel. Seriously bordering on harsh and clunky. Throws aren't as long as on my '01, but could be shorter still. Acura does this a LOT better.
3) Turning radius. Want to know what a 3 point turn in school bus feels like? A lot like a 5 point turn. Yikes.
4) No VDC or even traction control with the 6sp. This utterly defies comprehension as far as I'm concerned.
The good news is that there are a lot of really good sports sedans out there for either a little more or a little less than the Maxima. Each of them have their own set of plusses and minuses. Drive them all before you buy. But to answer your original question - yes, the '04 is a definite step up from the '00. And priced accordingly.
Cheers,
Jaeger
I've got an '01 5 speed and I am considering the '04 SE 6-sped as a replacement (yep, that's right still haven't made a choice). Here's a rough list of pros and cons as I see them for your consideration:
PROS:
1) Space - lots of room for adult-sized passengers and their cargo, though this will be diminished somewhat if you get the rear buckets with the wall between them.
2) Engine - one of the best on the planet. The 3.5 VQ is the equal or better of any V6 out there and puts a lot of V8s to shame. An addictive blend of power, torque and smooooothness. I actually wish they'd let you hear a bit more of the motor. It makes a lovely ripping sound in the G35.
3) Clutch - surprisingly light and progressive for a car with this much power. You won't develop a huge left thigh driving this car.
4) Rear three-quarter styling. Looks fantastic to me. Reminds me a bit of the much more pricey Lexus GS 400.
5) Interior amenities. What this car doesn't have you probably don't need. A lot of luxury for the money.
6) Handling. Quick and communicative response to inputs from the steering wheel, not a lot of body roll, tracks well on the highway
CONS:
1) Front end styling. That buck-tooth Bugs Bunny grill has me muttering "What's up Doc?" all day long.
2) Shift feel. Seriously bordering on harsh and clunky. Throws aren't as long as on my '01, but could be shorter still. Acura does this a LOT better.
3) Turning radius. Want to know what a 3 point turn in school bus feels like? A lot like a 5 point turn. Yikes.
4) No VDC or even traction control with the 6sp. This utterly defies comprehension as far as I'm concerned.
The good news is that there are a lot of really good sports sedans out there for either a little more or a little less than the Maxima. Each of them have their own set of plusses and minuses. Drive them all before you buy. But to answer your original question - yes, the '04 is a definite step up from the '00. And priced accordingly.
Cheers,
Jaeger