I just picked up my '04 last night. I had a hard time deciding between the SE and the SL, and ended up with the SL. I had a '97 Max, and a 2001 Max, both GLE's, so I was ready for a suspension with a little more control.

However, two things bothered me about the SE. First, I've heard that the 18" performance tires on the SE were not the greatest in the winter, and being in Ohio that was a big concern. Second, some of the roads around here are in terrible condition, and I was concerned that the SE suspension might be a little too stiff. If I lived in a mild climate, I'm sure the SE would have been my choice.

I ended up test driving the SL and was surprised to see how much more control the suspension had compared to my '01 GLE, while providing a superb ride. I was sold on the SL after that test drive. My dealer did have a hard time finding my car since I requested VDC, but he finally found one.

Overall, I truly love this car. Everything has been improved...the ride, the handling, NVH greatly reduced, more room, better brakes, more options, etc. I even think the Bose sound systems sounds great, despite what I've read in some posts.

Nit picks? You bet. For one I would tell Nissan to make the cloth trim around the door panels and dashboard look more like suede than terrycloth. I would make the 5-speed auto standard in all Maximas, not just SE. The overall look of the interior has grown on me since I first set eyes on it, but it could use some better quality plastics. I also would gladly pay $200 or $300 extra for genuine wood trim (even though the fake wood isn't too bad).

It's early, but I don't regret my puchrase one bit!

 

I also have just purchased my Sl 04 Winter Frost Cafe Latte interior Driver's perferred pakage. My concerns is the car seems to be louder compared to other new cars, is that something to be expected with the 04's? I think I read you have the navi package I'm some what upset I did not purchase it also. Have you found it worth the extra cash?

 

Go onlin and buy an aftermarket trim kit... You will ove it!

 

No, I did not get the nav package. I personally cannot justify the price of such an option, unless I was constantly on the road traveling to unfamiliar places.

As far as the noise goes, I'm really surprised to hear you mention this. My '04 is drastically quieter than my '01 GLE. The only sound that slightly intrudes is the engine under moderate to hard acceleration, but that calms down once you let up on the accelerator. My new Max is also much quieter than my wife's Altima. I can honestly say that the only car that I've driven in that is quieter is my father-in-laws Lexus GS300, and not by much.

 

Compared to the 01 AE I had, I think my 04 rides a little rough. I never considered the SL. I wanted the 18's, 5-Speed Auto, and stiffer suspension. But I have to say, after a few drives around here (I'm probably on some of the same roads as you), I'm thinking that I may consider something smoother next time around. But I do really like this car. The break-in period is up, so now the fun begins!

 

My 04 SL is definitely quieter than any car I have ever owned, including my 00 GLE.

 

Hey man,

I'm just right down the road from you, in Grafton, down Rt. 82
we will have to meet up sometime.

 

I know this has been said already (in this thread or another one), but check your tire pressure with a good gauge. My '04 SE came with 48-50psi in all tires, and it rode like a truck. I backed them down to 30psi and it rides very nicely now. The placard (under the console cover) says 32psi recommended, but 2psi isn't going to compromise safety, and I believe I can even feel an improvement between 32 and 30. Heck, if my tires wear out a hundered miles sooner because of that tiny pressure difference, it will have been worth it for the improved ride quality.

Mike