i am a newbie in the forum..and i am going to buy a new maxima tomorow but i was wondering what was the difference from the SE and the SL and 2004 from 2005. i got a price for 2004 SL auto with journey package sunroof and elite package for 32200. i kinda figured that is high..any comments will be helpful..with navi and sunroof wat are the prices i should try to get..

 

You may wish to dig back thru the threads here, as this question comes up weekly.

I personally would not consider buying a Maxima until I read every detail of the 'showroom brochure' that lists exactly how each version of the Maxima is equipped.

Very briefly, the differences between the SE and the SL are the wheels/tires (SE has 18" 45 profile tires, SL has 17" 55 profile tires), suspension (SE's is very firm, SL's is more toward luxury), interior trim (SE is metallic, SL is wood trim), and how they are equipped. Base SE (MSRP just over $27K) comes with cloth seats, regular headlights, etc, etc, while base SL (MSRP just over $29K) comes with leather, HIDs, etc, etc. It costs around $3K to bring a base SE up to SL level, equipment-wise (via the 'driver's preferred' package).

Going from '04 to '05, the differences are few. In summary, Nissan improved the emission control and air bag systems, 'softened' the leather, added another 12V outlet to the console, made 'auto dimming' outside mirrors available, made the interior metal surfaces more scratch-resistant, etc; nothing major. Some folks feel Nissan may have addressed some of the '04 problems with the '05, but that is not yet confirmed.

Without digging thru the price lists to determine the exact MSRP of your vehicle, I still feel $32K is too much. Prices over $5K below MSRP are now available in many urban areas.

The Maxima is one sharp car, and the SL equipped as the one you are considering is truly 'top of the line'. But please do not buy until you have done your homework. Find out exactly what the MSRP is. Find out exactly what the invoice price is.

At this point, for an '04, I wouldn't pay above invoice. I just have a feeling you could find this car somewhere (maybe even at this dealer) for around $30K (possibly less) if you were willing to do some hard bargaining.

Make sure this SL was manufactured after February 6th, 2004 (the day SLs were switched from 4 speed trannys to 5 speed tiptronics - just like the ones in the SEs).

We are talking a lot of money here. Go for the Maxima, but go carefully and wisely.

 

Lightonthehill summed it pretty well. Learned a few things myself.
www.edmunds.com will give you lots of info as well.

 

I would correct ligtonthehill in one regard - the SE's suspension is not "very firm". It's just firm.

If you want to sample very firm, try the 350Z or a 1980's Mustang.

And my SE's suspension has improved over the past year ... it's still nice and controlled, but it steps over potholes and bumps more softly than when new.

Mike

 

Lightonthehill said it perfectly. I have the SE and it's perfect for me. Do check the brochure and do your research!

 

Considering that I paid $30,500 ($31,500 - $1000 rebate) for my 05 SL with everything except Nav, I don't think that is such a good deal. As suggested previously, go to edmunds.com and check out the invoice price for this vehicle and start your negotiations below invoice.

 

I bought my 2005 SE which stickered for $32,480 for 28600.00. I am a car salesman, and I did my hw before going. I went to 7 different Nissan Dealerships before buying. Goo to sites like EDMUNDS.COM, KBB.com and get invoice pricing and rebates.
I knew interest from Nissan before I bought the car.

Remember, you are already buying a 1 year old "new" car. you should not be paying anymore than 27k for that SL. What ever they tell you its still an old car.(meaning 1 year old, since 2005's are out)
hops that helps

ps good choice (nissan maxima)

 

All 2005 models manufactured after 11/04 have Traction Control like standart equipment and $100 more MSRP.

 

vopal - thanks for the tidbit. The documentation/brochures said 'late availability' for Traction Control becoming standard, and I had been wondering when it would begin.

 

In deference to my friend Mike_TX, I will adjust my description of the SE's ride to read as follows:

'The SE has a firm, controlled, sportslike, confidence-building ride, except on bad roads, where the laws of physics require that sudden impacts against a firm suspension result in very firm reactions'.

Actually, I noted on other threads that Mike_TX carries 30 psi in his tires instead of the recommended 32 for SEs. On Texas roads, where there are long straight stretches that seem to reach to the moon, 30 psi probably works great. 30 psi also means the car rides a little less firmly. Like 'slightly firm' instead of 'definitely firm'?

For sports-minded young folks, the SE's ride would probably not seem at all firm. For old fogies, it may.

 

When I first drove the SE....it seemed oh so firm.... after a month of really bending the springs, making the tires squeel around exit ramps ..the SE Ride is still stiff... but I can feel it improving...either that or im just getting used to it!! It makes for a fun drive ... I'm in TX as well... the roads run long and straight..with the occasional Pothole from hell to make you cringe right before you hit it.... I just got mine (04SE) a month ago... and aside from the "shimmy" at 85... this car flat out performs... at 42 the "***** to the wall" don't come nearly as often, but when I do get on it.... its like I'm 18 all over again. Offer 30000 and make sure its got it all!! Feel free to come back and tell us all how fun it is to drive! cuz we already know, and we'll believe you.