If you had a choice again
01-09-2006, 07:06 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 230
I wanted the SL, and test drove the SL. But I came home with the SE! The price just worked out that way, it wasn't a conscious thing! (I think I was just too happy that my wife was agreeing to buy the car in the first place.) But from what I recall on my test drive, the SE and SL drive very similar to each other on the freeway. About the greatest difference that I can tell is that the SL will remember a reverse position for the mirrors. But I'm totally open to any corrective criticism on my observations or lack there of!
If I had to do it over again, I would probably get an SL because I expect that to have a smoother ride overall. But now I like the 18" wheels and matching spare on my SE... Hmmm... Decisions, decisions! SL with 18's and matching spare? I guess I can't really make the call even now because I honestly can't tell the difference!
If I had to do it over again, I would probably get an SL because I expect that to have a smoother ride overall. But now I like the 18" wheels and matching spare on my SE... Hmmm... Decisions, decisions! SL with 18's and matching spare? I guess I can't really make the call even now because I honestly can't tell the difference!
01-09-2006, 09:31 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
Posts: 8,143
SL.
Although we test drove two SEs in March of 2003 (our dealer did not yet have an SL), there was never any doubt which we wanted. We knew as soon as we saw the SE/SL specs in January of 2003.
I have an SE (2000) for sporty local driving, but neither my wife nor I can continue to take that pounding on very long trips. Especially when one considers the one not at the wheel is often trying to get some sleep. As we are taking more and more long trips (and our bladders are getting older and older), the SL was mandatory.
In fact, had the SL option not been available, we would have switched to the Infinity Q45 after twenty years of Maximas. The more pleasant ride was that important to us.
Had we been intestered in an SE, getting one with everything we have on our SL (admittedly loaded) would have listed between $33K and $34K. Steep.
We are so very pleased with our '04 SL. For our needs, it is as perfect a vehicle as we have ever owned.
Although we test drove two SEs in March of 2003 (our dealer did not yet have an SL), there was never any doubt which we wanted. We knew as soon as we saw the SE/SL specs in January of 2003.
I have an SE (2000) for sporty local driving, but neither my wife nor I can continue to take that pounding on very long trips. Especially when one considers the one not at the wheel is often trying to get some sleep. As we are taking more and more long trips (and our bladders are getting older and older), the SL was mandatory.
In fact, had the SL option not been available, we would have switched to the Infinity Q45 after twenty years of Maximas. The more pleasant ride was that important to us.
Had we been intestered in an SE, getting one with everything we have on our SL (admittedly loaded) would have listed between $33K and $34K. Steep.
We are so very pleased with our '04 SL. For our needs, it is as perfect a vehicle as we have ever owned.
01-10-2006, 12:35 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 230
Originally Posted by Rathmax
SL for all of the reasons lightonthehill listed. Smoother ride.
I wonder if the rim size is all that distinguishes the SE from SL? Maybe shocks or springs or sway bar part numbers will illuminate some change. But I seriously didn't feel it!
01-10-2006, 02:07 PM
#26
* THIS SPACE FOR RENT *
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Posts: 628
Does it really matter since everybody is doin rim/tire packages anyway plus springs and sway bars and strut braces so it would come down to leather or cloth really and auto vs manual but im still for the SL
01-10-2006, 06:42 PM
#28
http://www.cardomain.com/my/ed
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 368
Sl for me. My cousin has an se six speed we just swap every once in a while. I love the handling of the se but the sl cruises real nice to me. I guess it's good that they did a luxury or sport model. It makes the cars appeal to a wide range of people.
01-10-2006, 08:14 PM
#29
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 171
hmm I dont know, Im still undecided about the cars I have to make my decision on thur!
I kind of dont want the SL, because of the damn 4spd auto!
thats the only thing thats holding me back, otherwise I love the leather and Hid's
The sl also has the SE rims so i dono, im just scared for that damn trany, 4spd? cuz i have a heavy foot!
I kind of dont want the SL, because of the damn 4spd auto!
thats the only thing thats holding me back, otherwise I love the leather and Hid's
The sl also has the SE rims so i dono, im just scared for that damn trany, 4spd? cuz i have a heavy foot!
01-10-2006, 08:25 PM
#30
SE if I bought another MAX but probably not.
I would upgrade to either FX35 or M35. Infiniti is the next direction for me. I never buy the same car twice.
I have owned:
Honda Civic Si
Chevy Corvette
Ford Explorer Sport
Ford F150 SuperCrew
Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi
05 Nissan Maxima SE & 2004 Audi A4
I would upgrade to either FX35 or M35. Infiniti is the next direction for me. I never buy the same car twice.
I have owned:
Honda Civic Si
Chevy Corvette
Ford Explorer Sport
Ford F150 SuperCrew
Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi
05 Nissan Maxima SE & 2004 Audi A4
01-10-2006, 10:36 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
Posts: 8,143
9Nails - I test drove two SEs while waiting for my SL to reach my dealer. I also still have my 2000 SE. There is a clear and pronounced difference in the softness/harshness of the ride between the 2000 and 2004 SEs and the '04 SL.
But we must be careful with terms.
The SE is not so much 'harsh' as it is 'firmly grounded'. Those loving maximum maneuverability and control should head for the SE. In terms of 'sports sedans', the SE ride is not really 'harsh'.
The SL is not so much 'cushy' as it is 'less firm' than the SE.
There is no question the 55 profile tires of the SL should be slightly less firm (and slightly less maneuverable) than the 45 profile tires of the SE. And Nissan's Maxima brochure says the front struts and rear shocks of the SE are 'sport tuned', while those of the SL are 'luxury' oriented.
So the ride of the SE and SL, though somewhat similar, are definitely different. Those of us in our 70s and 80s are much better able to detect that difference than you young whippersnappers in your 60s.
Pardon me; gotta head for the 'head' again. Folks my age make a lotta trips there.
But we must be careful with terms.
The SE is not so much 'harsh' as it is 'firmly grounded'. Those loving maximum maneuverability and control should head for the SE. In terms of 'sports sedans', the SE ride is not really 'harsh'.
The SL is not so much 'cushy' as it is 'less firm' than the SE.
There is no question the 55 profile tires of the SL should be slightly less firm (and slightly less maneuverable) than the 45 profile tires of the SE. And Nissan's Maxima brochure says the front struts and rear shocks of the SE are 'sport tuned', while those of the SL are 'luxury' oriented.
So the ride of the SE and SL, though somewhat similar, are definitely different. Those of us in our 70s and 80s are much better able to detect that difference than you young whippersnappers in your 60s.
Pardon me; gotta head for the 'head' again. Folks my age make a lotta trips there.
01-10-2006, 11:07 PM
#33
I was complaining about how stiff the SE ride and was regretting not getting the SLbut now I love it. I changed my tires to an even more "sporty" tire than the stock RSAs. I can feel the bumps a little more. But I love the better handling. I'm about to put some springs on the car so my ride will be even stiffer. But now I choose better handling over smoother ride. I started off the opposite....so my vote goes to SE.
01-19-2006, 12:24 PM
#38
Stang-seeking Max Missile
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: CT
Posts: 203
got a better deal on the SL-both have pros
I drove a SE before I bought my SL- for me it was a better value- a loaded SE would have been 2 grand more. I didn't like the SE rims enough to sway me- l'll use the money to getsome shoes I really like. Although the ride is nice and cushy, I prefer a sportier ride w/ less lean and roll, so I'm looking into RSB, FSB. I am concerned about lowering it b/c os the SL's stock struts- I'm not sure how they'd react. Maybe I should wait til I can afford coilovers?
01-19-2006, 07:06 PM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 880
At the time I bought my '04 SE, the SL came with only the 4spd automatic, and that alone made the decision for me. Now, of course, the SL also has the 5spd, so that's not an issue.
What IS an issue for me, though, is the 17" wheels on the SL. I know looks aren't everything, but a car this beefy NEEDS the bigger wheels and tires of the SE to look "right". The SL strikes me the same way a Caddy CTS does ... my eyes are drawn to the "too little" wheels, and it bothers me.
Now, if the '07 SL happened to come with the same 18" wheels as the SE, I'd certainly give it a test drive. But for now, my SE rides just fine IMO. And I have to disagree with lightonthehill as respects highway ride. MY SE has been on several multi-state trips and on the open road it rides absolutely flat and smooth and it really feels "nailed down" ... a good feeling at 80mph!
What IS an issue for me, though, is the 17" wheels on the SL. I know looks aren't everything, but a car this beefy NEEDS the bigger wheels and tires of the SE to look "right". The SL strikes me the same way a Caddy CTS does ... my eyes are drawn to the "too little" wheels, and it bothers me.
Now, if the '07 SL happened to come with the same 18" wheels as the SE, I'd certainly give it a test drive. But for now, my SE rides just fine IMO. And I have to disagree with lightonthehill as respects highway ride. MY SE has been on several multi-state trips and on the open road it rides absolutely flat and smooth and it really feels "nailed down" ... a good feeling at 80mph!
01-21-2006, 07:46 AM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 445
Originally Posted by djfris
hmm I dont know, Im still undecided about the cars I have to make my decision on thur!
I kind of dont want the SL, because of the damn 4spd auto!
thats the only thing thats holding me back, otherwise I love the leather and Hid's
The sl also has the SE rims so i dono, im just scared for that damn trany, 4spd? cuz i have a heavy foot!
I kind of dont want the SL, because of the damn 4spd auto!
thats the only thing thats holding me back, otherwise I love the leather and Hid's
The sl also has the SE rims so i dono, im just scared for that damn trany, 4spd? cuz i have a heavy foot!
