<p><dd>I'll be purchasing a black SE AE in the next couple of weeks. I'm thinking of getting the 3M coating on the front and whatever else will protect and prolong the life of this magnificent vehicle. My wife and brother-in-law have been pushing me to get the i30 and I was tempted for a while but I've decided to stick with the maxima. It will be a big jump for me, leaving my trusty old bullet-proof '88 tercel, but I really need to stop drooling over other people's maximas.</p><p><dd>What advice would you guys have for me on this momentous occasion? I'm planning on keeping the car for a long time so I want to make sure I don't regret not doing/purchasing something now while I have the chance.</p><p><dd>I've yet to get into the dealing process but was anticipating I could get the car here in Calgary (or Edmonton) for $2700cdn under MSRP. I keep hearing of way better deals than that down in the States but I'm not sure if I can get the same kind of deal up here in Calgary.</p><p><dd>Anyway, I hope my newbie naivete does not grate on anybody's nerves but any help/assistance would be appreciated.</p>

 

i had it on my car, and after 3 yrs it started peeling and such and from the snow andrain it damaged and began to fade a bit. Might sound silly but i PAID to have it removed 50 $
SO I HIGHLY Suggest You stay away from that, if your concerned then get a bra,

Goodluck with the dealing,

 

Unless you live in an area that gets lots of traffic get a 5 speed. The rest is personal preference. I have had 2 4th gen 5 speeds and they were quick, reliable and averaged about 24-28 mpg with 24 being my absolute worst. Enjoy the ride. Oh and the back seat will be big eno[ugh (especialy compared to your Tercel so that you can break it in right).

 

I sent u a pic of my car with the bug deflector ... I wouldn't recommend the bra ... dirt, grime & other crap will lodge inside .. between the car & the bra ... & whenever the bra moves ... which is whenever u drive your car (due 2 wind, etc) ... it will cause scratches ... & u don't want scratches on a black car ...

 

I bought the exact car you speak of and love it. I have a
5-speed, don't know what you are looking at but it should still be great.

Words of wisedome...other than make sure that you are happy with the deal. Remember that you are in controll because you
can always go to another dealer. Don't let them install undercoating or pin stripping because that's just wrong.

When you do get the car I would recommend a Stillen rear sway bar. It will make all your cornering flatter at high speeds.

I had a '95 Maxima for over three years. The 2001 was a breathe of fresh air, smooth power and redesigned body
plus the black car makes the rear light look better.

Good luck on your new purchase.

<IMG SRC=http://integra.vtec.net/geeser/megamax/images/MegaMax_II/AE_rear_view.jpg>

 

<p><dd>Thanks for that tip. Calgary is a pretty harsh environment for cars so I would probably end up with the same problem as you. I guess all I can do is get a new paint job some years down the road? I didn't want a bra for the reasons that are mentioned below (plus I think it just doesn't look good on a black car). I guess there is not much I can do to prevent the inevitable chipping...</p>

 

<p><dd>Due to my wife, who can drive a standard if absolutely necessary but otherwise hates them, I am getting an automatic....oh well. I guess as compensation she'll have to help me break in that back seat.</p>

 

<p><dd>Thanks. I don't like the look of a black bra on a black maxima anyway. There's also the differance in paint color that will emerge over time. I'll check out the bug deflector but I'm wondering if it makes a significant differance. Is there nothing else?</p>

 

<p><dd>What's with the opposition to undercoating? I thought it would be a good idea for Calgary. Do I not need it or are you just saying don't get it from the dealer. What exactly does maxima pinstriping look like and why is it a bad thing? (are there any pictures available somewhere?). What about the other protective stuff you can get like scotch-guarding the interior? How much for the Stillen sway bar and would it have any negative effects on the ride? Sorry to barrage you with so many questions.</p>

 

What's with the opposition to undercoating? I thought it would be a good idea for Calgary. Do I not need it or are you just saying don't get it from the dealer. What exactly does maxima pinstriping look like and why is it a bad thing? (are there any pictures available somewhere?). What about the other protective stuff you can get like scotch-guarding the interior? How much for the Stillen sway bar and would it have any negative effects on the ride? Sorry to barrage you with so many questions.

Most cars do not rust out and to me undercoating is a waste of money. Pin stripping is a dealer trick to add more to the sticker. It's usually a double line that runs the entire lenght of the car...1/8 thick and 1/8" between lines.

The A.E. should have leather so the scotch-guarding is not needed. Most leather will wipe clean if something is spilled. Keep some towel in the cargo net...Yes your new car comes with one.

The rear sway bar will not alter the ride at all. You notice it when cornering. All corners will be flat so you won't have to hold on to something while taking a tight corner. The bar is about $234..http://www.EatRiceZone.com/..Phuong is the man to talk to for that purchase.

 

Ian:
Where did you hear that it is cheaper in the US than Canada. I read posts on the Edmunds board by someone who is showing people how to get their Max for thousands less in Canada. People have posted that everything is legit. Also the Canadian version comes standard with a few things that are options on the US version. It is definitely a better deal in Canada.

To reduce salt damage and also reduce your chance of f&ing up your Max, I would suggest that you hold on to your Tercel and drive it in the real nasty snowstorms. I have a 92 Corolla that i kept for this purpose. I had an 81 tercel and that was also a great snow car. Both had sticks. I drove to work after a dusting the other day and got sandblasted by a road department truck spreading salt. I was driving my Corolla or I would have been really bummed out. 185k miles and still going strong. It also makes you really appreciate the Max after driving your Toyota.

Good luck--Gregg

 

<p><dd>I made an assumption based on the number of Americans who claim that they got their Maxima for so many 100's of dollars under invoice. I haven't really looked into it but the reason Americans are coming up here probably has something to do with the exchange rate. They may not whittle the dealer down as much as in the states but it still ends up being a better bargain for them to buy here.</p><p><dd>You're right about the Tercel being an excellent snow car. I am more comfortable driving that car than I am driving my wife's Sidekick. I often wonder what the he11 it is about the car that makes it perform so well in the winter...</p>