I just joined and am looking to spend $7-8k on a Maxima. It seems my choices come down to 4th gen or 5.0gen. I don't think it's possible to get a 5.5 gen 6spd for that price is it? Anyway, what are your thoughts on '99 vs '00 because I can get both for the same price with same mileage at this one dealership I found online.

 

I think the 4th gen handles better (I had a 97 before my 00). The 2000 obviously has more power, you dont really feel it off the line though, I think the 5th gen is a little heavier. Where you notice it is on the highway, when you drop into 3rd (on a 5sp) and it goes.

Other than that, pretty much identical.

 

iyzmi, if you want performance, get the 4th gen for about 5k. swap in a vq. a little quicker than a 5.5 gen 6 speed (mdeezy said so). however, if you want the luxury and such, that is why you should get the 5.0 gen or higher.

i was gonna get the 4th gen max but wanted to 5.0 gen for the more power. turned out the power difference was negligable.. biggest difference is how it looks and the interior. the 5.0 gen is pretty nice. the 4th gen is ligher, older design, and is kinda light so i can get going easier than the new cars.

oh and +1 for the 5.5 gen.