Here's the scenario.

1) Nissan offers a 222 hp Maxima (227 hp Anniversary Edition) in 2001. The 2001 Maxima represents the second year of the current model run. The C&C package costs extra.

2) Nissan releases a 240 hp Altima SE in 2002. The Altima is the first year of a new model run. It's larger than the previous year's Altima (practically as large as a Maxima) and features independent rear suspension. Price points will be less than those for the 2001 Maxima.

3) Nissan releases a 255 hp Maxima in 2002. The 2002 Maxima represents the third year of the current model run. A 6-speed transmission with a LSD is featured. The C&C package is free with purchase. Prices will remain about the same as those for the 2001 Maxima.

Question: Did people who bought a 2001 Maxima get screwed by Nissan?

 

Buying a car is like buying a computer........there is always something better, faster, nicer, {actually any word ending in ER is fit for this explanation} out there just my .02 cent's.

 

True. But it's a real b!tch when you buy the fastest Pentium on the market thinking it's going to be the hot ticket and Intel decides to put out a faster, more capable, less expensive Celeron a year later.

BTW, here's a post you might enjoy from 2Maxed-out4u:

 

We have known for a year the specs of the 2002. If you bought a 2001 count yourself lucky, you are one year early into having fun.

 

Looks good on paper, bert. But my guess is that no-one who bought a 2001 Maxima and is acquainted with the facts considers themselves lucky at this point. How about it, you 2001 Maxima owners. Are there any among you who feel you DIDN'T get screwed?

PS: Here's another guess. I don't think anyone responding to this poll who answered "No", "I don't know", or "I don't care" owns a 2001 Maxima. I'd also say that it's pretty cavalier for the rest of us to tell 2001 Maxima owners that they didn't get screwed when we're still able to stand upright!

 

I don't feel bad at all. I've been driving a sweet ride for about 6months now. 2K1 AE 5spd with Y-Pipe, rsb, fstb, intake, lighting etc.. The 6spd isn't going to be out for a while longer. And a lot parts I have will fit on the 2k2 ie. the clears, springs, hopefully the rsb/fstb, waiting to hear about the intake and Y-pipe. Plus I never buy a car till it is proven and the bugs worked out. So by then I will just trade in for the new one. No biggie. I'll put my car up against the new 2k2 auto Max. I'm probably putting out more or at least the same power to the wheels as the new auto 2k2 plus I have the manual tranny. When the 6spd hits the streets and the aftermarket picks up I will look into it. I like having a fwd car as well for the crazy winters we get here as well. So 2K3 if RWD might not be good for me. I think it is great that Nissan is able to keep the price relatively the same. But there are deals to be had on the AE much lower than what you are going to be able to get a 2K2 for that is for sure. That $200 diff is nonsense since it is just MSRP not what the dealer is going to work out. I got a sweet deal on my car plus 2.9% plus 4 year bumper to bumper.

 

you are Maxima Brainwashed!

just relax and enjoy your ride!

 

No worries, mate. I'm finally having a great time with my ride after trudging through fuel-cut issues, bumper scratches, squeaks and rattles, and leaky coils. But thanks for your concern.

 

Thanks, PhatGuy. My question is whether your position represents that of the majority or minority of 2001 Maxima owners. Any more of you 2001 Maxima owners care to give us your opinions? Don't be shy.

 

I'm a 2001 AE owner and happy about it. Sure the new max will have more hp, LSD, 6-speed, etc. But then again thats what you get when you wait an extra year. There are pros & cons to the new max, so it depends on what you want from your car, raw speed with the new max, or for me. Owning a 2001 Maxima AE (The True AE)

Personally, i don't think the new max looks all that. Its starting to look blockish again.

 

All righty, then. Perhaps my suspicion is wrong. Perhaps the majority of 2001 Maxima owners are just fine with developments in the 2002 Altima SE and 2002 Maxima. That would be a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

On the other hand, I notice that a number of people indicated they felt that 2001 Maxima owners got screwed. Would any of you like to comment?

 

Do you think '99 Maxima owners felt screwed when Nissan came out with 222hp???? I say who cares!! Anyone worried about it is letting too much bother them.

Mark

 

I think this poll is ridiculous. Are you saying you would rather have Nissan release the new Altima with less horsepower, and not increase horsepower for the 2002 Max as well?? It's a smart decision for Nissan to improve their cars, so what is the reasoning to be dissapointed with that?

If someone bought a 2001 Maxima, they got a very good car. 222hp is top of its class, more than Accord and Camry, so it can hardly be considered not powerful enough.

If someone wants to trade in their 2001 for a 2002, well good for them, but to gripe about how "2001 owners got screwed because Nissan is improving their product line" is a pretty silly rant.

 

Methinks you missed the point, Eric. It's not about whether Nissan improved the Maxima. I don't think anyone has a huge argument with that. It's the fact that Nissan upgraded a lesser model (the 2002 Altima SE) with better performance and specifications than its previous year's flagship model (the 2001 Maxima). When was the last time you saw an automobile manufacturer do that?

 

But for 2002, Nissan also upgraded the Maxima so technically they will never have leapfrogged their flagship. Now if they kept the Maxima the same and came out with the new Altima, then I could see how that wouldn't quite be right. But since both cars are being moved upscale, I don't see what the problem is. In order for the Altima to be competitive, it must be heads and shoulders above Accord/Camry. Nissan has taken measures to do just that, so I think it is a step in the right direction.

Your argument can also be said about a car whose new model is better than the older version, yet costs less. One example was the difference between the 1996 and 1997 Lexus GS300. Not only was the 97 model much better than the older model, but it also cost less. No one will fault Lexus for bringing out a better GS at a more competitive price. I don't see why we should be doing that to Nissan.

I'm sorry if my original sounded rude or flippant. That was not intentional. I'm just putting my two cents here and appreciate any comments.

 

I think that the 2001 owners are quite happy, although a few may have wished to delay the purchase of a 2001 model if they knew what was available for 2002. Nissan has painted themselves into a corner. And the next two model years wil be very interesting. To a new buyer or first time Nissan buyer the 2002 Maxima looks like a waste next to the new 2002 Altima. Lets see, hmmmmmm 2002 Altima bigger than new Max, fresh new styling and chassis, new 3.5 V6 (albeit 20 less hp) and cheaper sticker price. I'm curious to see what the 2003-2004 Maxima will be like. I predict the Maxima wont sell anywhere close to its 4th and early 5th gen sales. But the sales will be bolstered by the new Altima instead. Hey Chevy owners are *****in about those Corvette Z06's. The first Z06's were toted as limited-edition 385hp supercars. And now about a year since its release the Z06 now has 20 more hp. I guess you just have to be happy with what you have and disregard what the industry will do. Buyer beware, jump into this car-buying game with a lack of knowledge and you may pay for it in the long run.