I did the search and found some similar threads but was looking for some opinions for my specific situation. I am having to sell my 300Z for a 4-door and after testing lots of cars in the $20k price range have decided to go with a used Maxima.

Here is my dilemma. I am considering the 2k1AE for sale by Mississippi_Max at an asking price of $20,500. It seems in good shape and has 15500 miles. Grey\black 5sp, bose, leather, sunroof. The other car I am considering is a 2k2SE black\black 6sp, bose, leather, sunroof also in good shape with 16300 miles – no HLSD though. It belongs to a friend of a friend about an hour away in New Orleans who is selling it because he got a G35. He said he would sell it for the KBB.com private party value of $21,015 (price configured with Louisiana zip code, all applicable options, good condition).

So essentially identical equipped, same miles, close price. I like the looks of the 2k1AE better and don’t think I would miss the extra horsepower of the 2k2 too much but since I haven’t been able to drive the cars back to back I needed some advice from all of you great org members with hands on experience.

My other concern was the resale value difference a 3-4 years down the road. My worry is that the 2k1AE will be about $1500-2000 less than a 2k2 if\when I go to sell it so in the long run the 2k1AE would end up costing me more.

Any advice you could give to help me make my decision would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

The difference in HP between 1 2k1 and 2k2 manual isnt really comparable. The AE hold their value because they were rare....somethin like 5000 made I think. The AE does come with a body kit and looks better in my opinion also, so its pretty much up to you though.

 

Hmmm...not sure I agree with you on that one. The power is substantial...plus you get an extra gear in the 2k2. As for resale value, I don't think the AE maxima is going to worth any more than any of the other numerous "ann. edition" cars out there. It's still a 4 door family sedan that looks close enough to the other 200,000 that were made over the 3 years of this body style.

No one, and I mean NO ONE, besides us .org members look twice at an AE maxima.

 

Yea you may be right, thats just what Ive heard

 

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2k2 All the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

I dont think you will miss the HP, but the off the line grunt might be hard to overlook.

Each car has its own set of problems. 2K2 drive by wire, tranverse link recall, pedal thingy issues, possible MAF. 2K1, ECU fuel cut, rotors. Some of the issues might cross over too, but not 100% sure.

Interior is almost the same but I think you will enjoy some of the 2K2 features. Auto up/down d/p front windows. Opening windows from remote. If you will share the car the seat memory option. Also I think the heated wheel might have been an option.

2K2 has HID, they do make a difference, AE has halogen. But if you are in NY area...this could be a problem.

In my humble opinion, I would go with the 2K2. Just offers more than extra plastic and a diff. So what it really comes down to is extra grunt and creature comforts versus a diff...

As for resale value...I think its a toss up. I dont think you gain anything for it being a Ann version.

Good luck on your decision

 

Go 2K2...more horses, 6speed, newer.

 

I own a 2k spd and a 2k2 6spd. I've said it once and I've said it again, the 2k2 is by far the better choice.

To say the HP difference is minor or negligeable is, in my opinion, false. Drive them back to back and the advantage of the 3.5L will be very apparent. While the numbers may not seem that different (227 vs 255) the difference in the cars' response and acceleration is night and day. Trust me, I often switch cars with my g/f and when I have to drive the 2K I miss the power of the 2k2.

The other clincher for the 2k2 is the Xenon. I will never buy another car without Xenon lights.

Clutch is also much better on the 2k2 vs 2k-2k1, alot easier to modulate.

Aside from these points, there's a couple of little extra toys here and there. The leather seats look and feel nicer in the 2k2 in my opinion.

 

My humble opinion is to get the 2K2. All the 'cool' things, including the bodykit on the AE can be purchased aftermarket. There is NO substitute for nearly 30HP difference and a 6 speed. And the previous post was correct - nobody knows the difference in the AE besides other Maxima owners. Its more impressive to haulass past them to look good next to them.

 

2k2 hands down.

 

I don't think AE have that much advantage over the 'regular' maximas..Maximas and Nissans don't really hold the resale value anyway..i say go with the 2002s because it's newer and it's got more power.

AE bodykits and headlights...those can be purchased at a local Nissan dealership..very easy..which means, it's not really a true collector Maxima..

 

I vote for the 2k2 too, $21k for a loaded car is a good deal. Be aware, however, that a black car with black leather in LA or TX is a killer in the summer and a killer at trade time.

 

I would have to agree on going 2K2 but you point about adding AE parts to a non-AE car is ridiculous...you can add a number of parts to a late '60's Mustang, but does that make it a true Shelby...NO!!, etc., etc., etc.,...

An AE is an AE plain and simple...anything else is a wanna-be.

 

i agree..2k02 is the way to go. I see new ones in the paper in NY, for 21K. granted, its striped with a 6spd, but ****, 21K for a BRAND NEW MAX? do it! i paid 25.8 for my loaded SE w/o nav, the sticker was 30.8k!!

good luck!

 

like most people here, i would go with the 2k2. if you do like the looks of the AE better, you can always get the parts and change them over. it'll cost you a few hundred, but driveability is very different...more than hard acceleration, i find the 2k2 much easier for everyday driving because it has a lot more low end grunt.