Hi guys I need some help with my purchase here. I totalled my 95 Accord last week and have been doing a lot of research as to which vehicle to purchase. After driving the A4, Acura TL, 02 Accord V6, and the Maxima, I absolutely love the Maxima. I was very surprised with the handling and power of the V6. I drove a 00 SE and a 03 GLE. My problem is this. I can't afford to spend 30k on a new one and it is difficult to find an 02 with the options I want on it. I want leather, spoiler, sunroof, meridian package, etc. I want to stick around 20k. What would you guys recommend. The 00 SE or GLE? Also is there really a difference between the 00 and the 01? I really would appreciate some feedback. I am getting a check for my vehicle tomorrow from insurance and am going to make a decision this weekend. Thank you--Great Site!!!

 

there is absolutely no difference between the 00 and 01. however, 01 was the Maxima's 20th anniversary so they have an Anniversary Edition of the SE that wasnt available in 2000. it comes with a subtle body kit, different shifter, different pedals, 5 more HP, an engine cover and other minor things.

i'd recommend that you get one of the newer Maximas (02 and 03) with the 3.5L V6 (opposed to the 3.0L of 2001 and before). look for a used 02. they are out there. i really think that is the best way to go.

 

If you search enough you can actually get a 2k2/3 with the options you mentioned for roughly $25k or less. I've read of several people who've done it.

 

get a GXE and mod it!

 

I agree...search for a 2K2; the engine is much more powerful

 

get the gle, or have you considered an 02 altima?

 

Yes find a used 02 of some sort, much more fun in the straight line but in corners well. I would say the the pre 02's handle better and the front end isnt as soft and less body lean, that is what I miss about my old 01 but still have in my 97. My 02 is a great although.

 

Yeah get a used 2k2. The engine upgrade is well worth it. Sacrafice some of the options you want in order to get it if you have too. That will also keep the cost down.

 

If you're into manual trannies, keep in mind that the 2K2-2K3 Maxima's SEs only come available with a 6 speed manual.
GLEs and GXEs are all 4 speed autos.
DW

 

whatever it is.. just make sure its a manual tranny

 

If your looking for strictly performance on a budget I would go fourth gen. Although the hp is higher on the 2000-2001 so is the weight. In an ideal world I would get a 2002, but from your last car (a 95 accord) and the recent accident I am guessing this might be an option that was worth mentioning. If your wanting to really work on your new car this would also leave more money. Great job on picking the Max for your next car. Just look around there are always great deals on Maximas. In fact when I was looking for a new car one dealership tried to sell me an accord with a little body damage and 85,000 miles for 12,000 and of course no warranty. The civics were about that too. But then I found my current car, it was a 96 GXE that had absolutly no imperfections inside or out, 46,000 miles, and a 100,000 mile warranty for about 10,000. Now I smoke all those over priced over hyped Hondas every day. Good luck, and again great choice you'll be happy no matter which model you get.

 

Chicago Sun Times 2k3 Max Se leather, 6-spd, moonroof, all the opts=$19,995...

 

If that's a dealer ad..then it can't be true. That price probably includes 1000 dollars college rebate, 1000 dollars Nissan Loyalty..**** like that It would come out to 22,500 but that's still a great price! Then theres tax