I going to buy a maxima soon and I was wondering if the suspension of the SE is too stiff.
I like the look of the SE, but if it's too stiff then I'll get the GXE or GXL
Can anyone give me any info regarding the difference between the two suspensions.
Thanks
Wayne

 

Retry...

 

i don't think you will notice a difference in the suspension.. drive both and see

 

First decide if you want a stick or automatic. Then drive the SE and GLE or if money is an issue the GXE. If your not going to modify the suspension, I would get the SE. It's stiffer than the GLE and GXE, but it's not a stiff suspension at all. If you are willing to buy new shocks and springs and don't want a stick, I would get the GLE. The price that you pay extra for on the SE for the suspension isn't worth the extra money since you can get a much better aftermarket suspension for much less and still maintain a ride that isn't too stiff. Example: I hate the GLE's stock suspension so I bought Tokico Blue shocks and H&R springs. Including installation it cost around $800-$900. The installation was $350 or so including alignment. My ride is stiff, but not harsh at all. You get more for your money with the GLE over the SE. Go out and drive them extensively. Where are you from? I'm sure that someone here on the org wouldn't mind taking you for a ride in their particular model with a modified suspension.

 

If you want a stick, you have only one choice, the SE. If you want an auto, than the GLE is the value.

If it was me, I would get the stick. But I'm biased about it.

 

Wayne -

remember that there are no 2003 GXE's, just SE and GLE. The new SE Titanium Edition is nice, small changes to the interior. The big decision comes down to std vs. auto.

good luck!

 

The GXE is still available for 2003...it's just in very limited quantities since the SE is almost the same in price.

As for which model to get...the GXE and GLE's suspensions are more geared for comfort, while the SE is a little stiffer. I drive a GXE, and it feels very boatlike, so I wouldn't reccomend it. Also, the SE is the only one that comes with a 6-speed.

 

I tested drove both the GLE and SE and couldn't tell the difference because the areas around the dealership have nice pavement. I would recommend that you take each model to a variety of pavements.

 

As much as I would like the 6 speed, since I live near NYC I just can't since there is too much traffic especially when I goto the city.
I live in the Hudson valley area, orange county
I'm not sure how many mods I would get my car, I've never owned anything but econoboxes and this is going to be my first REAL car.
I thought I would buy a 2003 Maxima in the spring since the 2004 is coming out then and it would push the price down alot.
Is it possible to get one under invoice at that time?
Thanks for the advice
Wayne

 

If people have been able to get it under invoice these days i don't see why you can't do so by then. Chances are Nissan may even bring out the $1k rebates as well.

 

Sounds like a good plan...also, have you considered looking into the used market? A one year old Maxima will be a lot cheaper than a new one, and the 2k2's are virtually the same as the 2k3s...I got my 2k1 Max in Nov of 2001 with 10,000 miles on it for 17k, not a bad deal at all.

 

You can spend as much as you want on mods. Like others mentioned the GXE and GLE feel boat like bouncy and lean badly even under normal driving conditions. A simple Rear Sway Bar will get rid of the lean considerably for $120 and it's a do it yourself install. The org here has a much better installation instruction sheet with good pics over say Addco. I'm by no means a mechanic, but it was easy for a dummy like me. Shocks and Struts help more than everything and that'll run you around $600-$1200 with installation depending on which products you want. Keep in mind that even at $1200 your still alot less than what you pay for the SE's suspension and it'll be considerably better. The Rear Spoiler which is a must have for the Maxima is quite expensive at $300-$500. Ken from JRNissan will cut you a break on the Nissan parts and I believe he's not that far from NYC.

 

What's JR Nissan web page please

Baltomax2001

 

You can get Ken's phone number if you look in the group deals section of the org.

http://www.jerryromenissan.com/en_US/

 

You guys failed to take in consideration that 2000-2001 GXE also came with 5spd, which made it a bargain (invoice price 19,900) for those who do not care much about such add-ons as alloy wheels, a bit stiffer suspension, and a spoiler to upgrade to SE trim (priced almost 3 grand more for base SE). For 2k2-2k3 GXEs cost $2500 more and come only with automatic tranny.

Even the GXE handles adequately in the everyday driving conditions. Personally, I dont think the cost of getting a bit stiffer suspension is justified by 3 more grand. And why spend that if you want to go aftermarket route at the end? You guys might flame me, but spending $1500 on custom suspension may not be worth the money, you dont get to "use it" in everyday driving.

 

u should get the GLE with SE sport package =]