Hi!

I'm really close to plunking some cash down on an '03 SE. This site has helped a lot, I'm still considering it despite all the problems I've read.

I currently drive a modded '95 Talon TSi, so you know where I'm coming from. If you know these cars, they're tough to keep running, but I have 125k on it and it still runs like new, so nothing scares me in terms of problems. I've seen 'em all 10 fold and fixed 'em despite completely incompetent dealer service. In fact, the DSM discussion board collectively refers to dealers as "satan".

I'm married now, 7 month old daughter, I want more protection for her, but I also just can't drive anything without power or a manual trans. Incentives are strong w/1% financing and 1k cash back.

First thing I wrangled over was auto v MT. My step father is in the biz and said resale would be hurt if I went MT. I almost went the route because I'm having trouble fiding a MT. But I take care of my cars and drive 'em 100k plus, resale isn't an issue. Plus I read some posts here that brought me to my senses. I will never own an automatic.

Here's where I would really appreciate some help. I'm having tons of problems trying to find a Manual trans w/LSD. The dealer I went to has to go almost 100 miles away to find one and I don't like the color. I want the LSD because you can't get TCS w/ MT.

How did you MT/LSD guys track down the car? The one I found is loaded up except for NAV and heated seats (perfect for me), they want 28K. I would be nervous about going far to get it, I just don't want a lot-boy driving my 30k sports sedan 100 miles before I've had a chance to break it in.

I'd appreaciate any help!

 

Have the dealer keep looking for exactly the one you want. I wanted a particular 2k2 max and the dealer couldn't get one in Ontario, He ended up getting it in Montreal Quebec,and I told him I wanted no mileage on it, so he had it shipped by rail and truck. (this was a 7 hour drive away) If the dealer wants your business he will get your car.
Frankie

 

When I was looking for my car I went to the main Nissan website and did a search. Select the Maxima link. After doing this it should give you an option to search dealer inventory within a given mileage from your zip code. That should at least give you an idea of who has what.

 

From what I found, most HLSD cars were fully loaded. The non HLSD trans is ok IMO, mine spins both tires, but I rarely drive in bad weather too. But the 6-speed is a must, don't even consider the automatic if like to drive aggresively. My Max has 14k on it, and no problems yet, not even the usual TSB's have popped up, so far as I can tell

 

I wouldn't be worried about a dealer trade and someone else putting 100 or so miles on the car. Alot of dealerships like to use retired people who are basically car enthusiasts at heart. I reccomend asking to meet the person that will be making the drive and allowing them to "put a face" with the vehicle. That's what I did. I also gave the guy a $20 bill and told him to drive careful and enjoy dinner on me. I have been very pleased with my car and have about 27k on it. Hope that helps

 

For sure check the Nissan website for dealer's inventory. That's what I did. I have HLSD, but my car is not loaded by any means. Just sunroof splashguards, mats and HLSD. Is this a 'mutant'?

 

I just purchased my 6 spd SE with the HLSD option. I was able to find one at a nearby dealer by using the Nissan Web Site Search Option. I then went to that dealer to negotiate my best deal. I found that some dealers were reluctant to negotiate aggressively on a car that wasn't in their stock. Good luck
Bruce
'03 SE - 6 Spd, TE, ME, LP, HLSD

 

The 6 spd has it's issue too, don't expect the best from it.

Honestly.... I would get an Audi S-4. All the same power, better trans., and AWD. You can find 2k1 and 2k2s coming back for @30k. If you are looking at spending 28k on this car I would go find one of those to test drive too.

I made the mistake of test driving an Audi S-4 a month ago, and I am ready to eat 10k just to get the car I actually want. I have found two 2k1s that I could get into for 30k and with the new v-8 S-4 due out this fall, the 2k2 Lease returns will make a sweet lot to pick up for about 30k.

If you insist on a max, then the 6spd is a must. I dont have LSD but I find myself wishing I had it. Especially in Rain and Snow.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks for all the help folks!

I didn't know about the inventory locator on Nissan's web site. That was sweet and I found a bunch within 30 miles of me which ticked me off about the salesman I spoke with yesterday who had none in stock. He said they were rare as heck, I shoulda figured he was trying to close a deal without me looking elsewhere. I just started calling around.

I'll look into the audis too. My concern there is that my boos will think he's paying me too much

 

When I was in the market for a new 6-spd.. the dealer stated several times that they could "order" the car w/ HLSD from Nissan... though, it was not like ordering from MB or BMW where they build your car per your order... I would have to wait like four months until they randomly built a car to my specs at the factory and decided to ship it out to that particular dealership. So it can be done. I do agree though that after all the ordering, they will not negotiate NEARLY as aggressively as they will with a car in their lot.

 

hmm.. after the 2k4 models come out, won't the price of the new 2k2s and 2k3s drop dramatically? maybe if you waited a lil bit longer, you can buy fully loaded except navi. this is with a 6 spd w/ HLSD. all that for MAYBE under 26k?

 

i live in phoenix, and the only hlsd 6-speed in town was crashed by the dealer on the lot as he drove it around for me to see So my salesman (not a lot attendant) flew to las vegas to pick up my car. he drove it back, and I made sure to tell him to vary the speeds on the highway before he left. Ended up being a better car in the color I wanted.

 

Hey folks, thanks again for all the help. I just inked a deal and got an awesome price. My Mom's BF hooked me up. I paid invoice on the car, - $1,000 rebate so I got it for 27,017.00 I found the car off the Nissan site at a dealer about 30 miles from my house. I went to a dealer even closer though because my mom's BF knows the guys there really well and he wanted them to get the commision. They did a dealer trade. This all worked out well, I got exactly what I wanted. I just hope the car is OK because I bought it site unseen.

I did the 5 year @ 2.9%, since th reat is so frickin low, I financed the whole car. The payment is $518 per month (I worked tax and tags into that as well)

I passed on all the extended warranty stuff, mostly because I plan on keeping my Talon.

I have plans for the Talon, I'd like to do exhaust and a bigger turbo + fuel mods. You can get almost 340 horse out of a stock motor for under 3k or so worth of mods but I have to see what finances are like. I may decide to sell it eventually. That car is just my baby and I refuse to let go for now.

 

Congrats on the new purchase--welcome to the family! I'm not sure I would call that an "awesome" price at this point though. I got mine for just under 26K loaded w/everything except navi (6sp), and that was a month ago. I know some other members here who paid a little under $26K, and some that paid in the $26s. Anyhow, if you can afford it, it's no big deal. Enjoy the car, I sure do!

 

but this guy right here^ is a d*uch*bag and he deserved to get banned lol...

i wonder what he did he clearly knew a couple ppl on the org way back when

 

Why did you bump this?

IBTL

 

Interesting point about this thread-the OP was worried about the resale value of a 6 speed Maxima being lower than the automatic. I think we can all agree we feel the 6 speed cars are worth more these days!