I am buying a '04 Maxima this week and the dealer has a 4 speed automatic tranny SL with the options that I want. I guess that only 5 speed automatics are being made now.

Is this true and does this give me leverage in negotiating for the older 4 speed?

Also, what difference will the 5 speed make for a car that my wife will mainly be driving?

Any input would be appreciated.

 

Get the five speed because it will have greater resale value. You still should be able to buy it around invoice. My guess is that the 5-speed might be worth as much as $1000 more a few years down the road, but it's only a guess.

 

I agree with lobe.

As your wife's car (assuming she is a normal driver), the 5 speed adds very little to the car's performance. For a driver who may be into a little extra performance, the 5 speed should fit the bill.

The increase in resale value of the 5 speed may depend somewhat on who you sell the car to. If an older person (or any age, for that matter)who drives conservatively buys the car, they probably have no interest in the number of speeds, as that would have absolutely no impact on their style of driving.

You should be able to get either around invoice. But if the 4 speed has been sitting on the lot awhile, a little informed negotiating might get that one for below invoice.