It seems to me that many people who keep talking like they want to trade their Maximas in for the 2K2 model are forgetting one very imortant fact: Almost everytime an automaker changes the engine in one of their models, there is a whole slew of kinks and problems that need to be worked out before the newer model can be perfected. Call me crazy, but the engine found in our Max's has proven its superiority for several years. It is what sets us apart from Camry's and Accords. Rather than drool at the prospects of a 260 HP engine, I would rather sit back and let 2002 buyers endure the potential heartache of potential kinks in the new Maxima drivetrain (also never forget that horsepower alone is NOT always what it seems). Only after the newer engine proves itself as worthy of the Maxima name should anyone be anxious to make the change. Basically, don't drool over the new meat until you know it is safe. At least those of us with the current 5th generations know we have the best meat on the market!

 

well, the 2k guys did/does have their share of probs...most is taken care of by the dealer but its juss if people want to go through the headaches and all that.

 

????? 227 ponies compared too 255 hp, I for 1 am going too up grade. just waiting for 6 doggie.

 

The depreciation hit you take to trade up to a 2k2 Maxima for the extra horses doesn't make much sense. Might as well just get a supercharger and be even better off...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ludacris
[B]
The depreciation hit you take to trade up to a 2k2 Maxi

L, I've have lost more on the AE in value, than

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ludacris
[B]
The depreciation hit you take to trade up to a 2k2 Maxi

L, I've have lost more on the AE in value, than I will ever recupe.(kkb) I will lick my wounds, upgrade, and mod a 3.5

 

And I don't buy software than ends in '.0' either.

But the biggest reason my 2K1 SEAE is better than the 2K2 model, is my SEAE's paid for!

 

Make that 255HP.

 

I agree with vegasMax. It would be worth it to sit back for a while and see what happens. First of all, at the model year end clearance, you will be able to get the 02's for a lot cheaper next year. Also, there will be more data available.

 

I agree that only the truly enthusiastic would trade in a 2k Maxima for a 2K2. Between depreciation and taxes it's not economically sensible. But then neither is owning a car in the first place (ie. if you took a limo everyday, it'd probably be cheaper lol).

That being said, my dilemna is somewhat different.

I'm deciding between

2002 TL-S ($41k Cdn)
2002 Maxima SE ($38k Cdn)
2001 Maxima SE AE ($33k Cdn ie. close to invoice as they try to clear them up).

The 2002 TL is not an option because the suspension is too soft for my taste and by the time I upgrade the suspension and tires, I will be close to $41k anyways.

Although it seems like 28 hp is a lot, given the fact that the 3.5 will probably be heavier, I wonder how much faster it will truly be than the 227hp AE. The Xenons are nice, I'm indifferent about the new rear lights, they are novel, but had they come out first, I'd probably like the clear as opposed to the yellow, and the drilled pedals of the 2k1 are sweet and at $8k less than the TL-S, it becomes to be a significant savings and less tempting to pony up for the TL-S.

Thoughts?

 

This is easy. Get a TL-S. And go for that new blue color. It looks sweet.

Build quality alone is worth the difference. Since you have an A4, I think you will be disappointed with a Max comparted to a TL.

I await flames from my brothers.

 

It's tough to compare a TL-S with a Maxima. Sure they have similar horsepower, but when it comes to refinement I think the TL comes out ahead (by a little bit). The TL has a vastly superior transmission too, if you are comparing automatics. The 4spd auto has been a let down for the 4th and 5th gen Maximas, and Nissan's new 5-spd auto has proved somewhat dissapointing in the new Q45 too. In fact, I would not be surprised if a standard TL is as fast as a 2002 Maxima automatic (both around 0-60 in 7s).

When I drove a TL (not Type S) back to back against an I30t at Edmunds Live, the TL felt a little easier to control, although I was able to drive the I30t through the autocross a little faster.

 

The only reason a comparison is made is because Nissan wants it that way; at least the marketing people do.

There are A LOT of grumblings about the new 3.5 V6 unable to hit 260 as expected. They're obviously aiming for the TL-S in the crosshairs but have missed.

 

Personaly had I not known about the Max being redesigned in 2003, I would have had my mine set on the 2k2. If you look at it, the 2K2 has 255. If you have a 2k or 2k1, you would have to get a lot of mods to come close (ex. ypipe, intake, UDP, etc), which would roughly be around 245hp. Then look at your resale value. Just b/c you put mods on your car does't mean the value goes up. You get a 2K2 already with 255hp. You add the same mods to that, assuming they fit, and your closer to 300hp. Personally I like the increased hp. But that's just my opinion. I'm waiting for 2003 to come out depending on how it looks and the featurs. I will be able to compare it to 2002 which will be on sale then, and broken in.. Just my $.02

 

No flaming, I would make that exact same decision given that choice today. That blue is just too sweet...

 

I just bought a 2K1 SE in June. I looked at a TL. Really nice car, but between the financing Nissan offered and the price difference I was gonna pay $150 more per month for the Acura. Is the TL or even the TLS worth $9,000 more than a Maxima? It just wasn't to me.

 

Not really. My dealer said my 2k1 seae and 4000.00 for a 2k2 se 6 speed hlsd. Well these are canadian dollars we are talking, and for me to get the stillen s/c im looking at closer to 7000.00 cdn. Thats duty, exchange, install, shipping........

 

Have you considered a Mercedes C-sedan? They are getting a little played out, but a great car nevertheless. Drives pretty nice too.

 

Yeah, I like the blue too . . . wonder why?

 

If you are in the US where the prices for the Maxima and TL-S are closer, you have a tougher decision to make. In Canada when loaded the two are $4,000 apart for the 2002, and $7,000 for the 2001 AE vs. 2002 TL-S.

I test drove the TL-S, and the IS300. Lexus was more fun, has better name appeal but small and needs more power. Acura has more luxury, and faster. IS300 definitely attracts more look.

If the price difference between the Max and TLS is about $2k, then I think the decision would be harder. Perhaps better name, interior design, an hp for the Acura for $2k.
But when it is $4+ k, and with the addition of all the problems that the CL and TL owners have had, it is more logical to go with the Max. Personally I like the exterior of the Max more, provided it is in the right color, and with the spoiler.