I am in the market for a 2002 SE 6 Spd for my next car. I have always had fast, sporty cars and this would be a nice replacment for my 1999 Ford Contour SVT, which has been a blast for the almost 3 years I have had it.
But I have a few questions.

First, a local dealer here in Austin, TX said that Nissan temporarily stopped production and pushed it back until December/January for the 6 speed due to issues with the shifting. Is this true, or are they full of it? Has the shifting mechanism been improved? Anybody know? I tend to trust you guys, who I don't even know, more than the dealership. Sad, isn't it? It seems that I ALWAYS know more than the salesman when I look at new cars.

Second, has anyone looked at the BOSE speakers in the stereo upgrade package? Are they at least decent, or are they just the same old paper cone cr@p that is in all other factory systems (doesn't this just burn you up to pay a grand for "special" paper cone speakers?). And is the BOSE head unit and amplification different, or the same electronics as the standard system?

Third, what is the deal with the HLSD? I want it, but I was told December availability, which may mean not at the dealership until February. Is this more BS and will it be available sooner?

Thanks for any help.

 

I would guess that the BS the dealer fed you about stopping production is really that Nissan has completed production of the first wave of 6-speeds and is ramping up to deliver the HLSD which are, in answer to your other question, still to begin production in December mean, yes, February delivery most likely.

 

I've spoken to several dealers and they say December availability as in they're getting the cars in December. Word was October 15th on the 6's and that's about when they rolled out in the US, and the dealers said October availability. Some of the people who've ordered them say they'll be made in November and arrive in early January. I think they'll come out in late December. I myself am waiting for the HLSD. I live in Michigan and I will be driving in snow enough to think it's warranted. I'm also interested in perhaps a little autocross action maybe. I'm willing to wait. The only thing that happens in the mean time is I get a bigger down payment.

Stereodude