Technics

I've narrowed my choices down for my next car. I've always been a fan of the Nissan Maxima SE which has been described by many magazines as the "poor mans BMW 540". Motor Trend had tested a 2000 SE which posted 0-60 in 6.7 and hit the 1/4 in 15.1, which would destroy the SC300 and should be slightly ahead of the 400. I know the cars are in different classes but the 3.0 V6 has been one the 10 best engines for years now. Another factor is that compared to the Lexus they are easier to find which is also a down point because I don't like common cars. Any thoughts on Maxima vs. SC?

SC400Dude

To me, like you said, it boils down to being exclusive. In my city, I estimated only around 20-30 SC's(I've been counting - lol). Like 98% of their owners are over 35. I can go out there and count almost a thousand Maximas right now. They're really common because they're also great cars at a great price. Although you can't go wrong with either choice, I'd get an SC in my opinion. It's something about a Lexus that makes you feel good when you drive it.

Lvangundy

The SC is in a different class. You might end up paying the same total amount if you decide to restore / fix up and older 1992-1995 SC400.

Think about these things -

The SC might require a lot of re-conditioning, more than you think at first glance. Used SC's usually have over 30K miles- you might pay a premium for low mileage like that depending on the year.

Maxima has HIDs, 17" wheels, is faster than the SC and that's all STANDARD. -EDIT - Just noticed you said 2000 maxima..which I don't think had these options. Maybe look at a 2001/2002 maxima?

Technics

If I went with the 2000 I was going to replace the stock headlamps with the HID units from the 2002.

JSnake916

Why are you even considering a maxima? I might even venture a guess that i see more 2004 maximas in Atlanta than i do SC300/400s. Other than being front wheel drive and having the solid rear axle (not that big of a deal), they are pretty good cars. One of my friends has an '02 six speed with a considerable amount of mods. I think he got 14.3 w/ boltons....very good. The 3.0s are not as quick but are not slouches by any means (my parents have a 2000 GLE auto). On the interior, i do not think that it can even compare to the refinement and quality of the Lexus. If you do choose the nissan, be sure to get the 5 speed...the automatic kills the car. Oh yeah...Stillen makes tons of cool stuff for them too

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

sc = uncommon... to a point.


a maxima isnt a bad car, but comparing the nissan to a lexus? it's a whole different ride. the maxima is a featherweight.

gs400998

I have a 03 Maxima SE (third Maxima) with A/T. Lexus has better built quality and uses better materials. If you want faster 0-60 and 1/4M time get a 98 or newer SC400 that has more HP than the earlier SC400.

sc400atl

here is my take on this one. i have a 2000 nissan maxima se and a 1996 lexus sc400. the maxima even with the 222 hp automatic is faster than the sc400 bare bone stock. weight is an issue here. big v-8 versus v-6, and sc400 has more quality parts. maxima has to many plactic parts that look cheaper.the maxima is so much fun to drive it is incredible. my spouse got 2 tickets within 2 months for speeding. stillen.com has so many mods for this car it will make your head spin. the only way i would choose the maxima would be to get the anniversary edition 2001 maxima that comes with a nice subtle body kit, 17"wheels, racing pedals,different shifter, and i think a 6 speed can be had in it. you can get a se with 17" wheels also, that is what i have.but remember that the 6 speed only yields 3 more hp than the automatic. the maxima interior, paint job, etc. does not compare to the sc400. the chipping of the paint on the maxima is very disappointing. alot of consumers have written nissan about this and they fail to recognize this. just keep you some touch up paint. the maxima is a horse though. it will run forever, just like you said, this engine is the same one from 1985, they have just tweeked it a little. solid as a rock. i have the clear side markers, with stillen on the windshield and people still stare at it. there are so many sites for the maxima also.


if i had to choose, i would go with the sc400. i see probably 3 within a months time at best. unless you get the anniversary edition, then i would say the maxima. the anniversary edition was only year 2001and would distinguish you from the others exclusively, or get the 2002 which had 250 hp i believe and i hear it is scary fast.

carnal_c30

I own both, a 97 SE 5spd, and a SC400

totally different cars

the SC is great for racking up miles and just for appearances, its a quality car and it gets looks from a different crowd

the Maxima is raw, way faster than the SC, 5spd manual- is a dream compared to the SC's autotragic

if you check out my pic gallery I have some pics of my Maxima- I get alot of attention from younger people, guys, girls and the like, in the SC I get checked out alot by moms, dads, and grads... haaha

to be truthful, if I had to get rid of one car, it'd be the SC

sweetsc400

apples and oranges man. . .apples and oranges

carnal_c30

you say it best sir! to be honest, life without the SC would suck hehee lfie without the Max would suck... so... yea haha

Easy2speed

It's all in what you want.

Technics

Well, the dilemma is at hand. I'm looking at 2000 Maxima SE with 58k on it for about $13k and a 1993 Lexus SC300 with 133k on it for $7995. Both are loaded with leather and are 5spds. I'm kind of worried about the the mileage on the Lexus though, it seems excessive. Is there anything special in regards to SC300's that I should look for when inspecting? This choice is going to be difficult. With the Lexus I would have enough funds left over for some decent upgrades like wheels, SAFC, etc. With the Maxima I won't have much left over for mods.

sc400atl

take the maxima se with 58k on it. does it have the upgraded 17" wheels? if so, hands down, take it. this car is just getting broken in. this is my 3rd maxima se, and this engine is the rock of gibrartar. i believe the maxima and sc400 have the same bolt pattern for wheels also 5x 114.3. have the max checked out and get it. you can not tear this car up. good luck. how do you like the 2004 maxima? it is very nice, bigger and i think about 260 hp...............can you see a 6 speed in this one. the mods are endless on the maxima. good luck !!!!!! people do not care as much about the wheels on the maxima as they do the lexus. you can get decent 18" wheels and tires for $1,500 to $2,000. personally i think the 17" wheels are nice that are an upgrade on the max. oem size is 225-50-17. my next set will be 235-45-17 and to lower about 1.5". the wheel gap is excessive on the max.

sweetsc400

Here's my take for anyone that cares. I'm also of the understanding that the Maxima engine is nearly industrial. I'm not very fond of their automatics, they tend to lose their cool when asked to hustle. They're a well rounded sports sedan with a hell of a motor. When matched to the old 5-speed or the new 6-speed, look out.
I own a 93 SC400 right now, it has 148k miles. It has not a SINGLE rattle. Everything on it is original (paint, wheels, leather, carpet, headliner, drivetrain, etc.). I've been running a family car business for 8 years now, and I've never seen a car that holds up as well as a Lexus. As long as I put the the odometer setting on one of the tripometers so that I can't see the miles, I tend to forget them and feel like I'm driving a 2-3 year old car with a fraction of the miles. It never siezes to amaze me. At times, you literally can't feel the engine running. Anyway, I could go on and on. If you can tell, I like my SC and would recommend the car to anyone with the slightest bit of interest in purchasing one. Good luck buddy! Let us know what you decide on!

Matt