The Maxima is awesome and not nearly as popular as it should be. The SE handles better than a GLE but the GLE has a smoother ride. They look a bit odd but it's nearly impossible to care while you're driving. . . The interior, especially the center console, is a work of art, as is the engine (DROOL
) the sweet, sweet engine.
I used to sell them, so I have plenty of experience with 99-2000 Nissans. You can definitely get a dealer to discount one nearly $2000 from list. The Lexus IS300 would be a few thousand dollars more, is a smaller car, and you can't get one with a manual transmission if that's what you like to drive. OTOH, the service you'd get at a Lexus dealership would be top notch, while a Nissan dealership might be so-so, depending on the location.