I own an SE with P/P and love it. I haven't had much seat time in the GXE, so it would be difficult for me to compare the two.
The real draw to the Performance Package is the Limited Slip differential, 16" wheels and stiffer suspension. It is a good deal for the price of the option package (at least in the USA.)
The suspension is notably stiffer on the SE with P/P. The SR20DE motor that comes in the SE has obvious tuning advantages over the new 1.8L in the GXE. THat isn't to say that the little motor is no good. It's a much newer, more advanced motor than the SR20DE. 2001 is the last year the SR20DE will be used in any North American Nissan Vehicle.
It sounds like money is your motivating factor. Obviously, buying a car that is outside of your budget isn't going to make your ownership experience very pleasant. You might consider looking at the GXE with the luxury package, or the SE without the Performance package. Staying within your means financially is very important.
I think whenever your looking at a new car, there is an initial tendency to fall in love with the top of the line model. However, the GXE is still the same car...has most of the options, and is a fun car to drive.
Options like the Sunroof just add cost to the car. It's not something you really need, and honestly how often do you think you'd use it. I don't have a sunroof on my SE, and I don't miss it a bit. YOur better off spending the money on something that CAN help you out like ABS brakes or side airbags.
Normally, I wouldn't give this much sensible advice. You just caught me on a good day.
Typically, I'd tell you to buy the fastest car you could possibly afford. Even if it meant eating Ramen noodles every night.
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2001 SE, P/P, 5 spd Cloud White.
MODS:
- Stromung Stainless Cat-back. (In a UPS truck...again)
- Hotshot CAI (In a Fed Ex Truck...again)
Click HERE To Visit My Website!
[This message has been edited by maxximtl (edited March 07, 2001).]
The real draw to the Performance Package is the Limited Slip differential, 16" wheels and stiffer suspension. It is a good deal for the price of the option package (at least in the USA.)
The suspension is notably stiffer on the SE with P/P. The SR20DE motor that comes in the SE has obvious tuning advantages over the new 1.8L in the GXE. THat isn't to say that the little motor is no good. It's a much newer, more advanced motor than the SR20DE. 2001 is the last year the SR20DE will be used in any North American Nissan Vehicle.
It sounds like money is your motivating factor. Obviously, buying a car that is outside of your budget isn't going to make your ownership experience very pleasant. You might consider looking at the GXE with the luxury package, or the SE without the Performance package. Staying within your means financially is very important.
I think whenever your looking at a new car, there is an initial tendency to fall in love with the top of the line model. However, the GXE is still the same car...has most of the options, and is a fun car to drive.
Options like the Sunroof just add cost to the car. It's not something you really need, and honestly how often do you think you'd use it. I don't have a sunroof on my SE, and I don't miss it a bit. YOur better off spending the money on something that CAN help you out like ABS brakes or side airbags.
Normally, I wouldn't give this much sensible advice. You just caught me on a good day.

------------------
2001 SE, P/P, 5 spd Cloud White.
MODS:
- Stromung Stainless Cat-back. (In a UPS truck...again)
- Hotshot CAI (In a Fed Ex Truck...again)
Click HERE To Visit My Website!
[This message has been edited by maxximtl (edited March 07, 2001).]