What's better a LE or SE?

[wonton744]

my brother's buying me I think a 97 240sx, but I'm not sure which model trim is better, the LE or the SE?  And what's the difference between the two trim levels?

[Grant]

I think the LE with the 5lugs/ ABS and all that stuff is better, but maybe the SE has it as well.  but I'm not sure, since i have a 96SE

[soon2Bsilvia]

Depends on the package of the SE because the LE comes with every option.
If  you get the fully loaded SE you will only be missing out on the 6 speaker clarion system. With
the SE you only get 4 claroin speakers.

[Fahaka]

don't forget the leather seats.

[duderiffic]

The LE models include a power antenna, keyless  entry / anti-theft, and leather interior.  The motor / suspensions setups are identical.  The SE includes side sill extensions, color-keyed mirrors, moonroof, spoiler, and five lug wheels.  Also includes front and rear sway bars and white face gauges! Yay.  I just bought a 1998 SE, so I researched this heavily.  Another thing about LE's they are EXTREMELY hard to find in a standard transmission setup!  

Another thing I also read somewhere (probably not true) that the 97 , 98  LEs have aluminum side sill panels.  Can anyone verifiy / shoot-down this theory?

Jeff

[soon2Bsilvia]

Power atenna for the LE? wow, I didn't even know that.
I have a 97 SE and it has every option, even leather seats, keyless entry/ anti-theft, moonroof, spoiler, side skirts, five lug wheels, and fog lights.
Another thing about the LE is the dash trim, it comes in wood.
Not much difference, but SE has variety in packages.
Unlike the LE, you will get everything option possible.
Aluminum side sill panels, never heard of them on an S14, maybe.

[soon2Bsilvia]

check out this ride. In case you didn't see it.
http://www.zilvia.net/forum/topic.cgi?forum=4&topic=378 (http://www.zilvia.net/forum/topic.cgi?forum=4&topic=378)

[duderiffic]

Yes... in 1998 the SE wasn't avialable with leather.  I guess the 1997 LE was a 1997½ rollout so some of the SE's came with leather.  Insurance on an LE is more too.  So really a 97 SE with leather is the best value, I couldnt' find one that wasn't black or green.  Yea.. I looked at the window sticker on my SE and it was like $24,500.  No power antenna.  Cost me $160 at the dealership.  Totally lame!

Also, on the wood dash kit (*cringe*) that was an option on all 240SX models.  You can even get it in the couple... God knows why anyone would?

Jeff

[soon2Bsilvia]

Duderiffic is right.
If the SE comes with leather and a moonroof, that's your best bet!
Try to buy it of a private seller. Dealerships are crazy on the prices on these kind of cars, especially with on SE's and LE's.
Good Luck finding one. Very rare.

[duderiffic]

Note that leather is optional on the SE and only in 1997.  It isn't avialable in the SE in 1998.  I have one! =P  And yes good luck trying to find one!! I spent a little over a year (looking across the US) on and off to try and find a silver one!!


Who needs leather anyways?  All it does is burn your legs in summer, and freeze your ass in winter.  Well, and I guess it is classy and makes your car look better too... but we won't talk about that... =P

[Danio]

My leather seats, which I traded my cloth seats for, currently freeze my ass.  O_o  Stupid winter...