Well, for a while I was thinking of getting the 3.5 altima also, but I didn't have enough money, so I just got me a 4th gen maxima. It is true that the altima is way cheaper compared to the maxima, but i belive that the 2002 maxima comes with 255 hp and a 6-spd tranny (not sure though) while the 3.5 altima comes with 240hp (again not sure). oh and the 02 max is also a 3.5. I personally prefer the style of the max. But again its your money and your choice.