I currently have a 3rd gen maxima and love it. Just so happens my girlfriend does too and she wants to buy it from me. I am happy to sell, because I have the two year curse, I cant keep any car longer than two years. Gets to be very expensive. Anyway, so know I am in the market for a new car. Cars that are currently on my list are:
1995+ Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX/GST OR Eagle Talon TSi/TSi AWD
1995+ VW Jetta GLX (wth the VR6)
1995+ Maxima
Or maybe a dodge dakota.

I know that a Maxima can hold its own no problem against most cars on the road with a 5 speed, but how does it do in the auto form? Most Maximas that I find in my area or close to it, are Autos. What kind of quarter mile time could I expect to see with the auto?
Thanks
Jay

 

You giving your cursed car to your girlfriend? I can see where this relationship is heading

I like the Eclipse too, but a used turbo? Your choice.
I heard older VWs are prone to electrical problems, but I am not sure.

http://carpoint.msn.com and go to research used cars, you can look up reliability for different cars and common problems.

No comment on the auto ... I have a 95 SE automagic, and I like it ... sometimes I wish I had a 5 speed, but most of my driving is relaxed and the auto does just fine.

 

I was in the market for either a VR6 or a Maxima SE before I bought my Max. The VR6 seemed to have comparable peformance but it was a lot smaller inside and I just seemed to like the way the Maxima handled. Nothing wrong with the VR6, just doesn't have the same feel. Go Maxima SE. You'll be happier in the long run. Make sure not to settle for an auto either. I like my auto but in the back of my mind i'm always thinking " I coulda' had a 5 speed, Damn!".

 

Hmmmmm, not only used turbos, but CRANKWALK with the Eclipse, if you want a real 1/4 rippa, get a 90-95 Talon AWD... Those things when properly tuned can hold their own against ZO6's etc and they're dirt cheap