Hi, guys!

I'm new here, but I need your help. See, I'm planning on getting a car pretty soon (let's say in a week or so), and I can't decide between an Altima 3.5SE and a Maxima SE. So...

Would anyone like to supply me with some helpful information or try to sway my decision one way or another? I'd be very grateful.

Thanks in advance!

-Septimus

 

3 reasons to get a maxima over the altima

!) They look better!
2) They're awesome looking!
3) ooooh....did I mention they look good over the bulky looking altima....plus interior on the altima is hideous looking!

p.s.-- Go check them out yourself 1st hand (test drive) & you decide what you like better

 

There are quite a few threads about the Max vs Altima on here. Do a search. For my own personal comments....
1) From some angles and colors I think the ext. of the Altima looks better, but most of the time I prefer the looks of the Maxima overall. As for the interior....hands down the Maxima is better.
2) Power is fairly equal for the two. You get a 6spd vs a 5spd with the Maxima. Autos are both pretty much the same (clunky 4spds).
3) Price is variable. Based on sticker alone, the Maxima is more expensive. However, Nissan has a $1000.00 rebate on the Maximas and you should be able to get a Maxima for invoice or lower now (I paid $200.00 over invoice in Feb for mine). At that time they weren't discounting the Altima nearly as much, that may have changed however.
4) For the dollar, the Maxima is a better car. Standard HIDs, a tad more power, 6spd vs 5spd, more options, etc.

 

welcome!
definetely go with a Maxima

 

Everyone has already stated the obvious reasons, and I agree with all of them.

The Altima will not be discounted nearly as much as the Max. Considering a loaded Max is only about 1k more than a loaded Altima, the discount difference should make that up easily.

The max has a way better interior, better ride quality, better looking, more horsepower, more room, more options, 6 speeds versus 5, etc etc etc...

This is a no brainer. Go with the Maxima.

 

...to purchase a Maxima SE.

1. First Gear
2. Second Gear
3. Third Gear
4. Fourth Gear
5. Fifth Gear
6. Sixth Gear

...and the interior is much better looking to me.

 

I would say go with an Altima Mainly because nobody else will. I prefer the Max over the Altima but the Altima recieved higher crash scores. It comes with a telescoping steering wheel, it's roomier in the back area, has a larger gas tank, better suspension and will be around in it's current form for at least another 3 years. Nissan announced they will make changes to the interior but u want the car next week.

Another small detail if you are interested in a body kit for your new car... You can get a body kit (stillen) for the Altima but you can't get one for the 02 Maxima. Which is the only thing I envy about the Altima.

 

Don't forget that the Max is still made in Japan while the Altima is US-built. I like the looks, the powertrain and the suspension of the Altima. The Altima (arguably) handles better than a stock Max. If you are not limiting your selection to Nissan, check the new Mazda 6 with the 3.0L V6, it looks much better than both cars IMHO.

 

I hope you don't mean Mazda 626?? That car is ugly and is a chick car, no offense to any women on the .org That V6 might as well be a 4, putting out a measly 165 hp. To compare that with the Max or the Altima is just not right. But if you like it, you like it, to each his own. But please don't compare that to the max. That's like comparing a Cheetah to a Calico. They're not even in the same class..

 

2k2 majestic blue se, nuf said.

 

He said the new Mazda 6 not 626.

 

No, I meant the Mazda 6, have you seen what Mazda has done out of it?

 

Since you are at a Maxima club, it's going to be a little bias. If you go the Altima club, most will say get the Altima. Just look at the key points of both cars. If you buy the Altima, you will have a better resale value since the 5th Generation Maxima is coming to a close. But if you aren't worried about that, then defenitely the Maxima. HIDs, VQ Engine (i dont know if the altima has a VQ..i think it does), more classy interior, as well as the other things the other members listed here. Do what KPAZZO6 said to do. TEST DRIVE.

 

Mazda 6 will be in the market soon and it's indeed a good looking car, but not as good as maxima, don't even mention the alty.

 

Yeah, you're right. Really, though, I wanted to know why you would suggest suggest one car over the other because I've test driven both and like them both (I like the Max slightly more).

And, as for bias, I think I'm going to post the same thing on the Altima forum and see what they say. Thanks for the positive responses though!

 

Wow that does look nice... I wouldn't get a Mazda over a Maxima.. I didn't see any horsepower #'s. Do you know how much Hp it has??

 

Tsk tsk.. they used the Lexus ES300 style tail lights.. way to drop the ball on the design

The maxima still looks better... wait for the G35c.

 

If interiors, fit ,finish, and speed matter then definately a Maxima. If you have 6 footers who like back seat room, then Altima

 

The 3.0L will have 219hp but significantly less torque (less than 200) than the VQ30. I am considering getting the station wagon version since my only other options would be a Subaru or a Passat. There's rumor Mazda may bring the AWD versions to the US, now that would be cool. I think the Maxima is too big for some people (ask my wife) so the Mazda6 would fit the bill.

 

the mazda 6 is one sharp looking car!!

 

After touring the Nissan website and seeing how the Max gets most of the Alt's options standard, I have pretty much decided to get a Max SE with Titanium Package (cause that's a SWEET color! And side airbags rule too!).

Since some of you undoubtedly have this beauty, would you like to tell me around how much I can expect to pay for it and/or which dealership(s) you recommend? I live in Arcadia, CA, so my closest dealers are Performance Nissan and Wondries Nissan. Anything I should know about either of the two?

 

What and Nissan didn't start ripping off Lexus style tail lights?
And the 6 has AWESOME handleing!
The V6 is supposed to tap the 200hp mark.
Or Mazdaspeed will release the Mazdaspeed MP3 soon, it's got a Turbo and World-class suspension! Hey the regular MP3 was awesome just think about how much better it can get!
Ok I'll stop pluggin' for Mazda now...

 

i could be wrong but i think i read somewhere that the turbo edition is going to put out around 170hp vs. the 140 stock. i thought they could tune it out some more with turbos?

but anyways to Septimus congrats on your choice!

 

go to carsdirect.com and select the exact car you want w/ all the options, then take it to your dealer and see if they'll pricematch it, giving them "or else i'll just buy online..."

you'll notice carsdirect has it for a lil bit under invoice, which is great!!