I'm looking to buy a 00 Maxima GXE/SE very soon. I'm 23 and this will be my first car. A friend tells me I should get a manual tranny at all costs due to the lower potential repair cost and reliability. Is he correct? I'd like a manual but I'm looking at a 00' auto in the perfect color, price and mileage. Manuals seems to be extremely rare (1 in 10, if that) in the used market.

BTW - I plan to buy from Carmax.

I'd really appreciate some feedback about manual vs. auto transmissions on the 00.

Thanks in advance.

 

Bottom Line: People who drive autos suck.

JUST KIDDING!!

This is really personal preference, but this thread will likely turn into an insult slinging "auto vs. manual thread".

If you can find the perfect car (for you) and don't really car if it's a manny or auto, get it.

 

The auto tranny should be fine especially if you dont ever plan to use boost. If you can find a manual though, i would get it.

 

Your friend is right. I bought my 2k max almost two weeks ago. Finding a 5 speed is exceptionally hard - and I've only ever seen ONE GXE 5 speed in my area in the last 3-4 months; so I ended up getting a really cheap SE.

Manual is better for me because it makes the car a tad cheaper to buy, costs you much less for repairs if you ever have to make them, and it's significantly faster.

With an auto you pay more for something that is surprisingly slower (drive both and you'll see), and if the tranny dies the auto will break your bank account.

Maybe I'm weak of mind, but if I had bought an auto I'd always be driving around knowing that I was second best. The autos are still fast and you may get sick of the manual around traffic, but for me personally I was willing to sacrifice that to know that I had the best.

 

Don't buy a stick if you don't want to drive a stick. Yes manual transmissions are much cheaper to fix, but there hasn't been a huge problem with the Max's auto transmission. Do your homework on the car.

 

quick note...if there is crazy traffic were you live ...don't buy a stick...yeah its faster yeah its cheaper but y go tru all that hassel?
plus if you want a boost....if you buy a auto you will get the over-drive option...right in the middle of slamming the gas let go....push...and slam again!!! BOOM!!!theres your boost!!! yes i know stick will give you a nicer boost but when you in traffic with your stick you'll say "man i should of listened to those auto guys!!!"


and by the way i wish i had stick!!!!!

 

There are other options you can search on for a manual (autotrader.com for example). You say you want a manual but you're considering an auto because of price/condition ect. I can guarantee that if you really want a manual, but you buy an auto, you WILL regret it. Been there, done that!

 

Yes

And I live in the DC area.

The extra control of a manual allows you to squeeze in and out of gaps with much more confidence, because you don't have to wonder what the tranny is going to do.

 

I have a 2K 5 speed and love it, much more fun to drive. They are rare but there out there, just keep looking. If you buy that auto you may regret it, espicially after driving a 5 speed! Unless you drive in alot of stop and go trafic daily. Both trans. are good as far as maintenance, The manual may be a little better on gas and alot more FUN! Keep looking. Good Luck.

 

I bought a Manual. Yes, they are harder to find. Screw Carmax and their "No-Haggle" crap. The only reason they don't haggle is because they have everything marked up to their advantage. Search Autotrader.com. Go to advanced search and specify manual transmission. I flew to DC from ATL just to get the right color/price/tranny. Use an online loan agency like peoplefirst.com. They will, most likely, give you a lower rate than Carmax anyhow. Good Luck.

 

GET A MANUAL...DO NOT GET AN AUTO.....ITS NOT MUCH FUN DRIVING AN AUTO..IS IT...ALL YUOU DO IS JUST SIT BACK AND PUT IT INTO DRIVE...YAHOOO HOW FUN IS THAT...GET A STICK MAN..
THATS WHAT I THINK