I will be in the market shortly for a "new" (used) car. I'm looking for something sporty and practical. I don't want new, and besides, the 2004 Maxima does not seem as sport-oriented as the previous generation. This is just based on what I've read about both generations -- I've never driven either.

Anyway, my choice is rapidly narrowing down to a 2002 Maxima SE or a 2002 Acura TL (maybe the Type S, though it might be more than I am willing to pay for a 3-year-old car).

Obviously this is a biased crowd but I would love your input. There must be something good about a car that has a site like this.

I'm probably not going to put a lot of $$ into performance parts (my motorcycle seems to suck up every spare dime I have) -- just want something with a reasonably good engine that knows how to corner.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

welcome to the .org there seems to be weekly battles of choosing between a max or an acura. take both for a test and go from there. i would prefer the max but both are great cars. i looked at a 2000 TL and ended up getting a 2000 max instead. TL was just a little bit out of of my financial range.

check this link
http://autos.msn.com/research/compar...93938&v=t94686

 

Both are great choices for some of the same and some different reasons. If you're looking for a 6 speed manual, the only choice is the Maxima as TL prior to 04 was only available with an automatic.