Don't settle for an auto if that's not what you want. There are 6spd Maxes out there. I flew to Dallas from NH and drove 1991 miles home in 32 hours. If your rex is a stick then you prob WON'T be happy with the slushbox in the Max. Here is the link that someone was referring to about 6spd=rare:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=368089

If you get a 5.5 gen make sure that hesitation TSB NTB03-022 has been done. Here is the link to the TSB:
http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/

And here is the link to thread that talks about the hesitation problem:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....hreadid=198305

The suspension def isn't as "sporty" as say your rex or an Acura TL but if you drop it say 1.5 or so, go with some Tokico Illumina adjustable struts, a FSTB, a RSB, and of course new wheels and tires you will notice a HUGE difference. As far as the "notchy" shifter in the 6spd Max someone else was referring to: you can get a STS through HP autoworks or TWM, change your fluid to Redline MT90, and replace the bushings in the shifter (they're available in the group deals section of this site), you will be pretty happy with it. As you know the 5.5 gen Maxes are pretty powerful to start, but if you add headers/y-pipe, maybe a catback, a UDP and an intake will free it up a lot. Check out the sticky thread re. brakes. You can use 6th gen Max or Alty SE-R calipers/rotors and some SS lines.

Do ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ and you will have a rocket ship that is comfortable and handles like it's on rails!!

Which ever you choose to do is up to you, but these are the things we complain about most etc.

Sorry for the long post...