brandonj

iTrader: (1)

I'd get a G35 before a TL, but before you rule out the TL remember that they will cover the tranny until at least 100k miles. I've heard of people getting Honda to replace it all the way to 125k.

How about an IS300? That would be a lot more fun than a GS300. But if it were my money, I'd be in a G35.

igzy

iTrader: (18)

How about Monte Carlo SS or Grand Prix GTP that come with 3.8L SC engines in them... You'll get the comfort and power along with it without a big price tag...

X-Vert

you people should really read the thread before posting

he said no coupes

and no pontiacs

I'd go for the g35, if that fails, aim for the g400 or g430, and if that fails, go for the i35 or 5.5gen

igzy

iTrader: (18)

Us people apologize , just saw it in the post #18...

Don't know what couples you are taking about, I am still single... Though I will get married this year...

super6

iTrader: (5)

im seriously considering selling the max as well, but looking twords a new car rather than used, considering maxima (too big), TL (too much $$$), TSX (too slow), A3 (should have quattro and handels like shiit, .71G), A4 quattro (pretty heavy=slow). all of them have a drawback, none is really perfect, so i dont know if its worth it.

ewuzh

iTrader: (20)

There is an E36 M3 sedan. Only made 1 year in 1997.

Kruppa

iTrader: (1)

You're correct about the Acura TL and transmission failure. I love the styling of those cars, but my friend has worked at an Acura dealership for almost a year and he said that he would NEVER buy one because (and I quote from him) "Acura has the worst transmissions ever" Similar to what other people said, he also felt the torque was lacking and that it's way overpriced...I'd go another route.

igzy

iTrader: (18)

I have also done some research on Honda/Acura as I was considering one. The main problem on their trannies is the insufficient cooling and they fail because of it for the most part. In a case you do go for it, make sure you throw on a tranny cooler and change the tranny oil religiously every 20K or so...

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

How about a CL-S 6MT? I heard those trannys sorta suck too.

Imagine if they had the torque that we do


(like we have so much torque)

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

Very intresting..Would probably be very hard to find a low mileage one....Not that I would want a 9 year old car anyways...Still very intresting..Thanks for the info.

Eric Holmes

2002+ Infiniti Q45 is a great car value in terms of what I think you are looking for: an upgrade that is similar to a Maxima. Since you are considering another Maxima, I made some assumptions here as to your expectations on performance, reliability, and interior dimensions. For some odd reason this particular Infiniti loses value rapidly once it drives off the lot. In a few years a $60,000(loaded with luxury items) car can fall to $20,000. The Q has a very smooth and powerful engine ~350hp/~340lb/ft(I can't remember the numbers exactly right now). One caveat is that you will lose a little gas mileage compared to the Maxima. The Q will make up for this with a very quiet and comfortable ride for long trips. Unlike a G35, the interior room of the Q is more than comparable to a Maxima. The Q is also a bit of a rarity with its interesting styling and gatling gun HIDs, you will definitely have a unique ride...chances are rare that you will pull up next to another one at a stoplight. If you find a Q with the premium package, it has a slew of additional luxury items including rear reclining seats like an Avalon...personally, I love the 2005-06 Avalons and will eventually own one when I can afford it...but my next favorite car in this class until then is the Q45.

yofmatt

that's true, but don't doubt the potency of an M3. My friend just bought a 95 2dr with a dinan intake & chip, Hamman 18's, coil-overs, and that thing is FAST. The M3 is one of the best luxury/sport combos you can find.

DesiGLE

I agree with most people here that i dont see a justified $11,800 difference going up .5 gen

G35, Q45 are great choices just keep looking

heres some links

03 G35 With 19k miles for $22K

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=77

03 G35 With 20k miles for $22K (black on black)

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=76

vsamoylov

the sedan was made for 2 yers. 1997 and 1998 and then it was taken out of production. my bro used to have a 96 m3 in bright yellow with black leather and that thing looked mean and was fast. for me i would get a m3 because it has everything i need which is brakes, acceleration, handling, and the last thing is looks. but if i had money i would take a porsche over a m3. lol.

yofmatt

G35 is as close to a 5.5g max as ur gonna get. Just opt for it, you wanna UPGRADE cars, not get the same car with some more options

carsarecool

iTrader: (1)

that is an upgrade though isnt it?

Spin20

iTrader: (4)

Im just saying from experience that the ride in a TL is very comfortable. Much smoother than a max plus it has good power.

waltj2k

Wow guys. Great suggestions I really appreciate the comments.

I just got back from a few test drives. But 1st I gotta bag a on car very badly.

Ford 500 suuuuccccckkkss!!!!!

I have this car as my rental and boy is it a piece of crap. Enterprise gave me this car as a free upgrade. I am tempted to call them back and tell them to give me the Cavalier like I asked for.

1 This thing sits high. As high as a Ranger truck. I know this is supposed to be a benefit but it's terrible. I think it causes a high center of gravity. So the car is all over the road.

2. Handles like a pig. That's embarassing for the pig. This thing has at least 1 to 2 inches of play in the steering wheel before the car responds.

3. Heavy as a pig mated with weak engine = poor acceleration.

The entire 500 design team needs to be fired. Bad car bad bad car.

waltj2k

Test drove a few sars tonight.

I started off at Nissan. Tested an Altima 2.5s. Why? I had a good conversation with a co worker about down sizing. The 2.5 was a very impressive car. I have to admit that honestly I think I could roll it for a few years. However what I noticed that the engine need to work a little harder which caused a louder ride overall. I then drove an Altima 3.5SE obviously easier acceleration which then caused a quiter ride because the engine wasn't revving as hard.

What I learned. Size, Style of the Altima works for me. I have also realized that I can't step down from a V6.

G35 test.

I test drove a sport edition. The suspension nice and tight. The this car handled very very well. I loved the rear wheel feel. The drive train and suspension are very well mated together and make for a nice package. The interior of the car was a little tighter than the old Max but not uncomfortable.

I35
Like putting on your favorite pair of jeans.

Decent 1st night of car hunting.

waltj2k

I'm looking for more of a sports sedan. I'm 36 5ft 11in tall and weigh 290. I'm a big guy.

I respect and really appreciate rides like the WRX, M3, EVO etc. However they arent for me.

I like the Q ship suggestion. I will have to check into 'em.

getbigtony

iTrader: (1)

how does engine run forever. parts wear. unless u rebuilding ur motor. if thats the case, rebuild with forged parts and invest in a turbo! but titanium edition w/ HLSD 6spd. another difference.