waltj2k

I just sold my Maxima this evening. A 2000 GXE with 114k miles for $6200.

I'm kinda sad as I loved my car. But it was time for a newer model.

I love the 5th gen max so much I am thinking of getting an '03 SE with Titanium package with only 19000 miles. Seller has agree to a price of $18000 which aint too bad.

Should get another Max or is it time for something else?

reMaxxxK

iTrader: (20)

get a WRX or EVO, just a little over price if u could affroid it.

SixxOne

iTrader: (2)

m3

vsamoylov

get a 5.5 gen max 6 speed

MaxBoost925

iTrader: (33)

get a 5 gen max 5 speed

95 maxima se

iTrader: (22)

get a 5.5 max 6spd!!!

LA02MAX

iTrader: (3)

within that price range, i really think the 5.5 maxima is the best value; but it certainly isn't the 'best' car available to you...a 98 M3 would be a fun car, but maintenence costs would be up there - when you're looking for a car, there's always a trade-off...the max is a good overall car, and with a couple suspension upgrades, it's an excellent car, but it just depends on what you want...

Whtmax'01

would a used g35 be out of your price range?

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

Did someone say M3?? If only I didn't need a sedan....
99 M3's are going for around 16-20K locally.

Supreme Allah

I really love the Mazda6.. don't know if you'd find a good v6 for under 20k though. And honestly it's not much more car, if at all..


Uhh what else. WRX mentioned. M36 M3 are sex on wheels but can be expensive to own. Lincoln LS are just downright hot and fall in 20k range.

xtantmaxima

Unless your car was giving you a lot of problems going from an 00 GXE to an 03 SE seems pretty silly. That upgrade doesn't seem worth $11,800 to me.

TPenguin

My vote is for G35... Dealer up in Sacramento was asking 27k for a "new" 2005 model... Not to bad if you ask me...

super6

iTrader: (5)

dont really see the point of goin from 2000 to 03, but it is a better, and faster car, dont get a wrx, the car is overrated imo, but 4wd is pretty sweet, otherwise the 5.5gen max is faster, and way more luxuriuos. there are so many choises out there, and if 2 door and rwd is ok.....M3 no question!

waltj2k

Budget I am trying to stay below 21k. So anything with a Blue and White propeller emblem is out of the question. The price range makes for a tough market. I still see the Maxima/I35 as the best value. Big engine and nice feature set.

There are a few SE's in this price range and of course fewer I35's but they are out there.

xtantmaxima said "Unless your car was giving you a lot of problems going from an 00 GXE to an 03 SE seems pretty silly. That upgrade doesn't seem worth $11,800 to me."

The 00 GXE was a great car. She needed a couple of things done but all in all a very good car.

However I don't know why it seems silly.

The 00 GXE was base the 03 SE is loaded. Sunroof, leather, Titanium package ETC. The 03 has 19k miles vs. 114k on the 00 GXE.

Maintenance: let's assume it takes 36 months to pay off the $11,800. I drive 20k miles per year over 3 years that's 60k miles. I would bet the 03 maintenance would be less between 19k miles and 79k miles than the 00 between 114k and 174k.

More features less mileage. Why is that silly?

super6

iTrader: (5)

i think its because u are essentially getting the same car....in fact if its a 11,800 difference, u could have gotten:
leather inerior $600 maximum
full tune up $400 (and the engine will run forever)
add in $500 for mics repairs and sensors
se/upgraded suspension (if u like a better ride) $600
sunroof is useless, i always wanted one n never open it. so essentially for under $2500 u could have just invested in ur gxe, and have the same thing, w/o the hassel and worries of looking for a used car. dont mean to make u feel bad, but dont blow an extra 12k for the same car, find a used bimmer or audi, lexus gs, if u like that, n have fun.

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

+1......
I spent 10K and picked the max I have now up in a hurry..Stupid soon to be x wasn't getting half of denalis book value so I sold it and put a loan on this.
Didn't have much time to look so I picked up what I could as soon as I could...
IMO. 18K is far to much to drop for a Maxima, there are so many diffeerent options available in that price range. The LS is a SWEEEET car btw. Could buy an m3 the aforementioned Mazda 6. For that price you could even find a really nice 3.8 supercharged GTP or SSEI. But I know some guys on here bought their cars new and spent upwards of 25-30K

rx7_fool

Don't buy a Pontiac!!! What about an Acura TL? Or maybe an RX-8? Lot's of good choices in that price range.

waltj2k

Dont worry Pontiac will never happen.

RX-8 nah looking for a sedan. Plus waaaaay too small. I'm 6 ft tall 290lbs.

Acura TL.....I've read too many scary reports of transmission failure. Not what I want to be involved with.

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

Buy a fusion..
J/K
http://www.edmunds.com/used/type/200...ml?typeindex=T
Lexus seems to have some of the best consumer reviews..
Also check out www.carsurvey.org..A trip to jd powers website isnt a bad idea either. (You can also link to jd powers rating directly from edmunds reviw pages)

waltj2k

That's funny...If ford was the last automaker on earth I'd walk or ride a bicycle.

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

oh come on fords not that bad.
I own a 93 Probe (Mazda 626), 89 Mustang. My previous Ford was a 93 Cobra.
They are struggling and they are really trying. (Ford GT, 500, Fusion, redesigned Mustang)
Plus IMO they have the best built 1/4 ton pick-ups....IMO!!!
I suppose that's why their stock is valued at $9 and toyota's is at around $95. (Last time I checked a few months ago.)
I was J/k by the way.

TPenguin

Seriously look into the G35 Sedan... You should be able to EASILY find a used G35 for about 20k... I found this on autotrader..... http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...en&cardist=108

Just my 2 cents...

Y2KMaxGXE-R

iTrader: (4)

walt I also have a 2k GXE and thought about getting into 03 SE, but my friends talked me out of it. It is actuallyl the same car, the same body, the same interior, the only difference is in the engine...now that and the leather/sunroof option do not really add up to making $11K worth of payments. Question is, do you want to be driving the same car or rather move on to something different?

21K is still a decent chunk of change for a car..Lexus, Audi, Infiniti, there are many options out there, but IMHO '03 Acura TL-S are the best choice for $ they are going for like 18K with 40K mi, so pickup an xtended wtty and ride in style man, dont mind the rumors about bad tranny.

Teufelhunden

iTrader: (8)

yeah G35 is nice, i bet you can get that car for 20k. but if your still looking for a maxima, i was trying to sell mine for 15k, its loaded with 37k.

waltj2k

There's some good advice here.

I guess I am OK with driving the same car as the 00. To me the lowered mileage is what this transaction is all about. The upgrades HID's, Larger engine, leather yada yada yada is all a plus. I guess '03 would be the Maxima I always wanted while the '00 was the Maxima I could afford.

I really would like to try the Acura TL Type S. I have seen where that car is right in the wheelhouse of what I am looking for in both price and feature set. But I am admittedly scarred of the potential of having transmission problems. I know that a small percentage of the cars have the problem but I know what my luck is like. Comin out of my pocket with $3k or $4k to replace a transmission isn't appealing. I guess I need to spend a little time on the Acura discussion board to find out how bad the problem is.

TPenguin

WOW that seems like a nice deal. I will be on the lookout for a G35 for sure. I know that more should be comin off lease now.

5thgenmaxima saidh come on fords not that bad.

I've owned my share of Fords. 1st car was a 79 Mustang Turbo (bought in 1986) Turbo never worked for me. Engine blew up and replaced in 89.

I totalled a Taurus and just had a few scratches. From that standpoint Fords are built for safety. So safe I bought another.

2nd Taurus had numerous water pumps, motor mount and gasket replacements.

I have served my time with Ford. There will never be another in my garage.

chr0nos

iTrader: (1)

the acura tl has a very overrated engine. they say its 270 hp for a 3.2L. there is no torque at all. from reading may review and talknig to ppl, you have to rev it up to close to 5k rmp to get descent power. i would never get one over a 5.5 gen max. the cadillac cts is very nice. they have many different engine options to suit your taste. they come with a 5or 6spd tranny, and rwd. kick *** car. i did not really like the interior, compared to my max. seemed a little constricted, more like a coupe car. check that out if you want a nice sedan.

TXT-1

iTrader: (1)

Good advice here.

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

You can not compare all fords to a taurus (probably had the older 3.8 I'll bet) or a 2.2L? mustang you had as a first car..Maybe seeing as how the turbo NEVER worked it was probably abused........ ......Maybe a Ford isn't the best buy for him, that's why I was J/K.....But I will defend my beloved fords Forever..

Y2k2maxse

iTrader: (1)

If you love ur maxima (like i did) get another one (like i did) if you go to a 3.5 6speed it will be sooo fun. I work for BMW and yes M3 is a fun car to drive, dont EVER expect it to be smooth or comfortable, or whatsoever maintence free like a maxima. They have so many little problems with them, itll be at the dealer more than in ur driveway. Evo/wrx are very small and have no class. Max is a great all around car to have, combines a little of everything. titanium edition with 19000 for 18?? ha! i bought my fully loaded 02 se with 28,000 miles for $19000. Thats a great deal right there!!! (mazda did come out with a sexy mazdaspeed6 turbo with 274 hp. Nice looking car you can pick one up for around $26-27

carsarecool

iTrader: (1)

Plus the warranty, with the new car your back in bumper to bumper (maybe, depending on when you cars in-service date was, after jan 2003 and you have everything covered til 3 years from then) and your also back in 5 yr/60k powertrain and emissions warranty. I also think the shifter feels a lot smoother in the 6 speed than the five speed. plus you know the background and where to get parts and know a little about the car and not have to go somewhere else and re-learn everything again.

chr0nos

iTrader: (1)

once you'v had one car, you want to try something new. a 5.5 gen is very similar to regular 5th gen. honestly, i don't think the thread starter will get another max, unless it's an exceptional deal.

waltj2k

This is exactly my thinking. I'd get the car. Place one order to Courtesy Nissan spend a weekend doing a coupla mods.....if that many and done.

Gonna check out G35 and GS300 tomorrow. I will keep the '03 SE as a fall back plan.

TPenguin

Actually Acura Downgraded the HP to 258Hp and 235ft torque... my dad just got an 06 TL... I agree tis be gutless compared to Infiniti/Nissan.....

Mass_Media

G35's are sweet. Try and get a coupe.....

speedlude2000

Just hafta throw in my .02.

I just sold an '02 WRX pushing 325 hp to get my '02 Maxima 6 spd.

Now as far as pure acceleration, there is nothing like AWD turbo- holy crap! But unless you get into a newer model or STI, the interior is nice and comfortable but it is no Maxima. No leather, etc. Maybe a Legacy GT w/ leather?

Definitely a G35 is a good choice. Stay away from BMW, Audi, etc unless you can afford $1000 service bills.

You can get some good deals on even a GS400 and you don't see everyone driving one of those around.

mrmj1218

I personally would buy a 2006 Avalon....

chr0nos

iTrader: (1)

... or a cadillac dts, or maybe a town car. we are swinging a wide spectrum here, from wrx sti to avalon? hmm...

Spin20

iTrader: (4)

The 3.2 tl has the vtec in it so they try to make up for lost low en up top. For a commuter I think the tl would be a good choice. Get a certified pre owned one from a dealer so you would still have the warranty. Its a very comfortable ride as well.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

If I was looking at a commuter I'd get a Civic.. Not a T/CL-s.

mrmj1218

WaltJ2k never mentioned even thinking about a WRX... I also did not see his price range before. The new Avalon would be about $7000 more than he wants to spend moderately equipped...