Family Drive less Ordinary

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06-28-2006, 10:23 AM

BlackCat

RIP '98 Maxima SE

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Family Drive less Ordinary

http://autos.canada.com/specialsecti...d-3d811a6db1bb

(Prices quoted in Cdn $)

Family drive less ordinary John LeBlanc, National Post
Published: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 Article tools
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Font: * * * * Do you read family sedan as a one-way ticket to Dullsville, as code for the mortgage is due and the kids need braces? Then here are three of the better-driving, pre-owned sedans -- all with V6s turning the front wheels only -- that won't bust your finances:

THIRD PLACE: 1998-2002 HONDA ACCORD EX V6

Despite its ubiquity, the V6 Accord isn't 100% vanilla. The 200-horsepower, 3.0-litre V6 is smooth, and because of Honda's VTEC variable cam system, power is delivered in a nice, linear manner.

Although four-cylinder Accords could be had with a five-speed manual, the V6s came strictly with a four-speed automatic transmission that has a hard time making up its mind on when/if to downshift.

While the Volkswagen Passat's smaller V6 is torquier, the Accord can still rip off zero to 100 kilometres an hour in under eight seconds. The standard around-the-block test drive leaves you with the impression that the Accord is nimble and taut. But compared with the Passat or Nissan Maxima, its softer suspension calibrations come to the forefront when pushed hard crying, "Captain, I'm just a family car, not a bloody sports sedan!"

TROUBLE SPOTS Automatic transmissions may fail. Honda has extended the warranty on affected vehicles (1999-'02). Brake light may not go off ('98). Oil leaks from multiple locations ('98-'01). The trunk spoiler can rub through the paint ('98). Suspension noise ('98). Noises come from the top of the windshield and rear window because the teeth for the glass fasteners aren't engaged ('98). Clicking noises from the wheels ('99-'00).

WHAT YOU'LL PAY Low end: '98, 160,000 km, wholesale $7,675; resale $9,500. High end: '02, 80,000 km, wholesale $14,750; resale $17,625.

BOTTOM LINE A reputation for reliability means high resale values, which means the Honda is no bargain. Throw in the lack of a stick or any kind of sportier suspension options and the Honda is a solid third place here.

SECOND PLACE: 1998-2001.5 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS V6

Is this a poor man's Audi A4? For starters, the VW shares its 190-hp, 2.8L V6 and standard five-speed manual or five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmissions with its more expensive corporate cousin. The VW/Audi V6 isn't as refined as the two Japanese-engineered family sedans' mills, and it isn't that big of a step up in power from the standard 1.8L turbo four, either, but it is noticeably torquier.

Plus, the Passat has that elusive German sedan trait of equal amounts of control and smoothness in its ride and handling qualities. Then there's the very non-Japanese cockpit, all muted tones and soft plastics. Very nice for a so-called "family" car. But where the Passat reveals its domestic bones is in its steering responses. VW seemed to equate a heavy tiller as sporty -- more Phaeton than Jetta -- making the Passat's steering reactions slow and cumbersome.

TROUBLE SPOTS Coolant leaks ('98-'99). Speakers in the doors may rattle ('98-'99). Windows suffer from stress cracks and distortion ('99-'00).

WHAT YOU'LL PAY Low end: '98, 160,000 km, wholesale $5,785; resale $7,875. High end: '01.5, 80,000 km, wholesale $14,125; resale $16,625.
BOTTOM LINE OK, so the Passat ain't no A4. But the VW does deliver the goods on being a German sedan in its styling, tasteful interior and solid on-the-road feel. But the real family car for drivers is ...

FIRST PLACE: 2000-2003 NISSAN MAXIMA SE

Even as far back as 1990 Nissan was pimping the Maxima as its four-door sports car. Hype aside, and two generations later, Nissan's idea of a family sedan is still for those who love to drive. Sticking with that theme, go for the SE, with its sportier suspension and bigger 17-inch rubber. Better yet, if you can afford it, '02 Maximas got a 255-hp, 3.5L V6 with 33 more hp than the 3.0L mill it replaced. The standard five-speed stick gained another gear. Whatever Maxima you end up with, both versions of this V6 are smooth and powerful throughout their rev ranges. If you like the way the Accord drives, you may find the Maxima SE's suspension too stiff. But the reward is a family sedan that is very responsive to driver input. Despite its front-wheel-drive setup, the Nissan reacts promptly to throttle input and gives enough feedback to the driver to inspire confidence on a twisty road.

TROUBLE SPOTS Popping and crackling noises in the audio system are often due to cellphones plugged into the cigarette lighter. Cold-starting problems. Engine misfire. The headliner may sag near the sunroof because the Velcro does not hold sufficiently. Noises from the right front strut require replacement of the rubber spring seat ('00).

WHAT YOU'LL PAY Low end: '00, 120,000 km, wholesale $10,500; resale $12,350. High end: '03, 60,000 km, wholesale $15,650; resale $18,775.

BOTTOM LINE For those who love to drive and still need room to schlep the rug rats to swim lessons, the Maxima SE is the pick of this trio.

© National Post 2006