trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I know, apples to oranges. But thought some of you might be interested in the differences, in fact, it will make you realize how good your 5th gen Max is. I still have two 4th gen Maximas, and recently sold my 2002 and ended up buying a 2004 Mustang V6 (I need the mileage). So if you are curious how they compare, here are my thoughts.

Advantage Maxima
-Way more creature comfort. My Mustang doesn't even have an auto-headlight control
-Way nicer interior. Mustang is ALL plastic
-Much more nimble handling. The Mustang handles (and feels) like a tank
-Way more room inside (obvious)
-Fit and finish of the entire car is batter (except for the thin paint).
-Way better seats, and very useable back seat. Mustang seats and seat materials are very cheap and wear fast.
-Better stock Stereo (Bose)
-About 1 mpp better mileage
-Smoother, more luxurious drive, less road noise
-18 gallon gas capacity compared to 15.7 for the Mustang
-HUGELY better Internet support (this forum), Mustang forums are not nearly as active.

Advantage Mustang
-Rear Wheel drive
-Styling is classic (always hated the rear-end of the Max), compared to typical Japanese sedans
-Huge amount of aftermarket accessories available (see AmericanMuscle.com) and mods you can get.
-Better turning radius...you knew that...
-Way easier to work under the hood, lots of room, easy to get to stuff.
-Not as many issues with sensors, codes, starters, etc.
-Uses 87 octane gas just fine.

MrEous

iTrader: (11)

Just curious by what you mean, you needed the mileage?

Rochester

iTrader: (3)

You sold an '02 Maxima for an '04 Mustang V6?

I fail to see how this makes any kind of sense.

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

I needed the mileage of the V6, compared to getting a V8 Mustang.

Yes, I sold the 114,000 mile Maxima (got $6100 for it), and paid $5600 for a 76,000 mile automatic V6 Mustang. I was getting pretty bored with the Maxima, wanted something with a bit more personality.

HotshotVQ35

iTrader: (5)

only mustang worth buying is an 03 cobra or anything 2011+ with the 5.0...

i understand you want to get better mpgs, but why a v6 stang, why not a hyundai or something?

Unclejunebug

^agrees. IMO, if you're gonna get a "muscle car" you go v8 or you don't go at all.

I think he means lower mileage on the car, not mpg.

This seems like more of a lateral/somewhat backwards move to me but, to each his own. And I wouldn't refer to the styling of the 04 Mustang as "classic." Maybe the '10 and '11 since it's more of an homage to the late 60's design, but not the early 2000's.

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

No I meant MPG. I drive 33,000 miles a year and need good mileage and reliability.
A Hyundai? Now there is a car that makes Maxima personality look strong. No thanks, I've managed a Hyundai dealership before. Good care if all you car about is cheap and decent mileage.

Unclejunebug

Rochester

iTrader: (3)

If by that, you mean the personality of a lazy, fat chick in a cheerleader outfit... then you done good.

Rods03Max619

iTrader: (5)

Xzzzxsdddrrfrff0rcrrcfd What is the HP on those was it still like 190 or 200..or more....and are you going to Mod your Mustang or just keep it stock....Good Luck with the Mustang those are the ones that usually think there Big ****....V6 or V8 2000-04....

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

It will get a couple mods. Better wheels and tires, maybe a dual exhaust with a little burble to it ($325 including shipping). It's a daily driver for my 70-mile round tip commute.

I'm 58, I've done the muscle car thing, I've done the lifted truck thing, I'm done with 400hp cars. I have no need for them or the monthly gas bill. Just looking for a decent car that will let me put 100,000 more miles on her in the next three years and not nickel and dime me to death. And there is not a lot of $5000 out there that I can find that can do that.

LOL, well I guess that about the same as 'the heart of a 350z in Grandma's clothes"

Waxima

iTrader: (3)

I don't know, I'm still not getting the picture here. For better gas mileage, why not a used Honda Accord or Civic? If anything I could see the Mustang being able to use 87, but getting worse gas mileage.

BobPezz

iTrader: (5)

I'm 55 and traveled a similar road with cars. I had a 64.5 Mustang (Rustang) 2+2 (fastback) 289 V8 4spd. As cool as it was to own one. That car always gave me mixed feelings. Nickel and dime'd me to death. Scarey fast especially since it didn't handle much better than my Mom's Slant 6 Valiant. 79 Bronco lift kit BFG Mud Terrains etc. Built up 351M with LOTS of low end. You know the formula, it could go anywhere but past a gas station. Anyway, I really LOVE my 2001 Maxima more than pretty much any other car I've owned! Despite it's faults, driving it delivers "Smiles Per Gallon" because of it's split personality. When cruising it's like putting on a comfortable pair of sneakers. And when "the need for speed" arises it doesn't disappoint me. Good luck with your 'Stang, I hope it serves you well. As for me I'll keep the Max. BTW; I drove a 91 Camry V6 for 10yrs. (I was married then). Let's compare notes on cars with no personality.

Fatboy98maxima

Woee he says he is 58 ???? i dont think he know too much about cars just my 2 cents

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

Really? I've probably owned and modded more cars and trucks than you have dreamed about...but that's another story.

I'd never do it, but I'm sure you guys know you can mod the Mustang v6 up to about 750-800 hp.

BTW, the point of this whole thread was how impressed I was with numerous aspects of my 2002 Max in comparison to this car.
It got lots of points for drive-ability, comfort, quality, ease of use. I'm not dissing the Max, I still have two in my driveway.

Fatboy98maxima

u right i have only owend like 6 cars in my life but i have worked on over 2000 cars being that im a decent Mech..

McSteve

iTrader: (3)

Horrible speller, tho.

Maybe OP just likes RWD much better than FWD. Should've bought a nice stock 240xs. I had great gas milage and the stock auto 240 felt like more fun to drive than my modded I30 at the time.

Rochester

iTrader: (3)

Since all these old farts are declaring their age... I'm 47. Nice not to be the oldest for a change.

Anyway, I understand not wanting to drive a musclecar 24/7. That's what I love about having a modded Maxima... you can drive it like a luxury car, or you can be a *****-2-the-walls jerk and get on it with fun. All the while getting great gas mileage.

IMO, there are so many better choices that satisfy your criteria. Hope this works out for you. But I have to say, this is a very, very strange thing you've done here, Troople. Good luck, man.

L36

iTrader: (4)

This thread makes no sense.
Is this a joke?

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

~Yes, have a good laugh and a good evening~

Chris Gregg

iTrader: (59)

Since we're all throwing our pennies in, I'll do the same.

Reader's Digest Version, IMO it's not a fair comparison. I'm sure the comments are accurate about the specific models/years mentioned. However, certain models and years of the Mustang are very well put together. Certainly the Maxima has a "smoother" texture to the interior, it should....it's geared to a more comfortable and luxury (I use this a bit loosely mind you) market. But at it's core, the Maxima is made of the same cheap plastic crap from China as Fords are. It's all about cutting costs. The Mustang simply leaves things a bit rougher looking...but again, different styling and feel intended for a much different audiance.

MoncefA33

iTrader: (6)

I wouldn't. I...

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

Ummm, anyone else see an issue with this statement?^^

MAXXED_816

iTrader: (5)

Better sign up with AAA. You would have better luck with a Hyundai

Those are about the most bland looking cars ive ever seen. Personality of a hermit maybe.

Thats BS. Maybe one that STARTED as a V6 and was swapped.

THIS

MAXXED_816

iTrader: (5)

Not trying to put you down Troop, but it just seems like it wasnt the best choice for what you needed. I hope all works out for you. As long as you like it, thats all that matters.

ranmas2004

iTrader: (2)

So you made $500 selling a car with a 6 speed Manual, 3.5L V6 255hp and 246ft-lbs (one of the best engines in the ENTIRE world) that got 21mpg city/28mpg highway(takes 87 just fine...used to use it ALL the time) for an AUTO 3.8L (BIGGER) 190hp and 220ft-lbs (LESSER POWER) and 20mpg city/29mpg highway.........well with that $500 and gas being at a national average of $3.71 gal at least you get about 135 gallons of fuel with those profits!!! To me I don't understand selling a powerful car for a WEAKER car that has the SAME gas mileage AND AN AUTO....If you got bored with 255hp.....then you going to HATE 190hp.........good grief. The reason of boredom and gas mileage don't make any sense to me. But enjoy the Mustang.......you basically ran off this Advantage list that shows how INFERIOR the Mustang is to the Maxima...then go sell the MAXIMA for the MORE INFERIOR car that you just compared.....I don't get it.

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

How high is this guy? LMAO.


This thread makes me feel very young, thank you gentlemen, I just turned 25 and I needed the reality check.

All BS aside, mustangs are decent cars, but that year especially, it's a chick car. Furthermore, it's not comparable to the Maxima, just an entirely different car, but I'm sure there's a bit of nostalgia involved in your decision that clouded your choices, and enough knowledge to way against the V8 version.

Either way, good luck with it! I personally think the V6 version is ugly, but if you can get some of the BOSS or Cobra, or even GT styling cues in there, it will look decent!

T_Behr904

phatboislim

iTrader: (27)

agreed whole heartedly and i hate fords but these 'mustangs' give me the benefit of cialis w/o popping the pill.

really should have got an accord/civic/integra or something...so much respect is not to be had

T_Behr904

Rochester

iTrader: (3)

There must be more to this story. Perhaps the OP's Maxima was a total POS...? Although for anyone who's followed his participation in the 5th Gen forum over the last year, that doesn't seem the case.

I like trooplewis. He's always been reasonable and even-minded, while still enthusiastic. But on the surface of this decision, this is totally fkd up. And now I'm just embarrassed for him.

Maximus92

iTrader: (4)

trooplewis

iTrader: (1)

Lets just say the Maxima was not going to do what I needed it to do, and frankly, I was not excited about having a manual transmission in San Diego traffic.

No need to be embarrassed; I have a car with 40,000 fewer miles, cheap to own, easy to fix, and like I said; I already have 2 other Maximas. Say what you want, they are hard to ID for the average person, who just thinks they are plain vanilla Japanese sedans. But everyone recognizes a Mustang. I've gotten several compliments from total strangers on it already, something that never happened with the Max.

The other factor in my decision; there just are not very many decent used cars out there in the $5-10k price range... Seems like everything is priced 13-15k that used to be 6-10K.
You guys did figure out I'm not knocking the Maxima, right? It's a good car.

Oh, and to those driving Mom's Maxima who think that a 40th Anniversary Mustang is gay, has no heritage and no personality...um, good luck with that. Probably the most recognized car on the road. The 3.8L V6 has been around since the early 90's, one of the most reliable 6-cyl engines that there is.

nelledge

iTrader: (6)

This. Used cars around 5k? Yes. Used cars in good shape around 5k? Good luck!

phatboislim

iTrader: (27)

where are yall looking?!

nelledge

iTrader: (6)

Far, far from you.

7speed

You should have told me, I would have been willing to drive all the way to Cali and trade my auto Maxima for yours and probably give you another $1000

But I can take your argument about not wanting to drive a stick anymore but you lost me on the stang being more reliable and fuel efficient, etc.

phatboislim

iTrader: (27)

must be for $5k you can find a decent used car

Montego Murph

iTrader: (1)

From what I've seen, I think the word informative or useful could be substituted for active. Most of the ones I've visited (usually seeking info working on a friends car) are the verbal equivalent of the "Calvin pissing on a Chevy" decal.

Had the same car... Now, you can't say NO personality... I mean, there was that little switch on the gearshift that switched between "normal" and "power" shift modes...

nelledge

iTrader: (6)

Decent? Maybe. However, I said good shape. Something that has been maintained and taken care of properly. It took me 9 months to find my current car. 9 months. Most people don't have that kind of time, patience, and/or determination.

I also vaguely recall how hard it was for you to find a 'beater'.