he lives in Ontario....unless it has been changed recently , I dont think we can get r32's here ....not allowed

 

My $.02 worth. Granted, your Maxima has some things that won't change. But it's a VERY nice car in other respects, otherwise you wouldn't have owned 2 (counting the prior 03 TE). I agree with Rochester's first comment. Just drive the car for the time being! Until your life situation warrants another car. For now I don't think you can beat the price/performance/useability of what you currently own. That said, if you MUST have a MT do a swap, as you said "it'll cost less than a new car", maintain the resale value of the car as an AE, make the 3.0L feel much stronger, and get better mileage in the process.

 

Thoroughly. And I'm 100% settled in on my choice. In fact, I've also decided I'm good with either interior: black leather or stone leather; both are good. My only hard requirement is the color Lakeshore Slate. And the 6MT, of course.

I was seduced by the looks of the Coupe for a long time. But I'm over that now.

If you're looking at the G-Sedan, you know that the 2007 G35 model was the new (current) body style, but the old 3.5VQ engine, right? They didn't introduce the 3.7L in the Sedan until 2009. I bet you there are some 2007-2008 models to be had for a reasonable cost.

 

Isn't castration a prerequisite to buy a Prius?

 

No. The only prerequisite I'm aware of is a fondness for smelling your own farts.

 

Too Funny!!! I don't know how to reply to that. Sometimes I think your sense of humor is as twisted as mine. Not a bad thing, but commendable<IMHO>.

 

Glad you've got that settled! Personally, I like the look of the new G35/G37 sedan body, but I certainly don't love it. Even the coupe isn't great IMO. Now with a nice lip kit, etc, I'm sure it could come together as a very nice looking car, but now we're talking about some more serious coin into a car that I have potentially just spent 13-20k on.

I just got 3 compliments from guys at my new job on the Maxima today (first day). They all thought it was around 2005, 2007, etc. These are domestic guys obviously, they new it was a Maxima but that's all they knew.

That solidifies it's styling, still relevant to be sure. And very clean.

 

If your looking @ spending 15K or so, you'd better take the M off your list. Even the Genesis. You can't do a lot of late model "performance car" shopping with 15K.

 

I know it conflicts with being true to your nature, but you really don't have to reply. Honest.

With a nice lip kit, it could get nominated for MOTM.

Spontaneous external validation is sweet. However, I know you well enough to say I know that you know who's opinion matters. You know?





(That would be mine, btw. And then maybe yours.)

 

Precisely why they were never on my list


Well done sir. i SOOOo want to be MOTM.... oh wait, MOTQ????

You know I know bro! But yes, random compliments on the car are nice. Especially from guys that spend ridiculous amounts on their fair-weather cars, and race cars. Seems I'm in league with a number of gear heads, even more so than when I was working for one of the biggest names in Cascar for quite a few years...... guess it has to do with surplus income, something my old employer didn't allow for (except for himself of course).

 

With surplus income and a little patience, you can expand your list.

 

Subaru. Kind of hard to deny the grunt of an turbo-intercooled, AWD, 6MT 4dr.

The styling sucks IMO, but the car is a little monster.

 

Good suggestion. I even think it would fit Tuner's personality.

 

Not allowed? Deduct 10 cool points for Canada

 

I had an automatic maxima once, and it sucked the life out of the car, so I understand the need for a manual. If you are going to swap your car, definitely look at selling it and buying another one... if you look hard and long, you will come across some good examples that you can swap your parts to. If your current car has absolutely no rust, low km, and is basically better than anything out there, then look at swapping the 5-speed LSD into it. Don't bother with the 3.5L + 6speed swap... too much $$, you are better off selling your car for an 02-03.

If it were me however, and I felt like p!ssing away money, I would be looking to buy an 07+ G35 6-speed sedan.

 

I couldn't add anything! Since your depiction of the typical Prius owner's orientation is SOOO accurate. Outstanding commentary Rochester!

 

Absolutely! Plus the fact that the AE isn't your basic run of the mill Maxima. And that YOURS isn't the basic run of the mill AE, but a perfect example of a cleanly modded AE!

 

I've seen Tuner's car. Touched it, rode in it, and rubbed up against it when he wasn't looking.

You're right on both counts. His AE is a truly great car, by any measure... except for the 3.0 AT. But that's obvious.

 

I definitely wouldn't recommend doing major engine/tranny work with such low miles, it would kill the reliability of the vehicle and probably decrease its value. You would have a hard time selling it after and it might just be a headache for you later on.




One of my buddies has a WRX and despite what some guys on this forum think, its reaaaallly quick, way faster than a Maxima. Drop in a turbo back exhaust and a COBB access port and you're pushing well over 300AWHP. Not to mention its great for the winters.

 

A friend of mine bought an old XT coupe. It's an awkward looking car, and the interior is even worse. Then again, he only paid $600 for it.

 

Those strange things were like $35K brand new back in the late 80's.

Yes on all counts.

I also have a friend who drives a 2008 WRX 6MT, with a turbo-back, COBB tuning, some intercooler mod that I don't understand, etc. It's modded somewhat lightly, and it's disgustingly fast. Kind of scary, actually.

And if you put some snows on it for winter, that AWD Subby would be unstoppable on the white-stuff.

 

What kind of mileage are you getting in your AE? I have no CEL, and I am getting between 22-24mpg, mostly highway driving. I also have an automatic AE.

 

its very miniscule but front 5mm spacers, definately helped the steering radius alot when compared to their size and price.
i find pulling in parking spots and tight turning like that are alot better now from this little mod.

if u think the turning/suspension is still sloppy after the TEINS ... why dont you look into more handling improvements? It should really help. I have a LTB Stage II and its a different car. And SFC's over all seem like the best for comfort

Good Luck with whatever you do. i have no idea but what happened to your 5.5 gen that u picked up?

Also... remember all the work you put into your grille... do u really want to give that up?

 

I'm getting over 20mpg aswell with a 5spd, city highway mix and that's really enjoying the VQ

 

I guess I was hoping better mileage was common....I think I am getting bad gas mileage. I got better than that with my boosted 4th gen (~25mpg), my third gen ~27-28, and my non boosted fourth gen ~29....all of those are 5 speed though. And this car is slower than all of them

I'll stop whoring the thread...I was just wondering what mileage you are getting.

 

+1 for subie. Sold my maxima and bought 1. Not the best for gas mileage but a very fun car that seats four and takes well to mods

 

It is definitely the automatic that is contributing to the poor gas mileage. I had an auto 2000 a few years ago, and it got worse mileage than both my 5spd 4th gen, and my 5spd '01. My 5spd 4th gen consistantly gave great mileage.

 

I couldn't agree more! When I saw the pictures of Tuner's car and that he wanted to sell it. I only wondered WHY would anyone want to part with this gem??? IMO the Stillen body kit is so tasteful, it blows away the Nissan AE sectional add on's, that to me look like an afterthought! There's no doubt the 3.5 6MT is a better power-train, but at the risk of creating an off topic argument (not my intention), I'll defend his car as it is. <IMHO> The 3.0L is a sweet engine, it's gotten more awards for excellence than any other motor I can think of, and any Nissan Tech will concur without hesitation. I've been a clutch & stick-shift guy for many years, obviously the MT is preferable for performance/fun, but in stop & go city traffic a MT can become tiresome. So an AT isn't a totally bad choice for a daily driver, the 4AT isn't a terribly bad tranny, and with mods i.e. SupraStick etc. it can become a serious weapon. Add paddle shifters and you're near the top of the technological curve.

 

Do you remember the Subaru SVX? Again, a strange looking but awesome performing car. It was a technological marvel, AWD with 4 way variable torque split controlled by the ABS/TCS system. 300HP NA H6 3.3L boxer engine coupled to a 6 speed AT with OD/TC lock in all gears. A 5 seat coupe with such good aerodynamic characteristics it was speed limited to 155MPH because, (I'll never forget reading this, I had to put the magazine down and think about it!) Subaru felt it was unsafe to go any faster on wet roads. But those aircraft style 1/2 windows looked so weird. Not a big seller the limited production SVX was dropped after a 1 1/2 year run. If I could find one in good condition I'd be tempted.

 

I love that car; like others have said: I don't care for the styling but that thing just goes. There's a split-second pause and then BAM, AWD FTMFW. Perhaps a few Maxie's could hang, but you'd be hard-pressed to outrun that thing.

 

I've heard that those SVX's were plagued with mechanical problems. One of our former i.t. guys at my old job used to have one. He spent alot of time having to fix it, and he eventually sold it once he got it running right.

 

My 01 SE with 4AT (with working VIAS) is getting on average between 20-22 MPG in mostly stop & go city driving. There's one 5 mile stretch of 50 MPH 2 lane on my daily drive. Is this good, bad or typical?

 

Maybe technological marvel = Mechanical nightmare! Funny thing is the same H6 engine gets rave reviews in the Legacy/Outback.

 

Interesting that this was brought up, considering the Maxima is the car I decided on after selling my 5 speed 2.4L Camry (can you spell grandma?) The 2 cars I finally narrowed my choices down to were a 2002/03 WRX, or a 2002/03 Maxima. Both cars were drastically different, and after test driving plenty of each, my findings were pretty clear: The WRX is fun, with a capital F. It corners much tighter and the steering feel is better than on the Max. Its seats are well bolstered and its wayyyy more boy-racer. Now for the bad though, if you have ever driven an older stock WRX, its like a an old mule until about 3000rpm where all the sudden it becomes a stallion. Kinda disconcerting the first time you hop in, but exhilarating nonetheless. Overall it is a good car though with a huge amount of aftermarket support, but a totally different driving style and set of problems on its own (valve cover gaskets leaking, AC issues, INSURANCE.) Now for the Maxima. I only ever drove one Maxima, my 2002 Merlot SE with a 6 speed, and I loved it. Yes it has a sh*tty turning radius, I noticed that the first time I tried to park it, but it had fun handling characteristics, while not quite as go-cart like as the wrx, it was way more fun than a mushy Camry and satisfied my need for speed. In a straight line, I knew I liked this car more than any older WRX though. I had never owned a car with more cylinders than 4 before, so when I crossed into the higher rpm range and heard that big 3.5 growling under the hood I had to smirk. The 6 speed is a blast too, while clunky compared to my dad's S2000, it got the job done. The Maxima has many more creature comforts than a WRX too, such as automatic seats and a sunroof (a feature I hated the WRX for being so rarely equipped with.) At the end of the day I'm happy with the decision I made, although I'm sure most of you already knew this about your cars. Off of my tangent though, in relation to what the next step should be, I wouldn't be looking in the direction of a TL-S, at least if your speaking of the post-2004 model, that I was sure didn't even come in S form until 2006, in which case it would probably be out of your price range. TL-S' before that were nice cars, but sadly only came in an automatic which I can tell you is BORING, considering I've driven in my friends CL (virtually the same car as the TL) and the automatic makes those engines much more lackluster. That said there is also a huge issue with early Honda automatic transmissions in those cars, so if you were to step in that direction, I'd say go for a late model CL-S with a 6 speed, although that won't be any faster in a straight line than a 5.5 Max 6 speed, and it has 2 less doors...

 

Good point. I am impatient with this car though... For me it's go or stop time right now.

And I'm looking at FI..... ......That's one way to kill the AT once and for all and enable myself into the 5speed

I would already have one if the fuel mileage wasn't so darn terrible. They're amazing cars, but I can't get passed the fuel mileage. This is the same reason I've had to remove the beloved IS300 from my list (a car on my want list for a long time, I cant get over the agressive stance, and RWD, just gorgeous cars).


yeah seems average for the AT. I'm averaging 18-22 MPG, although, that's not 100% Accurate because of conversions in the Canadian Gallon, etc. But within a few MPG.

Fact is, I drive this car hard, I'm hard on cars. The fact that it's automatic is making me drive it harder, manually shifting, etc. So the reliability of this car is going downhill very fast, at least for the tranny. And I cringe for the engine being forced into such sporatic shifts with no warning or smooth clutch engagement.

Anyways.....I need to cool my trigger finger on the SC.... I would much prefer a Turbo but can't do the lack luster reliability and constant tuning nonsense, no time for it. So if I do boost, i think SC is the most realistic.

And I guess that takes me back to the poor fuel economy....... Man I wish we had Low-Sulfur diesel sooner over here!!!!! There would be so many bomb Diesel sedans!!

And John, I saw you rubbing it, it's ok man.

 

I do indeed. How can anyone forget that half-window? It was exotic, very much like the 1986 Toyota Supra. And it was way overpriced... also very much like the Supra.

The late 80's was an awesome time. Worthy cars were just starting to emerge from the crap of the late 70's to early 80's.

 

Automotive technology did improve alot in the 80's. The switch from pellet cats to much better flowing honeycomb cats, and rapidly increasing computer technologies played a big part. The 89 SHO I had was alot of fun to drive. When I look under the hood today at one of those engines, it's hard to imagine that something like that emerged from the 80's.

I found this pic really interesting. A Focus with the SHO V-6

 

I had that exact setup on G, I miss this thing bigg time. 6mt, lakeshor, I had stone interior but I would of prefered black . Tien drop and coupe 19s FTW

Amazing car

 

That's the previous model G35, but model notwithstanding you totally get me and what I want in my next car. The G-Sedan 6MT is a sleeper. It's nondescript in traffic, and yet has a lot of style for someone who can appreciate the finer details.

Yesterday afternoon, I visited my local Infiniti Dealership (again) and got the ball rolling for a spring-time purchase of a certified pre-owned '09-'10 Sedan 6MT in Lakeshore Slate.

Your car was beautiful. Why'd you get rid of it?

 

You'll buy it before Spring. I'm guessing you have it purchased by February.