I currently have an Isuzu Rodeo that is starting to have many problems. Therefore, I am looking at new cars. My choices are a 2K2 Maxima 6sp, TL type S and maybe a G35. I am leaning towards the Max because of price currently. How does the performance compare to the TL in the real world (tired of Mag specs)? Also, I have never driven a stick as a full time car. Do you think it might be a bad decision? I love driving and drinks will not be permitted in the car. Also, what are people paying in the Plano area for a max with Leather and Bose no NAV?

 

Get the max, i don't know much about the g35. The TL to me is not worth the price. In the real world, the max and the tl are both very close. You sumtimes hear sumone go smoked by a tls, and sumtimes, u hear a max smoke a tls. They are both very similar in performance. Expecially a 6-speed, u should be able to beat a TL, with not much sweat. Stick is a good choice too. Go with the max.....u won't regret it. The g35 should prove to be a good car too.....

 

I am a newbie so be gentle. What is a HLSD?

 

Helical Limited Slip Differential. Transfers power from slipping wheels to gripping wheels to improve traction on slippery/gravelly roads and such.

 

In real world situations lets see, 2M0A0X2 hit on the nose!

 

My opinion is that if you're in the market for an automatic and have some time...wait for the G35. It is a nice car with the same or more power than a Maxima and more elegant, Infiniti appointments.

 

Ditto

 

Yeah, like 5 hp more? woo hoo, dont break your kneck... ha ha. The G35 looks like it will be all good, but the problem is you have to "wait". I hate waiting, I am an impulsive buyer. Good luck on the car hunt.

 

Maximamaybe...you a Plano boy? I grew up there. Nothing but subdivisions and shoppin' malls. Sub-urbia, baby.

Anyway, you said that you were wondering about a Max, with Bose, 6-speed, leather? That's my car (except the leather)-and after a.) having it for 90 days and b.) going to the auto show and really sitting in cars like a TL-S, I35 and IS300 I can say one thing.

I'm reeeeally glad I've got my Max.

If you're concerned about having a stick as a daily driver, ask yourself about your commute. If you live in Plano and work downtown, spending an hour on the tollway each way (not kidding, folks!) then you might want an automagick for sanity's sake. But, if you're like me, and have a fifteen-minute commute on surface streets, I'd reccommend the manual.

It's kind of neat to lope along Mockingbird in sixth gear and with a quick flick of the wrist into fourth and goose of the throttle, shut down the punk in the blue Civic Si next to ya.

As for the leather-I'd get it if I was going to buy a Max again. I really like my cloth (really!) but I had leather in my Miata and kind of miss it.

The Bose system is pretty good for a stock unit. The interface on the head unit is pretty intutive-and ya gotta love the steering whell buttons for the stereo.

And, just a personal observation...but down here in Dallas, all of the TLs I see are driven by wimmen who are either ad execs or SMU undergrads ("Thankx, daddee!"). Don't get me wrong, I like 'em-but I'd rather have the Max.

Performance? Just read the threads around. The only real solid race I've done is coming home from Frisco on the Tollway late at night. A 944 with what appeared to be an oil drum for an exhaust tip pulled up and wanted to play. He pretty much hung with me (kinda) 'till 100. Then it was like clubbin' a baby seal.

Anyway.I've no idea on price in Plano, but Bankston Nissan in Irving gave me mine for list.

Good luck!

 

Get the 6speed.

 

I'm in the same boat. Got a call from Nissan last night...lease is up in two months and I need to get it pre-inspected (free service). I have nothing but good things to say about my 99SEL.
I considered the G35 but since I haven't seen one yet and probably won't get a good deal on one, I'm going with the Max. Now I have to decided on auto vs. 6-speed. I have reservations with the 6-speed but if it's worth 5tenths in the 1/4 then it might be justified in my book. I though, if I got a used M3 or similar car, I'd get a stick. So why wouldn't I consider it with the Max? I don't know. Maybe if I decided to buy it out after three years, could I live with a stick? I don't know.

 

I went with the stick. We have serious traffic issues here, but I can deal with that, because it pays off when you are not driving in heavy traffic. I love cruising in sixth gear at 80 and the engine is sleeping. I would definitely get the LSD and really be carefull with the 500 Mile break-in on the clutch. It really needs to be broken in right, or it will squeek at you like mine is. (taking it in next week). Good luck on the shopping guys.

 

The TL-S is a very hot car, inside and out, but there is no car out there that has a nicer interior then a 5th gen Maxima. Espeically w/ black leather and chrome all around. Sceondly, for the price on the TL-it is too high, and it is smaller then the Maxima on the indside. I am like others, and would not be able to wait for the G35, also, seen pics of it and i do not like the interior or the rear. Get the Max, get some mods (stay here long enough and get ALOT of mods )and save some cash.

 

Real world, IMHO the Max feels faster than the TL-S, however the TL-S does handle better than the Max.

Watch out for the TL-S transmission troubles..., and Max paint quality or lack there of i.e. paint chips, so far none for me


For info on the G35/SKYLINE goto:
[URL=http://www.nissan.co.jp/SKYLINE/V35/0201/DATA/PRESEN/index.html]

 

2k2 Maxima's beat the TL-S.

TL-S autos run low-15's stock (real world times, not mags)
2k2 Maxima autos here have run high-14's stock (real world again)
2k2 Maxima 6spds here have run low-14's stock (real world yet again)

Compared to the TL-S, the Maxima has only 5 less HP, but 14 lb-ft more torque, and 300 lb less weight. The HP difference is negligible, but the extra torque and the significantly lighter weight gives the Maxima a big advantage.

If speed is what you're most after then the Maxima is an unbeatable deal. However, the TL-S is certainly no slouch either while also having a more elegant design/interior, and worlds better "red carpet" customer support and service compared to what you get with Nissan which is the "run around" and being treated like shia sometimes.

Both are great cars

 

Thanks for the good replies. Sorry I haven't been able to respond before now. Work has been crazy. I think I have narrowed my choice down to the Maxima. Alot is because of the value per dollar. Now I have got to find a dealer that is willing to deal. Any good dealers in the Plano/Dallas TX area? How much am I looking at for a 2k2 6sp with leather and Bose? Is the Bose worth the extra $$$? I would like to add an aftermarket sub and amp later anyway.

Thanks

Nathan

 

good choice on the 2k2 6sp.....the bose is not worth it, especially the sub. i eventually ended up getting 2 12" subs and an amp to drive'm....enjoy your new future ride and don't forget to mod.....

 

Well, I test drove a Silver Mist 2k2 Max 6sp this weekend and all I can say is DAMN. The thing is quick, beautiful(The rear is kinda growing on me) and just an all around nice car. Told the guy I was ready to deal depending on what they would give me for my Rodeo. Well, the offered me around $2000 less than I wanted so I guess I have to sell it myself. That will be OK anyway because then I can hold their ***** to the wall for the best deal possible.

Has anyone just bought a Max with the cloth interior then had aftermarket leather put in? How did it turn out?

Thanks;

Nathan

 

I live in Plano and just bought a new Max one month ago today. I bought it from Bankston, and they were very willing to work with me. My salesman's name was TJ. I got a new 6 speed, leather, sunroof, Bose, floormats, and wind deflector (msrp $29.5K) for $26.7. They gave it to me for $250 below invoice. As far as my trade in goes, I had a 97 GLE with 90K miles on it, and the blue book on it was about $8300. I demanded $8500 for my car and was given that. Give Bankston a shot, then try Courtesy.

 

The dealer I spoke with was Courtesy. They said that the would not cange the price of the trade at all. They wouldn't even haggle. Kinda suprised me, but maybe they lost a sale. Might check with Bankston this afternoon. Ho Patrol, do you have a name I can give to the salesman so that he would remember you? I doubt that he would give me a good deal if I said Ho Patrol recommended me.

Thanks

 

You could also still consider acura in the sense that they have better service if any goes wrong with the car, and around here... my dealer offers free oil changes for life.

Buying a nissan ... could leave to bad service dept. disagreements in the future as many maxima owners already know.