exilefromhell

I can not decide. Please help.

The 6-speed would have to be located...and is even harder to find configured the way I want it. Plus, they have exactly what I want right now, but its an auto. Did I mention that it would cost more to locate it and have it transported.

My driving consists of 5 miles to work typically with little to no curves. Cut me some slack, it's Florida. I haven't owned a manual before unless you count the motorcycle. My wife is against the manual, but I know she would learn eventually. And I think...errr I know that It won't bother me that she's mad, because she's always mad.
Maybe three times a year I will tow my bike 500 miles. There really isn't a lot of traffic at all around these parts.

Tell me what you did and wether you regret it or still think you made the best choice.

I know that which ever I get, I will still enjoy it, but... ftp://www.nissanartwork.com/0103Maxima/NOMT9094.MOV

mattattax

you won't regret getting the manual once you learn how to use it unless you sit in traffic a lot (doesn't look like you do), and even then some people would rather have the manual for the few times they do get open road--you're the only one here who knows your driving habits and the types of streets you drive on and how important the other options are for you so only you can decide, I'll vote manual but it should mean nothing to you good luck deciding

noflash

Cost more to transport? Sounds like dealer BS to me. Go 6-speed. Tell the dealer what you want and they'll find it. Tell them you not paying no stinking transport fee!

Colonel

I have a 5-spd and have been driving a manual since I have been 13. I had 1 (count it 1) auto in between and hated it so much I ran shrieking back to a manual.

I am weird and actually prefer a clutch to an auto in stop and go freeway traffic. I HATE riding the brakes...drives me bonkers. Plus I like the added control on hills and inclement weather. I decide what the car is going to do...not the car.

Sounds like more money to get a stick. And since you have not had one you don't really know what you could/could not be missing. Resale value on a stick seems to be less as more people can drive a auto and used lots can sell easier.

End thought: follow your heart...you have to drive the car..not us.

Blackgums100

most would say manual, but provided the info you have given: never driven manual, wife, etc.... it's hard to say. As far as tough to find, good things come to those who wait, I know some org members that didn't wait and regret it. How aggressive are you? the manual is definately faster, but the 2K2 auto seem to have closed the gap some. Either way the 2K2 is a great ride, congrats.

exilefromhell

well, as I understand it, delivery of a car is included in the price, but if they have to have it redelivered from another dealer (because they don't have it in stock and it was delivered somewhere else already), it will cost me some money...free under 200 miles but $.25 a mile after.

DrVolkl

Let me show you something::::

My first car: Fiero - 4spd

85 Stang GT 5spd
88 Pathfinder 5spd
87 Bronco II 5spd
96 Stang GT 5spd
92 Explorer AUTO
98 Wrangler Sport 5spd
98 Integra GSR 5spd
01 Explorer Sport AUTO
02 NISSAN MAXIMA 6spd

Alright, so most of my cars have been manual, including my FIRST car when I was 16. If I can learn how to drive a FIERO (which by the way has the worst gear box EVER), you can learn the MAX. The only cars I wished were AUTO's were the Pathfinder and the Jeep. Why? Cause trucks are much more fun to drive as AUTOS! There's no reason to have a manual truck..it sucks, cause you have to shift at 10mph incriments. (exagg) If my maxima was AUTO, I'd loose about 50% of my interest in it. Have the 6-spd has been the best thing to happen to my car hx in a LONG time. Buy the 6-spd, and ENJOY! The car is a BEAUTY! Oh, and if you haven't learned by now, DON'T LISTEN TO YOUR WIFE when it comes to CAR ISSUES!!!!

exilefromhell

I've driven a manual before and love it (four different cars)! I've never owned a manual before however.

DrVolkl

An auto maxima would really make it feel like a SEDAN (in my opinion). If you want it to feel more like a sports car, get the 6spd. Oh, and you should see people's faces when I tell them I have a 6spd! Everyone is like "Woah! When the hell do you shift it into 6th gear?" And I always say, "oh, around 120..") Girls love it to. You have to remember, the GENERAL public has NO IDEA that a max can have a 6spd tranny. It blows the average joe's mind. It really is fun.

Blackgums100

I thought you had never driven a manual before.

The dealer has a point, it is true that they do have to compensate the other dealership in some way. But DO NOT let them get you for more than about $200 more for this. Like others have said if they can't make you happy another dealership can.

HulaMAX

iTrader: (1)

I have a 2k Auto and I've had a 5-speed before that. I mainly chose the auto because I have a daily commute from 20-40 miles a day in California traffic (it's bad). My driving style is a bit more than your average joe, so I'm constantly turning off the O/D and occasionally hitting 2 for more passing power. Since the 2K didn't have the 6-speed option, I opted for the auto. NOW if the 2K had the 6-speed option, hands down I would've chose the 6-speed in a heart beat!

Highlander

Sounds like a crock to me, they just want to sell the stupid auto and are too lazy to try to satisfy the customer. We had to have the Honda dealer go a few hundred miles to get my wife's Accord - no whining about distance. TELL THEM TO GET YOU THAT ^*&(*^&*^*& 6-SPEED!!!! (or go to a dealer that will!!!)

maximamaybe

I had the same delima. Never driven a standard and the wife kept saying that I will regret it. Well 2000 mikes and 2 months later, I am still smiling. I think I love the car more because of it. It helps keep me interested and not just in a daze while driving. Best of luck in your decision and go with what you really want or you will regret it later and say "Damn I should have got the stick."

Nathan

Golden

6 speed

But then, I don't have to drive in traffic ever (I work out of my house). I've spent the last 3 years in an automatic and I doubt I'll ever buy one again.

Weird that they have to find you a 6spd. I bought mine less than a week ago. I looked at every single Max SE on the lot. There were about 75 SE's in stock and only 2 were autos.

Hobert

My drive to work is also about 5 miles, well 6-7, in Florida. I got the 6-speed and now I wish my drive to work was 3 times as long.

Good Luck with your decision.

Blackgums100

Probably not a crock. having manuals on the lot and having the exact manual he wants, color, options, etc... is a different story. I am sure if you are patient they can get you what you want, but if you want it now and they have to locate it at a different dealership they will have to compensate that dealership. In the case of your Accord they made it up somehow on your price.

Hobert

Thats crazy. In the entire South Florida area there were a total of 4 manuals on the lots of 4 dealers of whose inverntory I checked. When I went for a test drive(before checking inventories), I went to a dealer who had 40 SE's or so, not one manual. Dealers don't carry many because the auto is the same price. Most people will take the auto for the same price.

[maxi-overdose]

iTrader: (3)

depends on where u live...NYC, LA, SF....I would get an auto if i have to use it everyday.

Lumbee799

I think you should get an Automagic. With an auto you can do more things while driving like talking on your cell phone, eating food, checking out local scenary, cleaning stuff underneath your finger nails, reading a book,and playing solitaire on your laptop (if you have one) because you will be SO BORED!!!

With an Automagic you only steer, with a 6 speed you are driving.

exilefromhell

Ok. I will hold out for a 6! The majority can't all be wrong!

Golden

I agree, it's very weird. I looked at the Max for the last 6 weeks before buying one and I went to 4 diff Nissan dealers to drive it. Every single one had an abundance of 6spds. So if you want a 6spd, take a road trip to Phoenix.

F23A4

Bottomline: what will your wife complain about the least? She may learn to drive a manual but if she's apt to complain about it later, it's just not worth it. (speaking from experience)

kevc5

Don't make up your mind until you drive the 6spd. I have one and the car is great-except for the gearbox.. This transmission is so sloppy and imprecise that I feel like selling the car. I changed the fluid to redline and it helps a little but it still has a crappy feel. Oh well maybe it's just me.
Good luck!

exilefromhell

I wish they had one for me to test drive..... I ended up getting a SE w/Auto loaded except navi.. Sterling mist/frost leather. Kinda wish I would have got a stick, cuz I know it would be a blast (if the stick was decent) but I decided I will save the stick for the second car (my car) and it will now have to be a better combo then this was (all out sports car). Can you say 96 300ZX TT

I'm really happy though. At least it's a max!

transportchef

iTrader: (2)

since they are out now i would say get a 6sp. my car was stolen(97se auto)and the only thing out were the 2k2 autos no 6sp for another 1-2months. and with claim being settled couldnt afford to wait for them. so auto is what i have . on the brighter side its just as much fun as the 94z28 we owned also