A little tidbit from the Trib this morning;
Price range is going to be $28k to $34k, up from the current $25-$30 to eliminate overlap with the Altima.

According to Jack Collins of Nissan:
"The Maxima has a very different driving character [than the Altima], a heavier, more solid feel on the road. We expect it will attact an older, more affluent buyer."

If that means it will have better driving characteristics than the Altima, then there is still hope.

 

No, it means you will need to show an AARP card instead of license in order to test drive it!!

 

I suspect you are right. And based on my experience in an altima, I presume "heaver, more solid" translates into less lively.

I am leaning (as of right now) towards the Mazda 6s. Hopefully it wont feel like a Ford.

 

even though it is

 

Mazda 6 Over a VQ 4th, 5th, 6th Gen Maxima ... Man you don't belong here

 

This is the Most Press I have ever seen On a Maxima. Even more then whent he 4th Gen came out in Mid 94. Hate to tell you all but Regardless of How Ugly "WE" think the Maxima is, Nissan is Stepping up in the Industry and people are starting to notice. I think the car looks great for what its worth.

People here Expect $40,000 out of a $25,000 car.

 

I'm going to be getting an AARP card in just under 4 years!



(does that mean I can drive it 20mph below the posted speed limit with the left turn signal on for miles and my seat belt hanging out the door making sparks on the pavement?)

 

Dont get me wrong, I love my car. This is my second Maxima. And I love the engine. But dont be so naive as to think the VQ infallible. (go to the search page, and type in ignition coil problems and starting problems)

Out of six reviews I have read on the Mazda 6, six have raved about it. That can't be said for the Altima or even the G35.

As I said before, I am reserving judgement on the new Maxima until I drive one. But I have driven the Altima. And if the Maxima is anything like it...

At any rate, I think the new Max looks sweet. If it drives as good as it looks, and doesnt extract over $27-$29 for the privelege...

If not, there are better cars and better values out there.

 

I just got off the phone with my friendly neihborhood nissan dealer he informed me that nissan IS planning the release of a AWD Maxima.However it will be a 2005-2006 car based on the Marono's performance. So save your money on the 2004 b/c 2005-6 WILL BE AWD!!! & maybe even a V8......

 

Only if you're wearing those cataract sunglasses that look like a fugitive from a virtual arcade game!

Buzz

 

$34k for a Max? F that, I rather wait to see what Infiniti has in the works.

 

G35 got Motor Trend car of the year.

 

I know, and it is a tremendous amount of car for what you are paying for. Even so, $35 is a little steep for a car that is going to see about 30k miles a year and only last me 2 to 2.5 years. I would rather keep my price under $25 if possible.

And I am still hesitant about going rwd. If the new max rides good and handles reasonably well, and I can pick one up for $25 or less, I am definitely in.

 

Better yet, don't buy a car till the 2010 Maxima comes out...comes standard with your choice of supercharger or NOS!

 

34 for a MAX! Oh, HELL NO! FWD??

I'm really leaning towards an '04 BMW 530, 5-speed now.