4 Test Drives and a 12 hour day
03-19-2003, 10:12 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 50
4 Test Drives and a 12 hour day
The quest for a new sedan
After relinquishing my beautiful Black 2k2 6-Speed to the wife (things happen when you get married), it was time to start looking for a "replacement" for a car that I spent a good week buying not just a year ago. Finding a car to take its place was going to be another tough decision. After some research and a few online price comparisons, I decided I would go and look at both the 2004 Max and a 2003.5 G35 Sedan.
The cars
2004 Maxima: Liquid Silver SE, 6-Speed, 18's, Driver Preferred package w/ black leather, HID's, HLSD, and a few other options= List 32,280
2003.5 G35 Brillian Silver, 6-MT, Full Sport Package, Winter Package, Black Leather, Bose, Sunroof, Heated Seats, HID's, LSD = List 32,065
The Drive(s)
Max: First of all I have to say that, other than the now infamous grill, I really like the exterior of the car. Now, the interior gives me mixed feelings. 3 main "complaints"... 1) The instrumentation panel reminds me of the altima I decided against in 2002. 2) Does this car feel HUGE to anyone? With the driver side seat all the way back there was STILL room for me to sit in the back seat(im 6'2") comfortably. This is a good thing for passangers but gives me a terrible feeling while driving that the car is MUCH bigger than it actually is... noticably larger than my 2k2. 3) The materials used just didn't seem the same quality as my 2k2... I mean the leather was nice, but certain things about it just seems more "flimsy." Other than those things, I enjoy the overall new design layout and love the center control column and improved seat design. Now on to the drive... power = YES! But not any more than the 2k2. The clutch in the 2004 was definitely an improvement but still catches way to high with it's loooong throw. Steering / handling is slightly improved yet it feels as though the added weight and size provided for more body roll than the 2k2 model. The transmission feels nice and smooth, similar to the 2k2 but nothing like the G35. Overall a great ride.
G35: The exterior on this car is just plain beautiful. The sleek lines, high front fender, and 5 spoke 17's are fantastic. The interior has a sleek and refined look to it. The leather is very plush yet supporting and the constant orange glow from the instument panel finishes off a very euro looking dash. Some complaints: The sport package adds a "titanium" dash kit which looks just so-so. Room in the back seat is greatly dependant on how far back the driver sits. It is definitely designed to sit 4 and not 5. On to the drive... on the first shift i was amazed at the short throw shift and clutch setup...very nice. This car defines "sport sedan" in many ways with IMPRESSIVE acceleration... more so than the max, and a very tight ride with superb handling. The suspension is very stiff in comparison to both the 2k4 and 2k2 max which is great for handling yet generally degrades the over all comfort of the ride. All in all a totally different ride than the 2004 with the main difference being with the G, I forgot that it actually had a back seat while driving!
The Price
After hours of haggling at both dealerships, here are the final prices I was offered:
Max: 30,550
G53: 29,980
A difference of $570. Given, the Max is a brand new model with maybe slightly more features... I still couldn't believe that a G35 was actually less than the maxima.
Well I guess you all know what my decison was:
There she is... with a nice 4 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty to go with it, not to mention the free year of service and lifetime roadside assistance.
I hope this doesn't throw a wrench into anyone buying a new 2004
Aux
After relinquishing my beautiful Black 2k2 6-Speed to the wife (things happen when you get married), it was time to start looking for a "replacement" for a car that I spent a good week buying not just a year ago. Finding a car to take its place was going to be another tough decision. After some research and a few online price comparisons, I decided I would go and look at both the 2004 Max and a 2003.5 G35 Sedan.
The cars
2004 Maxima: Liquid Silver SE, 6-Speed, 18's, Driver Preferred package w/ black leather, HID's, HLSD, and a few other options= List 32,280
2003.5 G35 Brillian Silver, 6-MT, Full Sport Package, Winter Package, Black Leather, Bose, Sunroof, Heated Seats, HID's, LSD = List 32,065
The Drive(s)
Max: First of all I have to say that, other than the now infamous grill, I really like the exterior of the car. Now, the interior gives me mixed feelings. 3 main "complaints"... 1) The instrumentation panel reminds me of the altima I decided against in 2002. 2) Does this car feel HUGE to anyone? With the driver side seat all the way back there was STILL room for me to sit in the back seat(im 6'2") comfortably. This is a good thing for passangers but gives me a terrible feeling while driving that the car is MUCH bigger than it actually is... noticably larger than my 2k2. 3) The materials used just didn't seem the same quality as my 2k2... I mean the leather was nice, but certain things about it just seems more "flimsy." Other than those things, I enjoy the overall new design layout and love the center control column and improved seat design. Now on to the drive... power = YES! But not any more than the 2k2. The clutch in the 2004 was definitely an improvement but still catches way to high with it's loooong throw. Steering / handling is slightly improved yet it feels as though the added weight and size provided for more body roll than the 2k2 model. The transmission feels nice and smooth, similar to the 2k2 but nothing like the G35. Overall a great ride.
G35: The exterior on this car is just plain beautiful. The sleek lines, high front fender, and 5 spoke 17's are fantastic. The interior has a sleek and refined look to it. The leather is very plush yet supporting and the constant orange glow from the instument panel finishes off a very euro looking dash. Some complaints: The sport package adds a "titanium" dash kit which looks just so-so. Room in the back seat is greatly dependant on how far back the driver sits. It is definitely designed to sit 4 and not 5. On to the drive... on the first shift i was amazed at the short throw shift and clutch setup...very nice. This car defines "sport sedan" in many ways with IMPRESSIVE acceleration... more so than the max, and a very tight ride with superb handling. The suspension is very stiff in comparison to both the 2k4 and 2k2 max which is great for handling yet generally degrades the over all comfort of the ride. All in all a totally different ride than the 2004 with the main difference being with the G, I forgot that it actually had a back seat while driving!
The Price
After hours of haggling at both dealerships, here are the final prices I was offered:
Max: 30,550
G53: 29,980
A difference of $570. Given, the Max is a brand new model with maybe slightly more features... I still couldn't believe that a G35 was actually less than the maxima.
Well I guess you all know what my decison was:
There she is... with a nice 4 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty to go with it, not to mention the free year of service and lifetime roadside assistance.
I hope this doesn't throw a wrench into anyone buying a new 2004
Aux
03-19-2003, 10:18 AM
#2
Dyno plot says I have the most area under the Administrator curve
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,060
Congrats and great choice. I would have done the same. 
Even though I'd prefer to get a Maxima over a G35, that's dependent on getting a significant discount on the Maxima vs the G35. If there's little to no difference, I'd get the G35.
Even though I'd prefer to get a Maxima over a G35, that's dependent on getting a significant discount on the Maxima vs the G35. If there's little to no difference, I'd get the G35.
03-19-2003, 04:38 PM
#5
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
Posts: 3,751
Re: 4 Test Drives and a 12 hour day
Originally posted by AuxNuke
The quest for a new sedan
After relinquishing my beautiful Black 2k2 6-Speed to the wife (things happen when you get married), it was time to start looking for a "replacement" for a car that I spent a good week buying not just a year ago. Finding a car to take its place was going to be another tough decision. After some research and a few online price comparisons, I decided I would go and look at both the 2004 Max and a 2003.5 G35 Sedan.
The cars
2004 Maxima: Liquid Silver SE, 6-Speed, 18's, Driver Preferred package w/ black leather, HID's, HLSD, and a few other options= List 32,280
2003.5 G35 Brillian Silver, 6-MT, Full Sport Package, Winter Package, Black Leather, Bose, Sunroof, Heated Seats, HID's, LSD = List 32,065
The Drive(s)
Max: First of all I have to say that, other than the now infamous grill, I really like the exterior of the car. Now, the interior gives me mixed feelings. 3 main "complaints"... 1) The instrumentation panel reminds me of the altima I decided against in 2002. 2) Does this car feel HUGE to anyone? With the driver side seat all the way back there was STILL room for me to sit in the back seat(im 6'2") comfortably. This is a good thing for passangers but gives me a terrible feeling while driving that the car is MUCH bigger than it actually is... noticably larger than my 2k2. 3) The materials used just didn't seem the same quality as my 2k2... I mean the leather was nice, but certain things about it just seems more "flimsy." Other than those things, I enjoy the overall new design layout and love the center control column and improved seat design. Now on to the drive... power = YES! But not any more than the 2k2. The clutch in the 2004 was definitely an improvement but still catches way to high with it's loooong throw. Steering / handling is slightly improved yet it feels as though the added weight and size provided for more body roll than the 2k2 model. The transmission feels nice and smooth, similar to the 2k2 but nothing like the G35. Overall a great ride.
G35: The exterior on this car is just plain beautiful. The sleek lines, high front fender, and 5 spoke 17's are fantastic. The interior has a sleek and refined look to it. The leather is very plush yet supporting and the constant orange glow from the instument panel finishes off a very euro looking dash. Some complaints: The sport package adds a "titanium" dash kit which looks just so-so. Room in the back seat is greatly dependant on how far back the driver sits. It is definitely designed to sit 4 and not 5. On to the drive... on the first shift i was amazed at the short throw shift and clutch setup...very nice. This car defines "sport sedan" in many ways with IMPRESSIVE acceleration... more so than the max, and a very tight ride with superb handling. The suspension is very stiff in comparison to both the 2k4 and 2k2 max which is great for handling yet generally degrades the over all comfort of the ride. All in all a totally different ride than the 2004 with the main difference being with the G, I forgot that it actually had a back seat while driving!
The Price
After hours of haggling at both dealerships, here are the final prices I was offered:
Max: 30,550
G53: 29,980
A difference of $570. Given, the Max is a brand new model with maybe slightly more features... I still couldn't believe that a G35 was actually less than the maxima.
Well I guess you all know what my decison was:
There she is... with a nice 4 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty to go with it, not to mention the free year of service and lifetime roadside assistance.
I hope this doesn't throw a wrench into anyone buying a new 2004
Aux
The quest for a new sedan
After relinquishing my beautiful Black 2k2 6-Speed to the wife (things happen when you get married), it was time to start looking for a "replacement" for a car that I spent a good week buying not just a year ago. Finding a car to take its place was going to be another tough decision. After some research and a few online price comparisons, I decided I would go and look at both the 2004 Max and a 2003.5 G35 Sedan.
The cars
2004 Maxima: Liquid Silver SE, 6-Speed, 18's, Driver Preferred package w/ black leather, HID's, HLSD, and a few other options= List 32,280
2003.5 G35 Brillian Silver, 6-MT, Full Sport Package, Winter Package, Black Leather, Bose, Sunroof, Heated Seats, HID's, LSD = List 32,065
The Drive(s)
Max: First of all I have to say that, other than the now infamous grill, I really like the exterior of the car. Now, the interior gives me mixed feelings. 3 main "complaints"... 1) The instrumentation panel reminds me of the altima I decided against in 2002. 2) Does this car feel HUGE to anyone? With the driver side seat all the way back there was STILL room for me to sit in the back seat(im 6'2") comfortably. This is a good thing for passangers but gives me a terrible feeling while driving that the car is MUCH bigger than it actually is... noticably larger than my 2k2. 3) The materials used just didn't seem the same quality as my 2k2... I mean the leather was nice, but certain things about it just seems more "flimsy." Other than those things, I enjoy the overall new design layout and love the center control column and improved seat design. Now on to the drive... power = YES! But not any more than the 2k2. The clutch in the 2004 was definitely an improvement but still catches way to high with it's loooong throw. Steering / handling is slightly improved yet it feels as though the added weight and size provided for more body roll than the 2k2 model. The transmission feels nice and smooth, similar to the 2k2 but nothing like the G35. Overall a great ride.
G35: The exterior on this car is just plain beautiful. The sleek lines, high front fender, and 5 spoke 17's are fantastic. The interior has a sleek and refined look to it. The leather is very plush yet supporting and the constant orange glow from the instument panel finishes off a very euro looking dash. Some complaints: The sport package adds a "titanium" dash kit which looks just so-so. Room in the back seat is greatly dependant on how far back the driver sits. It is definitely designed to sit 4 and not 5. On to the drive... on the first shift i was amazed at the short throw shift and clutch setup...very nice. This car defines "sport sedan" in many ways with IMPRESSIVE acceleration... more so than the max, and a very tight ride with superb handling. The suspension is very stiff in comparison to both the 2k4 and 2k2 max which is great for handling yet generally degrades the over all comfort of the ride. All in all a totally different ride than the 2004 with the main difference being with the G, I forgot that it actually had a back seat while driving!
The Price
After hours of haggling at both dealerships, here are the final prices I was offered:
Max: 30,550
G53: 29,980
A difference of $570. Given, the Max is a brand new model with maybe slightly more features... I still couldn't believe that a G35 was actually less than the maxima.
Well I guess you all know what my decison was:
There she is... with a nice 4 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty to go with it, not to mention the free year of service and lifetime roadside assistance.
I hope this doesn't throw a wrench into anyone buying a new 2004
Aux
03-20-2003, 03:26 PM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
not that this has anything to do with 6th Generation Maxima's, (but it does have to do with the G35)
I looked at a G35 automatic---no 6speed at the time, a 330i and a used 1998 M3 before I settled on my 2003 Maxima 6 speed.
It had to do with a space/fun to drive compormise.
but if they had a 6 speed G35, the fun to drive would have been a little stronger with the G35...then I would have probably gone with the G35.
the main reason I didn't get the G35 (besides AT) was it's size. My wife immediatly said "it's too small" when she got in for the test drive...she was used to my 1998 Maxima, and her 2001 Pathfinder....
good choice though...
-vq
I looked at a G35 automatic---no 6speed at the time, a 330i and a used 1998 M3 before I settled on my 2003 Maxima 6 speed.
It had to do with a space/fun to drive compormise.
but if they had a 6 speed G35, the fun to drive would have been a little stronger with the G35...then I would have probably gone with the G35.
the main reason I didn't get the G35 (besides AT) was it's size. My wife immediatly said "it's too small" when she got in for the test drive...she was used to my 1998 Maxima, and her 2001 Pathfinder....
good choice though...
-vq
03-21-2003, 05:57 AM
#11
Yeah, ummmm, Skyline V35 vs the 04 Maxima? If you have a family you will want the Maxima but if you like to drive and like to have good Dealer Service experiences, the G35 sedan (a.k.a. Skyline V35) is the way to go. I'm BANKING on the G35c by August. I already bought V35.com and I will at least have a front page up soon. Not many people know that the G35 is actually the Skyline in Japan, just not the GTR.
The GTR is coming soon tho
The GTR is coming soon tho
03-21-2003, 07:49 AM
#12
Re: Re: 4 Test Drives and a 12 hour day
Originally posted by MONTE 01&97 SE
Congrats great choice I would have chosen the G35 over the 04 Max anyday. you are sort of similiar to us with two VQ35 in the house my 03 Max and my wifes 350Z, enjoy
Congrats great choice I would have chosen the G35 over the 04 Max anyday. you are sort of similiar to us with two VQ35 in the house my 03 Max and my wifes 350Z, enjoy
03-21-2003, 08:45 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 427
Re: 4 Test Drives and a 12 hour day
Originally posted by AuxNuke
The quest for a new sedan
After relinquishing my beautiful Black 2k2 6-Speed to the wife (things happen when you get married), it was time to start looking for a "replacement" for a car that I spent a good week buying not just a year ago. Finding a car to take its place was going to be another tough decision. After some research and a few online price comparisons, I decided I would go and look at both the 2004 Max and a 2003.5 G35 Sedan.
Aux
The quest for a new sedan
After relinquishing my beautiful Black 2k2 6-Speed to the wife (things happen when you get married), it was time to start looking for a "replacement" for a car that I spent a good week buying not just a year ago. Finding a car to take its place was going to be another tough decision. After some research and a few online price comparisons, I decided I would go and look at both the 2004 Max and a 2003.5 G35 Sedan.
Aux
03-21-2003, 12:07 PM
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 50
Thanx for all the replies!
So far I am very happy with the G35. It's a beautiful car and, for the money, I think I got a great deal. The difference over the 2k2 Max is just unbelieveable... especially the handling and the sport transmission.
Happy driving all and, for those who wanna know, its hard keeping the keys out of the wife's hands
Aux
So far I am very happy with the G35. It's a beautiful car and, for the money, I think I got a great deal. The difference over the 2k2 Max is just unbelieveable... especially the handling and the sport transmission.
Happy driving all and, for those who wanna know, its hard keeping the keys out of the wife's hands
Aux
03-21-2003, 12:58 PM
#15
Originally posted by AuxNuke
Thanx for all the replies!
So far I am very happy with the G35. It's a beautiful car and, for the money, I think I got a great deal. The difference over the 2k2 Max is just unbelieveable... especially the handling and the sport transmission.
Happy driving all and, for those who wanna know, its hard keeping the keys out of the wife's hands
Aux
Thanx for all the replies!
So far I am very happy with the G35. It's a beautiful car and, for the money, I think I got a great deal. The difference over the 2k2 Max is just unbelieveable... especially the handling and the sport transmission.
Happy driving all and, for those who wanna know, its hard keeping the keys out of the wife's hands
Aux
03-21-2003, 02:21 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 686
Was there any real decision?
I just came from the local Nissan dealership where they have two '04 Maximas in their showroom. The thing is huge! Its as ugly in person as it is in pictures. There is no longer anything sporty about the Maxima. The interior has the Toyota Avalon, way pass forty feel, except for the, who thought the motorcycle gauges was a good idea, instrumentation which sticks out like a sore thumb.
Pass on the test drive and hopped into the 350Z. All I can say is WOW! That thing is unbelievable!
I just came from the local Nissan dealership where they have two '04 Maximas in their showroom. The thing is huge! Its as ugly in person as it is in pictures. There is no longer anything sporty about the Maxima. The interior has the Toyota Avalon, way pass forty feel, except for the, who thought the motorcycle gauges was a good idea, instrumentation which sticks out like a sore thumb.
Pass on the test drive and hopped into the 350Z. All I can say is WOW! That thing is unbelievable!
03-21-2003, 02:42 PM
#17
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
Posts: 3,751
Re: Re: Re: 4 Test Drives and a 12 hour day
Originally posted by SprintMax
dood you are like Russ.. instead you buy 2 new cars every year
dood you are like Russ.. instead you buy 2 new cars every year
03-21-2003, 03:42 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 549
Re: Re: Re: Re: 4 Test Drives and a 12 hour day
what is this big deal with Russ? i keep hearin' 'bout him but have no idea who the **** he is
Originally posted by MONTE 01&97 SE
Nope Im not like him bud, My 01 was totalled early last year and My wife had a 97 SE so we had one car for a while. In January she sold her 97 after 5 years and got her 350Z and I got my 03 Max on the same day, so I am nothing like Russ!
Nope Im not like him bud, My 01 was totalled early last year and My wife had a 97 SE so we had one car for a while. In January she sold her 97 after 5 years and got her 350Z and I got my 03 Max on the same day, so I am nothing like Russ!
03-24-2003, 05:37 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,720
Great choice Aux!!
Originally posted by max...to the ma
what is this big deal with Russ? i keep hearin' 'bout him but have no idea who the **** he is
what is this big deal with Russ? i keep hearin' 'bout him but have no idea who the **** he is
03-24-2003, 06:40 AM
#20
Dyno plot says I have the most area under the Administrator curve
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,060
No cracks on Russ. He's sorta realized the errors of his ways and is trying to improve, so we're giving him the opportunity to do so and regain the respect of this community.
max...to the ma - you would have needed to have been here around late 2001 to have the full perspective about who Russ is. You just registered recently, so don't worry about it. He's quite a character, though.
max...to the ma - you would have needed to have been here around late 2001 to have the full perspective about who Russ is. You just registered recently, so don't worry about it. He's quite a character, though.
03-24-2003, 02:48 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 221
Originally posted by SteVTEC
max...to the ma - you would have needed to have been here around late 2001 to have the full perspective about who Russ is. You just registered recently, so don't worry about it. He's quite a character, though.
max...to the ma - you would have needed to have been here around late 2001 to have the full perspective about who Russ is. You just registered recently, so don't worry about it. He's quite a character, though.
Understatement of the decade!!!
(Wonder if Russ saw the Motor Trend comparison test between the '04 Maxima and the A4 1.8T?)
03-27-2003, 02:33 PM
#23
Originally posted by AuxNuke
Thanx for all the replies!
So far I am very happy with the G35. It's a beautiful car and, for the money, I think I got a great deal. The difference over the 2k2 Max is just unbelieveable... especially the handling and the sport transmission.
Happy driving all and, for those who wanna know, its hard keeping the keys out of the wife's hands
Aux
Thanx for all the replies!
So far I am very happy with the G35. It's a beautiful car and, for the money, I think I got a great deal. The difference over the 2k2 Max is just unbelieveable... especially the handling and the sport transmission.
Happy driving all and, for those who wanna know, its hard keeping the keys out of the wife's hands
Aux
03-27-2003, 07:48 PM
#24
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 138
Originally posted by Big_Ham
Yeah, ummmm, Skyline V35 vs the 04 Maxima? If you have a family you will want the Maxima but if you like to drive and like to have good Dealer Service experiences, the G35 sedan (a.k.a. Skyline V35) is the way to go. I'm BANKING on the G35c by August. I already bought V35.com and I will at least have a front page up soon. Not many people know that the G35 is actually the Skyline in Japan, just not the GTR.
The GTR is coming soon tho
Yeah, ummmm, Skyline V35 vs the 04 Maxima? If you have a family you will want the Maxima but if you like to drive and like to have good Dealer Service experiences, the G35 sedan (a.k.a. Skyline V35) is the way to go. I'm BANKING on the G35c by August. I already bought V35.com and I will at least have a front page up soon. Not many people know that the G35 is actually the Skyline in Japan, just not the GTR.
The GTR is coming soon tho
03-27-2003, 08:44 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 535
I think the G35 Sedan looks like an electric car but it is a true drivers car and that can be appreciated. The interior is also nicer than the 04 Max but the 03 Max interior is better than both. RWD owns FWD, I mean, a bunch of people are going to make this choice (G over Max). Add in Infinit's service and this is damn near a no-brainer.
For those worried about a harsh ride. THese cars don't ride on plush 16" tires, these 17" and 18" low profile tires and they make your ride jiggly and harsh, especially if the suspension is 1/2 ***. Not to mention if u drive a bunch, you'll go through tires every 6 months.
For those worried about a harsh ride. THese cars don't ride on plush 16" tires, these 17" and 18" low profile tires and they make your ride jiggly and harsh, especially if the suspension is 1/2 ***. Not to mention if u drive a bunch, you'll go through tires every 6 months.
04-05-2003, 12:33 PM
#27
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 1
04-11-2003, 09:11 AM
#28
Originally posted by 95bluse
Would you term the ride as harsh? Seems like Nissan, along with the other Japanese automakers have a hard time with ride quality.
Would you term the ride as harsh? Seems like Nissan, along with the other Japanese automakers have a hard time with ride quality.
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