I am currently waiting on my new Maxima to arrive. I would have had it sooner if I would have picked one without the VDC. I will get my Maxima on the 24 of October, 7 weeks after I ordered it. I was just wondering if the VDC was worth the $900 and the extra wait.

 

I got the VDC for the full spare, in my mind 900bucks was worth a full size spare... The VDC was just a extra option. It helps me since I am a lead foot.

 

yes, the VDC is totally worth it. It helps tame the 'alligator' under the hood. Assists in torque steer and tire slip. The night that I bought mine, it was late so they said they'd detail my car the next day and they lent me a non VDC car for the night. I was AMAZED at the wheel spin without it.

I, however, don't care for the full sized spare as it makes a lump in my trunk. Maybe I'll feel differently after my first flat. Overall, be glad you waited, you did the right thing.

 

i read under the snow tire thread that you couldn't put a 16" rim on the 04...does that mean the cars without the VDC have a 17" rim that is narrow?

 

Naw, the tire size goes strictly by model. All SLs have 17s and all SEs have 18s, no variation of width within model. Pretty simple. The car I borrowed was an SE with standard 18s and without VDC the tires howled like castrated werewolves when I stepped on it. My SE with VDC is much better mannered although it will still chirp and sing a little when spanked. The bottom line is that if you're a very good or careful driver, you probably don't need VDC for anything. I'm a fair driver that just likes to stomp on it and let the computer sort it all out.

 

i meant is the NON-full sized spare a narrower tire, than the full sized spare.

 

I think that the VDC will be great if i ever get my car....I am calling for an end to all late availability....I ordered black on black elite with vdc....needless to say i have waited long enough to be able to make a huge down payment....Nissan should think and get the cars to the people fast so they can make money on financing.....

 

Yeah, it should be a standard "donut" tire which is much skinnier. I'm sure others can confirm.

 

Spare Tire
-----------------------------------------------
Temporary (full size) T145/80*17 or 18

where * = R or D depending on tire manufacturer

VDC option including the really full size (same as your stock and wheel). That's why you have a hump in your trunk.

 

Was the VDC worth it?

I am sure I will find out soon enough... Chicago winter is just around the corner...

 

The one car safety feature you need now

http://money.cnn.com/2003/09/25/pf/a...ex.htm?cnn=yes

 

sorry for getting off subject with the spare tire thing...i find that when i turn off the VDC i enjoy the feel of the road on turns better...it is hard to describe, but with the VDC on, i feel that the car floats on hard turns and i always think that i am going too hard...when the VDC is off, i feel that i can rip turns harder because the only compensation happening is my own two hands on the wheel and my gas and brake...

that being said, i once took a turn at 60 mph that make my truck tires squeal at 40 mph without rain, in the rain with VDC ON, 1/4 of the way through the turn i lost control of the car and my back end swung out, but the VDC took over and steadied out my back end and i was able to slow down without crashing...(stock 17" rims on at the time)

i know stoopid, but the VDC definately saved me that time...so of course it is worth it, since you can always turn it off when you want to.

 

Sounds like a close call. I was unawere that you could turn the VDC on and off. I'll probably keep it off when I want to peel out!