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Alright Folks, just got back from a long road trip to pick up the new ride. Spirited bronze SL with everything and thought I'd give some first impressions for anyone that's interested.

First off, we seriously considered Jag X-type, BMW 325, and the Maxima (neither my wife or I could get past the body style of the TL...great interior and I'm sure a great car, but the exterior just doesn't do anything for me). We eliminated the 325 quickly so it really came down the the Jag or the Max. Our local Jag dealer is taking $6500 of MSRP for all the X-types which actually puts them below the Max in price. The all wheel drive really shows in the cornering and that car drives GREAT. Unfortunately, I am 6'2" and have several tall friends and there is absolutely no way you can seat 4 adults in that car...advantage Max (not to metion the fact that the Jag can't touch the SL for standard features). Anyway long story short the Jag was by far the best driving car of the bunch, not to say the others drive poorly, but the JAG....we'll it's a Jag.

Anyway we just made the 300+ mile return trip from Ft Worth and couldn't be happier the power sun roof is great as you can set the switch to the open position and it does the rest (no holding a button waiting for it to open/close...nice improvement from most of the competition). The driver memory settings are great since their is over a foot of height difference between my wife and I. Also, on the Highway the 5spd Auto is buttery smooth and tons of power when you need it (or just want it). We took the train to Ft Worth this morning and finding our way back was as simple as going to the address book of the Nav system and choosing train stations..there's the address and phone number right on the screen...too cool and then our friendly guide talked oth through every turn, even turning down that jammin bose sysetm each time she had an update for us...very cool. The HID headlights where great on the dark back roads of the Central Texas hill country (I think the deer ar scared they're so bright).

Anyway, suffice it to say that my wife and I are both very happy with the car. Now I just have to find a way to convince her that she REALLY wants to drive my truck. Bottom line if you are considering any of the cars listed above go back and take a look at the new Max again, I really don't think their is another car in this price range that can touch it.

 

Glad you chose the Max. I too was comtemplating between the Max, 325, Infiniti and C230Komp.
Just wait till you've run the car in and give all for the first time. You won't regret your choice.

 

Good report.

The spirited bronze is a very very nice color, and tempted me to stray from my years of silver, but I eventually stayed with silver.

For those who lean more toward the 'road' side of things than the 'track' side, the SL is an easy choice. Such a pleasant riding vehicle, yet strong and agile when needed.

 

Congrats on your spirted bronze SL!

I was deciding between Maxima, TL and Audi A4. TL is solid and quick, nice bells and whistles, comfortable and luxurious. Audi is also solid and quality. However the Maxima just had a different feel. The car feels a lot lighter than it looks. Had all I was looking for and more. Especially when you step on the gas pedal and feel the velvety smooth VQ engine...fantastic.