Just curious... With all the competitors out there what are some of your reasons for going with the Maxima??? I'm sure for shopping around to actually pulling the trigger on the Maxima, we all compared the options, prices, reliablity ratings other things that would help make up our minds. I was just wondering what were some of your reasons...

My first car was a 1997 Cadillac Deville. I loved that car picked it up with 29,753 on the clock in 2003. I've been though it all in that car up downs smiles and frowns. But over the 4 years of owning that car I had to many issuses from Head Gaskets, Transmission, Rack and Pinion and a slew of electrical problems but I never wanted anything else than a "Caddy".

Once my Deville was paid off I got thinking its time for a change... So I looked at the Cadillac 3.6 CTS, Dodge 3.5 Charger, and Finally the Nissan Maxima. I still wanted all the luxury items of the Cadillac but I wanted more of a performance but with great reliablity. The maxima falls into all of those catagories and then some. I got the driver's perfered package, 3.5 SE, Xenons, Leather, Heated seats and steering wheel, 6 disc changer, and much more. All of this for 18K with 26,000 on the clock I couldn't ask for more. Thats my story whats yours???

 

I had a 97 Altima GXE before. I really really liked it. It was so reliable even after 10 yrs and 98k miles and I never did anything except oil change.

When I wanted a new car, I looked for a new Altima 3.5 V6, Maxima and Avalon. While the Avalon was the largest (which is what I like) and had more features/options than the other two, its exterior look didn't attract me. Also, I was sold on the CVT. I always wanted a car, so effortless and luxurious to drive, that I will not know I am driving. Unlike CVT, the transmission of Avalon did not offer that. What came closest was the Maxima SL and that is what I have, and very happy with it till now.

I believe, many (maybe most) of you in this forum are interested in high-performance racing cars and bought the Maxima from that perspective. Maybe thats why the SE is more popular than the SL and most of you are attracted to the BMW more than the Lexus. My desires were somewhat different, thats why I bought the SL instead of a SE and dream of owning a Lexus rather than a BMW. BTW, I am not a very old person

 

I drove a '05 Hyundai Tiburon. I loved the sportiness of it, but once I learned that my wife and I were expectng our first child I realized that getting a child seat to fit would be a challenge. I wanted to pick up something that was still sporty and fun to drive, yet more family friendly as well. My budget was right around $20K, and in that price range the '04 seemed like the most bang for the buck. I just picked it up last week and I am LOVING it so far.

 

I had an 02 Altima 2.5 and loved it for 4 years. Traded that in and bought an 06 Altima SE-R which got totaled when a driver in a F150 decided to run the red light. So with 4400 miles on it the insurance company gave me all my money back. I am clearly a Nissan man so I went back and saw the 07 Max and loved it. Long story short I bought it and found the org...now I love the max twice as much.

 

I have owned nothing but Maximas for twenty-three years. When I find something I like, I stick with it. I knew in December 2002 (when I saw the first pics and specs of the 6th gen, which was announced by Nissan the following month, and arrived at dealer lots in March 2003), I knew the only question was whether to wait for one with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and full size spare, or grab the first 6th gen to reach my dealer. I waited, got exactly what I wanted, and have loved it from day one. It is going to hurt big time to part with this car when the 7th gen arrives.

 

I was in law school for years and scrimped all the time and hadnt bought a car in many years. I was in my early to mid 30's then and had 3 small children and was a single dad (still am). I finally passed the bar and became a lawyer and after a few years I snapped one day and decided to buy a car after owning very old ones for years. The very first car I test drove was a Maxima. I fell in love with it right away. I loved the feel of it, the comfort, the power, the handling, the look . . . .ok ok . . and the power folding mirrors. I checked out other cars, Accord V6, Acura, etc, but they didnt beat out the Maxima because it had it all. It felt natural to me too; no ackwardness. It had a sense of familiarity, and was easy to drive. To sum up, it was love at first sight.

 

You know what they say--- Actions speak louder than words.


You go man, keep on.

 

Maxima was my first "new" car.

I test drove:
Mazda6, Mazda3, Ponitac GrandPrix GT and GXP, Cadillac CTS (Loved it), Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Altima 2.5, Altima 3.5, Altima SE-R, Most of GM mid/full size sedans, Magnum HEMI, 300C.

After Driving the Altima I told the sales rep I loved the power but I didnt like its plain plasticky interior. He threw me the keys to the maxima and said "take that thing for a spin".

I came back and told him to get the papers.

2 years later, 55K, and 1 new motor I still love this car. Its a LEMON but its my LEMON and I'm not giving up on it. It rocks on the track, its good on gas and I can stop on a dime. Cant get that from GM or Chrysler.

Kamski

 

I bought a Max so I could post on Maxima.org...

 

my 97 Accord LX died at 280k miles, so time to look for a new ride

I always liked Maxima. My first car was a 1981 Datsun 810...

While I didn't test drive a lot of cars (like none), I did check out
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima
Honda Fit
Nissan Versa

What's important to me?
lots of rear leg room
big trunk
within my budget
have a rear vent
has AUX plug for ipod

what I also like to have was
bluetooth
navigation
easy on the gas (i drive 50 miles everyday to work, one way)

At the end, I choose Maxima. The big factor is price. A base 07 SE for 22988 before tax and license (including the $3000 rebate) is too attractive for me

Yes, it's base, but it has all the essential that I need. While I don't drive fast, the cockpit and environment does give me a race car feel.

Overall, I really like my new 07 SE. I got it last week, and already have 800+ miles on it. Can't wait until 1200 miles (still in break-in period)

How does everyone feel about Nissan's reliability? I wonder if I should get extended warranty...

 

The versa looks like an easter egg. The fit.............lol glad you got the max.

 

My reason for purchasing a Maxima was that I got it for the same price I would've gotten a loaded Altima for.

 

HEATED STEERING WHEEL!

 

I test drove pretty much everything in the price range; some were a little faster, some were a little nicer inside, etc. But I felt nothing offered what the Max has overall.

 

My 96 Max was very reliable. It now has 236k miles.
The only recall was for O2 sensor and that was it.

I went with the 2006 Max because for a little more
than what I'd paid for the 1996 Max ten years ago,
I got a lot more as the standard....18" rim, ABS, traction control, VVI, etc.
Plus it was the only 3.5L engine during the time of purchase.
It's all in the engine....winning awards for 10 best engines for many
consecutive years. Hopefully it will be just as reliable as my old Max
because I drive a lot.

 

Some great posts here. Deus's post brought back memories for me, in that I purchased only used vehicles from 1949 until 1999. I became very proficient at using baling wire and duct tape. In the early 1950s, I replaced a tire when threads of the fourth (and last) ply began to show through (about 15K after the tread was gone). I know; very foolish. Early on, I was trying to scrimp up enough money to get through college, then to support a wife, then raise and put two kids through college. I saw many new cars I loved, but . . .

I didn't mention in my earlier post that I was driving Datsuns before I got my first (used) Maxima in fall of 1984. The Maximas of the early 1980s were Datsun Maximas. The '84 Maxima had both the words 'Datsun' and 'Nissan' on the earlier versions, then just 'Nissan' from then on. The Datsun Maxima evolved from the old Datsun 810 (which animefans said above was his first car!), which was a very solid car.

I purchased a Datsun 200SX (a cute little used demo which was missing 2nd gear) in early 1978 for $3900, and after taking the family on many long cramped vacations in that thing, decided I would never own another vehicle with less than four doors, lots of back seat room and a roomy trunk. And I haven't.


SickSE - I am so loyal that I will keep on buying Maximas long after they have left the '4DSC' arena, and are a luxury car selling for $50K available only with CVT. The CVT part is here, the $50K part will probably be generation 8.


Kam and RHMax - You two did things the right way by testing other vehicles. I am so enamoured with the Maxima I am too blinded to even looked at anything else.

chern - LOL! But posting here is worth purchasing a Maxima.

thecritik is like me; I would always take the Maxima over a loaded Altima for the same price. There is just something to be said for driving a Maxima.

MaxMaybe - Right on! With my very old gnarly hands that never get warm, I would never again look at a vehicle without a heated steering wheel. I use it every time the temp drops below 70 degrees.

Albert - Good choice. The Max is definitely a lot of car (and panache) for the money.

I guess it is obvious I am lovin' this thread. I just need to cut down on my wordy and repetitive posts.

 

I also got a quote on 2007 Altima 2.5 SL loaded for $29k plus before (prob in July)

While it's loaded, it's still an Altima. With that kind of money, why not buy a maxima instead

Even though mine has the bare minimum (not even CD changer! Just CD player), I am still a very satified maxima owner

Just like the feel of sitting in the driver seat

And yes, that 810 was something back then. I still remember it freaked me out a little bit when the car "speak" to me if I forgot to turn off my head light!

 

I had a 95 Maxima with 202,000 on it before i traded it in for an 04 Maxima. My 95 ran strong never let me down and all i did was oil changes and belts tires brakes and stuff like that. My 04 SL is loaded up and is a sweet ride except for the suspension rattle.

 

I had 2 Pathfinders (96&00) then I bought a 03 V8 4Runner and I liked it but it was an impulse buy and my brother loved it so I gave it to him, so I drove my fathers 03 ES300 for about a year and then decided I needed to find a new car. I've driven many cars and I was looking for Luxury and Performance and bang for the buck and I just decided I would get the Maxima; my research was more or less maxima.org and all the previous Nissans we owned where trouble free, simply put oil changes and tires and it met my main criterias, low cost of maintenance, not a German car and it was not a domestic vehicle, there are several I like but Im unsure cause I've had friends who had American cars that just self destruct when they hit that magic number.

I love this car and will have it for many more miles, it's sleek and blends in, a coupe I probably would have ended up with a ticket and as nice as the Altima is/was I don't want a vehicle I see 10x daily, the VQ is great

 

one of my buddies has a 5th gen with 200k miles on it, not a single issue at all and he drives like a moron, other friend got a 5.5 gen 6 speed and let me drive it, fell inlove with the vq35 then.

looked at 6m tl's, and these, maxima > tl is every way imo other than the brembos but even then its not a huge difference.

the maxima feels like a big car where as the tl looks like one but feels small inside. you dont buy a luxo sedan to have a small car....

sold my turboed civic, pushed the 240 project car aside and found my fully loaded elite package 6m 04 for 15k

jumped on it and havnt ever looked back

handles well, stops well, has some serious ***** for a big car + i can ride around in complete comfort with my heated steering wheel and the heated rear seats for the passengers on those cold winter days.

i dont think ill ever get rid of it.

 

I went in for the Altima, but my requirement list was simple;
VQ3.5
Sunroof
Xenons
Bose
Spoiler with LED brake light
White


The salesman kept trying to sell me a 2.5 Alti. My sister asked what the one was that was parked on the grassy hill in front of the showroom. I told her it was a Maxima, and way out of my price range. BUUUT it had a rebate on the window and was about $1500 more than a loaded Alti.

I bought it and have REALLLLLLY enjoyed this car. I don't know if I will ever get rid of this car, as long as finanaces can cover her.

 

I don't own a 6th gen, but I'll give my input. I wouldn't have a problem buying a 6th gen. My first car was a blue 93 SE 5speed. I loved the engine, and at 200k+ the car was still running like a beast (everything else fell apart lol). I decided that I'm going to stick with the Nissan 6-cyl. And was solidified my resolve was the fact that the V-series was on Wards top 10 every year since it's inception in what, 96,97? I figured that says something about the reliability, and performance of a so-called "family-sedan". My loyalty lies 60% with the VQ motor, 30% to the maxima, and 10% to the MT. I don't think that I will ever own another Maxima, (my 5.5 only has 65k on it), so by the time the wheels fall off of my 5.5, It's either gonna be 350z (or whatever the model is called then), or a coupe-G. But, I will not test drive anything that doesn't have either a clutch, or little paddles behind the steering wheel.

 

Bwinter7,
Just for you.....


Ok, back on topic, I promise to lay off the coffee.

 

i wanted a maxima ever since 1990 when my mom bought a 90 se 5speed. loved the car, the leather. the bose everyone always fought to ride in that car. haha i always said id have one...ppl were like nooo there will be other cars out youll want..bla bla bla..well i stuck with it..admired the maxima throught my teenage years..envied people that drove them..bought my first one 3 years ago..an 00 se 5speed...than upgraded to a vq35..02 SE...loved it a LOT. than bought this 6gen a few months ago. i highly considered acuras, hondas, 3series, 5series, and a few others..but kept with the maxima. I love how you know its made for the driver..the amazing engine..lots of room..and maximas always had those unexpected extra features that you loved (power folding mirrors for example). its the high end car for a light price. what more can you ask for? (I also liked the fact that the 6gen is like a 4door 350z..a lot of resembalnce)

 

first car was a 95 gle. this was after a year of driving 98 ford taurus and my dads company car which was a 2k taurus. my aunt sold us her 95 gle and i was given full authority of it.

i remember the first time i got in...and i said to myself...holy ****. this is a 95? then i floored it for the first time. holy **** again. then i put a cd and cranked up the bose. holy mother of christ. three years later. i had my first 'major' breakdown. 1 fuel injector....at ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND MILES.

got a very good job with a fortune 300 company out of school last year and said to myself...lets go test drive a maxima that isnt 13 years old.

needless to say i am now driving an 04 se with every option, inc. nav which is the best thing ever when you are in sales. the things unbelievable.


but i guess if i had to sum it up in a couple letters as to why i am nissan/infiniti for life...id say this....


VQ.

 

**another thing i absolutely love about my 6th gen....


you can hear the 350z like exhaust note at about 1/2 throttle sometimes up around 3k-4k rpm. i wishhhhh i had the 350/g35 exhaust note alll overrr the band.

 

I'm sorry, I don't get the reference swee.....

Those are the paddles that they used to use back in the day, and they still make them for nostalgics. Are you saying that just like the people that used those paddles, stuck with them because they feel that they are superior to anything newer and "more advanced", just like I want the max for the proven reliability and performance of the max? (Sorry if I looked into it that deep )

 

Sorry, I just saw 'paddles behind the steering wheel' and it sent me into fits of hysteria. It would really stink to have the paddles I envisioned behind the wheel, that's all.

Again, less coffee, more decaf.

 

lol, those would be big paddles swee ......

 

First car was 97 maxima bought by my dad as a graduation suprise never really looked into maxima but driving it around for 4 years and now running by my little brother "No Problems" at all with 112Kmiles strong. It was time for me to get a new car cuz i was ready for monthly payments. The new max i couldnt ask for more, perfect for my pick! speed/luxurious!

 

For impoved MPG... reallly! But I came from a Mazda RX-8 6spd that I drove 50/50 city and hwy and could only manage to get no more than 20 MPG, which wasn't bad compared to other RX-8 drivers that get much lower MPGs. The other main reason is that I have a four month old baby and just from a perspective, probably false though, of a bigger car is a safer car... traded the 8 for a Max. It is strange to think that the Max which is 400 lbs heavier (that's like a big TV) get's 4 MORE miles to the gallon. I avg about 24 on the same daily route. Then there's other reasons like the Max is more "business" looking and that I can actually and trully fit 4 maybe 5 people as opposed to only 4 on the RX-8... poor guy sitting behind me had his legs squeezed though... And I'm only 5'7". Oh and the torque on the Max is sweeeeeet! Great combination of a family car BUT can also be RX-8ish if I so choose to drive it like one.

 

I started a new job with a decent salary and decided it was time to lose my old handmedown toyota camry. It didn't have any more life in it anyway so it was best to move on. I have always been into Maximas; the style, body design, and performance. Nissan has always seemed as a shining star in my eyes as the leader in V6 design. I originally talked myself out of it and chose an Altima Special Edition thinking to save money. Then I saw it.... A black on black sleeper 6th gen. It had the features of a god; Greddy exhaust, 18'' Nismos, 5% tint, and the roar of a monster. I actually wonder if that's someone on here haha. Regardless, that sealed the deal for me. I swung by the dealership that weekend and picked up my baby. I've been happy ever since. Now there is only one friggin problem..... With people like deus, chernmax, kamski, & fastmaxx constantly modding their rides.. now I'm stuck with bill after bill of mods I'm doing.. BASTARDS! you're corrupting me.


Nothing but love guys and don't ever stop We need a big org meet perhaps in chicago or something? A mid-way point for everyone. LETS GET IT GOING!