PitchBlackMax

So I'm finally about to upgrade my beloved 2000 Max but having a terrible time deciding between a lightly used 07 Maxima, and an 05 Infiniti G35x. Both are about the same price, and have the same motor. I have a few questions below, And I would like to get some current 07 owners to weigh in. Any help would be appreciated to help me in my decision. Thanks!

1. So it looks like they re-did the interior of the 07 Max, which is why I like it, and what drove me away from the 04-06. I haven’t seen any threads on the radio yet, but did they revert back to the double DIN style where I can finally replace it with an aftermarket head unit?

2. How’s the CVT? It pains me to trade in my 5-speed, and I read somewhere that it’s a new generation of CVT for the 07, but is it the manumatic actually responsive to your shifting? Like, can you downshift a turn, feel the engine braking, and then feel the revs as you upshift your way out?

3. What’s your real gas mileage? I’m especially wondering because I spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic.

4. Any known issues in the 07? (besides the typical TSB's and what is posted)

5. Do you like the sound system? I know there’s an Aux jack, but does the radio play MP3's yet? And if it does, does it play the ID3 tags? How is the sound off of the AUX jack? Are there any inputs in the back of the stereo?

6. I'm going to go for a test drive this weekend, but my 2000 turns like a truck. Has anyone owned a 5th and a 6th gen, and can compare the turning radius?

7. I like the AWD of the G35x, but how’s the 07 in the snow? My 2000 sucks.

Thanks a lot for your time and input, I appreciate your responses!

NismoMax80

iTrader: (6)

test drive before you decide. that alone will answer most of your questions. also search and read a lot of your questions.

turning radius for the 6th is the same or worse than the 5th. you will have a larger engine and heavier overall so gas mileage will likely be the same or worse. should perform in the snow the same or worse. wider larger wheels means worse in the snow. you have to keep good tires and go slow.

reb

where do you live. i have an '08 to sell you.

bb700092

2. I love the CVT. It is as smooth as silk, absolutely no shift-shocks. I haven't driven manumatic a lot but I feel it is responsive. Check that for yourself.

3. I get about 22 mpg in mixed driving, about 25% hwy, 75% city. One can get close to 35 mpg if driving at a constant speed of 45-55 mph.

4. I haven't had/seen any issues. Of course, test drive the car for at least 30 mins (including hwy) before buying. You haven't mentioned SE or SL. You have to choose which ride quality you like more.

5. I have the 6-CD Bose audio system and I love it. It has mp3 playback capability.

6. Turning radius is a drawback.

7. Haven't driven in snow yet.

Best of luck!

jcalabria

1. Nope - there are kits available but the radio shares display with other functions that you may lose if radio is swapped.

2. You have to decide if you want to give up on the MT, but the CVT has been a great automatic. There is a bit of a learning curve - you are controlling both throttle opening and gear selection with your right foot and there are subtle things you can do to affect what the ECU/TCU does in response to your foot. The manual mode shifts quicker - up and down - than any other manumatic I've driven. But its not your best option for economical city driving.

3. City traffic is CVT's forte. You can do all your city/suburban driving and never exceed 1500 rpm. If I force myself to drive that way, I can get 24+ around town. Keeping it at 2000rpm, you can pull away from traffic and get 22-23mpg. This is typical for me, but if I feel like playing it can drop below 20 in my suburban driving. Hwy mileage is nothing special on CVT. Best I've seen is 26 or so for any extended hwy run.

4. None for me... only real complaint I have is slight surging at stop light when compressor cycles. That and they stuffed the mushmobile SL suspension in the SE as well (tires/wheels are only difference).

5. Bose system plays MP3 and displays tags (press and hold "Display" button for a few seconds and it will display two full lines instead of one). Aux jack works fine with my iPod. The system can make some bass but, to me, the low end has a hard artificial sound to it. Rear has proprietary jacks that can accept Nissan sat radio or ipod adaptor.


6. Same or worse.

7. Sorry, hasn't snowed more than a flurry here in a few years. Can't believe that yoour 2000 sucks... all of my Max's have been great in the snow.

PitchBlackMax

Thanks All, I really appreciate your input. I'll let you know after my test driving this weekend where I stand. I'm looking for a black 07 SE Model, and I'm hoping to find one for a steal.

You all really helped to answer my questions. Thanks again!

Oh, and Reb - what do you have, and how much? I'm in LI - Thanks!

reb

y not go to amity nissan. easy $6,500 off a brand new '08 SE.

but i gotta wonder y u would want one

these cars perform like a 1989 LeSabre

Snootch

Reb, how can you get easy $6500 off?

I’m shopping for a new '08 SE ( lease on my 05 SE ends this month ) and the best I can get is $300 under invoice which is about $2500 off.

BTW I can’t get the $2500 rebate since I’m going for the 1.9% APR.

reb

Cash

NismoMax80

iTrader: (6)

wow you're a serious lurker! the deal you said is exactly what i got in 04. being exactly what i wanted to order and last black one around, i thought that was a tremendous deal.

So the 09 doesn't interest you at all? I'm sure once June comes those 08 will be even better deals.

Terrentius

Looks like most of your questions have been answered except for the snow question. Where I live we have gotten 6 feet of snow this year, so I think I can answer it for you. I have 07 and and I am very happy with it. I run Dunlop Graspic winter 225/55/17 tires on steel rims and have had no problems in the snow. The car has a wide enough stance and weighs enough that it just goes through snow with authority. I ended up having to get winter tires because the car was just taking a beating spinning out all the time with the all-seasons. The only problem I had this winter was going out to the in-laws place. They live on a hill so I had to get up the driveway. There was one day when it didn't happen. There was a lot of freezing rain the day before. I thought I could make it up but no dice. The car was too heaving and she just spun out and slid back down the driveway. I was lucky I didn't slam into the mailbox. So, the points are: (1) the 07 Max is great in snow but you will need winters tires and (2) if you get a lot of freezing rain, then you might want to consider studded tires.

Good luck.

Kryogen

not going to be better in the snow than the other.
takes more gas.

But I dont see the big deal, my 04 on 17 inch winter tires is quite good in the snow actually. No complaint. Not like awd, but you cannot compare.

Your choice.

Nismo116

iTrader: (1)

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Nismo116

iTrader: (1)

Shifting in the manumatic is fun. Very responsive

PitchBlackMax

Thanks Everyone, your opinions are awesome. I managed to find a great deal on one, and I'm moving on it, so hopefully if they like my bid, I'll be joining the 6th gen forum.

Thanks again!

NismoMax80

iTrader: (6)

so did you test drive it?
hope it all works out for ya.

Kryogen

The 07-08 are awesome looking imho... I whish I had the money to get one of these And now, the 09 max eheh.

Driving during winter without snow tires is retarded (in quebec). Going to be illegal to drive without winter tires next winter and they should have made that mandatory 20 years ago.

With good winter tires (I use 225 17 inch) Toyo Observe Garrit HT, the car handles really well in snow. It doesnt pull from side to side, it just goes through it. I never got stuck this winter, and never felt like I was in danger while driving on snowy/icy roads.
ABS and VDC and TCS will keep you safe, with good winter tires, and safe winter driving. You cant expect a car to accelerate quickly on snow or ice, thats just the way it is.

If theres alot of ici rain in your area, and you can, you coud use studded tires. In montreal here, it's illegal, but they put so much salt on the roads that they dont stay icy.

Yeah get the max.

04_Maxima

get one there nice

bizzee

I just bought an 08, and to be honest, the CVT is amazing. You're gonna love it. I know I do!

tehaviator

I love my '07. The CVT is an absolute pleasure to drive. Acceleration is more than ample, and the overall quality and value is great.

I have a Subaru for snow days, though. No way in hell am I taking my max up to Tahoe in the winter...not because I'm worried about how it will preform, but because I don't want to expose her to that kind of weather

Snootch

I bought my Radiant Silver 08 Maxima SE (Fully Loaded w/ everything except Navigation) last night. Very happy with the purchase. The CVT takes a little used to but I like it.

BTW reb, I got $7000 off and I wasn’t paying cash.

reb

7k off is about right cause the rebate was $500.00 less when I bought mine.