Hey Lightonthehill, Are you 6'11" tall or was that a misprint! That would make you 16" taller than me and well ok I'm a bit shorter than the average joe at 5'7" but the average is between 5'9" and 5'10". One of your posts here you mention how happy you are with this car. When I was down in Florida for vacation two months ago in March...I was at Alamo renting premium cars. My choices were a big Buick, Chrysler 300, Toyota Avalon and a a 7th Gen fully loaded Nissan Maxima. As I already own on 05 SE I wanted to rent the Maxima....unfortuneatly, I could not get comfortable in the car. I could not see over the hood even with the seat raised to the point where it was uncomfortably high and unnatural. The hood and bumps on the hood hamper the front end visibility on this car. I will have to wait for the 8th gen...and see if they improve this. Needless to say we took the Toyota Avalon...what a comfortable car....just a bit sloppey on the highway (too much play on the steering). And that's probably due to the fact that the car has a fantastic steering radius that's much better than my smaller 05 Maxima:See Handling vs Turning radius...steering comprimises.
I will never purchase a car with a CVT...my next one will be a 6 or 7 speed...only on an AWD CUV....and I like the fully equiped Rogue...

 

Pick up my 09 Max last night. Decide to get rid of 07 Altima since I put a lot of miles on her. Decide to go with the base model with basic stereo and cloth seats. The Max did come with Chrome 18" rims and the upgraded headlamps. Dealer had me under 27,000 before my trade. Plan on the simple upgrades(grille, intake, spoiler, remove the emblems, fog lamps and stereo).

 

Welcome to the Org, ChrisCool! Sounds like you will have a sharp-looking Maxima at a bargain price. And you will have the same engine, tranny, etc in you Maxima that are in the top-of-the-line ones with an MSRP near $40K.

 

I am not 6'11". With my gnarly, senile old fingers, I am lucky I came within one foot of my correct height (5' 11").

Interesting that you mentioned the view over the hood on the '09 Maxima. That was one of the few things that bothered me when I first sat in this baby. I like to be able to see where the outside edge of the front fenders are. But after a few months, I forgot about seeing the fender edges, and pretty much know where they are. Doesn't bother me now.

Also interesting you mentioned the turning radius. That was one of the things that bothered me with my 6th gen, and I am absolutely loving this much tighter 7th gen turning radius. I feel like I can turn on a dime, now. This makes me so happy I sometimes make a 'U' turn in the middle of nowhere for no reason other than I know this car can do it. Huge improvement.

Years ago, I felt like you about the CVT. But several years of thinking this through convinced me the CVT has the capability to be more efficient than any shifting tranny, and the much-improved feel, tightness, smoothness and performance of this '09 Maxima CVT has won me over. I wouldn't trade this CVT for any other tranny; especially for a manual, which used to be fun, but is no fun in the very low-speed stop-and-go traffic we sometimes encounter these days.

 

I'm new to this forum and just purchased an 09' maxima precision grey, premium package. My one yr old splashed milk on the front panel of the dual panel sunroof. It is pretty thin layer of fabric with lots of give. By applying pressure to clean will it stretch this or cause it to loosen? It seems like it has a little droop and folds since wiping. Or my mind is playing tricks on me.

Thanks

 

Nice Ride!

 

I bought a Silver SV Sport and it's the best Maxima yet! The rear looks so sweet with that exhaust! Had it for one week now and did a few 0 -60 runs using a G-tech PRO. I can't figure what's the best way to get the most from the car, but my best run was in D mode, 5.62 secs...
Another 5.72! When i use DS mode i'm 5.9~6.1, and when I manual shift it it's 6.0 ~ 6.3... I'm sure i could get better than 2.25' 60' times...
But the CVT in D mode seems to give the best time because it stays @ 6000 rpmish and just shoots to 60! Fast car! That's with a full tank of gas, hot afternoon in florida and golf clubs in the trunk! I know if i take the spare out, 1/4 tank and do it when it's in the 60's early morning i could probably reach 5.4 no probs! So if i'm going to the track, seems D mode is the best and just keeping the pedal smashed... hmmm

 

Has anyone noticed a difference in torque steer between an SV +Premium and an SV base?

I drove a SV +Premium on Saturday and didn't really notice any torque steer. I went back with my wife today and drove a SV, as that's the trim level I want. I noticed the steering was a bit lighter when I hit the gas vs. the Premium. My wife also noticed a shimmy-like feeling on hard acceleration, and felt the steering wheel get lighter when she drove. It was definitely reproducable on hard acceleration - so the only thing I could think of was torque steer.

Is this common on 09 Maximas, or perhaps unique to this demo model?

 

I picked up my new SV + Premium Package tonight!! Its navy blue with charcoal interior. I am coming from a '06 Sonata and have never been a 'car guy' but my initial reaction is WOW!!!! I love this car. It is sweet looking in person. It has so many gadgets its going to take me awhile to figure it all out but I LOVE it!! I already synced to my iphone and got the cars phonebook setup and voice dialing works great. Love the ipod integration as well. The dual moonroof is really nice and the car just feels and looks so fancy. I am a happy camper tonight.

 

This is not torque steer. Torque steer is usually associated with hard accelleration, and usually when you are making a turn. But it is a tendency for the steering wheel to turn by itself in only in ONE direction. You are describing a shimmy, not the steering wheel trying to turn itself sharply in one direction.


The '09 Maxima is known to have very light steering at low speed. As we reach highway speeds, the steering becomes normal. But you should not be feeling a shimmy. As info, the SV and Premium should be exactly the same steering-wise and suspension-wise in every detail. Only the SV with Sport package might vary because of the different suspension and tire-wheel setup.

My SV with Premium has no trace of torque steer, but a few posters here with cars like mine have noticed a trace of torque, but nothing bothersome. If you definitely feel a difference between the SV Premium and the SV non-premium, I would insist on driving another SV or base S and compare the steering on those with the SV you drove. It may be that the SV you drove needs an adjustment or alignment of some sort.

 

Sometimes life is so good it is almst unbearable. Here's to many happy trips in your new baby. Congrats!

 

Thanks. I thought the SV and Premium setup was the same, except for the additional rear-seat bracing on the Premium.

It felt like a cross between light steering, torque, and something else not right. The steering wheel generally pulled right (on a hard accelleration), then with the light steering I overcorrected a bit to the left creating a wobbling sensation. There was definitely none of this felt in the SV premium I drove.

I'll be sure to drive another S or SV before I purchase.

 

I got mine a week ago, I LOVE this car!

To bad for those that, decided against it, they lose.

 

Had the car a couple days now. One thing I REALLY miss from my sonata is the auto headlights off feature it had. When I shut the sonata off and opened the door the lights would all shut off. So convenient. I keep forgetting I dont have that anymore and leaving my lights on and having to open the door again and shut them off. Minor I know, but a little annoying.

Also I think I am having some issues with the audio. It seems sometimes I start the car and if I was listening to ipod or something it will pickup exactly where it left off. A couple of times now, I start the car and the ipod will be selected but no song is playing. Also seemed to have the menus space out a couple times and had to press aux a few times for them to show. Hope its nothing major.

 

If the headlight switch is in the "auto" position the headlights will go out after 45 seconds. This length of time will allow entrance to your home with the lights on. If the switch is in the "on" or "parking light" position the lights will go out after 5 minutes so the battery will not be drained. To me this is a better feature than the lights going off when the door is opened.

 

I agree, I set my lights off to 90 seconds.

 

Hey Thanks guys. I did not know that. I just checked and I see it has an option to set to 0 seconds. I will give that a go.

Anyone have any issues with the audio. I have the Prem package with the ipod and sat. It seams every time I enter the car the audio is randomly either as I left it, totally off or set to a different source.

 

Is there a way to change the lights staying on setting without the nav screen?

 

Hey everyone,

I just bought my first Nissan, a 2009 Maxima SV w/ premium package. Black with tan or "Cafe' Latte" interior. I always liked Toyota, I drove a Tacoma before this, but this car was too nice to pass up. I looked at some Lexus models and the Avalon but with the Maxima you got more for the money so I decided to try out Nissan. Hopefully I'll learn some stuff here and maybe be able to help others out after a little while. BTW I can already say I love my car and I have not even broken 100 miles yet.

 

Congratulations on the purchase. Your defiantly going to love the 09' Max its a very reliable and amazing car. Not to mention a lot of people will be checking it out I broke a few necks when i first got mine...

 

hey, i just got mine on friday the 28 of may. DAMN she is sweet. slate grey with charcol interior. have already put 400 miles of easy riding on her. just waiting for my first road trip. later.

 

How's it going guys.

I purchased an '09 Max S on June 1st. Have taken it for a few short trips since then with a 60/40 split on city/highway travel. I'm very impressed with the handling and comfort. Gas mileage, however, appears a bit dismal - approx. 19 mpg. I'm hoping that it will just be a matter of break-in to correct that issue.

BTW, I paid $25,499 for it. How does that price compare with any of your recent purchase experiences?

 

Hey guys,
You have become my trusted source for info. Not too long ago I posted about trying to clean a minor stain out of the fabric of the interior dual sunroof. Well it seems that in applying pressure to clean it has stretched this material and is getting worse and worse. The strange thing is i barely applied pressure. Even now if i only apply the slightest pressure to the interior sunroof panel it creates a permanent crease or fold. It doesnt look nice and flat like it did when it came from the dealership. Question is: If you apply the a small amount of pressure to interior to fabric interior sunroof does it cause any folds or when opening looks like its bunching up? Drive to dealership is an hr so your advice is worth gold right now.

Thanks

 

P.S.
This part of the sunroof is called the retractable sunshades.

 

Ya that dosn't seem like something that should be happening. I could see if your liking pulling on the fabric but just putting some pressure (pushing upwards) should not make the material do that. I would call/take it to the dealership and see if there is something that can be done.

 

sup guys im new to forums i have had my max for couple months now
so you proly gonna see me around i been lurking before and finally registered

 

Hello People,

I've had my Max now for about 2 months: SV+Sport+Tech named Captain Janeway. My previous car was a 2006 Altima SE-R and I was very sad that Nissan wasn't doing an SE-R for the latest Altima and considered going back to a GTI. I am sooo happy that I went for the Maxima!

Likes: The show that it performs at start-up - the gauges light up and the needles sweep, the nav screen's animated Nissan graphics, the steering wheel tilts down and the seat slides forward: you are now ready to drive, sir.

Here in NYC parallel parking is a daily event and with the tilt down mirrors and back-up cam it's a snap.

The choice between D and DS, still figuring out which I like best for city/expressway driving - leaning towards DS.

Dislikes: only one, I would rather have the nav dial on the console where BMW puts it for ease of iPod use while driving.

Thanks for reading!

 

I don't know if my transmission is ****ed up or Im not used to the CVT. Sometimes it feels like my car is over exerting itself when I hit the gas. Like the RPMs will skyrocket for no reason like its stuck in a gear.

 

That is what the CVT does my friend.

 

That's what I thought. I'm just not used to it. I guess I will eventually be.

 

It definitely freaked me out at first too. But I got used to it pretty quick. Now I quite like it, no shifting

 

My 2009 Max Premium is my first Nissan also. Got it last October and I love it. Always had Acura/Honda cars before.

 

09 SV Precision Gray Premium + Technology

Picked mine up last week after three years with an 07 Camry XLE V6.

WOW! Toyota could learn a few things from Nissan about quality and value!

So far no major problems... well built, fast and pretty.

One minor thing... Owner's manual (page 3-29)outlines a "Procedure for storing the outside mirror positions for best visibility when backing up". Try as I might, I can't get this to work. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

this car is wayyyy too luxurious. doesnt have that old racing look of other maximas

 

I just took delivery on my 2009 Winter Frost/Charcoal Premium Leather, Maxima SV Sport + Technology package. Pulled out of the dealer down in Manhattan, didn't even let the salesman explain anything about the car to me. I just wanted to get on the West Side Highway up to the Bronx and see what my car was made of. As I made a right to enter onto the highway I heard a ticking sound. I knew right away what had happened. I ran over a freaking nail and the steering was off. I waited until I got to the Bronx and got it taken care of and my baby has been spot on ever since. I don't understand why some people have been having problems with the Navi. I think it is the best on the market. I really want to drop some 22's on her, but I don't want to alter the car too much. I love the car. The stares I've been getting are incredible. MSRP. $38,340. Got it down to $34,740.35 taxes, license, registration and everything.

 

An '09 Maxima in the BRONX???? I lived in the Bronx twice back in the early 1950s, and I would not have parked this type car in the Bronx even way back then. I hope you have a garage with a very strong door. The stares you are getting should tell you that folks WANT this car. If you give them a chance, they will TAKE it. I certainly would not leave my Maxima unguarded in downtown Atlanta or Miami or Dallas or any other large city. If I lived in such a location, I would probably drive a bland-colored Ford Focus type vehicle.

By the way, welcome to the ORG! Glad you have such a beautiful car!

 

Hey lightonthehill! Thanks for the kind words about the car. Actually, the Bronx is not as bad as it used to be. Maybe it's just me but I've lived in the Bronx pretty much my whole life and believe me I'm not bragging at all when I say nobody will be messing with my car. I have her parked in an indoor garage, air conditioned, the whole nine yards. I have to say I was getting so many looks on the highway and pretty much everywhere else. The car is a winner.

 

Nice to hear you say these nice things about this '09 Maxima. I certainly love mine.

In thinking back, most of the 'unfortunate incidents' from my NYC days in the early 1950s were on the nights (Tuesdays and Fridays) I had to meet one of my family's freight trucks on the Brooklyn waterfront. Those meetings were always between midnight and 4AM, as the trucks came in after the evening crush, and tried to get out of town before the morning crush. I am glad the Bronx seems to be a fairly safe place. Back in the early 1950s, I lived in a small room on the top floor of a boarding house at 689 East 243rd street (Bronx). No air conditioning, and all six roomers on that floor shared the same small bath. Life was tough.

 

Hello Guys

Picked up an 09 SV with the Tech and Premium package. Coming from a 06 Altima 2.5S I hae to say that I am in love. My car is dark slate with beige leather. I love the way that color combination looks. The car is the bomb!
My in laws both have 08 G35X and I found that they were kind of a tight fit. I also looked at the G37 and was not impressed at all.

I love the site and am so glad that I found it.

 

I've had my car since Feb and the car is a showstopper. Love the ride the looks, the everything. I do not regret buying this car one single bit. I want to drive just to drive it.