Thinking of trading for Acura TL... Maxima v. TL
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Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 169
From: NYC & Orlando, FL
Thinking of trading for Acura TL... Maxima v. TL
I am thinking of trading my '10 Maxima in for an Acura TL. I leased my car, but I am going to buy the next so I am thinking maybe an '11 used TL with Tech.
Anyone weigh these two options? Maxima vs. TL? Why did you go with Maxima.
Pros / Cons for each? So far here are mine...
TL PRO:
Actual gears.
MAXIMA PRO:
Heated steering wheel
panoramic sunroof
Anyone weigh these two options? Maxima vs. TL? Why did you go with Maxima.
Pros / Cons for each? So far here are mine...
TL PRO:
Actual gears.
MAXIMA PRO:
Heated steering wheel
panoramic sunroof
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 324
From: VA
Now this is just my .02 cents...
If this were the previous model TL, then I could see this. To me personally Acura completely switched gears on how the TL was. I was looking at the '08 TL-S before I got a Maxima myself. The new ones just seem so big and the front grill when it is chrome, I don't like it at all. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice luxury car, but it just doesn't have that luxurious but yet aggressive/sportiness to it like the previous TL had and the current Maxima has as well. When I look at the 2 sitting side-by-side, I just don't get the same response from the TL as the Maxima. Granted, I hear the interior and everything else in the TL is top-notch and is preferred over the Maxima, but once again this was just my personal thoughts. haha...
If this were the previous model TL, then I could see this. To me personally Acura completely switched gears on how the TL was. I was looking at the '08 TL-S before I got a Maxima myself. The new ones just seem so big and the front grill when it is chrome, I don't like it at all. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice luxury car, but it just doesn't have that luxurious but yet aggressive/sportiness to it like the previous TL had and the current Maxima has as well. When I look at the 2 sitting side-by-side, I just don't get the same response from the TL as the Maxima. Granted, I hear the interior and everything else in the TL is top-notch and is preferred over the Maxima, but once again this was just my personal thoughts. haha...
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 21
From: San Antonio, TX
It's basically this:
TL is going to be 5-7k more. AWD and a little more power. Interior is decent, but Acura has gotten pretty gaudy with design. I am not a huge fan.
Maxima looks better on the outside IMO and is a better value.
The TL is more exclusive for sure.
TL is going to be 5-7k more. AWD and a little more power. Interior is decent, but Acura has gotten pretty gaudy with design. I am not a huge fan.
Maxima looks better on the outside IMO and is a better value.
The TL is more exclusive for sure.
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 257
The TL is a great car. Outside, I don't care for the styling. Just my opinion. The interior I am a huge fan of. I came from an 08 TSX and naturally wanted to get the TL. The price and the exterior turned me off. But the interior is above the Max in my opinion, but it should be its a 'premium' brand, like Infiniti. But they drive great and are a very nice car. For me the Max won out. But go drive one.
Oh the FWD and the SH AWD handle and ride very different, so drive them both!
Oh the FWD and the SH AWD handle and ride very different, so drive them both!
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10
They were both on my short list. I found the Acura styling kind of gaudy, even with the recent redesign, and the car seemed louder than the Max.
Throw in how much more affordable the Max is and the decision was made!
Throw in how much more affordable the Max is and the decision was made!
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10
From: Indy
Yep...
I agree with a lot of the above comments. Drove the 11 Max Sport, a TL, a G37 and a SHO last September, and it came down to the TL and the Max but the lease payments were significantly higher on the TL; like $265 a month for similar terms. I didn't see the value. Part of that was a supply issue back then with all Honda products which by now has been resolved. But still the Acura is considerably more expensive and not discounted as deeply. To some, the exclusivity and AWD might be worth it, just not to me. I was coming out of a 2008 G35 when my three year lease expired.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,326
From: WA
This thread and others like it that compare Nissan's flagship sedan with other brands luxury models say a lot about the 7th Gen Maxima!
My brothers wife recently bought a 09 G37. Nice car and all but my bro digs more on my Maxima. He just won't say it in front of his wife.
Too many people worry about what name is on the car. A bit shortsighted to say the least.
My brothers wife recently bought a 09 G37. Nice car and all but my bro digs more on my Maxima. He just won't say it in front of his wife.
Too many people worry about what name is on the car. A bit shortsighted to say the least.
Last edited by dr_2010SV; Mar 10, 2012 at 09:30 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
This thread and others like it that compare Nissan's flagship sedan with other brands luxury models say a lot about the 7th Gen Maxima!
My brothers wife recently bought a 09 G37. Nice car and all but my bro digs more on my Maxima. He just won't say it in front of his wife.
Too many people worry about what name is on the car. A bit shortsighted to say the least.
My brothers wife recently bought a 09 G37. Nice car and all but my bro digs more on my Maxima. He just won't say it in front of his wife.
Too many people worry about what name is on the car. A bit shortsighted to say the least.
The G37 has a completely different mission in life with a different engine, suspension and drive train. I do not "dig" on the Maxima more than my G. The only other car I dig on more than my G is the 335.
As a consumer researching vehicles, the Maxima does compete with the base TL, however Acura service is a whole different level than Nissan service.
The Maxima does not compare with the SH-AWD model in the performance department, which is apples to oranges in the same way Maxima vs. G37 is apples to oranges.
The Maxima is a screaming bargain, especially if you drive it like a family vehicle and don't pretend it is a world class NASCAR vehicle. Although the Optima and Sonota both are the competition of the Maxima at this point in time.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 184
From: Dallas
I thought the Optima and Sonota were in competition with the Altima? A well equipped Maxima at sticker is a bit over 40k, Optima and Sonota doesn't even come close. They don't even fit into the same category.
Me personally, I would choose Maxima over the TL. I like the sportiness of the Maxima, specially the lines along the car. You have pros and cons of each vehicle. TL has optional AWD when the Maxima doesn't. The Maxima has touch screen nav, when in the TL you have to do everything with that big a** **** in the middle of the dash along with all those buttons. Maxima also has an optional heated and power tilt and telescope steering wheel when the TL doesnt. I can go on and on. Its basically comes down to what you prefer and thats for every vehicle on the market IMO. I'm not knocking the TL, it really is a nice car. I've driven the AWD version and it hauls a**.
http://www.newcars.com/reviews/nissan-maxima-vs-acura-tl-sedan.html
I really disagree with the Maxima being a bargain. If you want something a bit cheaper, get a Altima 3.5 or something. Those are nice vehicles also.
Me personally, I would choose Maxima over the TL. I like the sportiness of the Maxima, specially the lines along the car. You have pros and cons of each vehicle. TL has optional AWD when the Maxima doesn't. The Maxima has touch screen nav, when in the TL you have to do everything with that big a** **** in the middle of the dash along with all those buttons. Maxima also has an optional heated and power tilt and telescope steering wheel when the TL doesnt. I can go on and on. Its basically comes down to what you prefer and thats for every vehicle on the market IMO. I'm not knocking the TL, it really is a nice car. I've driven the AWD version and it hauls a**.
http://www.newcars.com/reviews/nissan-maxima-vs-acura-tl-sedan.html
I really disagree with the Maxima being a bargain. If you want something a bit cheaper, get a Altima 3.5 or something. Those are nice vehicles also.
Last edited by 97MaximaBoy; Mar 11, 2012 at 09:08 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
The TL for 2012 does have the tilt and telescoping steering wheel although I don't know what packages have to be added to get it.
The price of the Maxima from what I understand from this forum can be negotiated pretty heavily. (Maybe depending on what area you are buying the car in).
The heated steering wheel is not an option that would ever tilit my car buying decision.
Plus the Optima comes with heated rear seats and it has better safety ratings than the Maxima.
And lastly never underestimate the two cars that anyone would cross shop. People have their own priorities when it comes to cross-shopping cars. I'm the first to admit some of it doesn't make sense, but it's not my money.
http://forums.maxima.org/8394189-post1.html
The price of the Maxima from what I understand from this forum can be negotiated pretty heavily. (Maybe depending on what area you are buying the car in).
The heated steering wheel is not an option that would ever tilit my car buying decision.
Plus the Optima comes with heated rear seats and it has better safety ratings than the Maxima.
And lastly never underestimate the two cars that anyone would cross shop. People have their own priorities when it comes to cross-shopping cars. I'm the first to admit some of it doesn't make sense, but it's not my money.
http://forums.maxima.org/8394189-post1.html
Last edited by G37guy01; Mar 11, 2012 at 01:10 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 56
From: Arizona
I was shopping the Optima / Sonata / Altima / Fusion, never even thought about the Maxima. But I can see how one can cross-shop the Maxima / TL as well.
I did drive the TL at a Drive GM event, it was by far the best car in the event (they had Lexus, Acura, and Buick vehicles, but no Infinity / Maxima there).
The TL is a pleasure to drive. But so is the Maxima. You can't go wrong with either car. Both are awesome.
But at the end of day I love love love my Maxima, and don't second my decision one bit. I would buy another Maxima in a heartbeat if I had to do it again.
The Maxima is 100% better looking than the TL. That's for sure.
I did drive the TL at a Drive GM event, it was by far the best car in the event (they had Lexus, Acura, and Buick vehicles, but no Infinity / Maxima there).
The TL is a pleasure to drive. But so is the Maxima. You can't go wrong with either car. Both are awesome.
But at the end of day I love love love my Maxima, and don't second my decision one bit. I would buy another Maxima in a heartbeat if I had to do it again.
The Maxima is 100% better looking than the TL. That's for sure.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,082
From: Los Angeles
I test drove the AWD TL before getting my Max. Would've chosen the FWD version but I guess the salesman wanted to impress me. It handled with more confindence. The suspension was pretty stiff, but that's how I like it. I love the interior and there is a little more rear leg room. The interior quality is better. But the outside is just too ugly. Even with wheels it still doesn't look that good to me. The Max with stock 19s looks way better than a fixed up TL. If the Max body was on the TL interior it would be a great car. I will be keeping an eye out for the next-gen TL since my lease is up the end of next year.
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 257
I test drove the AWD TL before getting my Max. Would've chosen the FWD version but I guess the salesman wanted to impress me. It handled with more confindence. The suspension was pretty stiff, but that's how I like it. I love the interior and there is a little more rear leg room. The interior quality is better. But the outside is just too ugly. Even with wheels it still doesn't look that good to me. The Max with stock 19s looks way better than a fixed up TL. If the Max body was on the TL interior it would be a great car. I will be keeping an eye out for the next-gen TL since my lease is up the end of next year.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 502
From: Yonkers, NY
Acura TL FWD and or AWD is SLOWER then the 7th gen...just making that clear
and its uglier... you get 2 front ends for the price of 1....nice job honda!
and the windows are so small it makes you feel like your sitting in a coupe....my sister in law has it...dont like it.... the stiching on the leather seats look flawed the shocks make a thumping noise over bumps .... brand new TL also may i add and all the TL's do that ive noticed.
and you get the 120K mile warrenty on the CVT as hondas V6 trannys constantly fail @ 100K
I paid 27,000 for my maxima back in 2008 when it first came out, got the base model cause all i really wanted was the body....looks so sick esp in white =)
Last edited by IFuXwiTuZ; Mar 13, 2012 at 03:21 AM.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 502
From: Yonkers, NY
The Maxima does not compare with the SH-AWD model in the performance department, which is apples to oranges in the same way Maxima vs. G37 is apples to oranges.
The Maxima is a screaming bargain, especially if you drive it like a family vehicle and don't pretend it is a world class NASCAR vehicle.
The Maxima is a screaming bargain, especially if you drive it like a family vehicle and don't pretend it is a world class NASCAR vehicle.
i love when people with G37's think they driving world class NASCAR vehicles.
Just curious to how you think the AWD Acura has better performance then the Maxima...when the V6 FWD TL is faster then the AWD? or is that what the acura commercial told you with the AWD version drifting.....
Last edited by IFuXwiTuZ; Mar 13, 2012 at 03:42 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
Mod for mod the VQ35 from the 7th gen and the 2008+ altimas put down MORE WHP mod 4 mod then the VQ37 does...so yeah unless u got boost, a G37 really isnt all that powerful.... maybe stock g37 will be quicker then a stock maxima/altima but thats pretty much it...once the mods start its over for the 3.7 RWD
i love when people with G37's think they driving world class NASCAR vehicles.
Just curious to how you think the AWD Acura has better performance then the Maxima...when the V6 FWD TL is faster then the AWD? or is that what the acura commercial told you with the AWD version drifting.....
i love when people with G37's think they driving world class NASCAR vehicles.
Just curious to how you think the AWD Acura has better performance then the Maxima...when the V6 FWD TL is faster then the AWD? or is that what the acura commercial told you with the AWD version drifting.....
The Maxima is not a world class Nascar vehicle either and it's cannot compete with the G performance wise. It's not mean to. The Maxima is a sporty, FWD cruiser not a sports sedan. If your game is money and mods, there is always someone with both more money and more mods to take you in a street race. I assume that is what you are referring to and not track time.
The AWD TL, in spite of the fact I'm not a torque vectoring fan, uses all four wheels to drive the car and has been reported to hit 60 in 5.3 seconds. I guess all of this is subjective based on who you believe is your authoritative source for 0-60 times.
Not to mention the G37 can go straight to 155, if you have the guts.
Last edited by G37guy01; Mar 13, 2012 at 08:58 AM.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 502
From: Yonkers, NY
I don't know, depending on who you believe the stock G37 will hit 60 in 5 seconds if you are will to abuse it a little. You can add nitro to that if you want, people have done it. So game over for the Maxima.
The Maxima is not a world class Nascar vehicle either and it's cannot compete with the G performance wise. It's not mean to. The Maxima is a sporty, FWD cruiser not a sports sedan. If your game is money and mods, there is always someone with both more money and more mods to take you in a street race. I assume that is what you are referring to and not track time.
The AWD TL, in spite of the fact I'm not a torque vectoring fan, uses all four wheels to drive the car and has been reported to hit 60 in 5.3 seconds. I guess all of this is subjective based on who you believe is your authoritative source for 0-60 times.
Not to mention the G37 can go straight to 155, if you have the guts.
The Maxima is not a world class Nascar vehicle either and it's cannot compete with the G performance wise. It's not mean to. The Maxima is a sporty, FWD cruiser not a sports sedan. If your game is money and mods, there is always someone with both more money and more mods to take you in a street race. I assume that is what you are referring to and not track time.
The AWD TL, in spite of the fact I'm not a torque vectoring fan, uses all four wheels to drive the car and has been reported to hit 60 in 5.3 seconds. I guess all of this is subjective based on who you believe is your authoritative source for 0-60 times.
Not to mention the G37 can go straight to 155, if you have the guts.
top speed is nothing a uprev cant fix.... im not trying to be a wise guy i just know the facts thats all.... my friends VQ35 2008 altima 6MT with SRI, YPIPE, custom 3inch exhaust with uprev makes 295-298 wheel and his top speed is 160...im just saying
still cheaper then a G37 sedan base model.
My E350 goes to 155 also but takes longer then my maxima to get there...
coilovers, sway bar, strut bar, rear brace bar, endlinks....i could garentee i could outhandle a G37 anyday of the week
Last edited by IFuXwiTuZ; Mar 13, 2012 at 10:21 AM.
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Posts: 110
top speed is nothing a uprev cant fix.... im not trying to be a wise guy i just know the facts thats all.... my friends VQ35 2008 altima 6MT with SRI, YPIPE, custom 3inch exhaust with uprev makes 295-298 wheel and his top speed is 160...im just saying
still cheaper then a G37 sedan base model.
My E350 goes to 155 also but takes longer then my maxima to get there...
coilovers, sway bar, strut bar, rear brace bar, endlinks....i could garentee i could outhandle a G37 anyday of the week
still cheaper then a G37 sedan base model.
My E350 goes to 155 also but takes longer then my maxima to get there...
coilovers, sway bar, strut bar, rear brace bar, endlinks....i could garentee i could outhandle a G37 anyday of the week
The discussion ought to be kept stock to stock and not my Max with mods can beat your G stock. That discussion makes no sense.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 502
From: Yonkers, NY
That's the point, the G out of the box handles better. Sure you can mod a 77 pinto until it beats a Bugatti. I'm not being a wiseguy either. There are people who mod their Gs also to a point a Lambo couldn't keep up with them.
The discussion ought to be kept stock to stock and not my Max with mods can beat your G stock. That discussion makes no sense.
The discussion ought to be kept stock to stock and not my Max with mods can beat your G stock. That discussion makes no sense.
stock for stock the G37 has it hands down....ok so back to the TL topic...GET A MAXIMA! ef the Vtec
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 393
From: Connecticut
I've owned 2 Maximas and love them. I currently own a 2010 TL SH-AWD. Its a great car but my wife misses driving the Max. I would have bought and almost did by another Max if it wasn't for thr CVT transmission. If I were you, I'd keep the Max you have awhile longer and see what's on the horizon for the TL.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,143
From: a meadow south of Atlanta
My son has driven TLs for about a decade. He has had mechanical problems with which he feels he did not get good support from Honda's national office (he got no help from his Acura dealer). He has driven my Maxima several times, and says his next car will be a Maxima.
I have zero interest in AWD because we don't have snow, ice, etc, very often in south Georgia. There are additional AWD detriments such as higher initial cost, more parts to break, more expensive to repair, lower fuel efficiency, and the little caveat that many makers of AWD vehicles are honest enough to admit: when we have an unrepairable flat on an AWD car, we should replace all four tires, because any variation of tread depth between tires puts a mechanical strain on an AWD system, sometimes resulting in very expensive repairs.
Then there is the situation that I lost most circulation in my hands years ago (around the time I turned age 75?), and can only drive a car in warm weather unless it has a heated steering wheel.
There are small things, such as I do not like the giant tooth in the TL's front grille, but that is a personal whim. And there is not an Acura dealer near me, but again, that is just my situation, and not an indictment of the TL, which is a fine car.
Some folks may put significance in the fact the April 2012 Annual Auto Issue of Consumer Reports on page 31 rates the Maxima two notches above the TL.
But everyone has a different situation, and the TL may be the best car for some drivers. Just not me.
EDIT - I have amended this post to delete the FWD/RWD comparison, since G37guy01 gently reminded me in a later post in this thread that the TL is not available in a RWD.
I have zero interest in AWD because we don't have snow, ice, etc, very often in south Georgia. There are additional AWD detriments such as higher initial cost, more parts to break, more expensive to repair, lower fuel efficiency, and the little caveat that many makers of AWD vehicles are honest enough to admit: when we have an unrepairable flat on an AWD car, we should replace all four tires, because any variation of tread depth between tires puts a mechanical strain on an AWD system, sometimes resulting in very expensive repairs.
Then there is the situation that I lost most circulation in my hands years ago (around the time I turned age 75?), and can only drive a car in warm weather unless it has a heated steering wheel.
There are small things, such as I do not like the giant tooth in the TL's front grille, but that is a personal whim. And there is not an Acura dealer near me, but again, that is just my situation, and not an indictment of the TL, which is a fine car.
Some folks may put significance in the fact the April 2012 Annual Auto Issue of Consumer Reports on page 31 rates the Maxima two notches above the TL.
But everyone has a different situation, and the TL may be the best car for some drivers. Just not me.
EDIT - I have amended this post to delete the FWD/RWD comparison, since G37guy01 gently reminded me in a later post in this thread that the TL is not available in a RWD.
Last edited by lightonthehill; Mar 15, 2012 at 03:26 PM.
My son has driven TLs for about a decade. He has had mechanical problems with which he feels he did not get good support from Honda's national office (he got no help from his Acura dealer). He has driven my Maxima several times, and says his next car will be a Maxima.
I personally would never be comparing these two cars because I have become a big fan of FWD. Many drivers dislike FWD, but I get better traction on winding mountain roads when the front wheels pull me in the direction I am turning instead of the rear wheels trying to push the car straight ahead. Also, having most of the weight of the car over the drive wheels (which FWD does) enables me to get the car moving in situations where RWD would not. My second choice would be RWD. I have zero interest in AWD because we don't have snow, ice, etc, very often in south Georgia.
There are additional AWD detriments such as higher initial cost, more parts to break, more expensive to repair, lower fuel efficiency, and the little caveat that many makers of AWD vehicles are honest enough to admit: when we have an unrepairable flat on an AWD car, we should replace all four tires, because any variation of tread depth between tires puts a mechanical strain on an AWD system, sometimes resulting in very expensive repairs.
Then there is the situation that I lost most circulation in my hands years ago (around the time I turned age 75?), and can only drive a car in warm weather unless it has a heated steering wheel.
There are small things, such as I do not like the giant tooth in the TL's front grille, but that is a personal whim. And there is not an Acura dealer near me, but again, that is just my situation, and not an indictment of the TL, which is a fine car.
Some folks may put significance in the fact the April 2012 Annual Auto Issue of Consumer Reports on page 31 rates the Maxima two notches above the TL.
But everyone has a different situation, and the TL may be the best car for some drivers. Just not me.
I personally would never be comparing these two cars because I have become a big fan of FWD. Many drivers dislike FWD, but I get better traction on winding mountain roads when the front wheels pull me in the direction I am turning instead of the rear wheels trying to push the car straight ahead. Also, having most of the weight of the car over the drive wheels (which FWD does) enables me to get the car moving in situations where RWD would not. My second choice would be RWD. I have zero interest in AWD because we don't have snow, ice, etc, very often in south Georgia.
There are additional AWD detriments such as higher initial cost, more parts to break, more expensive to repair, lower fuel efficiency, and the little caveat that many makers of AWD vehicles are honest enough to admit: when we have an unrepairable flat on an AWD car, we should replace all four tires, because any variation of tread depth between tires puts a mechanical strain on an AWD system, sometimes resulting in very expensive repairs.
Then there is the situation that I lost most circulation in my hands years ago (around the time I turned age 75?), and can only drive a car in warm weather unless it has a heated steering wheel.
There are small things, such as I do not like the giant tooth in the TL's front grille, but that is a personal whim. And there is not an Acura dealer near me, but again, that is just my situation, and not an indictment of the TL, which is a fine car.
Some folks may put significance in the fact the April 2012 Annual Auto Issue of Consumer Reports on page 31 rates the Maxima two notches above the TL.
But everyone has a different situation, and the TL may be the best car for some drivers. Just not me.
end thread.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 62
From: Chicago, IL
i love the acura tl interior. the grill looked disgusting when they first came out, but they did change it up. still doesnt compare to the Maxima exterior though. i have never driven a TL but i did look at them before getting a maxima. The interior is most important to me cause well, thats what your surrounded by. It looks amazing, and the AWD is a huge plus living in Chicago with snow. I would have gotten a TL if i had the extra $10k, but I dont regret not getting the Maxima one bit.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
My son has driven TLs for about a decade. He has had mechanical problems with which he feels he did not get good support from Honda's national office (he got no help from his Acura dealer). He has driven my Maxima several times, and says his next car will be a Maxima.
I personally would never be comparing these two cars because I have become a big fan of FWD. Many drivers dislike FWD, but I get better traction on winding mountain roads when the front wheels pull me in the direction I am turning instead of the rear wheels trying to push the car straight ahead. Also, having most of the weight of the car over the drive wheels (which FWD does) enables me to get the car moving in situations where RWD would not. My second choice would be RWD. I have zero interest in AWD because we don't have snow, ice, etc, very often in south Georgia.
There are additional AWD detriments such as higher initial cost, more parts to break, more expensive to repair, lower fuel efficiency, and the little caveat that many makers of AWD vehicles are honest enough to admit: when we have an unrepairable flat on an AWD car, we should replace all four tires, because any variation of tread depth between tires puts a mechanical strain on an AWD system, sometimes resulting in very expensive repairs.
Then there is the situation that I lost most circulation in my hands years ago (around the time I turned age 75?), and can only drive a car in warm weather unless it has a heated steering wheel.
There are small things, such as I do not like the giant tooth in the TL's front grille, but that is a personal whim. And there is not an Acura dealer near me, but again, that is just my situation, and not an indictment of the TL, which is a fine car.
Some folks may put significance in the fact the April 2012 Annual Auto Issue of Consumer Reports on page 31 rates the Maxima two notches above the TL.
But everyone has a different situation, and the TL may be the best car for some drivers. Just not me.
I personally would never be comparing these two cars because I have become a big fan of FWD. Many drivers dislike FWD, but I get better traction on winding mountain roads when the front wheels pull me in the direction I am turning instead of the rear wheels trying to push the car straight ahead. Also, having most of the weight of the car over the drive wheels (which FWD does) enables me to get the car moving in situations where RWD would not. My second choice would be RWD. I have zero interest in AWD because we don't have snow, ice, etc, very often in south Georgia.
There are additional AWD detriments such as higher initial cost, more parts to break, more expensive to repair, lower fuel efficiency, and the little caveat that many makers of AWD vehicles are honest enough to admit: when we have an unrepairable flat on an AWD car, we should replace all four tires, because any variation of tread depth between tires puts a mechanical strain on an AWD system, sometimes resulting in very expensive repairs.
Then there is the situation that I lost most circulation in my hands years ago (around the time I turned age 75?), and can only drive a car in warm weather unless it has a heated steering wheel.
There are small things, such as I do not like the giant tooth in the TL's front grille, but that is a personal whim. And there is not an Acura dealer near me, but again, that is just my situation, and not an indictment of the TL, which is a fine car.
Some folks may put significance in the fact the April 2012 Annual Auto Issue of Consumer Reports on page 31 rates the Maxima two notches above the TL.
But everyone has a different situation, and the TL may be the best car for some drivers. Just not me.
The TL has it's loyal following, I'm not a big fan of Acura myself...I think they lost their way.
Meh, I need AWD. Lots of snow and ice potentially.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,143
From: a meadow south of Atlanta
Thanks for the subtle reminder that the base TL is FWD, just like the Maxima. I think my mind had wandered to the Infiniti G. Old geezers such as me sometimes get cars confused. I have now amended my original post which you were referring to so it will be correct.
Thanks again for catching this.
Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
Thanks for the subtle reminder that the base TL is FWD, just like the Maxima. I think my mind had wandered to the Infiniti G. Old geezers such as me sometimes get cars confused. I have now amended my original post which you were referring to so it will be correct.
Thanks again for catching this.
Thanks again for catching this.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 169
From: NYC & Orlando, FL
So I've been taking all these comments and comparing the two... I even checked one out today at the local dealer and I was kind of underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong I really liked it, but then just thinking of the little luxuries the Maxima has....
I actually had to manually open the sunroof.. lol not to mention missing the panoramic sunroof.
No heated steering wheel
No cooled seats
So I'm leaning towards keeping the Max... I guess at least until the lease is up and then we'll see from there.
I actually had to manually open the sunroof.. lol not to mention missing the panoramic sunroof.
No heated steering wheel
No cooled seats
So I'm leaning towards keeping the Max... I guess at least until the lease is up and then we'll see from there.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,326
From: WA
So I've been taking all these comments and comparing the two... I even checked one out today at the local dealer and I was kind of underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong I really liked it, but then just thinking of the little luxuries the Maxima has....
I actually had to manually open the sunroof.. lol not to mention missing the panoramic sunroof.
No heated steering wheel
No cooled seats
So I'm leaning towards keeping the Max... I guess at least until the lease is up and then we'll see from there.
I actually had to manually open the sunroof.. lol not to mention missing the panoramic sunroof.
No heated steering wheel
No cooled seats
So I'm leaning towards keeping the Max... I guess at least until the lease is up and then we'll see from there.
Pushing this car "as-is" another year with only beauty treatment
will make only many buyers look (a lot harder) elsewhere.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,143
From: a meadow south of Atlanta
You speak the truth. But another truth is that the economy is tough, and although car sales are up, they aren't rolling like they did in the old days.
A TON of money is involved in bringing out a new generation of a vehicle. Nissan has to juggle the amount of money required to bring out a new generation of the Maxima against the money they would probably lose by keeping the current generation another year or two and the increased sales gained by a new generation.
Also involved is the fact Nissan has 17 (or more) different vehicles for sale, so their design group can't bring out new generations of each vehicle as often as in the old days. Has the current Altima gone six years between generations? And the current Maximas are still selling reasonably well. The new thrust of the Maxima is not as a sales leader. Nissan intends to sell only around 70K Maximas a model year when economic times are normal.
I would guess the math would favor keeping the 7th gen until spring of 2014, at which time the 8th generation 2015 Maxima would debut. Yes, sales (money) would be lost in the meantime, but timing the 8th gen to the predicted significant easing of the recession (which many economic 'experts' feel should be around 2014/15) makes a lot of sense.
In other words, I think Nissan will do the overall best thing for their bottom line, which would be having the 8th gen arrive in spring of 2014 as the 2015 model.
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