Hello 7th gen guys/gals. My wife and I plan to purchase a used car soon by summer's end around $19K. The 03 Maxima will be my daily driver, and the newer car will be my wife's. I get to drive it on weekends. I've been lusting over the 7th gen since it came out, and now I see numerous examples within 200 miles of my home that are in the $19K range. Most are 2009, while a couple are 2010. For those that went from a 5th gen to a 7th what are the pros and cons as far as the ride and handling are concerned? If you were in my shoes would you get another Maxima or perhaps an Altima? I'm just looking for a variety of opinions. Part of me wants the extra gas mileage of an Altima 2.5, but I think in the long run I'd miss the power and refinement of the Maxima.

 

I owned a 1997 I30 and a 2003 Max SE. The 2013 car is like night and day, I love it. have heard of some issues with the 2009's that I am sure some here can answer better

 

I didn't go from a 5th gen but a 6th gen and the first thing I noticed was how much heavier the 7th gen was. Might not be much actual weight difference but definitely feels like it. I also noticed a considerable amount of leg and headroom compared to the 6th gen. At 6'3" I was cramped in the 04. With the 7th gen, you can lower the seats way down giving it a sports car feel. The CVT is different. I like it. Some don't so you might want to drive one thoroughly before buying. The only thing I don't like is the Bose system. Not very good IMO.

 

I've owned a total of 4 Nissans, a 97 Max SE manual, an 03 Max SE manual, a 10 Murano LE, and now my 10 Max SV. While I love the power of the Maxima I find myself still longing for the Murano sometimes. It had everything except the DVD player. The only complaints I have with the Maxima are the cheap speakers, the sunroof fabric makes a loud slapping sound when driving with the windows down and inputting information using the navigation/music box controls is not as easy with the Maxima as it is with the Murano.

 

If you are looking for practicality and low cost the Altima is the way to go. However, if you like great handling and power the Maxima wins.

 

It's crazy how close the prices are on used Maximas vs. used V6 Altimas.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=6&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...Index=15&Log=0
For me it'll be either the 3.5 Altima or Maxima. No 4 cylinder for me. I decided I'd sacrifice a few mpg's for power.

 

I've had four Maximas...92, 96, 02, & 2010. All have been fun cars to drive, even more so with some slight modifications. Both in stock form, my 7th gen handles better than my 02 did. You will really like the better turning radius that the 7th gen has .

 

In that case the Max no doubt......better car and its not a group of them at every stop light or parking lot you encounter unlike the Altima/Camry/ Accord. Once you go/have Maximas as you have its hard to go to Alti...

 

I've owned a 92 Maxima which I sold to the guy down the street and he is still driving it. I bought my 03 Max SE and in 2010 bought a Acura TL SH-AWD for my wife and she hated the car. Bought a loaded 2012 Maxima SV with premium and tech package and she loves it.
Gave my daughter the 03 Maxima SE and it now has 103,000 miles and still running strong. I think the 03 Max was the best Max until they came out with the 7th gen. So that's my story. Take what you will from my observations.

 

Recently, I purchased 7th gen and I found it much lighter as compared to 5th and 6th gen. The reason is that the technology employed in that is very advance, which loads this car with features without making it bulky. Now, as far as maxima and Altima is concerned, I will suggest you to go for Altima because it will give you more relaxing driving experience. Last month I bought used 7th gen from Automotix and I am highly satisfied by its performance.

 

hum . . . 2010 Alitma vs. 2009 Maxima pricing . . .

 

You really can't go wrong with either. Test drive them both and see what you prefer.

Ahem... I vote max though