I never said that I didn't want the Maxima. I like it, but the Altima has really stepped up it's game from the previous gen. All the technology clouded my mind I guess. I was just looking for people that own these cars, and are familiar with Nissans in general to give me examples of features and options that give the Maxima a real advantage. Plus I'm trying to figure out what the car can do, since the salesmen are not very familiar the options and capabilities of the Maxima.

This is going to be my first brand new car, so yeah I'm researching and weighing all my options. Because once I sign for it, it's not like I can take it back for a refund if I don't like it.

I went to just about every car dealer out there today looking around seeing what I can get for the same price as the Maxima. The closest contender is the Dodge Charger RT, and it doesn't have leather and a sunroof. It was an eye opener, and I'm getting quite a bit for $26K for this Maxima. I looked at the Altima and Maxima again, and yep I see it now. The Maxima has better quality leather seats, the doors and hood are quieter at closing, and just overall seems more quality. So unless I can get a brand new G37 for $26K to $27K before TTL, which I seriously doubt, I'm going for the Maxima.


My GF and her friend both think the Maximas are hot looking cars too.

I looked at Nissan's website, and it says that the S model has a 6 disc. It says the 6 disc is not available on the base SV and SV with added trim levels. I've heard that it does have 6 disc and that it doesn't, I guess I'm going to the dealer and test it out. It doesn't make sense on why the lowest level Maxima has a 6 disc, and SV even without NAV doesn't.

Does anyone use a USB to AUX cable in their Maxima? Is the sound quality drastically reduced?

Also, can I use a USB key with music on it and play through the radio?

 

I use the USB port to play music from my iPhone and it sounds great to me. Yeah I have the 2010 SV Sport and I also have Bluetooth audio. It sounds just fine but the range sucks lol.

I was honestly unaware that the SV loses the 6 Disc CD changer but at the same time it doesn't matter to me because I use my iPhone and the built in hard drive for my music.

As for XM radio, it is available on the car but you have to subscribe. I'm still on a trial version on my 2010 because I don't use it! Haha

 

I believe the 6 disc comes on cars without Nav. I have no Nav and have a SV with 6 disc. I use the aux jack instead mainly. Aux jack works great but get a quality connection instead of that thin wire that came with your tablet or iPad pack. That's important just like for any hi fidelity system everyone seems to buy a great receiver and speakers and then use 18 gauge wire!!! Buy a good solid thick aux wire to hook up your iwhatever or alien phone. Good luck and I'm glad you see it cause it is definitely the reason I bought it instead of an Altima! Just a different class of car. Enjoy and shows us yours ;-)

 

'12 SV w/ sport & tech package and there is a 6 disc cd changer in there (that I don't use).

The auxiliary connection in the car is the one with the three holes located in the center console and I ended up buying the piece from monoprice.com for $3.83 and it has been perfect with no issues to report; I just connect it to my iPhone and use that all the time and there is absolutely no compromise in the audio quality either.

To the OP - in my opinion it's Maxima > Altima eight days a week and twice on Sunday. I've owned an '02 Altima and have driven two '13 models and a '14 model Altima as rental cars, and, while it's not a bad car to drive per se, it just does not measure up to the Maxima.

 

Every time I see another Maxima I totally understand why I bought this car. It is one of the better looking vehicles on the road at any price. This is even with the current style being five years old. Even though the Altima is similar in appearance I never feel that I should have got one of those instead.

If you get a good deal on a Maxima it is also one of the better values on the road. I have a feeling that if you buy the Altima you will be kicking yourself later on for not getting the Maxima. Altima's are dime a dozen, the Maxima is a more exclusive vehicle. If your choice is between an Altima and a Maxima definitely go with the Maxima you will be happy you did.

 

As a former Altima owner turned Maxima, I can tell you first hand that the Max makes me much happier!

 

First dr_2010SV had the valve body replaced with one from 2012+ model transmission, and you call it merely a "software update". Then you go on to explain the software update is done through the OBDII port to bring a 2009-2011 transmission to 2012+ specs. Valve body replacement cannot be done through the OBDII port. Just sayin'. Also, a change in the valve body is a change in how the transmission fluid is controlled/directed. Changing the channels the fluid flows through cannot be done with a software update. I am not saying that the software can't be updated, and I am sure there was a post about updating the software and it helping to an extent. But dr_2010SV having his valve body replaced is a far cry from a software update. I believe changing internal parts is considered "updating" the transmission (ie new version). Kind of like the iPhone 3 vs iPhone 3GS. Same external parts, different internal parts. NOT the same phone with a "software update".

 

Lmao reread until it makes sense to you. Some are a bit slower so I'll give you time..

Okay that should be enough time..

I said that the biggest change was the software which could be updated through the OBDII port. Obviously the valve is a physical part that was replaced so idk why you are the only one confused on the matter.

I see you tried with the iPhone example but not quiet.

Would you say the 2012+ is a different generation maxima because incorporates a new grille, tail light, tinted headlights and a change in the cluster colors as well as new wheels? Lol I'll wait..

 

Btw the iPhone 3G and 3GS were different phones internally but the 3G and original iPhone were the same phones internally with the only difference being that 3G was added. Lol just food for thought since we're talking about phones now

 

If the CVT hasn't changed, like you claim above (which it has at least twice) why is it you can't order the 31020-1XE0D for the 2009-2010 model years?
Wait, I know they just changed the software which drove these part number changes.
Like the aerospace industry which I'm currently employed when a product design is changed it's reflected by a change in the PART NUMBER or a revision indicator to the original part number.
In this case the complete transaxle part number changed, not once but twice since the 09-10 model year. This was due to internal design changes more so than just software changes.
So while I back up my statements with facts and data I'm sure you're going to continue to try and prove your point over and over by mincing your words and belittling the input of other members.


31020M - AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE

Part Number: 31020-1XE0D This part has been
Superceded to 31020-1XE2A
Year range 8/2009 to 8/2010

Part Number: 31020-1XE2A
Year range 8/2010 to 5/2011

Part Number: 31020-1XE3E
Year range 8/2011 to 8/2013


Part Number: 31020-1XE3E
Year range 8/2011 to 8/2013

 

So if it's a different transmission why are the parts interchangeable?
They changed parts for the cvt. They didn't make a new cvt for the 7th gen.

What's so hard to understand?

And I'm no belittling anyone. It's not my fault if someone misreads what I say and then tries to come at me lol

It's like the revisions of the ps3 original and slim with the original being discontinued because the slim was an improvement.

By your statements if it was a new transmission then they would have had to replace your whole transmission instead of just the valve body.

Btw I didn't say It didn't change I just stated that it wasn't a new/different cvt. The 2012+ isn't a different generation from the 09-10 because of the things added

 

You guys are a long way from home now! So what I'm hearing is that the "new" tranny has almost half the warranty the "old" one does. Glad I have the old one. Now I'll just get the new software update and have the best of both CVT worlds...wait is that last sentence an oxymoron or what:/)

 

The Bose stereo is very good. Especially for an OEM unit. Sound is crisp and clear with nice clean bass. Even very loud, I get zero distortion. I'm exceedingly pleased with my factory head unit. Not sure about watts, but it's plenty loud.

Two things on video: it wont play on a non-nav head because it isn't a full color display. Also, video only plays when the car is in park and the parking brake is applied (unless you install a bypass, I believe). I get why they did this, but it is of limited value, as I tend not to sit in my car watching movies.

If this is the first new car, I think you'll like it quite a bit. I'm not sure if a 100k warranty makes sense unless the cost is reasonable. I'm also not sure I'd want to keep my max for 100k miles. Partially because of the CVT and partially because I'd get bored.

Consider stepping up to a nav package if you want video and bluetooth streaming.

As for fuel, premium is required for optimal performance. That means horsepower and fuel economy. Some claim that mid grade is just fine, but the way I see it, Nissan designed the car to perform best on premium, so that's what she gets. Considering the fact that premium is only 20 cents or so more expensive, it really shouldn't be a big added expense. For the sake of math, my last fill up was just short of 16 gallons, so I spent an additional $3 or so for optimal performance. When I go to dinner, I don't choose the cheaper meal. I choose the one I want. Besides, if you are worried about $3 a tank, you should be looking for a car that runs regular and returns closer to 30 mpg average. That way you'll save a ton!

 

Jeff hit the nail on the head. When I order a Delmonico from Morton's or a strip from Capitol Grille I don't worry about ordering the lobster Mac and cheese or the lyonnaise potatoes. They go well with my steak so I get them. Also, I will regret not getting them with my steak. If you want more stuff get more stuff on the new one, buy a CPO one or buy the Altima. If you haven't figured out what the difference between an Altima and a maxima the Altima is for you. Not meant to be offensive but if your not into cars and you use them for point A to point B your probably not interested in what you drive so much as what mileage you get. All great things have flaws, art, cars, women, etc. it's part of the reason that makes them what they are. And I'm done. Good luck and I hope you're happy with what you buy.

 

Yes, the Nav/Video having limited function is irritating. I understand the reasons why for the video, but there's a lot of times when I'm out of town with a passenger. Why should I need to stop to put in a new address. Besides, I'm not the one putting it in, it's my co-pilot. Luckily there's an easy bypass for this, which cost less than $10 in parts.

 

Well, I bought a Maxima. I just have to wait on it to get here now. For what I paid for the car, there is nothing else out there that has a V6 and the features that the Maxima does brand new. While it's just going to be a daily driver, I wanted something that looked nice and had nice features. It made no sense to pay $2,000 less for an Altima that does not have the the V6, HIDs, better quality seats, rear cam and larger radio display.

In the next week or two, I'm going to get 20% window tint and swap the overhead interior lights out to LEDs. Maybe later 20" wheels, a different grille, and a stillen rear diffuser. I'm not going too crazy on it since it's going to be the daily driver, and my other car has been my money pit


Android phone users, can you recommend me a USB to AUX cable online that still retains good sound quality in the Maximas? Or can I just plug an AUX cable into any of the 3 plugs in the center console?

 

Awesome! We'll be waiting for those pics when the car gets delivered and the subsequent mods. As for the USB to AUX connection, you can try and see if it will connect with your Android phone but I believe it was mainly designed for Apple connectivity or a flash drive. To work for your Android phone, it needs to have MTP connectivity enabled, most Androids today have that as default since the ICS update on Android from 2 years ago.

Here is a link to view some very inexpensive, albeit, high-quality cables that I use for a fraction of the cost of the big box stores. The plug itself is long enough to slide through phone cases and a lot weightier for the high quality feel. Matches the car's interior as well: http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_...&cs_id=1021817

 

Congrats. Now that you told us that you are doing some mods you are obviously a car guy. I know it's just a daily but for most of us it is our daily and our fun car. Good for you. Enjoy it. Love to see some pics as you go.

 

Congratulations. Good choice, what color and model did you get?

 

Congratulations on your new ride!

 

Yep, I'll be sure to get some delivery pics to post up.

Thanks for the link, I'm ordering one of those cables tonight. I forgot that there's a right and left audio channel with the 3 AUX plugs, so that will work perfectly. Excellent price too.

I've been a car guy before I could even drive. Every car I have ever owned has been modded in one way or another, except for my current daily driver because it's a POS beater car.

Pearl White SV with the value package

I'm pretty sure I'm going to debadge the Maxima lettering off the trunk too shortly after I get it, maybe even the Nissan logo. I think it looks cleaner on the back without the badges.

If you all have any recommendations on places to order interior and license plate LEDs, let me know. I want to replace the stock yellow looking lights with the pure white LEDs that a lot of newer higher end cars come with.

 

Make sure you make yourself a copy of the FSM. Comes in real handy. This forum and ease of obtaining a copy of FSM were a couple of the reasons I purchased another Maxima.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/

 

Awesome! Thanks for the link, that will come in handy. It'll save me some money from buying FSMs.

 

I honestly bought my LEDs from eBay and was lucky enough to get pure white LEDs instead of the bluish tinted ones.

 

I took delivery of the car yesterday afternoon. All I can say is, I love this car so far. I'm glad I went with the pearl white, the color looks amazing in the sun. It rides great, has plenty of power, and the Bose system sounds great. I didn't get any good pics of the car yesterday, but I'll get some of it this weekend and post them up.