I'm in the market for a 7th gen Maxima. Leaning toward one that has paddle shifters. Should keep looking for a one that has them? are they good? I'm coming from a 5th gen 2002 6 speed. So I like to be in the "command" when it comes to shifting.
one more thing: this car having a CVT, how would shifters work when no "real gears" are there?
What do you think guys?

 

Useful: No
Fun: For some
Necessary: No
Gimmick: Yes
"Like to be in command": why? The computer and CVT working together are 10 times smarter and quicker, so let them do the work for the best rpm/power band ratios.
I have paddle shifters in my car and never use them.

 

Simple, down shifting is something the computer can't anticipate the drivers desire, as it will always look for efficiency over performance. And as for performance, maybe I want to coast into a slowing situation without having my foot on the brake...and prepare for a fast launch once an opening appears, being static at a shift point while achieving engine braking will give you better response. Albeit the CVT does function very well with downshifting with hard accelerator pedal for rolling launches, the slowing characteristic is actually achieved quite well with the Paddles.

 

 

Total gimmick... Paddle shifter on a Fwd is totally useless... lol.. My Wife has them on her 17 Sr Midnight Altima.. Never used them.. Its too much work on the Hamster on his wheel for that 4 cyl...lol..

 

Calling paddle shifters useless is a clear sign you don't know how to use them...

 

Lol. Ok.. Again there is NO point for Paddle shifters with a FWD car.. That is a CLEAR sign you know nothing about cars at ALL.

 

We could do this all day, but in the end you're the one making blanket statements about a feature that you haven't figured out how to effectively use. FWD, RWD, AWD, paddle shifters even on a CVT are AOK...in that if you desire a different response from the vehicle then the computer is offering, pausing or downshifting to a desired shift point will give you desired custom output. Any car, any engine, any drivetype...to say differently shows your doubling down on you're naivety.