View Poll Results: which car would u pick for an uprade for 4th gen maxima
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 77. You may not vote on this poll
which would u pick?
I was in a similar situation not long ago. I had a 94 Altima and was going for the upgrade. I did not consider the Altima, much less the SE-R for two reasons:
1. The SE-R was out of my price range
2. Altimas are EXTREMELY played out in my area. They are almost as prevalent as the 96-97 Ford Taurus' used to be. Everyone from senior citizens to people who have trouble getting a car loan somehow was rocking an Altima 2.5. Despite their apparent differences very few people noticed the trim difference in the 2.5 and 3.5. It was becuase of this I not only crossed the Altima off the list, I BLACKED it out. They're just wack IMO.
Now, I'd been wanting a Maxima since I feel in love with a white 99SE. I wanted a 99SE but couldn't find a MT. So I kept looking and decided to check out two cars: an 02 SE 6MT and a 04 SE 6MT.
I drove over 100 miles to test drive both cars I was prepared to buy. After pressing all the buttons and driving both cars I took the 02 SE. Here's why:
1. I personally found the shifting in the 02 to be significantly less "notchy" than the 04. That could have been my own fault but it was what I experienced.
2. I felt like I was in a spaceship when I sat in the 04. That is not meant as a dis to those who own 6th gens, it was just how I felt. They are definitely roomy but I felt like I was sitting on in the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise from Star Trek.
3. I liked the front end of the 04, however when I approached it from the rear it did not appeal to me. It reminded me of a heavy set woman trying to fit into pants that were too small, and then put on a pair of heels. It just was a bad look. I could have learned to live with it but seeing as how I was getting ready to spend a lot of money I'd rather not have to make that sacrafice.
4. The 04 I was looking at was leather interior and while I've never owned a vehicle with leather interior, I was still able to detect what felt like inferior material. I wouldn't call it "Pleather" but it wasn't the same quality that you'd find in a Lexus or the like. IMO, if it isn't high quality then whats the point?
These were the items that played a significant role in my decision. The 04 is a great car but based on my criteria I felt that this was not the car for me at that time. The reason I went with the 02 was:
1. I prefered the body style. Even though I swapped out the tail lights everything else was on point.
2. I ended up with cloth seats. Relative to what I was driving and compared to the leather in the 04, these cloth seats were superior in every way. It was not a sacrafice IMO.
3. Although the 02 is the first of the 5.5's it is not necessarily the first model of it's respective gen as the 04 is. As a result I felt more confident with the product itself.
4. The shifting was much smoother and the car actually felt quicker to top speed and felt faster once it got to top speed.
5. Less expensive. A lot more car for the dollar.
These are all my opinions. They are not very profound and have much to do with personal preference. If I had my choice I would have gone with a 03 but I'm more than happy with the 02. I would not have changed my decision and if I were you I'd go 5.5
1. The SE-R was out of my price range
2. Altimas are EXTREMELY played out in my area. They are almost as prevalent as the 96-97 Ford Taurus' used to be. Everyone from senior citizens to people who have trouble getting a car loan somehow was rocking an Altima 2.5. Despite their apparent differences very few people noticed the trim difference in the 2.5 and 3.5. It was becuase of this I not only crossed the Altima off the list, I BLACKED it out. They're just wack IMO.
Now, I'd been wanting a Maxima since I feel in love with a white 99SE. I wanted a 99SE but couldn't find a MT. So I kept looking and decided to check out two cars: an 02 SE 6MT and a 04 SE 6MT.
I drove over 100 miles to test drive both cars I was prepared to buy. After pressing all the buttons and driving both cars I took the 02 SE. Here's why:
1. I personally found the shifting in the 02 to be significantly less "notchy" than the 04. That could have been my own fault but it was what I experienced.
2. I felt like I was in a spaceship when I sat in the 04. That is not meant as a dis to those who own 6th gens, it was just how I felt. They are definitely roomy but I felt like I was sitting on in the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise from Star Trek.
3. I liked the front end of the 04, however when I approached it from the rear it did not appeal to me. It reminded me of a heavy set woman trying to fit into pants that were too small, and then put on a pair of heels. It just was a bad look. I could have learned to live with it but seeing as how I was getting ready to spend a lot of money I'd rather not have to make that sacrafice.
4. The 04 I was looking at was leather interior and while I've never owned a vehicle with leather interior, I was still able to detect what felt like inferior material. I wouldn't call it "Pleather" but it wasn't the same quality that you'd find in a Lexus or the like. IMO, if it isn't high quality then whats the point?
These were the items that played a significant role in my decision. The 04 is a great car but based on my criteria I felt that this was not the car for me at that time. The reason I went with the 02 was:
1. I prefered the body style. Even though I swapped out the tail lights everything else was on point.
2. I ended up with cloth seats. Relative to what I was driving and compared to the leather in the 04, these cloth seats were superior in every way. It was not a sacrafice IMO.
3. Although the 02 is the first of the 5.5's it is not necessarily the first model of it's respective gen as the 04 is. As a result I felt more confident with the product itself.
4. The shifting was much smoother and the car actually felt quicker to top speed and felt faster once it got to top speed.
5. Less expensive. A lot more car for the dollar.
These are all my opinions. They are not very profound and have much to do with personal preference. If I had my choice I would have gone with a 03 but I'm more than happy with the 02. I would not have changed my decision and if I were you I'd go 5.5
The SE-R is overpriced and overrated... minor changes for a much higher premium = waste of $$$
the 6th Gen & 5.5 Gen choice would be decided on 2 things - price and style. Personally I'd go with the 5.5 Gen (not a fan of the new aesthetics)
and more often than not, a 5.5 gen will cost less than a 6th gen and may possibly be cheaper on insurance as well.
5.5 Gen 6spd FTW
the 6th Gen & 5.5 Gen choice would be decided on 2 things - price and style. Personally I'd go with the 5.5 Gen (not a fan of the new aesthetics)
and more often than not, a 5.5 gen will cost less than a 6th gen and may possibly be cheaper on insurance as well.
5.5 Gen 6spd FTW
707SE,
Very nice write up!
I would chose the 5.5 '02'.
I love the 6th, but I have found that not many folks that move from the fourth gen are ready to jump into the bulbous 6th gen. (I agree with 707SE on this point, although the rear of the car is my favorite, the front needs some help).....
I love the SE-R, but EXACTLY as 707SE pointed out, it really isn't set apart from the 2.5. I mean there are aesthetic differences (rims, tints, spoiler, fogs,....etc...). I see Alti's everywhere. I am bored of them. They appear to be a dime a dozen. I rarely see 6th gens, and love the 5th's.
(Oh, 707, the U.S.S. Enterprise lacks a heated steering wheel
)
My .02, let us know your ultimate decision.
Very nice write up!
I would chose the 5.5 '02'.
I love the 6th, but I have found that not many folks that move from the fourth gen are ready to jump into the bulbous 6th gen. (I agree with 707SE on this point, although the rear of the car is my favorite, the front needs some help).....
I love the SE-R, but EXACTLY as 707SE pointed out, it really isn't set apart from the 2.5. I mean there are aesthetic differences (rims, tints, spoiler, fogs,....etc...). I see Alti's everywhere. I am bored of them. They appear to be a dime a dozen. I rarely see 6th gens, and love the 5th's.
(Oh, 707, the U.S.S. Enterprise lacks a heated steering wheel
)My .02, let us know your ultimate decision.
Originally Posted by gmax96
im trying to decide which car would be the best uprade for my current car the (4th gen max). give me comments about which car do u think is the best
Having driven all of them, I would pick.....none. They were all decent, but all of them had the trademark Nissan mediocre handling, odd controls (except the 5.5g), and other things I didn't like.
Rob (who used to have a 5.5 gen and currently has an 06 Alti SE-R) says he is going to get rid of the SE-R. He doesn't hate it, but he doesn't love it either. Says he should have stuck with the 5.5 gen....
Next car for me will be a Subaru Legacy GT (wagon, if they come out with 6MT) or a BMW. Nissan is going the wrong direction in my opinion. The cars are getting more powerful, yes. But they keep on getting heavier, and more weight = worse handling. And Nissan can't seem to figure out how to not have a monster wheel gap in front.
Rob (who used to have a 5.5 gen and currently has an 06 Alti SE-R) says he is going to get rid of the SE-R. He doesn't hate it, but he doesn't love it either. Says he should have stuck with the 5.5 gen....
Next car for me will be a Subaru Legacy GT (wagon, if they come out with 6MT) or a BMW. Nissan is going the wrong direction in my opinion. The cars are getting more powerful, yes. But they keep on getting heavier, and more weight = worse handling. And Nissan can't seem to figure out how to not have a monster wheel gap in front.
NINE-time Maxima Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 680
From: Charlotte
Stock vs. stock, my '03 was by far the best Maxima I've owned. Of all the Max's, the 5.5G had the best fit and finish, the best interior style and quality, same great motor as the 6Gs and rock solid stability at speed that my '07 just doesn't have.
Of course, you could mod any of them into whatever YOU want them to be.
Of course, you could mod any of them into whatever YOU want them to be.
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 91
I don't care for the looks of the 6th gen (the foglights look goofy) and the rear end looks too fat like 707se said. I would have leaned toward the Altima if it were the 06-07. (I was sorry to read what Irish wrote about it) I really like the looks of it. I absolutely love my 5.5 though with the exception of the turning radius and it being FWD, I think it's perfect
I've been in all 3 maximas and agree wit you guys. The 6 gen is just a big jump from the 5.5. It does look like a space ship. I sat in my friends and i dont like the rings around the guages and "bow" shape of the dash. Gotta love the 4 gens for, im my opinion the best dash layout, overall. I had to get another max, if def would be a 03 se.
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 115
From: Phoenix, AZ
02/03 Maxi Hands Down. The altima is for chicks... the new body on the maxima is still kindof wack... mostly if you have the odd sunroof. The enterior is so plastic and bubly...
The 02/03 Maxima is the best of the best in the nissan line... so far.
The 02/03 Maxima is the best of the best in the nissan line... so far.
go with an 05 or 06..... those are a little better compared to an 04. the 04's were the first 6th gen and had some problems with shimming... Plus the 05 and 06 have a few more features.
Originally Posted by 2LEET4U
go with an 05 or 06..... those are a little better compared to an 04. the 04's were the first 6th gen and had some problems with shimming... Plus the 05 and 06 have a few more features.
6th gen over the other cars mentioned. I know you have your reasons but help him figure out why he should go with that one.
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