I just don't seem to be happy with my Maxima anymore. It is no longer fun to drive. So, I was thinking about either adding some more power or trading it out completely for another vehcile. But...

[ ] I wouldn't mind a supercharger or turbo. Cheaper than buying a new car!!! But, I have a slow-**** automagic. I don't want to go throught the trouble/expense of swapping trannies. And, I refuse to buy a new 04 model. I just don't care for them in any way. Fugly!!!

[ ] I love the new 350Z. But, it is too friggin' small inside. I've been driving around in a Maxima for the past 10 years. I don't think I could handle a two-seater like that. Besides, I hear they aren't all that fast anyway.

[ ] The G35 coupe is nice. But, way too "warm and fuzzy" for my checkbook. I don't need the extra weight and can't afford the extra $5-$10K. So, it's completely out of the question.

[ ] That leaves me looking at the new RX-8. Sporty, four-seater with new rotary engine. But, I don't understand the test times. They say the car has 250HP, but only 159fpt. I don't see how they can claim it will do 13-14 seconds. It still weighs 3K pounds. So, the numbers just don't add up. Otherwise, I think it looks pretty kick butt. And, I'm sure they will be offering an after-market turbo as well.

But then, I'm right back to wanting more power again...

 

rx8... should be quick enough for u... and that backseat is surprisingly very roomy

 

Buy a 2K3 6 speed Maxima. You can get a loaded one for the same price as a base 350Z. Also, most of your mods will transfer over. That's what I just did.

 

if the 350z doesn't have enough room for you, maybe a topless version?? the roadster comes out this year... and i wouldn't disregard daytona blue...

 

save for 10-15 years and buy an aston martin or ferrari

 

or just get a g35 coupe.

 

Well, i had a nice long well thought out response for ya, but the server fuked up my response and lost it. Here's the gist:

All your options seem like options you don't want aside from the RX-8. Truthfully, your best option would be a 2003 6 speed Maxima - they can be had very cheap. However, the RX-8 DOES do the 1/4 mile in like 13-14 seconds with 250HP. However, real world, around-town driving would SUCK. My favorite thing about the VQ engine is the plentiful torque that allows you to be in 4th gear at 40mph and still accellerate to 60 without downshifting. You can do this in the RX-8, but that lackluster torque will leave you downshifting until the cows come home. I could NEVER go from the VQ engine to that torque-less powder-puff sports car. I was SEVERELY disappointed in the output of that car, it really is a shame as it is a nice car.

2003 Maximas are a Nissan dealer's worst enemy and they just want to get rid of them. You could probably get a 6 speed for around $22k if you looked and bargained hard enough. And that's a NICE car for $27k, nevertheless $22k.

 

02-03 max. Great car, CRAZY power, cant go wrong...

 

save for 20 years... and get a ferrari w/turbo. if thats not fast enough, get a jet. where do you drive all day that you need so much more power than the 3.5L.

Now, if you need some evil handling, i can understand.

 

Or keep what you have and keep mod'n it.
Based on what your looking for I'd say RX8 but it's a new gen and there are bound to be probs, also you'll still be in the waiting game for mods with it too.

 

It's all about gettin a leer jet and landin ontop of buildings like woah....

thats how u make a "baller" entrance!

 

The RX-8 makes most of it's power high in the RPM band...it revs to like 9000 RPM and is smooth all the way there. Bad thing is you have to always keep it there to get the best power and speed. It doesn't have that "press you into the seat" feeling like our 3.5!


ARFF

 

The answer depends on your financial situation. Is the Maxima paid off? Do you have plans to buy a house? Or condo? You should sit-down and plan out the next 5 years... that should answer your questions.

Good luck.