Although I really love my 99 Max, I am kind of getting bored with her. I have done all the bolt on mods and still want to go faster. I love maxima's so my first thought was a 6-speed 02-03 Max. I like the design and the 255 hp sound great. I even test drove an automatic earlier this summer (I'm not great at driving stick) and was happy with the power. I'm sure the 6 speed is even faster.
My second thought is a WRX. A few of my friends have them and love them to death. Because of the turbo, there are plenty of mods available and they are fairly lightweight. One downfall to the WRX is the obvious size difference, but also the fact that so many people have them, they are becoming like civics. I dont really want a car that STANDS OUT in the crowd, but defenatly not something that everyone and there uncle have. Some other thoughts are a jetta, rsx-s, mazdaspeed protege, tl-s, and other imports that have good power potential. Whatever I get, I would like it to have the potential to run the 1/4 mile in the mid 13 seconds range. How would the maxima stack up against some of these cars? What are some of your opinions?
Thanks for any help,
Dan

 

I think the TL-S is the only one worth comparing to the Maxima..

The WRX is a great performer, but much smaller.

Jetta, Protege and rsx are also to small.

-vq

 

How much do you want to spend? If you want leather, luxury, etc, try to find a 6 speed Max. If you want speed and mod-ability, get the WRX.

 

6spd g35c

 

I want something for around 20 grand, give or take a couple. I just dont want to finance TOO much seeing as I am still in school. What is the potential of a 6 speed max with a Y pipe, intake, cat-back? Are those the only bolt-ons?
Thanks,
Dan

 

Maxima's are like civic's and the WRX's. There everywhere!!!!

 

Get a 02 03 Max, I did and it rocks comparing to my old 98.

 

Anyone know the potential of a 6 speed max with all the bolt-ons? Mid 13's ? or what?
Thanks,
Dan


Trans Artur-Yeah maximas are everywhere, but not everyone rices them out like civics. More people use them for every day transportation.

 

Yeah I think mid 13's is probable if you did all of the basic bolt-on mods. I know that Emax has hit 13.8+ with just an intake. So yes it's possible. I think the WRX would be the your best bet if you're looking for performance. They can hit 12's with not too many mods. But, if you want luxury and performance then go with the Maxima.

 

I say STI all the way but try to find one reasonably priced. maybe a year old new one(if that makes any sense) or just a used one

 

If you want a car that's still fast even with an automatic transmission, you need something with a lot of low end torque, and the WRX does not have it. There is a reason the Maxima is popular in this arena--there simply is no other car that can offer the same performance, size, and luxury for the price.

 

Wont find an STi or EVO for $20,000. blubyu2k2 hit 13.8 with an auto 2k2 (on slicks) and several of the auto guys, including myself, are in the mid 14's with little or no mods. 6 speeds are definatly good for mid 13s with mods, especially if ya put on NOS. Otherwise, if you want a fast car, go with a sports car. Get a 300ZX TT or something. Those have major potential

 

Here are your deciding factors:
MAX (02-03)
* Same quarter mile performance as WRX out of the box
* Keep the size/comfort/classiness/room for 5
* Did I mention torque on demand(VQ35)
* Could get for low or sub $twentyK
* Aftermarket is decent(will get better)as all max's have

WRX
* Sporty
* allwheel drive rules!
* better 0-60 than the max
*more aftermarket power options
* lookin to pay at least $24K-25K
* not so nice interior/boy racer look
* annoingly/sweet loud modded ( if u plan on using as a commute car)
* not that powerfull from a roll (heavy AWD)

Even though u cannot go wrong w/either from my opinion- decision will be yours to make- do you want 5th gen or do you want the same car as your friends? Or you could spend $20K on a faster
than both cars DODGE NEON SRT4 (2700 lbs @240hp)

 

Learn stick and swap a manual into your 4th Gen and boost it. Mid-13's easily and it's budget friendly because you don't even have to trade cars. Heck, you could even keep the auto, boost the 4th gen, and still run 13's. It's possible.

 

yeah if i had a 4th gen - i'd go boost! And get a mean body kit!

 

Ethan ran a 13.8 with Intake, Y-pipe and exhaust not just intake....

 

true, you could just boost your car. then ya dont lose anything in the trade in process. If I had a 4th gen (almost bought one a year before i got the 2k2) i definatly would have boosted it. Thats good for some nice times

 

I actually considered buying a WRX but after driving my friend's 5pd for about 3 hours (chicago-Wisconsin) I changed my mind The car is fun to drive, but very unconfortable. There isnt much room inside, the interior looks crappy and no comfort of driving at all. He only had 10,000 miles on it and the car was shaking like crazy the rotors were wrapped and you literally had to force the gears in. Getting into the max after driving WRX was like heaven and earth

 

if you are really bored with your max.. then get a g35 coupe. it's a lil faster then max and better handling.

 

don't get a g 35 coupe, either get the sedan if you need the seats(seats in the back of the coupe are basically worthless) or get the 350z if you don't. The interior is much sportier in a 350 and they look better, imo anyway

 

I almost bought a WRX too. After my Accord got totalled.

I had plenty of room up front, but it was just too small overall (NO backseat with me driving), had too much of a boy racer image, no luxury features whatsoever, and knew it would be noisey and uncomfortable on long trips, which I was making a lot back then.

I got a Maxima instead and it was the right choice for me.

 

Not 02/03's you dont see them on every corner and I didnt even in car capital LA last this week. Heck I didnt alot of 5th gens at all way more 2nd- early4th gens 95-96's.

 

Very true and Nissan justed upped the anty in 02 with lots of features and power in the car.

 

Same here, I had a 98 SE then traded it in for 03 SE, wow what a difference.

 

U should read the post thoroughly before commenting- He's $$$ window
is $20K not $40K for a G35 coupe

 

yeah id say either 6 speed max, sti, g35, or tl-s

 

If you want to spend around $20.000 you can put turbo on your maxima from custommaxima... and you can put a lot of things with $20.000 on your car man... personally i like the new GTI's aniversary's (or something like that)... the new GTI's are hot!!!

 

VW's are for girls!(although their interior fit/finish is nice) Besides If he wants to go boy racer style then the WRX seems a better buy than the VW powerwise/4door/AWD-

 

If you're going to spend $30,000+ on a loaded 04.... or a TL-S... and are worried about getting too cramped in a SMALL car, might as well get a loan for a few K more, and check out this bad boy! I saw one a few days ago going for $40K!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2433442033


or THIS (smaller... same 0-60 time)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2433146629


-Tom

 

Is the TL-S more modifiable than the Maxima?

Tony

 

Thanks for all the replys guys. Although I would love to get an M-5, I defenatly dont have the money, and there would be a slight problem with me drooling all over it all the time. I am now seriously thinking about getting an 02-03 after I graduate in May. Right now, as far as aftermarket parts, all I know of is the Intake, Y-Pipe, Cat-back, UDP, and if I got all of those it might be good for about 15-20 hp. Is there anything else besides forced induction available for the max?
Thanks,
Dan

 

what about a BMW 540i

 

Very nice option, but I don't think it will make the $20K price range this guy's looking for. And by the way, do you suppose the prices on used 540's are going to drop significantly now that the 545 is coming out? Some people think the used prices might actually INCREASE because of the controversial styling on the new cars. Any opinions?

 

What you talking about? the new GTI's are for girls??? 1.8 Turbo, 180hp, 18's rims, lower, 6 speed, racing seats, small body kit and more... the beetle's are for girl not the GTI's

 

I think it all comes down to what matters most. Is a small advantage in speed worth more to you than looks, comfort etc...? Would you like to go for the racer boy look of immaturaty car or something more elegant and conservative. Do you want the neighbors to know every time you drive by their house regardless of how fast you are going, or do you like a more peaceful sound? Does interior room matter to you at all?

I personally wouldnt even buy a wrx if it cost half what a maxima does. So you can tell that speed isnt my bottom line. Of course if speed is your bottom line you can still do better than a wrx anyways.
I dont care for pimped out for racing looking vehicles.
I dont like small cars.

So for me I would choose the maxima (of course i'm biased)

 

If you dont want a car that everyone drives then you better not get another maxima. Chit grandmas and grandpas drive maximas. It's just as bad as a civic.However I still love mine.

 

I am sure you can get a used one in the mid 20k range
those are really nice cars and can keep up with the older style M3's
If i had the money i would def. get one
check out the nada value of one

 

sorry my wife has a bettle, so whe I hear VW I think of all the times I've had to pay to fix it!