New/used issues aside, would you recommend the 4th gen max or 5th gen? I've heard the 2k max's extra HP doesn't compensate for it's extra weight.

overall, which car would you recommend?

 

I own a 4th gen (98) but was considering getting a 5th gen in lieu of modding out my 98. I have to tell you I like my 4th gen aa lot better. In my opinion the newer one is not quite as tight as the 4th gen and the power not as noticeable. It kind of reminds me of an olds aurora in driving attitude versus the one of a kind tighter 4th ~C

 

Really like the styling or just want a new car, I'd recommend an early 4th gen(95-96). The 2K has another 32 horses, but it's negated by the extra weight. The 2K is actually a bit slower in 0-60 than the '95 Motor Trend tested(95-6.6 secs vs. 2K-6.7).

 

I have a 95 and as far as I know, all the fastest times have been posted by 4th gens. With the exception of JeffK.....I reallllllllly like mine

 

I think that a nice used 4th is the way to go so you have money left over to make the car faster.

Plus spending mid 20s for a Maxima is nice if you have it like that, but I didn't and never regret my choice.

Plus if a better version of the new maxima hits in the next year or so I would like to save my money for that one.

Mmmmm...260hp *drool*

 

I like the interior of the 5th gen. But, I find the 4th a bit peppier. I recently test drove a 2k GLE It did not "feel" any faster than my '95gxe and it's got 60K miles. Both mine and the 2k have auto tranny. Besides, I could not mod a brand new car and risk voiding warranty. But that's just me. I know many do without any problems.

On the other hand, my wife would had taken it in a heartbeat. She really liked the smooth ride and the plush interior. I must admit, so did I

I'm already thinking of my next Max, in about 3 years I'll get a '99se 5sp then my wife can get what ever is left of my '95. hehe I'm dreaming again

 

I have a 97 stock GLE, and I have to say that after I went to test drive a 2000 (while my girlfreind was looking for an Altime), I didn't think the 2000 were any faster. They have more hp output but I didn't feel it going any faster than the one I have. The car feels a bit heavier and the steering is a bit tighter--which really annoyed me because I am used to the "light" steering wheel when parking. Overall it is a nice car, but for some reason, I feel the design isn't as nice--nor as smooth (exterior)--but the engine is still the same. If I had to choose, I would go back to 1999 and buy the se Limited. =) 190 hp and 205lb of torque is sufficiently for me.

 

I like the styling of the Infiniti I30 better than the Maxima version...

The new Infiniti/Maxima is heavier but I think the build quality and general structure of the new I30 seems much tighter than my 95 Maxima. Just closing the door and getting that nice solid quiet feel was enough to convince me of this. And whether your car has suspension mods or not, this is something you notice when driving over rougher roads... more composure and less audible rattling of the body panels all over the car.

I haven't actually driven one... At least an OEM 2K I30 doesn't look like the body is lifted up like an OEM 4th Gen.

 

I'd take a 99 se over a 2000. I haven't driven a 2000 yet..I'm going to today when I get my o2 sensor changed.

Having sat in a 5th gen tho I like the 4th gen better.

 

I think that the 2k has a better interior design, but when it comes to power and speed, the 4th generation is better. I have a 99SE-5spd and it felt tighter and faster than the 2k SE I rented a few months back.