I'm looking for a new car and I'm thinking about that nice little 3.5L Altima SE (manual).

The only thing that's really killing the 2K2 Max is that stupid solid axle in the back, and that kinda bothers me from a handling standpoint. Not to mention, it has less headroom in the back seat (if you get the sunroof) than my 1999.

The Altima SE is fast, nice, and plasticy (when you're in it, you'll know what I mean... just like the Camry) but as Car and Driver states, "it's a Camry killer" but only because of the engine.

There are alternatives I'm midly considering: Jaguar X-type (makes me feel too damn old). Lexus IS300. Mercedes C230.

An Infiniti Q45 is lingering in my mind, but I'm not a fan of forking out $55k for a car that some idiot in Los Angeles is gonna smack into cause they don't know how to drive.

Which would you get? Or would you wait till 2K3 and see what Nissan does to the Maxima?

 

a 99 SE, also thought about the Type X, 330i, A4, Mercedes C. The IS300 wasn't bad, but small. The TLS drives well, and price reasonably but too much problem mentioned by owners on the TL board.

I was eager to see the Altima SE and 2002 Max. I like the looks of the Max, and looks like loaded they could be similar in price. Little worried about the negative things people are posting but I guess will have to see for ourselves.

 

the 2k2 will still have rear beam axle....sheesh

 

I agree with the IS300, damn small, but the seats are comfy.

I thought about the A4 but I had one for six months in Europe. It was fun, but was small on the inside.

As for the TL-S, no. I'm not considering any Honduhs or Honduh spawn offs.

 

well if ur thining is300 then wait till april/may or a G35 it is soppose to be a ver good handling car. it has 52/48 wieght distribution also it is bigger and cheaper then a is300

 

very nice looking car!

 

I say, go for something else.

Granted the Altima is a very nice car, but I read that the fully loaded 3.5L stickers for over $30K. For that price, you could look into cars like the IS300 and some Audis. For a few extra $K, you can have a BMW 330i or a Benz.

If you like the Altima, then go for it. If I were you, I would not spend that much money on an Altima when I can get a Lexus, Audi, or BMW...Just my $.02.

Later,
-Nick

 

I agree totally, every word.

 

have you seen the rear suspension on the 2k2 Altima? take a look, then look at a Skyline's rear suspension....

 

Audi S4's are fast and fun. go take one for a test drive, when your stopping dont hold the shifter near first against the gate that should be their (like in our cars so that u dont shift into first when moving fast) cause youll grind the gears. if performance is your biggest concern, then rear wheel drive is your best friend , remember our maxis are 3048lbs and 190hp stock with 205ftlbs of torque. good numbers if u ask me. but they arent rear wheel drive and thus cant launch as well as i would like. Ive heard there will be a supercharged IS300 being introduced soon when i was playing with a celica gts, its supposedly going to compete with the new Z. As for the S4 its heavy but its also 4wd but its also impossible to work on. lotsa alsos lol. i say a bmw 328i they are AWESOME. heavier then the maxi but soooooo smooth. if its in your price range, id suggest a 540i with the 6-speed. i dont know what they go for but in my opinion they are the epitome of the sports sedan. test drive one and u will know what im talking about. good luck if u want any advice on specific cars lemme know, ive driven just about every noteworthy four door and quit a few roadsters so i have a decent idea of what they can do
-pete