It definitely has *****. I couldn't keep the thing under 85. It was an SE auto.

I still can't see trading in my 4th Gen for it. My 4th Gen feels more luxurious, is definitely roomier and quieter than the new Altima. The car just felt like something wasn't there and I don't know what it is. I wouldn't spend $27,000 for the car.

I like the SE wheels a lot. I wonder if they fit the 4th Gen.

 

Did it feel faster than your max...er...how bout just 4th gen max auto's in general ?

 

They do, check eBay for sets every once in a while.

 

Did you get the rental car vibe? BTW the Altima is actualy a lot roomier then our max's.

 

Its faster but for the money, not fast enough. I'd rather put an SC in my car, it would be cheaper.

 

When you see them, let me know.

 

Just ordered mine for $560 shipped from Arrow Tire and Wheel.
See recent thread:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=74018

 

Rental car vibe??? The car seems like it didn't have enough of something inside of it. I didn't care for the gauges either. They seemed confusing. I'll tell you what, I tried to blow the head gasket on that car. I hit the highway with that car and ripped it every chance I got. I killin it through the turns too without a screech.

The front seat had the same amount of room as my GXE and the rear seat was definitely narrower.

MishMosh, thanks.

 

Yeah I also thought the Altima interior felt smaller than my 4th gen. But the acceleration was excellent (3.5SE auto) and the ride was wonderful. Reminded me of the smoothness of a Toyota or Lexus, not a Nissan.

It also felt better put together, no rattles at all. But what do you expect for a new car. My 5 year old 4th gen rattles itself to death, but then it is also an old car.

 

3.5 Altime SE= TORQUE STEER upda Azz!!!

 

Road and Track said the same thing. Torque steer and dead steering feel. Nissan can't seem to understand this steering thing, and I really hope the 6th gen Maxima will get rid of this overassisted dead on center body roll handling. Plus the model year is 2002, when is Nissan gonna install a 3-spoke steering wheel, every other company has one.

The other end of the spectrum is the Mazda MP3. That darn thing did over 68 mph in the slalom, faster than a Corvette or something. They build ridiculous handling and feel but no HP! Drop and Altima 3.5 motor in it and then you have Zoom Zoom!

 

6th gen Maxima= Fat Avalon friend

 

I think being that I am now used to driving power FWD cars (I used to drive a V70 GLT also), the torque steer wasn't bothersome. The car does handle as if it was on rails. I was taking this thing around 90 degree turns without a cry.

 

awww, no more steelies, Deezo??

I haven't been for a test drive yet...been too busy and then too sick...but there's something in my head that says: "altima WHAT?" If I were going for the smaller models, I'd hop over to the new spec-v SE-R. Just a mental thing, knowing what a SLED my friend's '95 Altima is lol.

 

I still have them.

 

Drove the same car. Few thing that made me appreciate my 4th gen more were

it was too quiet while quick

the steering didn't communicate much, felt slow and the wheel was huge

brake feel was poor

rear of the car felt small compared to the front

lots of torque steer when trying to unleash it

sluggish upshifts

uncertain of mod availability, plus 27 car sticker (i'm cheap) and it still missed features Maxima offer like memory seats and a Navigation system

-Ken

 

I felt that the steering was too touchy. I thought it was just me but the rear of the car is narrower than the front.

 

Yes on the highway, it delays then reacts yet very vague at parking speeds. Steering wheel controls seemed useless as well on my test-drive but the BOSE stereo is nicely placed.

-Ken

 

Dana, what dealership did you go to? Was the dealer with you in the car during the test drive?

 

I went up to Lynnfield last night because I was in the area. I didn't tell this part of the night but I walked in there and all of the salespeople were sittin on there butts talking to each other. So, I stand there with my arms folded looking at the table. They look at me and continue to talk to each other. I got ****ed and said, "Do you guys think you want to ehlp me or what?" Then they got off there butt. I would not recommend enyone to buy a car from them.

I test drove the car alone and I was a bad boy.

 

I dunno, I personally bought 2 cars from them and was very satisfied with the service.
I want to test drive 6-speed max, but they still don't have it

 

Maybe they didn't think I had money. Ta hell wit dem.

 

Do you think they thought a 20 year old guy had money?
If you ever go there again talk to Mark Cohen, he's a cool guy, calls me every week telling me 6-speed max has not arrived yet.

 

What???? Deezo's 20?? I would have never guessed that. Not that he looks old but he does not act like a kid! That's cool, I thought I grew up quick!

 

Man, I am 32.

 

That's what I would have guessed! What's up with Andy? Did I miss something??

 

i test drove one last week. didnt get to really unleash it though cause the salesman was with me... i didnt get to his any good corners or anything but the acceleration was nice... i thought the same, 27k for base SE no leather or anything? the msrp on the base SE maxima is 25k, id take the max over it any day... im also starting to not like the design of it anymore, front is too honda looking.. well, thats technically the maxima of the future since its taking its place

 

Deezo said maybe they thought he didn't have money, and I said why would they think a 20 year old guy (me at the time when I was buying a Max) had money? Older people tend to have more money.

 

Oh, Ok! I know what you mean! Years ago I went into a popular mens clothing store and I looked like ****! I had just got out of work and had been refurbishing some equipment. I think that I hadn't shaved in a couple of days eighther. When I went into the store, I received the look and then wasn't paid any attension. Til I whipped out the gold card and spent $800 bucks! They even bought me coffee!

 

Andy, are you thinking about getting a 02 6spd still? That would be cool!

My max still has not arrived , the expected due date was yesterday, I have to beat Steve to it .

 

Yeah, but I'm getting it not earlier than next summer. Need to acomplish some important things before buying a new car. I might get a discount too, since there will be 2003 model coming out around that time.

 

Think of this, how many people on the org are buying these "new and improved" cars because they need them? Like I said earlier, if you are buying the car to race it, its cheaper to just buy the parts and mod the current Max owned. It's cheaper.