Just sold my 6th generation Max yesterday and realized it is no fun without a Nissan..I need a car that would get me through the end of the year and thought I would buy a 5.5 generation Max (GLE or SE with auto climate)or an I35. What would you buy? Considering everyone in this forum has a 5th generation. Would you buy an Infiniti I35 if it costs the same as a Maxima GLE. Need an auto so wife can drive when she needs to..

 

If it HAD to be auto, I'd get an 04 I35.

Might want to change your sig, because from you wrote, it's a bust.

 

Signature updated...I dont think there were too many changes from a 2002 to 2004 I35, I rather buy a 2002 in terms of money saving

 

Makes sense. I just think the 04 is unique in that it's a 5th gen made in 04. Bragging rights.

 

I35 all day

 

wtf is an auto???

 

I think the 04s had a nice white gauge cluster while the others had a gross green one. Not 100% sure on that one. The heated rear seats is an awesome feature for sure.

 

 

Seriously? You're questioning whether to get a base model Maxima or an I35 if the price was the same? You're high, right?

getting the Maxima over the infiniti (if the price was the same) would ONLY make sense if you were getting/wanting a Manual transmission.

Since you aren't, i think this thread can be closed.

 

Totally biased opinion - I35. Better interior, (fit & finish), Nicer looking front end IMO, of course. All the same options and then some. It will impress the wife more. (And help pave the way to buy the car you really want).

 

I love the added features of my Infiniti but I also love the sporty look of a Maxima SE. The SE is the only one that would make me thing long and hard and it would have to be in the right color and for the right price. Otherwise I say I35 all day!

 

Base model is GXE not GLE Tuner...

 

if you want an auto cruiser- get i35, if you get a 6spd Max- prepare to become addicted and start modding

 

Had an I30 and loved it. I'm just going to support what's been said. The I35 is a decent looking car and has a fantastic interior. Even though the Max is better looking and sportier, they can also be bought for $800-2000 less than a Maxima.
The negative is that resale on the Infiniti will be lower.
I chose my '03 Max over an '02 I35 because I'm looking to keep my car. If I wasn't planning to keep the car long term, would had went with the I35.

 

That is a strange since the I sold for a higher price when new. Classic case of supply and demand I suppose. Because hands down, an I is more luxurious than a max in auto form for a DD.

 

I'd get the I35 as well. Very nice car. I do find it strange that they didn't make an I35T, but they did make an I30T

 

Infiniti.

But I'm a little biased.

 

I guess a good point comes up about visual appearance that isn't mentioned in your OP. IMO, the Maxima is much sportier looking (5.5 especially) than the infiniti.

 

DO'H!

I never really paid attention to either, TBH, as the SE was the only one I've ever had, and only one that ever interested me. I've been in the other models and was like being in a different, crappier car, I didn't like it.

 

If you plan to keep it stock, get an i35.

 

id want the 6MT so nissan.. otherwise infiniti

 

Thank you for all the replies..Here is more info:

1. I am not going to keep the car more than 6-9 months, mostly using it for getting around town and a few trips to Canada to meet family.
2. I love how the Max looks compared to the I35, but a 5.5 Max is hard to come by with low miles
3. Black leather interior is something that I prefer, havent seen an I with black interior, Max looks amazing with a black interior
4. I has some extra features that are nice to have but not required (rear sun shade)
5. I saw 3 I35s yesterday and they all had rust forming on the trunk on wheel well. Going to check on Maximas today.

 

I like the way 5.5s look better, but I35s are not to shabby either....

 

I've had an I-35 for about 6 years now. I ended up with an I-35 (3 years old) because the resale was less than a Maxima. The car I found was probably $2000 cheaper than a Maxima.

The rear springs feel softer on the I-35. Commuting with a car pool of 4 large adults and hitting some bumps at 75 mph causes the car to bottom out. We also ride in a Maxima and it doesn't seem to do this.

The "cold weather package" has heated rear seats and steering wheel. If you are only keeping it a short while, it won't matter during the summer.

My '03 has a whitish electro luminescent dash. I like it.

Either is a good choice, get the one in better shape and with better maintenance records.

Chuck

 

If you're only going to keep it for 6-9 months, who cares? Get whatever is cheaper and in better shape. 6-9 months .

 

5.5 all te way