I purchased a 2016 Maxima Plat in May. Freaking love it. Wife and I are loyal Nissan/Infiniti enthusiasts, and when my 06 QX56 was totaled out, I need to buy something new and wanted to go sedan instead of SUV. I was actually deciding between a used 2015 Kia K900 and this, and I ended up with this because it's brand new, comfortable (cooled seats ftw!) and sexy as hell (gun metal color). To me the outside screams "Nissan: Batman edition," while the interior is nice luxury, pretty much an Infiniti in my eyes on the inside.

Enough background, my question is about the manual shifting. Do you use it, and if so, when? My understanding is that CVT doesn't really have gears, so you really aren't manually shifting up or down in gear.

Just curious if anyone actually uses it and for what (fun? utility? needed on road trips?)


Thanks!!

 

I use it to slow down that extra bit when you're "comin' in hot" so you don't have to stand on the brake pedal and wear out the brake pads. Basically, it adds extra engine braking. So, I use it to downshift only; kinda hard to beat a computer-controlled transmission when up-shifting; you'll never be more efficient or quicker.

 

I use my a lot that's why I got the SR with paddle shifting .

 

I never use it in areas where the terrain is flat, but use it constantly when driving in very mountainous areas, especially on long, steep, curvy downgrades. Gives excellent 'engine braking.'

 

yup me too, use it exactly for that