If you had to replace your Maxima... what would you get?

[Rochester]

At the beginning of 2009, I started giving lots of thought to replacing my '03 Maxima. Rather than pulling that trigger right away, I started research and test drives, while at the same time spending money on upgrades for my current ride... to, you know, hold me off.

This afternoon I drove the new Camaro SS, and I thought, "What would other Maxima owners do?"

In the last 8 months, I've test driven:

• 2009 Pontiac G8-V8
• 2009 Nissan Maxima SV Sport
• 2008 Infiniti G35S Sedan 6MT
• 2009 Infiniti G37S Coupe 6MT
• 2009 Nissan 370Z 6MT w/rev balancing
• 2010 Ford Mustang GT 5-speed
• 2010 Chevy Camaro SS 6-speed

At the end of the day, the Infiniti tops the list (as a G37S Sedan 6MT), with the Mustang running a close (and far less expensive) second.

Short term, meaning for the next year, I'm keeping my Maxima and continuing to invest in modifications. But come Fall 2010 (or 2011, depending on how heavily I mod my Maxima), I'm going to be getting something shiny and new. (And that will not be a BMW. Sorry, bimmer fans. I'm not one of you.)

So as a Maxima owner, what would you do with $30 to $35K in today's market?

[321VQ35MAX]

BMW 335i Sedan or Cadillac CTS-V. Possibly a G37 sedan..

[bigpulve+]

Something that comes with an LSx.

[rroderiques77]

New Camaro
G37s
GTR (don't care what year)

[maxfever1987]

No Germans for me, too many damm problems tooooo many damm times

i would probably get a Maxima SV but only in white,

[bigpopaj369]

09 max or evo ix mr or a evo x... what a good thread!

[JNCoRacer]

G8 GXP
CTS-V
M45(1st gen)
Lexus LS430
Something RWD with bigger engine displacement.

[anomaly117]

M3

[Wildcard007]

• 2009 Pontiac G8-V8
• 2009 Nissan Maxima SV Sport
• 2009 Nissan 370Z 6MT w/rev balancing
• 2010 Chevy Camaro SS 6-speed
• 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R
• Nissan Skyline
• BMW M3 or M5

[nsnrider]

08 Tundra
09 F350
09 Titan
09 Murano
07 FX35
08 M35
08 G37

and the list goes on and on....

[MoncefA33]

MK4 Supra or have an R32/R33 GTS-T or GTR exported here...

G37S Coupe would do it for me if I had to go new.

[BLACKNESS MONSTA]

2010 Camaro V6 or G37s

[tunafish51]

Originally Posted by anomaly117

M3

Just said no BM's

[tunafish51]

I like the idea of you continuing to mod the max while you take your time on this car search...

Go new though.. Why do u like the G37 sedan more than the coupe?

[johnnyd2k2]

If I wasn't gonna mod it I'd take a Audi S4 (2004+) I had an A4 1.8T AWD 5spd and it was an amazingly quick for such a small engine and handled like a dream. If I was planning on modding I'd take either a WRX or an Evo.

[anomaly117]

Originally Posted by tunafish51

Just said no BM's

my bad. didnt read all the way through. subey legacy GT STi then.

[chrome91]

1993 Mazda RX7
R32 Skyline GTR
1990 Nissan 240sx
1985 300zx
1987 MR2

Of course to be 30k one of these would have to be hella modded. I'm dying to get a RWD car but i would feel terrible to get rid of my 3rd gen ever

[klemenz]

350z

[chrome91]

Forgot 93 Toyota Supra Twin Turbo

[Staticxout2]

its going to sound stupid but i've always wanted a hatchback turbo RWD car Like the Conquest or Starion, or Like an 88 supra, lol...but in today's market i'd look for a subaru legacy Sti, it's got the whole sleeper thing going on like our max's.

[chrome91]

i'm not a fan of Honda really, but ive always loved the look of the 1990 Civic Hatchback. There was a JDM RHD one for sale here the other day, almost bought it. wouldnt mind one of them

[nalc]

The G is definitely a good car. IMO I'd probably get the 3.7 over the 3.5, unless the price difference is major.

The 370Z is nice. Sat in one at the autoshow. I don't know if it was just the way the seat was adjusted, but I'm a pretty big guy, and fit fine in the 370. The 350 was a little squished for me, as was the new Sentra. It's got the G performance, with a little less fancy. I'm not a huge leather seat and woodgrain fan (leather gets so hot in the summer), so if it were me, I'd be all about the 370Z.

The new Max sure looks awesome, but you're not looking at a significant performance upgrade over your 5.5gen. Still front wheel drive, still essentially the same VQ35 from 2002 (albeit with a new intake manifold and a few other minor changes), and it's CVT only (the rest of ur list was 6-speeds)

The G8 is just plain awesome. Much bigger than either the G or the Z, but has a lot more under the hood. One concern would be gas mileage - the LS is thirstier than the VQ, although by how much, I don't know offhand. If interior space is an issue for you, the G8 will be a definite winner (you can't fit -anything- in the Z). But just from a handling perspective, the G/Z should be significantly lighter than the G8, and probably more fun to take exit ramps on (although the V8 will be a beast for droppin' the hammer off of a stoplight)

Something to watch out for with the Camaro is that there was a recall with the transmissions on a lot of the new ones, IIRC. LSx motors are powerful, reliable, and have a great aftermarket, so lots of potential there. However, from a looks department, it's somewhat polarizing. It looks cool, and it looks fast. It also looks blocky and stupid. It's badass, but also a little immature. If you're 20, you'll definitely be the baddest guy on the block. If you're 40, you'll look like the kind of guy who shaves his head when he starts going bald.

The new Stang is nice. No independent suspension like the Camaro has, though. The new redesign really cleaned up many of the blocky and boring aspects of the design of the 05-09. The styling is still fast, but less of a head-turner, which can be good or bad. My biggest concern would be the live rear axle, and the 4.6 modular V8. 315 hp? Versus 332 from the smaller, less-cylindered VQ37, and 430 hp from the downright nasty LS3. Do you want a motor from a '91 Crown Victoria, or one from an '08 Corvette? Because that's what the LS3 in the G8 and Camaro was built for.

I don't really follow you on "investing" in mods. Modding your Maxima is not an investment. You will not be able to recoup most of the money that you spend on upgrades for it. It seems like you have most of the basic mods already, so it stands to reason that all you have left are the expensive ones. What are you thinking? Rims might be nice, assuming you get ones with the correct fitment for your new car, so that you can keep them and put the stockers back on to sell it (or give your stockers to me for like $100, because I'm so helpful). If you're thinking a drop, don't expect to put out $500-750 on a full suspension, then turn around and sell the car for $500-750 more than you would have otherwise. You might get $250 more, if you're lucky. IMO, if you're getting a new ride in a year or two, open up a high-yield savings account at like ING or something, and dump all of your Maxima moddin' money in there. Then, when the new ride shows up, you can get it hooked up.

As for other cars, check out the Subaru lineup. I know one prolific member here went from a 5th gen to a WRX and loved it. You don't need to get the boy-racer bright blue STI with gold wheels, Subaru does have a decent selection of sedans and wagons with a 2.5L turbo boxer that are pretty quick (Legacy GT and regular WRX come to mind). I think the hatchback WRXs look really clean.

There's also the S2000, which is fast and looks nice, if you don't mind having less torque than a lawnmower. Also from the Honda camp are the TSX and TL. I don't much care for the styling of the new ones, but everyone's tastes are different. The TL is supposed to be getting a 3.7 and a 6 speed and AWD (hey, sounds just like what all the fanboys wanted the 7th gen to have!)

Then there's the Mazda lineup. 3.7 V6 and 6MT in the new Mazda6, if you can get over the "smiley face" front end. My dad has an '05 with the 3.0 Mondeo, and it's a decent motor (I like my VQ30 more, though - moar torque plz), although the 6AT on it is terrible. I told dad that automatic is a mistake, but he said he was getting too old to keep rowing gears. After 2 years of frustration with the mazda6, he bought a 5MT Miata as a "weekend car" which soon evolved into a "unless it's a blizzard or hurricane" car. But the new Cyclone V6 is supposed to be a slick customer.

Toyota doesn't really have anything interesting. The ES350 is a pile of crap, IMO. It's like a Buick. And I'm talking "Buick Century", not "Buick Grand National". The Camry looks decent if you get the sport package with the bodykit, but I think the manual transmission and the V6 are mutually exclusive.

[chrome91]

i'm not a fan of 4cyl cars yet the Sentra SER seems pretty decent, especially the 6spd. according to wikipedia the engine is one of the easiest to work on ever and can handle 400hp+ safely

R32 GTR Skyline takes the cake of my favorite car though. Met up with a guy i know in one at a light not too long ago, wonder who got owned...

[Rochester]

This feedback from NALC is truly fantastic. Incredibly wordy (duh), but filled with good insight. Nicely done!

Originally Posted by nalc

The G is definitely a good car. IMO I'd probably get the 3.7 over the 3.5, unless the price difference is major.

Agreed. Someone asked here "why the sedan over the coupe?" Simply because the sedan sits higher, and has a luxurious back seat. The trade off... not getting those gorgeous Coupe-S rims and the smooth painted silver calipers. The G37S Sedan 6MT in Lakeshore Slate... purr-r-r-r.

Originally Posted by nalc

The 370Z is nice. Sat in one at the autoshow. I don't know if it was just the way the seat was adjusted, but I'm a pretty big guy, and fit fine in the 370.

The 370Z was god-awful uncomfortable, and I'm not a huge guy. The visibility was non-existent, and the performance was so-so. However, the looks and the rev-balancing 6MT were awesome.

Originally Posted by nalc

The new Max sure looks awesome, but you're not looking at a significant performance upgrade over your 5.5gen. Still front wheel drive, still essentially the same VQ35 from 2002 (albeit with a new intake manifold and a few other minor changes), and it's CVT only (the rest of ur list was 6-speeds)

Agree. Agree. Agree. And yes, the CVT is a total show-stopper. Everything else is delicious.

Originally Posted by nalc

The G8 is just plain awesome.

I couldn't disagree more. It had power, sure, but slow to build and "floaty" on the road. Plus, the build quality and interior ergonomics sucked.

Originally Posted by nalc

Camaro... from a looks department, it's somewhat polarizing. It looks cool, and it looks fast. It also looks blocky and stupid. It's badass, but also a little immature. If you're 20, you'll definitely be the baddest guy on the block. If you're 40, you'll look like the kind of guy who shaves his head when he starts going bald.

OMG, that's hilarious! And totally spot-on. The camaro is a toy, and I need a daily driver.

Originally Posted by nalc

The new Stang is nice. No independent suspension like the Camaro has, though. The new redesign really cleaned up many of the blocky and boring aspects of the design of the 05-09. The styling is still fast, but less of a head-turner, which can be good or bad.

Another well thought out analysis. The 'stang is stylish, but understated. Powerful, but drivable. And the interior is finally up to snuff. Oh, and the car looks fantastic in gun-metal gray.

Originally Posted by nalc

I don't really follow you on "investing" in mods. Modding your Maxima is not an investment. You will not be able to recoup most of the money that you spend on upgrades for it. It seems like you have most of the basic mods already, so it stands to reason that all you have left are the expensive ones. What are you thinking?

"Investing" in time and peace of mind to get me content through the next year or two... not money. You're right, the basic mods have been done. Phenolic Spacers are being installed in a few weeks... new struts and brakes next Spring. And then that's about it. (TS Flash? I don't know... maybe.)

Originally Posted by nalc

As for other cars, check out the Subaru lineup.

Good advice. However, I checked them out at the showroom enough to not bother driving one. Don't like the Subaru.

Originally Posted by nalc

There's also the S2000, which is fast and looks nice, if you don't mind having less torque than a lawnmower.

Out of my <$35 price range.

Originally Posted by nalc

Also from the Honda camp are the TSX and TL.

Acura... I really haven't explored Acura. Can you get a 6MT? I need to research.

Ditto on the Lexus IS. You can get the 6MT, but only in the underpowered engine.

Originally Posted by nalc

Then there's the Mazda lineup. 3.7 V6 and 6MT in the new Mazda6, if you can get over the "smiley face" front end.

I can't get over the styling. Plus, I've owned a Mazda before... they aren't designed for the long haul. There's something "thin" about Mazda.

Originally Posted by nalc

Toyota doesn't really have anything interesting.

Agreed. Toyota has nothing to offer for the Maxima enthusiast.

- - - - - -

Nalc, this was an awesome post. Thanks!

[Rochester]

Considerations in the back of my head since I'm planning on waiting another year or two...

Rumor has it that Infiniti will be introducing direct injection to their 3.7L engine soon, pushing the G-series up to 350hp.

Rumor has it that Infiniti will be introducing a dual-clutch, which is probably the only automatic tranny I would want to drive.

Rumor has it that Ford will be introducing either a 5.0L V8, or their awesome Eco-Boost V6, in the Mustang.

These are things worth waiting for.

[njmaxseltd]

Acura TL or another BMW 3 series. Personaly I think the TL is a great bang for your buck!

[twiggy144]

A depreciated, yet very good quality used all wheel drive 2007 Ford Fusion

[bigpopaj369]

Originally Posted by bigpopaj369

09 max or evo ix mr or a evo x... what a good thread!

forgot about the 98 twin turbo supra and the 09 nissan R35 skyline

[Rochester]

It seems the mods have moved this thread here. And correctly so... I can't deny it.

Good thing it got a little traction and some good posts (NALC) before being shoved under the bed with the dust bunnies.

[Kquezada28]

forget that american crap dude, get the 370

[kneehead]

ill get g37

[nzelinsky]

Originally Posted by chrome91

i'm not a fan of Honda really, but ive always loved the look of the 1990 Civic Hatchback. There was a JDM RHD one for sale here the other day, almost bought it. wouldnt mind one of them

LOL his price range is 30k not 30 dollars! hahahaha

To the OP- Check out the new Hyundai Genesis v8 sedan..... I know, I know dont say it- its a HYUNDAI ! But they have come very far in recent years and have also poached engineers from toyota.

The genesis sedan is nice and big lots of power RWD with 370+hp stock. I have seen them in person and are beautiful, comes with 6mt or 6at w/paddle shift- and it is car of the year for 2009

Genesis coupe GT has 3.8v6 with 307hp stock RWD and very nice too, but not very roomy.

[nissandrvr98]

hmm...
i'd take an SRT8
hemi charger
05 altima se-r
g37 coupe
04-08 titan (already looking at these very seriously)
06+ acura TL-S (and only an S)

[Rochester]

I went to my local VW dealership a few weeks ago... forgot to mention this car, because I didn't test-drive it. But it really was gorgous, and comfortably under $30k.

Here's a stirring write-up with photos on the new VW CC:

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/revi...wagen-cc-sport

[PulsarGTS]

Subi Legacy, G8, G37, last gen M3 or.....a Cobolt SS

[bigleman]

G8

[liqidvenom]

cobalt ss
hyundia gensis coupe

[Magikone69]

im thinking bout my next car (late 2010) and im leaning heavily on a used AMG E55 komperssorized of course :-)...i drove one and just fell in love with it immediately. I want something a little bigger and more luxourious next time around but dont want to give up performance and handling. The E55 is just plain out sick. I actually like it more than the E63, the E55 just seems to have endless pull at hwy speeds.

I'd also still consider the previous gen CL, wither CL55 or maybe even a CL600, basicly i think my next car will wear an AMG badge, or at least a benz badge.

[Rochester]

Originally Posted by Magikone69

im thinking bout my next car (late 2010) and im leaning heavily on a used AMG E55 komperssorized of course :-)...i drove one and just fell in love with it immediately. I want something a little bigger and more luxourious next time around but dont want to give up performance and handling. The E55 is just plain out sick. I actually like it more than the E63, the E55 just seems to have endless pull at hwy speeds.

I'd also still consider the previous gen CL, wither CL55 or maybe even a CL600, basicly i think my next car will wear an AMG badge, or at least a benz badge.

I respect those ambitions. I like to think I'm fairly conversant with the US car market, but have to admit there's a blind spot when it comes to Mercs.

However, what I do know is that any Mercedes with an AMG badge is way, way outside my $30 - $35K range.

Pass.

[Rochester]

Originally Posted by PulsarGTS

Subi Legacy, G8, G37, last gen M3 or.....a Cobolt SS

A Chevy Cobolt? You've listed that ride in some pretty serious company.

SS or otherwise, a Cobolt is like a disposable camera. It functions as advertised, then you throw it out when you're done.