I may forsake you. I test drove the new 2004 Acura TL today.... and damn, I think it's a serious contender for the G35 for me. I don't think it handles as well (it's FWD whereas the G35 is RWD), but the interior is much better looking IMO. It's got 270 hp, so I'm guessing the acceleration should be right there, if not a bit slower. It also has a DVD player that plays DVD-Audio (and damn it sounded sweet), voice-activated nav unit, bluetooth cell phone integration for handsfree talking, etc. Most people aren't going to like the exterior styling of the TL, and I didn't either. Then I went there and looked at it in person in a charcoal grey color and it looked pretty nice. I still think the G35 may look a bit better. I talked to the Acura guy and said, "I have about 127,000 miles on my car, but it's giving me no problems... I honestly don't know why I'm here". He said "What's your current car?". I said "1997 Nissan Maxima." He responded "I don't know why you're here either, that engine is one of the best engines ever created. I'm not surprised you don't have any problems with it". I said "You're not doing a good job talking me into buying a new car." Anyway, I just thought I'd throw this out there since I know there are some 350Z, Max, and G35 owners on this bbs. *sigh*
I like the look of the new TL, personally. It's certainly not what I would call "smooth", but it's nice looking, to me. I had an Integra back in 1990, and it was a great car. If I hadn't gotten the Altima, my second choice was the RSX. Had they had the TSX out when I bought my Altima, I would've seriously considered it (one of the main reasons I got the Altima was the 4 doors since I have kids and all). So, even though you may be leaving our wonderful Nissan/Infiniti club, I know I won't hold it against you.
I was going to get a Z but I think the practicallity of the Max is really what I need since I am only going to have one car. I wanted a G35, but something about the new Max with the built in Navigation system just seems more practical. All wonderful cars, I guess it is just a matter of taste. I will look at the TL but I haven't been able to drive one yet.
My third vehicle is a 99 Max GXE that I bought this year for 12 grand to keep from having to take either of my ill-suited vehicles into the cauldron of ATL rush hour traffic. I love the Max because it is both quick and economical, especially when you're taking it 160 miles everyday on the morning commute. I like the Acura, but I'd hold onto the Max if you can. They are damned fine automobiles and now my family takes my car on trips versus my wife's Volvo. I like the G35 much better. It has RWD, which is big for me, it is based on the Skyline and it just looks better than the Acura. Besides, if you ever want to mod the car, there is already a lot of stuff available for the VQ series motor, which is in everything from Pathfinders to Muranos to Maximas. Now as far as an Infiniti for myself, I like the M45. It looks great and has that honking V-8. Drove one and that thing hauls ass!
There was a point in my life on this bbs that I would have respected your comment above and have considered it an honor. But that went out the window when I saw you do that dance thing in that video. Jesus, what were you thinking?! Thanks.
I really wanted to buy another Maxima, but they just made it a bit too "big and floaty" for my tastes. It's still a great car, it's just not what I'm looking for. I do like the new Maxima in black or that deep blue color though. Also, if you like to floor the car, be prepared to be scared to death by the torque steer on the new Max. I nearly scared the hell out of the poor salesman when I momentarily floored the car and it felt like it was taking off in every direction at once.
I hope the changed the turning radius on the Maxima. We had a 2002 Maxima (traded it in on a pathfinder) because it took 3 lanes to do a uturn and it was hell getting into a parking space (3 pt turn ). Overall, Ive always felt that NIssan/Infinitis took a backseat to none of the other manufacturers in terms of quality and value. Our next aquisition is (Lord, I can't believe I am proud of this), a mini-van. The Nissan Quest:
Are you comparing the Acura to the G35 coup or sport coup? If you are comparing 4 door versions then the FWD v. RWD doesn’t mean much. But if you are considering the G35 SC (especially with a 6 speed) then it will have very different performance characteristics. Also I feel that the G35 SC is one of the best designed cars to come out in years.
That's why you need something with rear wheel drive. If you have the coin, why not look at the M45 or FX45. Both are rwd (except for the FX, AWD is available) and both have big V-8's with a ton of h.p. M45, I'd take mine in black. I think this is the neatest station wagon I've ever seen.
Ya know, $150,000 will get you one of these: Ford GT http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/10/11/ford.ferrari.ap/index.html 500 HP, 6 speed tranny and 0-60 in 3.8. This is not your father's Ford.
Oh mama bama, I absolutely hate the M45. Leave the American muscle cars to the Americans. That thing looks like a Buick gone wrong! I never liked anything about it other than the performance and the interior when it came out. I just think it's fugly. Ok, now that you know where I stand on that... The FX35/FX45 is interesting, but they look like dogs. By "dogs" I don't mean ugly, but they look like a mutt on 4 wheels. I'm not really a SUV/station wagon person, so that's another knock. Not a bad vehicle, though - just not for me. The FX45 is also a little more than I want to spend on a car at the moment. I'm trying to keep my purchase in the low-to-mid 30's or thereabouts. But then I've been looking to purchase a car for the past 2 years - I just can't let the Max go. Have you seen the Chrysler Pacifica? I think it looks pretty good for a station wagon. Probably one of the more aesthetically pleasing vehicles I've seen in that segment.
DoD, As you know, I have a Maxima that is a '97 just like you. I would love to get a G35 someday (probably used), but I still owe quite a bit on my Max (the balance is now below $8K!) I have about 92,000 miles on it, so I am hoping to get to 200,000 miles on it. Unless you are having constant problems with the car, I would not get rid of your Max, even though it is tempting to get something new (especially if you don't have a car loan right now). That would be my advice.
Nothing. I know it all! I've drooled over the car since a few months before it was released for sale. Have you had any rattlings inside or general feel of "cheapness". That's the only thing I worry about on the G35. They put so much money into the engine/powertrain that they had to skimp a bit somewhere. That's where I think the TL outshines it by a large margin - it's a technogeek's dream $35k vehicle. The G35 is more geared to performance even if you have the sedan.
What makes it so hard, I think, is that with most cars, once you get over 100,000 miles on it, it isn't worth **** anymore - meaning constant problems whether it is stuff like engine problems, electrical problems, or just too many rattles and squeaks. With the Maxima, you don't worry about those things unless you have a previous owner who didn't take care of the car. Whatever you decide to do, good luck.
I had a new beamer before the G35, so I will be v sensitive to 'cheapiness', and yes, I noticed it. The body is weak (I dented the trunk while closing it ). The paint chips easily. It sounds like a tin house in a rain storm. And of course, the general critique on the plasticy interior. The upgraded sound system sucks...I think because of the acoustics (pointing speakers at each other prob didn't help). Even our Explorer's system sounds better. But, It's perofrmance is quite nice. It's much more roomy and comfortable than the beamer. The Nav unit is awesome. May not sound like it, but we do enjoy the car. My next will prob be a 5-series, though.
