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Nissan Maxima vs. Honda Accord
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Comments
I will only comment on the Honda and the Maxima, because they are the cars in the topic, but this is how they stacked up in my book
#1 Nissan Maxima SE (which I got)
#2 Volkswagen Passat V6
#3 Camry Solara V6
#4 Honda Accord V6 Coupe
The Honda's leather seats were terrible, extremely hard and uncofortable. The Maxima seats are soft and confy. The shifting in the Honda is very jerky especially between first and second..the Maxima can bring in the power quick with smoother shifts. The Honda does not feel sporty, lots of body roll. Test drive them hard, and the Maxima is the only one up to task. The Bose in the Maxima is light years ahead of anything in any of these cars. The Honda Accord is a fine car, but not much fun to drive. Also, not a huge issue, but I trust the integrity of Japanese made car better than American made ones.
Speed <--- Drivin!
used S70's and some american junk I just bought a
01 Max Gle w/roof and changer. It's grey luster
with grey leather and gorgeous. We chose the Max for it's power, unique looks, (too many accords on the road)it's warranty and reputation. The VW
warranty was a joke and the Honda people were very hard to negotiate with (so were the VW folks)
Drive these cars and you will go with the Max for
it's seat comfort, rear leg room,and general dash
layout. The engine purrs and the tranny shifts much better then the other two contenders. Best of all was the price. $29K list/paid under $26k.
We saved enough $$ to order 4 Borbett H's and snows from the Tire Rack to ride out the rest of NY's winter. If you want to deal with a GREAT dealer, try Serafini Nissan in Vestal, NY. Super people to do business with!
Kevin
If you get everything (Bose, 6-disc, microfilter, wind deflector, C+C pkg, splash guards, floormats) your sticker price should be around 28,800 with an invoice of 25,800. Most people seem to be getting a few hundred under invoice...so let's say you can get the car for 25,300. (Your good price you asked for) Putting 1500 down will take you down to 23,800. Financing at a good rate of 6.9% will be bring your total cost to purchase to about 31,000. This is figuring 6% sales tax and destination charges. Dividing that over 60 months and you get $500/month. The only way I see bringing that down is going with a 72 month loan...or getting a better deal on the Max. (not likely...plus 6.9% is a pretty nice rate). Maybe if you drop about 1500 in options you will be in for 450 a month. Anyone see errors in this logic?
About the traction control. It doesn't come in to play very often...but it is nice to have if you live in the northern US. I find that accelerating on a slick surface is much easier..as is turning sharply on slick pavement. For only 300 bucks...I find it to be a pretty good value. Good luck! Hope it all works for you.
So first of all, what do you think between the 3 choices. I would even consider a 4 cylinder Honda or VW to lower the costs. A Maxima would definitely give me a great V6 engine, but I would likely have to cut down on the options to keep my prices below 24K.
I was also wondering about using premium fuel for the Nissan and VW. Is this a an absolute necessity? Is this a reason to steer toward an Accord? Am I just being cheap?
Finally, does anyone know if Nissan is giving manufacturer's rebates during April?
I would definately go with a Maxima SE.
As you describe it, the Nissan price seems high but I don't know what is coming on these cars. I have driven a 2000 GLE extensively (with Meridian) as my in laws own it and we have driven it on long trips. A very nice riding car. Roomy and comfy...and the heated seats are worth every penny the Meridian edition charges!!! I test drove the Accord EX-V6 when we bought our Max SE and the Honda is a very nice car no doubt. But the amenities in the Max feel more luxurious, the ride is "softer". I thought the Accord felt a little cramped...with bland styling. The Max is a little bigger with more trunk and passenger space...and you have more options with the Maxima. (Bose, Homelink, etc..) But...these are just my opinions. Both are excellent choices. Good luck!
Sadly, I have to bring my max back to the dealer this week due to a wheel alignment and headlight adjustment. Also, I've noticed on a couple of occasions that it wont start on the first and second try. I waited 5 seconds and then it started. Don't know if its a problem but it did happen a couple of times so that makes me wonder.
Just have a question. Has anyone gone to the carwash with those 17 inch rims? I heard from someone not to bring it cuz the tracks on the carwash scratches the rims.
Thank you.
Suggest you try another dealer. You will love the car if you buy it! One plus the Maxima has over the Honda in the convenience dept. is the split folding rear seat. We use that a lot, put the dog's crate/bed flat on the smaller part of the fold-down.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
deal and the car. The seller said it is an SE but I see no markings inside or out or on
paperwork which indicate the trim level. Can this be determined from the VIN number?
Help! Deliriously Happy in Indiana.
The easiest way to determine the three models is by the outside door handles. Only the SE has body colored handles. The other two have chromed handles.
The GXE and SE could also be had with 5 speed manual transmissions while the GLE was automatic only.
I have a 95 GLE with 180,000 miles on it that still runs great. Good luck with yours!
http://www.freshalloy.com/cars/nissan/xvl/images/xvl01.jpg
__________________________________________________
Now, on a different note, I have a bit of a problem, which I need some advice on.
Here's the deal: I bought a "Honda Accord EX" (6 Cylinder VTEC) in 1998 (My first). I think we paid like 28,000.00 including all costs (I could be wrong) however we did trade in a piece of junk and got $4 grand on it! (It is actually leased -- $320.00 per month) Now I am a guy who has had nothing but "Sports Cars" ('67 "Mustang Fastback," "1982 Datsun 280-ZX," "1985 Nissan 300-ZX, and a "1989 Porsche 944") my whole life! I NEVER would have believed I would own a "Honda," and I would NEVER believe I'd say this, but "I LOVE THAT CAR!" I mean it's a beautiful car! It has every amenity, and a set of balls to boot! My wife and I love the "Gold" color (Exterior), and gold "Leather Interior"! I even threw in a $5,000.00 "Audio Video System" (Sounds, and looks awesome! The "TV" keeps the kids busy too, so the wife and I can concentrate!) My wife is blown away by it! My biggest problem I have right now is that the lease is up next month! ("April")My problem is this: I need to decide whether I should keep this car, or lease a new 2001! I believe it is basically the same car, right? I also don't know if they have the "Gold" color on the new ones, which I would like to get again,although the "Gray" is sharp too! Anyone know if they do still have the "Gold"? Anyway, I need some advice here! (No doubt I would get another "Accord" and another, and another!) What should I do guys? (Keep in mind I would need to move all of the "Audio Video" equipment, which could be costly! and the car IS in "Mint" condition both inside and out!) If I do get a new one, which color do you all suggest I get?
Thanks Guys (and Gals)
PS - I must admit, I DO sometimes miss that "Porsche"! (lol)
From "Liposlim.com"
Anyway, Color. Our Accord color is the Naples Gold Metallic. Beautiful color - get that color!
I've had two Maximas and my wife has had 5 Accords. We've had great luck with all of them.
anybody know when it will be avaiable????
thanks!
Hope this helps
Speed
The host CarMan quoted me a money factor of .00213 and 57% residual on 15,000 miles/39 months. The dealer confirmed this, except he said the residual is 56%.
On the EX 6cyl, It gives us us a payment in the 325-330 range with no money down. This is excellent for a 25000 car with V6, leather and all the luxuries.
Something worth considering, Can anyone touch this deal in a maxima?
Curt
I pay $354 per month with tax. Remember that the Maxima is more expensive than the Accord, but you can get a Maxima below invoice.
Good luck
Speed
I am a new buyer.I have never owned a car before.
I have three cars in my mind, Accord Exv6,Camry Lv6 & Maxima se or gle.
I dont know which one to go for.I almost decided on maxima,
but i saw so many starting problems in the discussion .I know there culd be many
probs with camry or honda as well.If any had experience with all the three,pls
give me some advice as to which one to go for.
other than frequent starting probs is there any major prob with max?
Thanks in advance,
srgz.
Good luck!
Speed
By the way, you guys might get a kick out of going to a site called www.badgirlswirl.com Click through it a little bit, there's a list of what cars say about the guys who own them. A BMW is saying "I bought my wife," an Acura "I'm too good for German cars," a Porsche - well, you'll have to find out for yourself what a Porsche means!
And you can find lots of good information on leasing in the discussions taking place on our Finance, Warranty & Insurance Board.
Good luck.
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
Help!!!
I have a 48 mo. (no cap cost reduction other than first month and sec. deposit) lease for my $26K Maxima SE with Confort and
Convenience package and auto.
I pay $354 per month with tax. Remember that the Maxima is more expensive than the Accord, but you can get a Maxima below
invoice.
Good luck
Speed 88 of 98 srgz by speedracer3 Apr 11, 2001 (07:24 pm)
Go with the car you like. You really can't go wrong with the Accord or the Max, they are both great cars. I drove the Accord, the
Solara, and Maxima. The Maxima sold me outright...mine will be two years old and it has been perfect. No problems, true joy to own
and drive.
Good luck!
Speed 98 of 98 That's what I have.... by speedracer3 Apr 26, 2001 (03:04 pm)
Maxima SE with confort and convenience pkg. and automatic. Nothing else. I got it for around $23K
How many Maximas do you have?