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2009 Nissan Maxima

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Comments

  • sanjaysdcasanjaysdca Member Posts: 269
    Check out carsdirect.com
    you should be able to beat carsdirect price by about 500 to 1000
  • out4catout4cat Member Posts: 91
    tm:
    I take it this is to be a company vehicle, am I right? if so, does the company insist on buying the vehicle? leasing can get you the car for 39 months at about 500 a month or less. That gets you the car you want for monthly payments totaling 20,000 or so plus taxes. Just a suggestion but of course it depends on what your company accepts. Even if it is a personal vehicle, the option is still out there. It is very nice to walk away after 39 months and owe nothing, not care about resale value, and just jump into a new vehicle. If that is acceptable to you and your company, may want to consider it, good luck.
  • tmikebtmikeb Member Posts: 18
    The company uses a corporate leasing company -ARI. ARI purchases vehicle for our company and administers all the particulars. I think they buy them because we turn them in based on miles not time.

    (I did find a local small Nissan dealer that still has 2 '08 Altima's and an '08 Pathfinder.)

    The salesman says they don't sell many Maxima's because the folks in the area simply can't afford them. They had an '09 black one that had the premium package. He said for 1K they could add the chip that gets you the NAV. In the end, I can live without NAV, but it would be nice especially with XM traffic. The rub on the Black one is that it has 1800 miles. I am not sure ARI will let me buy it. It has never been titled and apparently can still be sold as new. They have two others too. One had the sport pak. It was slate but actually was a nice looking car. The rep thought that since I wasn't in a hurry that rebates will increase and they will sell it at a loss when the'10s come in. I can wait and may just try that strategy. After seeing the black and slate, I like them and would be happy with them.
  • out4catout4cat Member Posts: 91
    Coincidentally, today on my way to work I saw a black 09 with the sport package and for the first time loved the car. Then on the way home I saw one on my way home in slate, also with the sport package, and loved it too. Maybe the cloudy weather brought out the shine in both cars and they looked good. One plus to both cars was the "Frost" color seats vs. the black interior which in my opinion makes it stand out less, the contrast is definitely a plus. I now drive an 07 in precision grey, right in the middle of black and slate. The color is light enough to be easy to take care of, I do not have a garage and live in the DC area, this color hardly shows dirt. Another 09 color I like is the mystique jade, grey-ish color with a green hue that is pretty unique and should also be easy to take care of. And my favorite, Tuscan sun, would be very difficult to keep clean, beautiful when just washed, but dirt would show right after the wash.
    1800 miles on the car you saw is actually not that much, and untitled means you get it as new with full warranty. It is always a good idea to wait for more incentives, good luck with your decision.
  • maxima03maxima03 Member Posts: 7
    Sounds impressive, especially, the lower road/tire noise. :)
  • tmikebtmikeb Member Posts: 18
    Both of the ones I looked at had the Charcoal interior. I like the light but prefer the dark. The light is too hard to keep clean when you are constantly in and out making sales calls.
  • tmikebtmikeb Member Posts: 18
    Anyone heard any grumblings about May 2009 Rebates?
    I am guessing they are going up... a bunch.

    I reviewed the sales of the Maxima and Altima since August. The numbers look horrible regardless of what the dealers are telling us. Year over year sales:

    Maxima
    AUG 08 +15%
    SEPT -19.1%
    OCT +33%
    NOV -37.2%
    DEC -16%
    JAN 09 -30.3%
    FEB -38.4%
    MAR -26.4%

    Altima
    AUG 08 -.5%
    SEPT -42.4
    OCT -18.5%
    NOV -45.3%
    DEC -31.2%
    JAN 09 -34.7%
    FEB -31.5%
    MAR -37.8%

    I am interested to see April's numbers that should be release next Monday.
  • out4catout4cat Member Posts: 91
    Funny you should mention that, I have the frost interior and simply spray it with Turtle Wax leather cleaner and conditioner once a month, works great.
    Last weekend I borrowed my cousin's Pathfinder with charcoal seats, as a gesture of gratitude, I detailed it as a thank you for letting me borrow it. You would not believe the color of the white towel I used to clean up the leather, WOW does charcoal hide dirt or what. I see your point is what I am trying to say. In order to prevent drying out and cracking, I suggest using a cleaner/conditioner often to keep the leather moist, no matter what the color.
    Nissan sales on Altima and Maxima have dramatically gone down, as per your data. Where did you get all that percentage data by the way, I will monitor leasing deals in the next couple of months and maybe get one.
    May I suggest the new Hyundai Genesis, bigger car, more luxury, great reviews, and only a couple of grand off in price. Around here we have a deal being advertised for 2500 down and 399 a month on a Genesis, WOW!!
  • tmikebtmikeb Member Posts: 18
    I google 'nissan sales february 2009' or whatever month I want to see. Here is one result:

    http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY- - - =/www/story/03-03-2009/0004982287&EDATE=

    Some have each model like the link above does. Auto Channel usually only has an overall summary and nothing to specific.

    If I can get the deal I need, I would definitely accept the frost interior. My wife actually likes it better and it would be cooler in the summer. I got a feeling that if I hold out a while, I will be able to get a Maxima loaded up like I want for the price my company allows. It may require me not getting my exact color of choice, but I like color I have seen so far.

    One dealer told me that they can put Navigation in any premium Maxima. He said it was a simple chip install on the rear of the radio? He also said it could be done for less than 1200 may be even less than 1K. Any idea if he knows what he is talking about?

    I drove the Genesis and it was okay. The car didn't feel as solid as the Maxima. I also need to get past the idea that Hyundia builds cheap quality vehicles. Also, they were not dealing on the Genesis. They say they sell as fast as they come in.
  • tmikebtmikeb Member Posts: 18
    APRIL 2009 Sales Numbers Year over Year for the Month

    Maxima +62.7% - nice recovery, but still -17% for the year which has to be a huge disappointment in the first year of a model overhaul.

    Altima -46.9% and -37.7% for the year. I am thinking some big rebates are coming on Altima's.
  • out4catout4cat Member Posts: 91
    I am not totally sold on the Genesis either, they look great but I would have to drive one for a while to see the light and decide to follow it. They are allover the place here in the DC area.
    There are some great deals advertised on the Maxima, 2999.00 down and 299.00 per month on a lease though, you would look for rebates on a buy deal. I have not yet seen anything on the Altima but the dealers here have them stacked up on the lot.
    I only have 2 hold backs on the Maxima, the CVT, and requirement for premium fuel. My 1st wish would be the Tuscan Sun with Sport Package and Cafe Latte interior (not available- Nissan only sells that color with charcoal seats if you pay the 2,300.00 for the sport package). 2nd wish would be the Mystique Jade with Sport Package and Cafe Latte interior (same story - not available with sport package). So in light of the absence of the option to have the cafe latte interior, I would have to get a black one or a precision grey one with frost seats, not bad but still not my wish. I am one of those who think that the color makes the car, of course that depends on the buyer's preference.
    I am not too familiar with what it would take to get the Nav capability, but if a 1K chip does it, then that is the way to go. Me I get the stuff for free, I google where I want to go, map quest and print. Yes it is old fashioned but it works and it is cheaper LOL. I do understand the need for Nave in your field of work if you are constantly out on the road selling.
  • go_mdx1go_mdx1 Member Posts: 135
    Yep, at my local Nissan dealer, their Maxima inventory really went down towards the end of April. 10 were on the lot at the begining of April, now there's only 2 left. Rebates must be helping here.
  • go_mdx1go_mdx1 Member Posts: 135
    Folks,

    I've seen recent posts that suggests a 1K chip will make a non-Nav screen into a navigation model. What about the 9.3 GB harddrive that contains all of the points of interests and maps?? What about the missing NAV buttons on the console? Bottom line, I'm very skeptical that this is such an easy upgrade as being reported. One would be far better off just getting a real nice Garman and keeping the change.

    Finally, my 09 Max does have the NAV feature BUT I actually use the Music Box feature far more than the Navigation feature. Gracenotes technology, by the way, to identify the CDs as you burn them onto the hard drive is also quite amazing.
  • cinci5313cinci5313 Member Posts: 19
    Any thoughts if this is a good deal for a 2009 3.5SV with premium + navigation, splash guards, floor/trunk mats with black on black colors:

    MSRP: $39,600
    Dealer Quote: $38,000
    $1,250 cash back
    Sale Price: $36,750
    Plus, the dealer would cover my last two months lease payments (total $800)
    Final Price: $35,950

    I would purchase outright with cash in order to get the $1,250 cash back. Also, any thoughts if June's cash back offer would be better seeing as how April had a total of $2,250? The local Cincinnati dealer I am working with carries very few of the black on black Maximas and am wondering if I should move now on the deal.
  • tmikebtmikeb Member Posts: 18
    I was quoted 33,399.00 by one dealer on a car that sticker at 39575.00

    Here is the best deal I have been quoted so far...My name is Al DePaolo and I am the internet specialist at Fitzgerald Toyota/Nissan located in Chambersburg, Pa. Thank you for your request on the 2009 Nissan Maxima. I am sorry to say that with the car you selected there is no way of getting to you $26,862.50 price. Even with the car you selected, stock #N811834, the numbers do not work let alone the car you said you liked. MSRP of the car you selected is $37,155. Invoice of this car is $33,863. There is currently a $1,250 rebate taking the net to $32,613. We are selling this car for $2,600 behind the net at $30,013, plus tax and tags.

    I think you can do better.
  • tmikebtmikeb Member Posts: 18
    The dealer called me yesterday afternoon and said that he had erred. It is more than a chip to get NAV. You have to change the entire unit.
  • out4catout4cat Member Posts: 91
    TM:
    Do the numbers you posted for that vehicle work on a lease for 36 or 39 months? I prefer to pay the use of the car through the warranty period and then trade, leasing makes that possible. So at 30, 013, based on running a ratio of some MSRP to recent monthly payment estimates, I should be paying a few dollars under 400.00 per month. I'd go for an SV+Sport+splash guards in Mystique Jade or Precision Grey with frost interior.
    I live in the DC area but don't mind the drive to PA to get the deal, I would wait closer to the 2010 model release date though.

    Ran the numbers on the Nissan web-site and total vehicle price came out to 36,230.00 with Sport Package, splash guards, and carpeted trunk and floor mats. I do not need anything else. so this one is about a grand less than the one example in your message.
  • cinci5313cinci5313 Member Posts: 19
    tmikeb: I probably can do better. Each market (city) is different so the specific incentives could vary significantly.

    I'm not sure I follow the "$2,600 behind the net at $30,013." Does Nissan front that or does the dealer since the $30,013 is way, way under invoice. Seems like the dealer is all too willing to take it in the shorts. Edmunds "What Others Are Paying" pricing is listing $35,290 for the SV w/ prem+nav, spoiler, mats, splash guards in the Cincinnati area.

    I do appreciate the insight and information, though.
  • tmikebtmikeb Member Posts: 18
    Not sure if it would work on a lease or not..contact Fitzmall and ask.

    I am not sure there is much difference on incentives between markets.
  • go_mdx1go_mdx1 Member Posts: 135
    Black on Black Maximas are very rare finds....then again, I live in the nice warm south where such a color combination is NOT in high demand. For example, the last of the 2008 Acura TLs to leave the lot were all black on black.

    A general "tip" on purchase prices for Nissans...I often look at the Carmax New Car section (dealer in Maryland) to get a "ballpark" on car costs. They have 3 Sport Package SV models selling for around $30,700. Suspect local dealers will go down another $500 to $700.
  • out4catout4cat Member Posts: 91
    Does anyone have an idea of where to look for a deal on the 19" wheels for the SV Sport Package? Given the number of buyers who switch these wheels out, I would like to know if anyone has them for sale.
    Thanks,
  • strehlowstrehlow Member Posts: 15
    Hi,
    I am looking to purchase a new 2009 Nissan Maxima SV and want it loaded with the following options:
    Exterior Color Super Black
    Interior Color Premium Charcoal Leather
    3.5 SV Premium Package
    Rear Spoiler
    3.5 SV Premium + Technology Package
    Splash Guards

    $38,700 Subtotal
    Destination and Handling $720
    $39,420 Total Configured MSRP†

    What would be a good price to expect to get this for?
    Also would like to get a low interest rate of 1.9 or better for 60 months.

    Thanks
  • out4catout4cat Member Posts: 91
    D.C. area, seen one for a reduced price to 33,700.00 but it had cafe latte interior color. They sit on the lots here for weeks. Hope this helps
  • strehlowstrehlow Member Posts: 15
    Thanks, that does help. Just want to know how low I can go without have to go back and forth for days.
  • cinci5313cinci5313 Member Posts: 19
    Not sure you can get the 1.9% financing for 60 months as NMAC (nissan's financing arm) is only going for 3.9% right now. And to get the $1250 cash back you will need to go through an outside bank. Good luck finding a rate below 5% going that route.

    As for your price, I just picked up basically the same configuration (had floor mats also) and paid $100 over invoice. I live in the Cincinnati area and shopped around to the 5 dealers her and and also called the Indianapolis dealers and this was the lowest I could get them.

    Not sure how quickly you need the car, but you could either wait another week and see how willing the dealer is at month end, or wait until next month to see what Nissan's financing deals are.
  • strehlowstrehlow Member Posts: 15
    OK, with these options:
    Exterior Color Super Black
    Interior Color Premium Charcoal Leather
    3.5 SV Premium Package
    Rear Spoiler
    3.5 SV Premium + Technology Package
    Splash Guards

    $38,700 Subtotal
    Destination and Handling $720
    $39,420 Total Configured MSRP†

    I went in last night and I am able to get this car for $33,200 but have to go with the 3.7% financing, but I still think it is a pretty sweet deal. $2348 below "invoice", don't think I can beat that!
  • keyser2keyser2 Member Posts: 25
    What a poor redesign. What in the world are Nissan designers thinking?
  • go_mdx1go_mdx1 Member Posts: 135
    I hope you went for it and purchased this car - you've got all the right options!!! Premium package really sets this car apart from the competition.

    P.S. I had a 2009 TL w/Tech package as a loaner while one of my Acura's was having major service work. 2009 Maxima is a much better car in many areas - only area where I think TL does a better job is in the instrument panel.
  • go_mdx1go_mdx1 Member Posts: 135
    Curious, what specific areas on the car do you feel are poorly designed??
  • strehlowstrehlow Member Posts: 15
    Yes, I put money down but have to wait for the car to come in. They didn't have one on the lot with all the options I wanted. It was supposed to be here this weekend but I'm still waiting. Hopefully today!
  • draz2draz2 Member Posts: 50
    >>>P.S. I had a 2009 TL w/Tech package as a loaner while one of my Acura's was having major service work. 2009 Maxima is a much better car in many areas - only area where I think TL does a better job is in the instrument panel.

    Surely you jest!

    The nav screen on the Maxima is about as primitive as you could find in 2009. I can't even be considered in the same league as the nav screen of the TL. The engine is loud when accelerating (and not in a good way), the interior screams "cheap" in just about every regard and the CVT is horrible beyond description.

    How you could even think of comparing this car to a TL w/ Tech is simply astonishing. The only place I think the Maxima beats the TL is in its steering (which is very good indeed). Otherwise the TL outclasses it in every possible respect.
  • go_mdx1go_mdx1 Member Posts: 135
    Maxima and Acura TL appeals to a bit of a different audience. I will give you that the 09 TL does have a much better NAV system. Then again, Garmin NAV systems are much more up-to-date than Acura and Maxima's. So, NAV capabilities shouldn't make or break a car.

    When you get the Premium Package in the Maxima, its feature/luxury content is FAR SUPERIOR to the Acura (dual moon roofs, superior iPOD integration, sun shade, air conditioned seats, rear AC/Radio controls, heated steering wheel, etc...) Plus, add in the better horsepower-to-weight ratio and better gas mileage, I vote the Maxima superior.
  • draz2draz2 Member Posts: 50
    I can't imagine that the ipod integration could be any better than the one in the TL. Then we still have the incredibly low rez screen of the Maxima don't we? The rest of that stuff is pure "gee whiz" and has no bearing on the driving experience. Do you acknowledge that the engine is totally unacceptably loud on acceleration and that the CVT tranny is awful beyond description?

    Frankly, if the Maxima were a better car in every other respect (it isn't), the CVT alone would disqualify it from any further consideration.
  • cinci5313cinci5313 Member Posts: 19
    Inredibility [sic] low rez screen...what do you want, at 1080i HD screen? And as if TL doesn't have it's fair share of "gee whiz" gadetry that does little for the driving experience. I'll give you point that the acceleration is a bit loud, but so what. Are you planning on driving every second with the gas pedal to the floor and accelerating constantly? As for the CVT, it more that gets the job done. It floats through traffic and cruises with ease.

    Acura - luxury label for Honda
    Nissan - standard label

    We got it. You think the TL is a better car. Go spend the extra $4k and enjoy the chrome beak. Shouldn't you be on the G37 forum pumping up the TL and breaking out your tape measure rather than here.
  • draz2draz2 Member Posts: 50
    >>>what do you want, at 1080i HD screen?<<<

    I'd prefer a 1080p screen. (lol)

    G37? Boy racer, cramped inside, engine too loud, nav screen very low rez, no back seat room. For pure straight ahead power at a price point it has few equals; as a daily driver, it's TL all the way.

    To be fair to the Maxima it's steering is stellar...far better than the TL, the brakes are superb...the equal of the TL and the suspension and handling are pretty darn good...again, about a tie with the TL. What kills the Maxima for me (and I did test drive it and would have bought it in a second were it not for these things) is the CVT, the horrible engine roar, the low rez navi screen and the generally cheap looking interior. I really do like the exterior design. Probably better than the TL.

    See, I'm trying to be fair. ;-)
  • jspagna1jspagna1 Member Posts: 34
    They totally ruined the design of the new TL. The old body style was much nicer. I can't get past that front grille at all. The rearend's not bad, kind of Cadillac CTS. A lot of edges.
    I like the front of the Max better and the rearend only looks good with a spoiler IMO. A freind of mine drove a new Max and he loved it. The TL seems overweight?
    Sometimes they should just leave well enough alone.
  • greenacuragreenacura Member Posts: 42
    OK, I just leased a 2009 maxima prem & tech. I have driven acura's for many years ('97 TL, '00 TL, '04 TL & '07 TL) but made the change to the maxima after the redesigned TL. First impression, which I haven't gotten over yet, is that the car is too big. I've been somewhat uncomfortable driving it. The maxima is only a few inches bigger than the 2007 TL I drove for 2 years but it feels much bigger. I love the low speed handling in the maxima, plus the seats and radio are much better. The maxima is all about the music with the XM, Ipod and flash drive. The maxima navigation isn't as good as the TL. I had higher hopes because the Maxima was hard drive vs. DVD based in the TL, but there aren't as many trip options, it is harder to locate places such as places to eat, hotels, stores by name. Also, if you locate a destination, the phone number (tied into the bluetooth) isn't available like on the TL. also, the resolution in the maxima isn't as good as the TL. The dash seems a little cheap looking, I don't really like the plastic which reminds me of styrofoam painted black. Also, the controls for the seat heater and seat a/c is at an akward location that is difficult to easily reach. Finally, I think the seat rocks back and forth on hard braking and the sunroof making a very low quality sound when opening. Over all, do I like it? I preferred my '07 TL over this car, if I could have gotten a better buyout o the lease, I would have purchased the '07 TL, I don't quite yet have buyers regret but I am certainly not smitten by the maxima. The best news is the very low lease rate I got (39/15k, zero down, sign & drive at $435 per month for a car listing $39,475.00). Let's hope I like it better and the weeks roll on, I'll keep you posted.
  • smarty666smarty666 Member Posts: 1,503
    yeah its so ugly and poor design thats why my local nissan dealers (plural) are selling out of their maxima inventory at the end of each week and have to wait for a new shipments or swaps in order to get more on the lot; your an idiot!!!; want something poorly designed and ugly go buy a 2009 Acura TL; that car looks like a snow plow on steriods!!!
  • greenacuragreenacura Member Posts: 42
    So what exactly do you drive? I am basing this on my experience with the 2009 maxima. It's not comparable to a near luxury car such as the TL. Sure the maxima is much better looking but it's all in the details and the maxima is clearly not comparable to the 2007 TL when it comes to the details. I leased the maxima because I thought it looked great and the price was right, basically $8,000 off sticker. If they were in such high demand, why is the car so highly discounted? It actually leased less than the 2009 Accord EXL. After 5 TL's I was willing to try something new especially since the new TL isn't exactly good looking. Well, I clearly got what I paid for, the maxima is great compared to the accord but the TL would have been a superior car. Something else that concerns me is now I am driving a car that attract followers like your self. This forum is an exchange of ideas and auto experiences and costs. Name calling such as what you did in the email above clearly isn't what the website is about.
  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    FIrst off some regions sell more of a certain car then others, that is why when you search a on a web site they ask for your zip code.

    Second, I disgree with you, the Max is a near luxury car and it does go up against the TL in comparisons. Remember the MAX and TL are both front drivers. You can not put a TL up with a BMW or G37 sedan...

    Tony
  • draz2draz2 Member Posts: 50
    The TL is, indeed, in a class above the Maxima. I test drove both before I bought the TL and I have to tell you, it wasn't even close. The Maxima felt and looked "cheap" inside, the nav screen was pathetically low resolution, the tech features weren't even in the same league as the TL and the CVT transmission felt like a loose rubber band around a pulley (which is essentially what it is). Oh, and the engine was intrusively loud under acceleration. Now for its good points...it's a nice looking car from the outside and its steering, brakes and suspension were excellent. The trunk is nicely shaped and reasonably spacious anthough the overall interior didn't feel as large as the TL. The leather in the TL is better and the audio system in the TL is quite simply state of the art. The Maxima's wasn't even in the same league. So, for about the same money I went with the clearly superior car. Oh, and because this is a purchase for me, resale value, depreciation and relaibility were important variable and here, again, the TL was tops in its class.
  • greenacuragreenacura Member Posts: 42
    I agree with draz2 on all the items except the audio system. I think the maxima was superior in this area. While shopping around, the maxima was always about $125 -140 less per month (on a 3 year lease) than the TL so I took a chance with the maxima. For me, the maxima short falls were worth saving the $4,500+ over the lease. I'm hoping the maxima will grow on me more, right now I think my old 2007 TL was superior & I would have bought it if the residual value wasn't so high. I hope I feel the same way about the maxima 3 years from now.
  • draz2draz2 Member Posts: 50
    >>>all the items except the audio system. I think the maxima was superior in this area.<<<

    Are you sure you're talking about the '09 TL with tech? The one that gets you the superb 440 watt ELS audio system? I came from a Lexus with the Mark Levinson adio system.And while that was great, the ELS system in the TL is simply in a different league. It's almost as good as an audiophile home system (and while clearly nothing in a car environment can approach a good home audiophile system, the ELS comes darn close).

    I agree though, if I was leasing I might have gone a different direction as leases on the TL are not that great. As a purchase, however, I'm convinced the TL is grossly underpriced.
  • greenacuragreenacura Member Posts: 42
    I was comparing the Maxima to the 2009 TL Audio system. Maybe I didn't get enough time to fully appreciate the '09 TL Audio. I can say that Maxima is superior to audio in my old 2007 TL. I also agree that the 2009 TL is going to have much better resale value than the 2009 Maxima. Just curious draz2, what made you leave Lexus. It seems to me that the Lexus people never change brands. The ES is a fine car but wasn't leasing competively. I had thought about purchasing a used ES with nav and Mark Levinson audio. Lexus has a great pre-owned warranty but the dealers didn't have any used in the color & options I wanted.
  • poodog13poodog13 Member Posts: 320
    Add me to the group that find the front-end redesign of the TL a complete deal-breaker. While I drive an 07 Maxima, I really wanted the 07 TL but could not talk the price down far enough. Had always planned on going back to the TL for my next car.

    Now, every time I see an 09 TL on the road, I just cringe. I keep looking for the head of an 18th century Frenchman to stick out from under the guillotine on the front of the car.
  • greenacuragreenacura Member Posts: 42
    How has your 2007 Maxima been? Good reliability? Has the maint. costs been reasonable? I found my '07 Acura TL was very expensive to maintain. Regarding the 2009 TL, sure the front end is terrible, but I didn't even like the look from the side or rear. It is a terrible design, I wonder if Acura will make a change soon.
  • draz2draz2 Member Posts: 50
    I left the Lexus 'family' after three years with the '07 ES350 because I wanted something that was a lot more fun to drive. The ES was a wonderful car for what it was....which is nothing more than a conveyance. I wanted something with better braking, a more linear linkage between engine and transmission and a tighter, more communicative suspension. The TL fit that bill perfectly. And I'm an acknowledged gadget freak so I immediately fell in love with all the wonderful tech features in the TL as well. As to the front end of the car, I love it. I think it looks distinctive, elegant and aggressive (in a good way). Do any of you remember the public's response when the CTS or BMW's Chris Bangle designs were introduced? I do. Universal outrage and disgust don't even come close to describing the reaction from the automobile cogniscenti. What is their reaction now? And how have sales been for BMW and the CTS?
  • poodog13poodog13 Member Posts: 320
    How has your 2007 Maxima been? Good reliability? Has the maint. costs been reasonable?

    Maintenance has not been too bad. I went with the SL rather than the SE specifically to cut down on some of the maintenance costs, particularly the tires (SL's have slightly wider profile, a bit closer to mainstream tire size, and therefore cheaper to replace). I had to have the armrest console cover and the bracket securing the driver's visor replaced due to breaks in plastic latches, but they were done under warranty and I now know to be a bit more careful with these components. Brake replacements were a bit of a shock but the higher end brakes on performance sedans always are.

    The only other large maintenance costs have been the recommended 15k incremental maintenance packages. I made the mistake at 15k of not asking the dealership exactly what they included in their 15k maint plan, and turns out it was more than the factory recommendation. Scaled back to recommended services only at 30k, and started to do some of the basic stuff myself (in-cabin filters) at 45k now that the car is out of warranty.
  • tonycdtonycd Member Posts: 223
    draz2, I'm glad you like your car. Or, alternatively, I'm sorry you aren't confident enough in your liking of your car to avoid flaming anyone who likes one of its principal competitors.

    I don't have a horse in this race, personally. But I was a great admirer of the '04-'08 TL, test drove it and recently test drove the new Maxima.

    I'm sure the new TL is dynamically excellent. But I can't bring myself to bother test-driving it because I personally believe that Acura butchered the styling beyond redemption, inside and out. I agree that the Maxima has some downscale touches inside, like the middle of the dash, but they're easily topped (bottomed?) by the plastic "aluminum" junk counter that is the TL dash, not to mention the nigh-on-incomprehensible clutter of buttons that stick out in the middle like a tumor.

    On the move, the CVT is a little odd at times, but it is responsive in all modes and returns decent mileage for such a powerful car. And while the engine is a bit crude, it does have a really entertaining feral roar at full throttle. In sum, compared to the TL, it's a car that's good enough with looks that don't make me throw up.

    One footnote on Bangle: You might want to choose a more favorable example. If you check again, you'll note that BMW has quietly kicked Bangle upstairs and is backing off his edgier styling in models like the 3 and the 7 just as fast as their Germanic ego permits.
  • draz2draz2 Member Posts: 50
    Tony, Tony, Tony I hardly know where to begin. I can certainly understand your dislike of the TL's exterior (read: beak) but the interior has garnered nothing but universal praise. Holy crap, man, it won Wards Automotive Best Interior this year.The "vast array of buttons" you refer to in incredibly intuitive to use and is easily understood with about an hour behind the wheel. As to the CVT...it is awful at all speeds and it has no place whatsoever in a car with pretenses to being "entry level high end," no less in a car that they badge with their comical acronym "4DSC." The Maxima's nav screen is decidedly inferior to that in the TL and the nav system itself is much slower and doesn't provide anywhere near as much useful information as the TL's. It doesn't have navtraffic or weather and it's audio system can't hold a candle to the ELS system in the TL. You can call the engine intrusive noise level "feral" if that makes you feel better, but the fact is that it's just plain loud...and not in a particularly sonorous way. The entire interior just screams "NISSAN" (which has never made a decent interior in any of their cars and is thus, not a compliment) and it doesn't feel as spacious or roomy as the TL from the driver's seat. So while I agree that its a nice looking car from the outside that has excellent steering, brakes and ride characteristics it fails miserably in its transmission, engine noise, tech features, inferior navi system/screen and audio.

    As to the Bangle issue you really need to do your homework. Under his design leadership, BMW sales and market share jumped dramatically, both in the USA and in Europe. He was not "kicked" anywhere...he wanted the change.

    Final note. Why are Acura's resale values the highest in the business and Nissan's mid to bottom pack?
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