A few questions on Gen 6 Maxima

[YipMan_Style]

Thinking about a Gen 6 Maxima.

- Why does it look like the rear springs seems to sag on some Gen 6?- Are side air bags standard on all Gen 6? Or only after the mid model update with CVT?- Does the SE come with 18" wheels on all Gen 6, or only after the mid model update?- I read that Gen 6 did not sell well? Why is that? Is it the styling or something mechnical?- If getting a Gen 6, I was going to add springs/shocks, are they easy to find? Meaning lots of aftermarket support?- Is Premium fuel required or recommended according to the owner's manual?- I don't track, or can tell the difference between FWD and RWD. Why not a G35 or Altima SE instead of the Maxima?- A side from $$$, etc, would you get the G5 Maxima vs G6?- Anything I should know about a used G6 Maxima?

Thanks

[MinisterofDOOM]

1: It's probably just the wheel fitment back there. Nissan did a similar thing with the late Q45. The rear fender arch is much tighter and lower than the front, so it makes the rear look like it's sagging sometimes. It's not a sign of suspension problems to fear like the late-90s Taurus, though.

2: All years had them. Even our '04 has them...pillar and seat side air bags.

3: Yes, SE has 18'' wheels for the whole generation. In fact I think the earlier 18'' wheels are the best looking. These are the early 18'' wheels and these are the 17''s.

4: The styling was definitely polarizing. Also, the Maxima got more expensive for the 6th gen as it also became more mechanically advanced. I personally think the 6th gen is one of the best Maximas ever, superior to all but the 3rd gen for it's time. Others disagree. There weren't any big mechanical issues to scare people away, though. The new 5 speed transmission is the most solid auto ever to find it's way into the car, and the 6 speed manual is tough, too. And of course the VQ is unkillable.

5: Most guys I know with 6th gens have modded suspension, so I'd say aftermarket suspension support is strong. Maybe not as hugely available as 4th gen stuff but still good options available.

6: Premium fuel is indeed just recommended. My dad never puts premium in his. Never has knock issues or any other negative side-effects.

7: The G35 and Altima are SIGNIFICANTLY smaller cars. Especially the G, where the combination of being smaller and the RWD layout really restrict interior space. The Maxima also has a much much nicer interior than either the G35 or the Altima. I'm 6'4'' tall and can fit comfortably in the back seat of the Maxima on multi-hour road trips. Don't think I could do the same in the G or Alty.

8: I'd take the 6th gen over the 5th gen any day. 6th gen was an upgrade in a lot of big ways. The 5-speed automatic transmission in the 6th gen is lightyears ahead of the mediocre 4-speed auto in the 5th gen. The 6th gen also has much more modern 4-wheel independent suspension versus the 5th gen's solid rear beam suspension which means better road manners and better handling. I also happen to like the looks of the 6th gen better, but only by a little. And the interior in the 6th gen is nicer than the 5th gen. I like the 5th gen Max quite a bit, but I like the 6th gen more.

9: Early SL Maximas (2004 and maybe a few 2005s) had a standard 4-speed auto instead of the 5-speed auto in the SE. Avoid it. The 5-speed is much better. The 5-speed was optional on those SLs, so some will have it, but most had the 4.Test drive and compare the 5at and the CVT to decide whether you'd rather have an earlier or later model. That's the one major difference mechanically. Other than that it was just new bumpers, headlights, hood, and trunk spoiler and some minor interior revisions (buttons rearranged). If you're looking for one with a manual transmission, the 6 speed manual is no longer available as of 2007 with the change to the CVT as the ONLY transmission.

[YipMan_Style]

Thank you for the above details.

Last question. Are all Maxima made in Japan?

[MinisterofDOOM]

No, the 6th gen Maxima was specifically designed for the North American market (US in particular) and isn't sold anywhere else, so it's manufactured here in the US at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant.

[snwbrdr435]

9: Early SL Maximas (2004 and maybe a few 2005s) had a standard 4-speed auto instead of the 5-speed auto in the SE. Avoid it. The 5-speed is much better. The 5-speed was optional on those SLs, so some will have it, but most had the 4.

The 4 speed is HORRIBLE!

[marlin29311]

7: The G35 and Altima are SIGNIFICANTLY smaller cars. Especially the G, where the combination of being smaller and the RWD layout really restrict interior space. The Maxima also has a much much nicer interior than either the G35 or the Altima. I'm 6'4'' tall and can fit comfortably in the back seat of the Maxima on multi-hour road trips. Don't think I could do the same in the G or Alty.

The 2007+ altima sedan's are much larger than their predecesors...my 6'4" dad can fit comfortably in the backseat of his altima sedan with no issues, even on long trips. I drove to Virginia Tech from NJ (7 hours) while my dad was in the backseat doing work...he was fine the whole time. The new Altima's are great looking and comfortable, but I will agree that the Maxima has an added level of "plushness" to it.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The Altima's still narrower than the Max, though.