Is the 4th Gen for me???

[icuminpeace07]

Hey Guys,

Well my Caddy got sold the day before i graduated (May 31, 2007) and I really want to hit that one year mark with a new car. I am soooo seriously considering buying a '97-'99 Max or either a '97ish TL (possibly my sis's). I dont really wanna spend too much more than 4500-6k cuz im sort of a broke college student ...

Are my standards to high for my budget? Would the Max be a pretty good car for a student???

And I know this is prob the wrong place for this but, would i be better off in the Max or the TL???

[MinisterofDOOM]

You shouldn't have any problem finding a 4th gen in that price range.It should make a fine car for a student. They're affordable to own and maintain, get decent fuel milage, and are fun to drive.

As for TL versus Maxima...I imagine we're a bit biased here. A couple plusses for each come to mind, though:=The Maxima has the VQ. I like both the early TL's engine options, but not as much as I like the VQ. And if you're looking at a 2.5 TL, there's no contest.=The TL has independent rear suspension where the Max has a solid rear axle.

[icuminpeace07]

Thanks sooo much for the reply.

If (by some odd chance) i were to get a TL I would make sure it was a 3.2 like sis. One of the things that steers me away are some little things such as the size of the steering wheel the small bottom cushion and unavailability of 5sp+V6...However ive only driven a Max as far as to the corner and back ('96 GXE) so I cant say that I like it yet but ill take your word for it.

Anther thing though...How is the feel of the 5sp...I drove a friend's '01 Altima and I pretty much dont like how the throws feel...inmy early days I left it in neutral on the way to second b/c it is soooooo gummy feeling...

[Sentientbydesign]

If you can find one, I'd go with an I30T. They're hard to find, but they come with a 5 speed VLSD.

I love my I30 (japanese max). If I hadn't beaten on her so badly, I'd keep her. What other cars do you know of that can push 300,xxx miles with only routine maintenance?...oh and be beaten to all hell while you're getting there.

Other than bushings and a new radiator, mine still drives decent.

[icuminpeace07]

Thanks for the reply homie....However, i dont too much care for the exterior of the I30...And I do know that those are very rare! I also know that I CANT WAIT to get in something...this passenger thing is not working for me!!!

[maxhopper]

I would suspect that if you keep your eyes peeled, you could probably find a 5spd in your price range.

But since your in a hurry, the life of the automatic transmissions are dependent on how they were driven and maintained. I replaced the transmission in my maxima at 171k miles. It had a year of bracket racing and test and tune sessions (using the drop resistor mod) put on it between 130k-140k miles. I also did a trans flush in that period.

[Sentientbydesign]

Take this advice from a guy who's not much older than you and who's impatient as a mother f&$%er.

I've wanted a G coupe since 03 when they first came out. I read all of the info packets, and dreamed (I was 17 when they came out).

It's been 4 years, 75,000 miles and a learning experience that money can't buy with my I30 and I'm finally getting my coupe, BUT I'm smart about it now.

I know that 03s were inception cars and had quirks. I know that the auto transmission sucks and I won't drive anything but a manual. I know that the 05s had an interior facelift...etc.

The time has "enlightened" me. I hated the wait, but I'm glad I did. I'm glad I learned to drive a FWD sub 200hp auto.

So, I'm not saying to wait 4 years for a 4th gen, but just to "know" when the time is right and which car is right.

4th gens are amazing. They last and last, have great power. Have a decent mod list and will put all of those 4 bangers to shame (even and SRT4 if they don't know how to speed shift). But take your time finding one. Do a thorough check on the fluids, drive it. Check the bushings. etc.

The peace of mind of having a bulletproof 4th gen is a wonderful feeling. Then you can blow all of that money that you would have spent on repairs on joy ride gas and mods.

P.S. IMO the I30 looks a hell of a lot sexier than the Maxima, after you swap out those ugly Infiniti rims.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

I think my wifes 1998 is a much better can than my 1995

[icuminpeace07]

Yea man...i ve found a few 5 spd in my area...one is on sale at a Chrysler Dealer for 5grand...its a 99 w/ 163,xxx with side airbags leather htd sts and such...the other is a bit sketchy cuz its private party 99 $3700 and they have no shots of the interor...

also found some TLs but i dont really WANT to go that route...its just a back up

[Sentientbydesign]

I got mine with 200,000 on it and it's given me a few GREAT years, but two things to take into consideration:

1) My mother was the second owner and took very good care of it from 86k on.

2) It was an I30.

If you're going to buy a Max with 163k, get a mechanic to look at it before you buy it. Do a thorough test drive (more than 5 mins). And check to see that everything works including the CD player.

*Edit*

Here are a few listings from Atlanta:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/514058406.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/515127033.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/511694110.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/515085412.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/515051815.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/car/514291293.html

The first few are 5 speeds and the rest are autos.

[icuminpeace07]

thanks much brethren....that seems to be a decent set of autos...

[icuminpeace07]

but still...do any of you 5spd owners have any comments on the feel of the lever/clutch...maybe compared to a Honda or a Mazda...

Like i said, i drive a friends Altima 5spd that on a pretty consistent basis that i am none too fond of