Post by
RicerX »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/ricerx-u125542.html
Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:03 am
Welcome aboard!
I will chime in as I have owned three different A/Cs to date. (I am picky, perhaps dumb too, but I have learned a lot.)
First, let me tell you that as far as a good blend of practicality, sportiness, and comfortability while staying competitive with technology options, the Altima Coupe is second to none in my opinion. If you're looking preowned, a '10 3.5 with premium and leather packages can be found for around $25-27,000 here in the southeast. For nearly 300 hp, bose audio, HID projector headlights, sunroof, bluetooth, and iPod interface, I find that to be driving a very hard bargain.
Not sure if you're an enthusiast of any sorts or how your driving conditions are, but I prefer the 6MT. It is much harder to find, however. If you're one that likes driving manual, wait until you find one. Don't settle for the CVT.
On the other hand, the CVT is a very nice transmission. Very comfortable (and takes some getting used to from conventionally geared transmissions.) If you want a CVT, I highly recommend sticking with the '10 and up. It has the same setup as the Maxima that gives you regular, sport, and manual modes for driving. I enjoyed it more than my '08 CVT by far.
If you're looking for heavy performance mods (i.e. forced induction), go manual. There are CVT guys that have done this, but the manual is a better platform all around for you to go this route. It's tried and true, and the transmission can handle the extra power. The CVT does not do well with much more than bolt on power adders (sometimes, it doesn't do well with even those, but that's only been few cases). The 6MT available also has an option for you to swap in an HLSD from the 04-06 maxima if you choose to.
Looks wise, I prefer the 10 as well. The hood, headlights, and front fascia are the only changes besides the baseline Bose system without nav (added an LCD screen for backup camera and ipod interface). Mechanically, the 08 is the same as every one that succeeded it to date (except the CVT options that were introduced with the 10).
I could go on all day, but hopefully that info helps you a bit. If you have any other questions, shout back!
Good luck with your search!