considering a new car for the woman later this summer, and at the top of my list are the '03 TL-S and the '03 Maxima. I expect both to be available under invoice, since each has a redesigned '04 model entering the market. Comparably equipped, the Maxima w/ navi is probably around $1000 less than the TL-S w/o navi (i'd like to keep it under $30k).

I haven't had a chance to test drive either, but what are your opinions? we need the functionality of 4 doors and the trunk space, but something that will last for a long time. also, the bang-for-the-buck factor is important to us. the nissan lacks some of the cache of the acura, but they seem so close otherwise.

thanks...

 

I looked for an 03 Maxima in my area with Navi and none were to be found. I think it is a good car and the price much like the 2003 TL is gonna be hard to beat.

I'm also considering a TL-S with Navi and the Infiniti G35 with Navi but each one climbs about another $2,000 I figure.

 

In our area they want >31k for a comp. equipped Maxima. The look of the thing is growing on me but it still has the traditional Nissan cheap looking and feeling interior.

 

In the end it's all what you prefer. The cars are pretty close in terms of performance if you are looking at an 03 TLS or an 03 Maxima SE. Sure, there may be slight differences in performance, but they are damn close. I didn't think the Navi was all that important -- don't get me wrong, it's a sweet option, but it's also a $2k option.

I was _this_ close to buying a maxima, but spent sometime on some maxima boards and found out 2 major problems:

*paint chipping, and
*nissan customer service.

I mean it's so ridiculous -- go to any nissan board and these 2 things will be clearly mentioned. It's a shame too, maximas are really great cars. And you may have a few people tell you about bad acura service--man, it's not even as close to as bad as nissan's rep. In fact, I think a lot of people on this board are happy with the Acura service. Others not so happy -- and for good reason in their specific cases.

I personally loved the look and feel of a TL since they first came out. What can I say? I'm happy with my car. I wouldn't have been happy with a car whose hood was chipped up after 3000 miles.

And you are going to pay under invoice both 03 models due to the redesign coming out. I think it's a steal to get a TL-S under $29k.

Let us know what you decide on, and good luck.

 

you better step up...everytime i drive by the n issan dealer i see less and less 03's....and everytime i go to the market i see more and more maximas with paper licence's plate in the back window...im sure its the same with the acuras...altho they dont seem to be selling as fast...just thought i let you know how fast there going in my area so you dont miss out on them

 

I own both a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE (auto) as well as a 2002 TL-S ...

buy the TL-S... i can't stress this enough.

Here is proof that the search feature is in full functional service:

http://www.acura-tl.com/forum/showth...ght=TLS+maxima

The 4-speed auto in the Maxima is HORRID .. i mean, it's reliable, and it's long-term dependable... but very boring compared w/ the aggressive nature of the TL-S...

no high-end power on the Maxima... and this high-end VTEC power is what makes the TL-S soooo much more fun..

Only buy the Maxima if:

a) you wanna save $8000 over the cost of a new TL-S
b) if you are buying the 6-speed ...
c) if you want crazy torque-steer ...
d) if you accept the fact that there aren't many TRULY beneficial mods for it .. and Nissan is much worse about mods than Acura is .. Acura will not go void-crazy on your car if you install aftermarket parts .. minus the supercharger

 

Why not 2004 Maxima. It looks great and should be cheaper than TL-S

 

Actually No, a Fully Loaded Maxima IS VERY EXPENSIVE, Passing the TL-S But its a new car what do you expect, and the demand is crazy so dont expect under MSRP..

 

I don't know about demand being crazy... i mean, it's not like there aren't twenty thousand new '04's on every Nissan lot here in Chicagoland IN ADDITION to the remaining ten thousand '03's ...

I've already read posts of people getting $1000 under MSRP... granted.. it's not quite $1000 under invoice yet, but no one is gunna pay MSRP .. that's ridiculous .

BTW .. the $34,000 maxima is the one w/ the $3500 upgrade called the Driver's Preferred Package .. includes two single person contoured seats in the back w/ custom temp controls .. as well as a few other things that you really wouldn't want anyways... Comprably equipped TL-S vs. Max should put the cars VERY similarly priced.

Performance outta the 5-spd autos has yet to be compared back to back .. go drive an SE and see for yourself .. C&D rated the tork steer on the '04's as "scary" Also remember that a brand new model redesign is bound to have bugs that need at least a year to be worked out ... be prepared to be the guinea pig for at least two or three of those, i.e. get used to a couple recalls a year for miscellaneous things.

 

Also consider the resale values.

 

I dont think there will be a big difference in Resale, we know Honda/Acura has better value than Nissan but since Both '03 Maxima and '03 TL are soon becoming OLD Generations I wouldnt think there would be that big of a difference specially when u get it under invoice

 

First of all, why would anyone consider getting the Maxima over a G35? Same price range - G35 is superior in EVERY respect...'nuff said.

 

Maybe they live in places like Minnesota .. hell, even Chicago can be disastrous from RWD some years...

Otherwise .. I'm totally with you -- no point in wasting money on what I think is an ugly... overgrown FWD sports sedan when you can get a sweet G35 .. w/ the option of the 6-spd for the sedan for less money with more USEFUL amenities. Plus the luxury marque of Infiniti .. though not quite as hefty as BMW or Mercedes or Lexus.. still more prominent than Nissan

 

I own a 2002 Maxima and I must say that I would not buy a Nissan if you are picky about your car. Nissan customer service is the worst in the industry. As far as a 2004 Maxima If you are going for a base model get one but I would not spend more than 30K for the Maxima which comes with a 3/36K warranty I think Nissan needs to beef up the warranty for at least the Maxima because a moderately equiped car for 30K should have a 4/50K mi warranty.

 

Yeah, I've had nothing but service that kisses my a$$ every time I walk in the door--tranny problems even brought more of it...You also get another year and 14,000 miles on the warranty and regardless of a new model year coming, there is no way a Nissan is gonna hold the value of an Acura. The Acura is a smarter choice...

 

There's no doubt that the TL-S is more luxury oriented than a Max GLE. I personally prefer the TL-S over my 2K2 Max because its a nicer car overall.

However, the TL-S will not have the bang-for-the-buck factor you mention unless its heavily discounted. You can purchase a 2K3 Maxima SE w/sunroof for $24K (like I did) out the door which you wont happen with a TLS newer than the 2002 model year. And torque steer IS an issue with the 2K2+ Maxima's but consider it the "cost of doing business" (246lb-ft torque)

As I've had experience with both brands, the arguments posted here about dealer service are generally accurate: Honda/Acura's is good, Nissan's is not so good. (i.e.: Nissan dealers will consider a K&N dropin filter as an engine modification whereas Honda will overlook an AEM CAI when servicing the car.)

With regard to the cheapness (quality) of the Maxima, it's overblown. As a 6G Honda Accord owner, I had some doubts about the overall quality of the Maxima. One tranny later (99 Accord), I can say that the 5G Maxima is at least as reliable (so far) as the Honda Accord/Acura TL (a fact supported by Consumer Reports).


Peace

 

Tough choice and to me these 2 cars compete well against each other( 2 powerful front drivers with a similiar config and setup and features). The 4spd auto isnt that bad and their are far worse setups outhteir even with 5spd auto's. Performance wise each has its advantage low end to mid range for the Max and high end to the TLS so overall they are pretty similiar even with the Maximas 4spd auto. If you opt for a loaded SE or GLE they are very similiary optioned and the 5th gen Max interior is much better quality wise than the 04 Maxima. With the pics I saw of the 04 TLS and the new Max I dont like the direction the 2 Mfgs are going with these 2 products( the 5th gen max definately had its own identity as well as the TLS, not much looking like lesser cars in their lineup). Like NJTLS said everytie I pass thew Nissan dealer I s less and less 03's on the lot as at matter of fact my dealership here only has 3 left and had 20 last week. The pickings are getting slim on both cars if youwant ceratin colors especially. You cant go wrong with either!

 

I would pick an I35 over a Maxima and a TLS over an I30t.

You do the math

/edited take that fokker

 

I30t hasnt been made since 2001, its now the I35.

 

thanks for the input guys... keep it coming!

just so everyone is clear, i am considering the '03 Maxima GLE and the '03 TL-S (it's for my fiancee), not the redesigned '04 models. Handling/sportiness isn't as much of a factor for her, although I wouldn't mind the extra oomph for the times I get to drive it (i get plenty of "sport" in my daily driver - '93 MR2 Turbo ). This also means no mods and no manual tranny.

About the I35, i know they are also getting an '04 redesign. Is it essentially a posher Maxima? What are your thoughts on that? Without Navi, I believe it falls into a very similar price point as the TL-S. I would expect under invoice here as well.

G35: Personally, i think the sedan is butt ugly, and the coupe is not an option (sigh). I do plan on test driving it, although most of the reviews cite ride quality and noise as a weakness, which surprised me. For those very reasons, it will probably drop off my short list.

 

No more I35 after the 2004, the Maxima is now filling both roles now as Infiniti is going to all RWD. I agree the G35 sedan is ugly. Since its for her you cant go wrong with a GLE or TLS both have similiar features(HID's,memory seats,auto climate,power seats,bose,heated steering wheel (Maxima) etc. and similiar get up and go. You need to go drive them both and see what she likes. Both have their shortcomings and advantages!

 

Well you dont want a Navi, but if you considered a NAVI, I would definitely get the TL, as it has a 2X better Navi.. The Maxima is not a luxury oriented car while the TL is Luxury and Sporty..

If you can afford it go for the TL..
But I dont know about Maximas

Ever Consider a IS300?

 

Yes, the I35 is luxo version of the Max GLE and carries the appearance of the JDM Nissan Cefiro:


It is more in line as the direct competitor to the TL/TL-S than the Maxima. (Although the I35 is not as quick/fast as the Maxima or TL-S.)

As far as I've seen, the I35 stickers for about the same as the Maxima GLE.

Peace

 

Hey perrymaxima; seeing how the other half is living ah!!

I also have a 2002 max and I fully agree with perry. The TL-S was my first choice and although I am not cursing the day I brought the Max I wish I had gone with the TL-S.

The max is a great car that is over shadowed by all the problems that comes with it.

 

You, sir, have absolutely NO TASTE in vehicles! The G35 sedan is an absolute gem.

 

I would agree with most of you and take a TLS...however I was able to get a new 2k3 MAXI SE fully loaded with Navi for 25.5 and .9 APR... I dont think you can beat that. And also, there is NOOOOO WAAAAYYYYYYY you are going to tell me that G35 and TLS can be compared...they are too different. I have a G35S fully loaded with navi and 2k3 Maxi w/ navi...I can tell you that the G35 IS WAYYYYY more fun to drive than the Maxi. And if the Maxi is on par (more or less) with the TLS...TLS is not the same as G35
Dont get me wrong I LOVE the TLS...infact 2 of my cousins bought one after I told then that I was looking for one...and drive theirs all the time....!!!!

 

The G35 has everything but the looks for many of us.

 

Agreed the G sedan just doesnt look good, when you are choosing between these 3 cars its really a matter of personal taste, each has similiar power and features. With the G having less standard features and once you start adding it leaves this price range high 20's to very low 30's to "lower' high 30's, and its RWD and handles the best. Straightline performance they are all similiar 6.** to 60 in the auto's.

 

How can you not compare a TL-S and a G35? Then why compare the TL-S to a BMW or any of them to an AWD Audi?
The sticker scared me from considering the G35 for at least another year or two--well, that and the interior is vomitous!
:yack:

 

The G35 front looks alright but the back I cant handle..

And THe INterior is Ugly too..

If you want a nice luxurious interior get a TL-S!

Also have u considered Normal TL-P Because u said its for your to be wife.. And I dont think she needs the extra 35 Ponies, or couple of the extras that the S offers. And the S is couple grand more.. You are better off getting a TL-P w/ Navigation than getting a TL-S

 

As I previously mentioned my car choices last year were the 03 SE Max and the 03 TL-S. I think the maximas are fantastic cars with great performance for the price, but damn all those annoying problems. You think Nissan could change their painting process. For a flagship car, you think nissan wouldn't skimp on certain things.

Shame on nissan.

And that customer service at Nissan is B.S. Hell, the Nissan sales staff was a pain in my a$$ so much that they made my decision for me.

/closet max lover

 

Ok, sounds like G35 is out for you. You don't like the way it looks and you don't like the review you read on it. And since you are considering the max GLE I think you should focus on the Acura TL. My father has an 03 TL with Navi, and I have the 03 TLS w/o navi. That navi is much better than anything else you will find at any other car manufacturer (at least in this price range). Back to my car and my father's: his ride is floatier than mine, and the navi is sick. His car just feels more luxurious than mine. But, hey the speed was the most important thing for me, hence the Type S.

Save yourself some cash, go for the TL and not the TLS. I think if you spend some time on some Nissan boards you will quickly be turned off.

 

 

i'm also a little confused about the Nissan boards comment, but I do appreciate all the honest feedback i'm getting here. I'm glad to see that it's not just a bunch of kids saying, "da TL-S is da bomb, yo... 260hp's is the shiznit, dawg!" I must admit, though, that the TL-S is more MY suggestion, whereas the better half would probably be just as satisfied with the TL-P

Next step is to hit up the dealerships! Short List:
TL-S/TL-P
Max GLE
I35

 

I tell you the difference I couldn't hack at all in the TL-P vs. TL-S issue was the steering...
At any speed and on the highway, the TL-P was very vague feeling and I was all over the place. The TL-S was tight and very responsive...I don't know the technical nuances of either, but I felt like I had no control of the TL-P at all because of it...
Kinda weird answer, but there you have it...

 

Ya, The TL Type-S Has a Tighter Suspension Meaning better response at the steering wheel. You will feel the difference

Again I recommend a TL-P W/ Navi Unless you want a Faster car with slightly better suspension.

Also have you even considered the Honda Accord? Its quite nice for the price and voice activated Navigation, Luxurious Interior, And Many more things.. 240 HP is better than 225 HP but again its a Honda Vs. Acura.. Its the same company IMO but some people pay the extra dough for the Acura name.. But the TL is a class of its own and has its advantages like better steering and etc.. So try a 2003 Honda Accord OUT Too.. IS300 is another good option to consider..

THE CIVIC ISN'T BAD EITHER , The Hyundais are nice too, so are Kias LMFAO! :flamer:

 

I resent the fact that you forgot Daewoo!!!

 

I was listing companies still in business

 

daewoo IS still in business. it is now a subsidiary of GM, although the brand is no longer being sold in the US. fwiw, the chevy aveo, which will be built by Daewoo, will be introduced as a 2004 model.

back on topic, we're test driving the cars in next weekend, so i'll let you know how SHE feels about them