One of those car buying threads (FINAL DECISION MADE)...

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

Two Nissans, including one that was already a dozen years old by the time I got it. Fun, dependable vehicles.

And your assessment works. The Maxima no longer has its own niche of the market. No manual transmission available, and consumers are better off with either the Altima V-6 or cross over and buy the Infiniti G35.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

I would be going with the four-banger Nissan. Can't find too many V-6s around the area.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

As far as driving the Camry is concerned, I drove my dad's Camry extensively when I was practice driving prior to my getting a driver's license. I also drove it on Saturdays before I got my current vehicle (a 1997 Ford Escort that was originally my aunt's, then later my grandmother's).

Until I got my own car and started driving it pretty much everywhere, I loved driving that Camry. It was an old biddy's car, but it was solid and reliable. Having said that, I'll take my father's word for it that the Accord was a better choice. P.S. I have yet to drive that Accord.

However, before you get your heart set on the Altima, test drive it first. You may have fallen in love with the Maxima, but that doesn't mean the Altima will be the right fit for you.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

I think your father's correct. Toyotas and Hondas are as dependable and durable as you'll find in the industry, but Honda ergonomics probably win in a splitting-hairs sort of tiebreaker. You cannot lose if you're down to those two.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

They've brought back the old "4-Door Sports Car" marketing schtick, but it's kind of odd applying that to a big car that only comes with a rubber-band transmission.

I like the Altima, but would get the coupe rather than the sedan (that's just me though). Unlike the Maxima, the Altima gives you the chance to choose between the rubber-band tranny and a manual transmission with real gears (available with both engines).

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

The Maxima was truly a terrific car from the early '90s - right until Nissan finally got the Altima right and offered it with a V-6. Around 2004, the Maxima became superfluous in Nissan's lineup, and it's becoming an increasingly poorer value.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

The 89-94 Maxima was one of the best cars of its kind at the time — maybe the best, period.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

I know it's slightly different than the cars you've been looking at but I got a new Honda Civic and so far it's been great and I really feel like I could drive it for another 10-15 years without incident.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

2much - The Altima I would buy has the CVT. I'm not quite sure the advantages and disadvantages of the engine even though I read that Wiki page. Care to share any insight?

dreunc - I test drove the new Honda Civic and it was way to low to the ground for me. I don't know if it was the model I was in, but the road noise was a bit much. I know how good they are, but it's just not for me.



I began looking at some 2005/06 Acura TLs. I can get one at a pretty good price with 50K miles on it. My best friend has one and loves it. I always thought it was a solid car.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

I personally am not convinced that CVTs are all that awesome. They do save gas, but I'm waiting to see more longevity reports (and, admittedly, to see how they hold up once the import-tuning community gets their hands on 'em).

That generation of the TL is a damn good car ... and a thousand times better looking than the new one. I'm balking a little at the mileage, though.

Also, one thing that nobody's brought up yet: If you're shopping used, go to Carfax.com and sign up for the 10 reports/30 days/$35 offer (one report costs $30, so sign up in volume). Check the VIN of any used car you're seriously interested in purchasing for maintenance reports, recalls, accidents/lemon reports, flood damage and the like.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (Mazda6 vs. Toyota Camry)...

My wife has a 2005 Mazda 6 and we love it (hatchback, V6, five-speed manual). It's at 45,000 miles and we've done nothing to it aside from routine maintenance. If you enjoy driving, you'll enjoy the Mazda (or the Altima) much more than a Camry.

She comes from a Toyota family, too, and went with the Mazda. Toyota has really lost its fastball. I have experience with some of their late-1990s products, and the newer ones don't compare. The older ones had a much more solid feel and were built much better, with higher-quality parts. We've had a few Toyota rentals recently (Camry, 4Runner, two Highlanders) and were not impressed at all.

The previous-generation Acura TL would be an excellent choice, too, and I wouldn't be worried about 50K miles on a Honda/Acura. It's barely broken in.

 

Re: One of those car buying threads (FINAL DECISION COMING SOON)...

Well, I went to the Nissan dealership today and lo and behold, they had a 2008 Nissan Altima as well as a 2008 Mazda 6 there for me to test drive.

I liked how they both handled. I felt the Nissan picked up a bit more and I didn't mind the CVT transmission as much as I thought I would. It shifts effortlessly and doesn't make too much of a sound. The Mazda 6 was equally as fast and felt comfortable to me in the seat. I can see myself in both cars.

Here's what it comes down to:

2008 Mazda 6 - $14,910. It has 16K miles on it and was recently traded in. It doesn't have the auxiliary audio input for an iPod (which I would like to have), but the GM of the store said he would add that in with the purchase of the vehicle. The Mazda had the audio controls on the steering wheel, which I really like and would like to have.

2008 Nissan Altima - $15,910. It has 19K miles on it. I has the auxiliary audio input, but doesn't have the volume controls on the steering column. I don't feel like fiddling around while driving with the volume (call me finicky, but hey, you like what you like).

The Altima also has a 20-gallon tank, compared to the Mazda's 18. Nissan's car gets about four miles per gallon better on the highway, where I would be doing most of my driving (32 vs. 28). According to FuelEconomy.gov, the Nissan would cost $150 less per year to fill up.