Would you settle for an automatic Maxima?

I really want a Maxima that has a munual transmission, but I can't find any at all where I live. I have heard from a review that 1 in 10 maximas are manual. Those aren't very good odds. Do you think settling for an automatic would be wise or should I try to wait for a while to get a manual? I have $8900 right now and I don't know what to do.

I really want a Maxima that has a munual transmission, but I can't find any at all where I live. I have heard from a review that 1 in 10 maximas are manual. Those aren't very good odds. Do you think settling for an automatic would be wise or should I try to wait for a while to get a manual? I have $8900 right now and I don't know what to do.

It all depends on what you're looking for, if you're looking for speed and the need to feel as though you are actually doing the driving and maybe 1 more mpg fuel then the manual is for you.

If you live in the big city and don't want to do the shifting and need your other hand for other conveniences and aren't really big into racing or going fast then an auto is for you.

I got mines as an auto because from time to time my wife drive my car and she can't drive stick.

I drive an auto and while I do miss the "fun" of a manual, unless you are going to be racing it, or just want to drive agressively all the time, an automatic should be fine. The Max doesn't have the best automatic in the world, but it has enough power in the engine that the auto doesn't feel too sluggish.

I would say go find a nice automatic, drive it and see what you think. If you like it, go for it!

if you really want a manual wait it out until you find one.. you don't want to spend your hard earned money and then not be happy on the long run.. manual and auto are two different realms.
auto was out of the question for me, otherwise i would have not have gotten it.

man, you can go with auto and get the VB mod and would probably be happy with that. i had an auto and loved the car cuz it still blew pretty much any other car outta the water. 5 speed is nice and sporty, but it can get old after a while too. jus my :2cents:

I'd say hold out for the manual transmission, or even find a dealer to help find one for you. The automatic transmission can be problematic. Trust me, I've dropped a few bills already just to keep the car running. There's a swap that can be done, which I may be doing in october, so there's always that option for you...

but again, it's a pretty big investment, you should get what you want.

yea the swap is an expensive mod. if u want a 5 speed, wait and get it. ultimately its up to you tho man, its ur car!!

For me there was no settling. I had a Lumina before (obviously auto) and a Caravan (still have that). I spent some time in CA with my buddy's RSX-s, came home and said "I need sporty stick car." Decided on the Maxima (always liked 4th gens, GF's dad is a Nissan mechanic) then did some looking on Autotrader (set myself up with a saved advanced search link which only looked for 97-99 Maximas within 100 miles of me with manual trans for under $11k... see it here (http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/results.jtmpl?model=MAX&certified=n&body_style=&color=&max_mileage=&doors=&engine=&fuel=&drive=&transmission=MAN&start_year=1997&end_year=1999&min_price=1&max_price=12000&distance=75&advanced=&advcd_on=y&make=NISSAN&address=60417&search_type=used&x=49&y=9))


I think there's 2 on there now (one of which is close to my house, but is probably gone... drove by the dealer for fun) but it took me a few months til the perfect one showed up. I was clicking that link once a day every day. For the longest time, there were 3 on there that I didnt like, then one morning mine showed up. Bought the car the same day the car was listed. Once I got there, dealer said they were getting calls on it all day. When I was in there finishing the deal, they got 2 calls on it. So yes, these are hard to find and in demand.

Keep searching and hold out for exactly what you want. GF's dad kept telling me "you won't want a stick... you'll get sick of shifting gears." Eff dat. Stopped at another local dealer. Had some nice autos. Wanted to just get a feel for the 4th gen (had never been in one before). It was a nice car, but not what I was looking for at all. Asked that dealer to gimme a call if they got a stick in... never got one in, but he sure kept calling trying to get me to buy an auto. My fav was "so what do we gotta do to get you into one of these autos?" Sheister... didn't I tell you EXACTLY what I wanted?

A month later, my GF got a 95 GLE auto. Nice car, but every time I drive it... I think about how it doesn't really compare to mine. Unless you currently have no car and need something ASAP, hold out for a manual. Just be ready to scoop it up when you find it!

For me there was no settling. I had a Lumina before (obviously auto) and a Caravan (still have that). I spent some time in CA with my buddy's RSX-s, came home and said "I need sporty stick car." Decided on the Maxima (always liked 4th gens, GF's dad is a Nissan mechanic) then did some looking on Autotrader (set myself up with a saved advanced search link which only looked for 97-99 Maximas within 100 miles of me with manual trans for under $11k... see it here (http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/results.jtmpl?model=MAX&certified=n&body_style=&color=&max_mileage=&doors=&engine=&fuel=&drive=&transmission=MAN&start_year=1997&end_year=1999&min_price=1&max_price=12000&distance=75&advanced=&advcd_on=y&make=NISSAN&address=60417&search_type=used&x=49&y=9))


I think there's 2 on there now (one of which is close to my house, but is probably gone... drove by the dealer for fun) but it took me a few months til the perfect one showed up. I was clicking that link once a day every day. For the longest time, there were 3 on there that I didnt like, then one morning mine showed up. Bought the car the same day the car was listed. Once I got there, dealer said they were getting calls on it all day. When I was in there finishing the deal, they got 2 calls on it. So yes, these are hard to find and in demand.

Keep searching and hold out for exactly what you want. GF's dad kept telling me "you won't want a stick... you'll get sick of shifting gears." Eff dat. Stopped at another local dealer. Had some nice autos. Wanted to just get a feel for the 4th gen (had never been in one before). It was a nice car, but not what I was looking for at all. Asked that dealer to gimme a call if they got a stick in... never got one in, but he sure kept calling trying to get me to buy an auto. My fav was "so what do we gotta do to get you into one of these autos?" Sheister... didn't I tell you EXACTLY what I wanted?

A month later, my GF got a 95 GLE auto. Nice car, but every time I drive it... I think about how it doesn't really compare to mine. Unless you currently have no car and need something ASAP, hold out for a manual. Just be ready to scoop it up when you find it!

As I stated earlier that it is your choice and it depends on what you're looking for, if all you are looking for is speed (like 98 is) then you definitely need a stick but if you're looking for convenience and going fast isn't the only reason you got the car (cause to be honestly frank there are really faster cars than the Max, if speed is all you're looking for) then an auto may be in line for your taste.

Don't get too hung up on going fast all the time, tickets add up fast and if you're going fast, as you will be in a 5 speed then you'll be a candidate for speeding tickets.

Eventually you'll make a decision based on your own personal taste but unlike some people here I tried to remain totally unbiased and not say get the 5 speed stick because you'll regret it or get the auto because you'll get tired of shifting.

Both auto and stick have their functions, whichever you choose is totally up to you regardless of how the taste of others here try to sway you, me included.

but it can get old after a while too

choosing gears for yourself never gets old...fuck letting a computer decide when to shift, it takes ALL the fun out of driving. i used to like auto's, until i actually drove a stick. i will never get an auto again

do not settle for auto. get a stick and you will forever be thankful that you did.

My car is auto, and all I can say is I REGRET not getting manual... I Still kick my ass about it every day

the only time I regret having an auto is when I line up against some ricer or I am in a bad mood and wanting to drive recklessly. The rest of the time I enjoy my auto. Makes everything a lot easier...

the only time I regret having an auto is when I line up against some ricer or I am in a bad mood and wanting to drive recklessly. The rest of the time I enjoy my auto. Makes everything a lot easier...


Seems to me everyone here is only concerned with going fast, while the Maxima is a quick car it isn't the fastest thing on wheels, everyone with a stick need to consider buying something else if you really want true speed.

I like manuals but they're not for my whole family so therefore I didn't get one, not that I couldn't afford it, besides autos cost more than manuals anyone but manuals are known to be more reliable than autos at least when it comes to Nissan trannys.

Get off the speed kick everyone, you're not that fast, try to be unbiased and not think of just the speed. The conveniences of the auto in the big city or city traffic far outweighs the inconvenience of having to shift constantly and you'll have your hands free to do other things, like cell phone or fondle a honey or two.

The stick does have maybe a 1 more mpg rating over the auto on the highway and maybe a 2 more mpg in the city so the only thing you are really trading off on getting a auto vs a manual is the pleasure of rowing through the gears and maybe a little faster and 1 mpg.
That is being said unbiasedly by a person who has owned both manuals and autos.

As I stated earlier that it is your choice and it depends on what you're looking for, if all you are looking for is speed
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Both auto and stick have their functions, whichever you choose is totally up to you regardless of how the taste of others here try to sway you, me included.

bk2kmax, you are certainly doing a great job of being unbiased, and I totally agree with what you're saying... definately find a car that fits your needs best. I will admit, despite loving every minute of my time behind the wheel of my 5-speed Max, there are some occasional tired Monday mornings where my Caravan (obviously auto) is my ride of choice, cause I'm feeling lazy. I'm just spoiling myself though, since my commute to work is 20 minutes and 3 stop lights.

To quote Unir3, the thread starter, "I really want a Maxima that has a munual transmission". Since I assume "munual" means "manual", and he currently has a Grand Prix, it sounds like he knows what he wants. Many people may disagree, but going from a 2002 Grand Prix to an automatic Maxima... not a huge upgrade. This is, of course, my opinion, but I think that's what he was looking for. When I got Maxima feaver back in December and I was just about pulling my hair out trying to find a stick... I considered auto. I even found a really nice 97 SE for $7000. But after the test drive, I just realized something was missing... it wasn't different enough from my Lumina or Caravan to justify buying it (since both cars were running just fine).

I agree there's plenty of faster cars out there, and speed is not my #1 reason for getting my stick Max. It's enjoyably fast and does everything I hoped it would. Like I said, I drive my GF's auto Max semi-regularly, and it's about as enjoyable as my Caravan. The enjoyment of a stick car is not purely in speed... but I don't think I need to tell anyone this.

i've calculated 39 mpg drving from NJ to NY in my old 95 5 speed maxima. My new 02 6spd has the digital readout for mpg,dte,mph,ambient temp and travel time on the tach. the readout has clocked 46 mpg putting along at 1500-1800 rpm in 6th gear on the highway. i've never seen an auto max go that high or any automatic 6 cylinder for that matter.

not to mention that if you're into racing you won't need to kill your tranny/brakes by torque-braking for light to light racing.also if you get a maxima with vvtc there'll be considerably less donwshifting due to the improved low end acceleration.

i also have a 93 gxe automatic and it's not much fun to drive. nissan auto trannys suck.

i've calculated 39 mpg drving from NJ to NY in my old 95 5 speed maxima. My new 02 6spd has the digital readout for mpg,dte,mph,ambient temp and travel time on the tach. the readout has clocked 46 mpg putting along at 1500-1800 rpm in 6th gear on the highway.
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i also have a 93 gxe automatic and it's not much fun to drive. nissan auto trannys suck.

39mpg in a 95 5-speed? Good lawrd. Best I've ever got in my 98 5-speed was almost 26mpg, 100% highway tank.

Sounds like I need a 6-speed trans. My #1 complaint about this car is that it buzzes along at 3000+ RPM's when I'm on the highway. I was very used to my Lumina's awesome OD. Just something nice and relaxed about a car at low RPM's on the highway.

For that reason, my Caravan (http://www.tosinet.com/anton/van/shameka2002.jpg) usually wins when it's roadtrip time (well, not to mention the extra room). I'm often amazed at the mileage I get in that thing... 15 years old, 182k miles, 3.0L V6, no OD, as slippery as a brick wall through the air... 24mpg on the highway. I know, this isn't a Caravan forum... that old van just continues to amaze me. What a machine.

I agree about Nissan autos... GF's Max, GF's mom's J30... I think I like my Caravan 3-speed better.

i drove 187 miles on 1/4 tank of gas, so multiply it by 4. divide that by an 18.5 gallon gas tank. 40 mpg, i could be off a little especially cuz the first 1/4 tank seems to last longer than the other 3, but for the amount of driving i did, that is an accurate number. it was nice smooth traffic going like 80-90mph. on the way there a fire truck had rolled down the embankment and traffic stopped for like 3 hours. i only got like 22-24 mpg gallon on the way there.

btw is that a turbo dodge van? that would explain the good gas mileage

i drove 187 miles on 1/4 tank of gas, so multiply it by 4. divide that by an 18.5 gallon gas tank. 40 mpg, i could be off a little especially cuz the first 1/4 tank seems to last longer than the other 3,
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btw is that a turbo dodge van? that would explain the good gas mileage

Well, idunno if that's really an accurate way of calculating mpg. My 25mpg came from filling the tank, driving til I needed gas again, then filling it back up. Take that many miles (it was about 405) and divide it by gallons to fill up (it was about 16). That comes out to 25.3 mpg. Either my car is a hog for some reason, or yours have been quite the mpg machines. What are Maximas listed for EPA mileage?


Naah, my van is a 3.0L V6, the turbo minivans you think of had 2.5L 4-cylinders. I really have no idea why I get such good mileage. Drove her out to VA a month ago, with 4 big dudes, all our stuff, going through the WV mountains, we still got 23 mpg. Motor is getting a little loose these days, burning a little oil... I'm almost afraid to rebuild it though, there's some kinda magic combination going on there to get me that mileage!

To quote Unir3, the thread starter, "I really want a Maxima that has a munual transmission". Since I assume "munual" means "manual", and he currently has a Grand Prix, it sounds like he knows what he wants. <quoted by 98 who has quoted Unir3.

Well then you should read the topic again because when I read it it says "Would you settle for an automatic?" Not, "I already have my mind made up and I want a manual."

I'm not trying to be a smart a$$ or anything like that, he asked a question and I'm simply responding without bias, I love sticks and if my wifey could drive one, I'd probably have one too but not just for the pleasure of speeding/going fast or feeling as though I'm driving but rather for the looks (yeah, I'm into that) and maybe the little difference in gas economy.

I'm staying on topic because obviously he seemed a little unsure which one best served his purpose, otherwise why would he be asking us what would we do. I'm through with this conversation and unlike some here who down the auto I think it serves it's purpose well without loosing the focus on what it (the car and auto itself) was meant for which was to get you from point a to point b.

Unir, if you so desire go with the 5 speed not because everyone here is saying so but because this is what you want, regardless of our opinions, best of luck on what you decide, the Max is a nice car in either form and both will serve their previously stated purpose.

I have an auto max but Its because it was a hand me down. I love my car but having it stick would be ten times as better. Its just not because We wanna go fast type of thing. We wanna actually have more control of the car you and the car as one. And yes theres the thrill of downshifting into third in the highway. Even though I live in a busy congested city like Los Angeles my next car most likely another maxima probably a 5th gen its surely going to be manual. I wanna feel all the 255 or so horses through every shift. Like I said I love my auto maxima but a 5 speed maxima would be so much more satisfying.

I have an auto max but Its because it was a hand me down. I love my car but having it stick would be ten times as better. Its just not because We wanna go fast type of thing. We wanna actually have more control of the car you and the car as one. And yes theres the thrill of downshifting into third in the highway. Even though I live in a busy congested city like Los Angeles my next car most likely another maxima probably a 5th gen its surely going to be manual. I wanna feel all the 255 or so horses through every shift. Like I said I love my auto maxima but a 5 speed maxima would be so much more satisfying.

That's funny that you said "Its just not because We wanna go fast type of thing" quoted by you but some of the things you say afterwards contradicts that very statement such as:

quoted by you>And yes theres the thrill of downshifting into third in the highway

quoted by you>my next car most likely another maxima probably a 5th gen its surely going to be manual. I wanna feel all the 255 or so horses through every shift.

That sounds as if you're talking about going fast & speed to me but I'm not knocking you for that or anything because I'd be a hypocrite because I love going fast just as much as the next person who owns a Max, I was simply making a point as to what taste he was trying to cater to.

Yes, the 255 horse 2k2/2k3 is a beast and with the 6 speed it's a raging monster, so I'm certain that you'll be tempted even more to go fast and faster every chance you get to dump it in 3rd and feel that VQ torque kick your @$$ back into your seat.

Personally I'd tell him from experience to go with the stick but I'm remaining unbiased and saying pick whatever it is that suits your taste because in the end regardless of our opinions he's the one who has to live with it.

:banghead: NO !

:nono: no..no.. and no !

:shakehead nO

is the AT actually slower the the MT. Is it because u can change grears when u wanto better. Thoes it really make a differens. I am just asking so please dont get in my case for this ? i would just like to know.

yes, the AT is slower than the MT. first, you can make gear changes quicker. second, you can powershift(rev between gears). Also, usually the computer shifts before redline, with an MT you can run all the way to the rev limiter and slam into the next gear, it's pretty fun, i must say! btw, nobody flame for powershifting, because it is a proven technique to actually get better times, it just isn't that great for your car, but full out luanches aren't either