Nissan....worth the buck?

[Goosemaster]

My parents are sort of pre-pensively considering thinking about possibly imagining buying a car...in their own words..


I was wondering what their choices were around 20k...

For reference, my mom has a foul 1995 Ford escort while I drive an accord and my dad has a Rodeo and an e250 van


Anyways....I was wondering what your impressions of the new 2003 ALtima were....It seems really nice...



Is the Maxima noticeably better ... Is ee the horses are more awake on it...


OR


Would a VW fit the bill better?


Anyone?


THey want something useful yet fun and comfortable.


anyone?


Thanks

 

[spanky]

for $20k... u won't get a maxima. the altima is good for the money (as long as u don't get raped at the dealership)

 

[StattlichPassat]

I vote Passat or Altima! Definitly check both out. And of course I have to throw in my plug for the 'pre-owned' market- amazing deals to be had on cars only a year old!

 

[Goosemaster]

but is the maxima worth it??

 

[StattlichPassat]

The Maxima is a GREAT car if you can afford it.

 

[Goosemaster]

how is the performance on the maxima?

 

[white]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
but is the maxima worth it??

that's a very subjective question that should be answered by your parents after a test drive. there's no harm in a test drive.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: white

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
but is the maxima worth it??

that's a very subjective question that should be answered by your parents after a test drive. there's no harm in a test drive.

we'll see

 

[phatcow]

I have a 2000 maxima SE and it is a awesome car....

my 222 horses are more than enough....


the interior of my car is way better than the altima's interior...

I heard that 2003 will have better altima interior though.


if you have any questions about the maxima, feel free to ask

 

[Turkey]

Nothing is more fun, yet practical, than a Subaru Outback Wagon, and they start under $18k. They also make them in sedans, but that's not as practical.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: Turkey
Nothing is more fun, yet practical, than a Subaru Outback Wagon, and they start under $18k. They also make them in sedans, but that's not as practical.

sorry,but they aren't fans...



WOuld a used audi with quattro be a viable option?

They seem VERY nice for the price


What would you say about something like THis:

Drive Type: 4WD
Transmission: Automatic
Engine Size: 2.8L Engine
Number of Cylinders: 6 Cylinders
Horsepower: 200 Horsepower@6000rpm
Torque (ft.- lbs.): 207 Torque@3200rpm
Compression Ratio: 10.3:1
Camshaft: DOHC
Engine Type: Gas
Engine Block Material: Cast Iron
Engine Head Material: Aluminum Alloy
Bore: 3.25
Stroke: 3.4
Valves Per Cylinder: 5
Oil Capacity (qts.): 6.9
Coolant Capacity: 6.3
Fuel Type: Unleaded
Fuel Capacity (gals.): 18.5
EPA MPG (City/Hwy): EPA Mileage 17/26
Wheelbase: 108.6"
Overall Length: 192"
Width:
Height:
Curb Weight: 3,770 lbs.
Leg Room F/R: 41.3"
Head Room F/R: 39.3"
Hip Room F/R:
Seating Capacity (Std): 5
Cargo Capacity For Cars: 15.4 cu. ft.
Towing Capacity For Trucks: N/R
Payload Capacity For Trucks: N/R
Gross Vehicle Weight For Trucks: N/R
Wheel Type (std.):
Rim Size (std.): 0
Tire Size (std.): P195/65R15 H
Tire Type (std.): All-Season SBR
Steering Turning Diameter: 0
Steering Lock to Lock: 0
Steering Type:




$24k


Many of 'em are about $20

Obviously a test drive is needed...but I mean reliability etc...


and why is it that Audi's are notorious for "drepreciateting quickly?" They seem like good cars to me ... I read this in I think, Car and driver...

 

[SWirth86]

For 20K, I would either get the Altima or the Passat.
It's mostly personal preference, so try em out, and see what you like.
Look here to get the best dealer prices.

 

[LordMaul]

Altima.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

The Altima is a great car, and in some respects (particularly the rear suspension) is superior to the Maxima. The Maxima is probably going to be easier to get a good discount on nowadays, though, and both are great, fun cars. The Max definitely wins in terms of the interior, though neither is going to threaten an Audi for interior design and construction.

I drive a 2001 Max SE and have been quite pleased with it (I went with the Max after an unhappy year of driving an Accord EX V-6, which I found completely uninspiring to drive compared to my Max). As others have already advocated, I would encourage your parents to take some test drives and see what they like - you have mentioned a wide array of cars, and they should probably narrow their choices a bit before they start looking seriously at brokering a deal.