YACT: 06 Maxima / 05 TSX / 04 TL

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
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Looking to spend about $30k CDN on a used car, and I've narrowed it down to those three. 06 Maxima has 16k KM on it, 05 TSX has 13k KM, and the 04 TL has just over 40k KM.

I don't really have a preference between the two Acura's - I wouldn't mind either. The extra HP on the TL is nice, but the KM's on average is higher than the other two. Not too keen on the exterior design of the Maxima (nor their interior) but it seems like decent value for money feature wise.

Mind you, I haven't seen any of them in person (but we'll judget them assuming they're all in very good/excellent condition).

What would you guys pick?
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,542
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I wouldn't get the Maxima. Quality has declined on them since they started making them in the US (2004). Plus they suffer from massive torque steer...probably worse than any other FWD car I've driven with the exception of some late 80's Buicks/Oldsmobiles.

TSX is a great car and with the low miles on it you'll have a trouble free car for many years.
 

JSFLY

Golden Member
Mar 24, 2006
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Originally posted by: syee
Looking to spend about $30k CDN on a used car, and I've narrowed it down to those three. 06 Maxima has 16k KM on it, 05 TSX has 13k KM, and the 04 TL has just over 40k KM.

I don't really have a preference between the two Acura's - I wouldn't mind either. The extra HP on the TL is nice, but the KM's on average is higher than the other two. Not too keen on the exterior design of the Maxima (nor their interior) but it seems like decent value for money since feature wise.

Mind you, I haven't seen any of them in person (but we'll judget them assuming they're all in very good/excellent condition).

What would you guys pick?


I'd get the maxima, More Hp, newer with good mileage, more expensive when brand new than the TSX, luxury
 

thirdeye

Platinum Member
Jun 19, 2001
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www.davewalter.net
Originally posted by: syee
Looking to spend about $30k CDN on a used car, and I've narrowed it down to those three. 06 Maxima has 16k KM on it, 05 TSX has 13k KM, and the 04 TL has just over 40k KM.

I don't really have a preference between the two Acura's - I wouldn't mind either. The extra HP on the TL is nice, but the KM's on average is higher than the other two. Not too keen on the exterior design of the Maxima (nor their interior) but it seems like decent value for money since feature wise.

Mind you, I haven't seen any of them in person (but we'll judget them assuming they're all in very good/excellent condition).

What would you guys pick?

I have an 06 TL and really like it. Probably the best looking of the group, though the TSX isn't bad looking either.
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
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I am a nissan fanboy, though I do not own one.

A buddy of mine works outside of Nashville where they make them. He told me the quality has declined in General. He said, they've capped labor prices so workers don't care about the quality....and that the dashboard materials (he didn't know about other parts) are coming from companies that Toyota has declined to use due to quality issues. The car may look nice, but you should wait until JD Power or Consumer Reports gives you the OK before you buy.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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I'm kind of in the same situation. I ruled out the TSX because it simply does not have the grunt of the other other two. The Max is newer, and lower milage for the money, but not as refined as the TL.

The G35 is an interesting alternative but the gas milage is quite a bit lower than the others and it's a RWD which isn't a great option for winter driving.

Most of my complaints about the '04-06 Max's were addressed by the '07's. Better interior, better leather, silky smooth CVT and virtually non-existant torque steer. But you will pay a $5,000 premium to get into one over an '06.

Value wise, the G35 is the best combination of luxury and performance if you can put up with the RWD drivetrain and the more gas hungry engine.

 

Tarrant64

Diamond Member
Sep 20, 2004
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Dad just bought 06 TL. SWEET CAR.

However i have no idea how the 04's did. I used to be a fan of the Maxima's until the larger body styles. They are just getting a little bit too big for my tastes.

i always thought the TSX were decent.

In the end, I'd probably walk away with the maxima for the fact it's new.
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
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My wife has an 05 TSX, she loves it. But the TL looks better. You're going to drive these cars before you decide, right? The TSX is more compact, the TL feels bigger.
 

Dacalo

Diamond Member
Mar 31, 2000
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As an owner of G35, I would advise to stay away from Maxima. The quality isn't there; Acura on the other hand has great quality. I don't think I will ever buy another Infiniti or Nissan unless I see a drastic change.

Nissan and Infiniti have great engines though.
 

Jinru

Senior member
Feb 6, 2006
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I own a 05 TSX, real slick car with great handling. I'm not to fond of the Maxima with it's new bulky look. TL or the TSX FTW!
 

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
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I'll eventually get around to driving them. Got 9 inches of snow over the weekend, so I didn't get to test drive any of them. I'm hoping to drive a few of them this weekend.

I'm not too keen on the Maxima either, but thought it would be an interesting choice because of how good it looked feature wise on paper, and the fact that it's an 06.

The 04 TL I belive was the first year of the current body style. They also have a 4 yr/80,000km warranty, so it's still good for warranty for at least a year (or two). I'm leaning towards the TSX although, but like others, I'm wishing it had more power. Unfortunately, the '05 (it's an Auto) can't get the Hondata ECU mod done on it, otherwise, it would be a no brainer. However, 200 horses to get around town and the occasional highway driving should be more than sufficient. The TL sports the extra 58hp and other tech goodies which makes it another interesting choice.
 

Tarrant64

Diamond Member
Sep 20, 2004
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Oh, I almost forgot. When I had the chance to get behind the 06 TL, the viewing areas were a little bit less than I had thought. Or should I say viewing angles? It's definitely a more sportier look so if you need all you can get to see whats' going on around you don't expect this one to be on the top of the list. Although, I found when I use the TL's power to stay ahead of traffic I really didn't need to know of anything else around me. :p

Still sweet car. Stereo has built in sub I believe? In the back between the two passenger seats.
 

RagingBITCH

Lifer
Sep 27, 2003
17,618
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TL TL TL TL TL TL. Both are based off the global mid-sized Accord platform. Think of it this way: TSX = sportier I4 (K24) Accord, TL = sportier 6 cylinder Accord. (J35 iirc?) The TL feels and drives (IMO) so much nicer than the TSX.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
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Originally posted by: vi_edit
I'm kind of in the same situation. I ruled out the TSX because it simply does not have the grunt of the other other two. The Max is newer, and lower milage for the money, but not as refined as the TL.

The G35 is an interesting alternative but the gas milage is quite a bit lower than the others and it's a RWD which isn't a great option for winter driving.

Most of my complaints about the '04-06 Max's were addressed by the '07's. Better interior, better leather, silky smooth CVT and virtually non-existant torque steer. But you will pay a $5,000 premium to get into one over an '06.

Value wise, the G35 is the best combination of luxury and performance if you can put up with the RWD drivetrain and the more gas hungry engine.

I'd be surprised even shocked if the Infiniti G35 was even 1mpg off from the Maxima's mpg. The 2004 Maxima was rated at 20mpg city. What's the Infiniti rated at? They both have the exact same engine.

BTW-I've driven all three and currently own a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE. I'd get the TL or the TSX.

Edit-Just checked Edmunds.com and a 2006 Nissan Maxima SE with automatic transmission gets 20/28mpg while a 2006 G35 sedan with auto gets 18/25mpg. Not exactly a huge difference...might work out to about $20/month assuming you drive 20k miles a year...also assuming the Maxima will actually get the mpg Nissan claims...I know mine doesn't and hasn't since day one.
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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Edit-Just checked Edmunds.com and a 2006 Nissan Maxima SE with automatic transmission gets 20/28mpg while a 2006 G35 sedan with auto gets 18/25mpg. Not exactly a huge difference...might work out to about $20/month assuming you drive 20k miles a year...also assuming the Maxima will actually get the mpg Nissan claims...I know mine doesn't and hasn't since day one.

I'm just going off of owner comments based on the Fresh Alloy forums. They are lucky to pull 25MPG on the highway with their G's while the Maxima owners are pulling 29/30 with the 5 speed autos and the CVT's.

It's around $25 a month, which adds up over a year as well as the more expensive insurance and service. All things that go into TCO.

It's just funny the perspective the people have. A G35 can pull 25MPG, which is 5 less a maxima and it's not a big deal. But if a truck or SUV pulls 5 less than 25MPG that G does, then it's considered a gas guzzler :)

I guess to me it's a factor to consider. Right now I get 20MPG with my 4.0L VQ engine. I wouldn't consider 25MPG to be much of an improvment over what I'm currently getting. I really won't consider buying an alternative unless it gets me 30MPG or more. It's just not worth it unless I'm getting 50% better milage.

 

syee

Senior member
Oct 6, 2001
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Originally posted by: Tarrant64
Oh, I almost forgot. When I had the chance to get behind the 06 TL, the viewing areas were a little bit less than I had thought. Or should I say viewing angles? It's definitely a more sportier look so if you need all you can get to see whats' going on around you don't expect this one to be on the top of the list. Although, I found when I use the TL's power to stay ahead of traffic I really didn't need to know of anything else around me. :p

Still sweet car. Stereo has built in sub I believe? In the back between the two passenger seats.

My last car was an 01 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The ragtop made for horrible viewing angles. I rarely could see any cars coming from either direction when backing out of a space with teh top up. :)

Not sure about the built in sub. It probably comes with the premium audio system? I don't remember reading anything about it in the reviews. If it did, that would be sweet! :)

I did check on the Legacy GT, but most of the used ones were station wagons - not quite ready for one of those yet. The sedans were all priced 5-6k out of my price range.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
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Originally posted by: vi_edit
Edit-Just checked Edmunds.com and a 2006 Nissan Maxima SE with automatic transmission gets 20/28mpg while a 2006 G35 sedan with auto gets 18/25mpg. Not exactly a huge difference...might work out to about $20/month assuming you drive 20k miles a year...also assuming the Maxima will actually get the mpg Nissan claims...I know mine doesn't and hasn't since day one.

I'm just going off of owner comments based on the Fresh Alloy forums. They are lucky to pull 25MPG on the highway with their G's while the Maxima owners are pulling 29/30 with the 5 speed autos and the CVT's.

It's around $25 a month, which adds up over a year as well as the more expensive insurance and service. All things that go into TCO.

It's just funny the perspective the people have. A G35 can pull 25MPG, which is 5 less a maxima and it's not a big deal. But if a truck or SUV pulls 5 less than 25MPG that G does, then it's considered a gas guzzler :)

I guess to me it's a factor to consider. Right now I get 20MPG with my 4.0L VQ engine. I wouldn't consider 25MPG to be much of an improvment over what I'm currently getting. I really won't consider buying an alternative unless it gets me 30MPG or more. It's just not worth it unless I'm getting 50% better milage.

I'd be lucky to get 25mpg on the freeway in my Maxima actually. Quite frankly, I think it's abysmal. Maybe the new 2007 with the CVT are better (personally, I have yet to drive a CVT that I don't hate though).

Most trucks and fullsize SUVs get about 15-17mpg which is just wasteful for what most people use them for...driving themselves to and from work, grocery getting, etc.