CTC Review: 2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5SL

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Now it looks like Britney Spears hanging out of her sweat pants.

Ewwww, now I'll never be able to get the Maxima back on my list...

 

I too am sad to see the Maxi go so soft. It has power and I guess the goods in general, but lacks finesse or any real personality IMO. Think this generation of car was crafted somewhat in the last minute after Nissan USA begged for a replacement, which could explain some of it.

Of the combos, I'd get the 3.5 SE 4-seater. The 4-seater combo is really the coolest part of it that sets it apart from the competition and makes me feel like I'm in something of executive quality. Really neat option IMO, even without folding rear seats.

[Snowman]

I se many elderly gentlemen driving Mad Max’s here in Sudbury. The choice of Buick people not wanting to drive a Buick? 

[Mr. Meow]

I like the last front end grill better. It stood out look moden and crisp. very striking. Now looks like Nissan Altima. I wonder if still has that dreaded torque steer, now its had a face lift. Its still a nice car through.


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[Bullet Blue]

^^ I hated that stupid belt buckle that they tacked onto the grille. Looked ridiculous. The new front end is much better.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Wing, cool 'What I'm driving' tagline!

[si]

What I find interesting is how this has the  same engine as what's seen in all other nissan products, but this is the only FWD one (other than the quest?)

that's a shame

[Dixmac]

Great write up!  On the subject of smell ... I was once on a guided tour of a leather factory in Florence, Italy, and the tour guide offered up this gem. "the leather smell you love so much is actually a mix of treatment chemicals... leather smells like a cow".  

[tortoise]

What I find interesting is how this has the  same engine as what's seen in all other nissan products, but this is the only FWD one (other than the quest?)

that's a shame

Altima?

[tortoise]

I'm wondering if you have an accurate idea on the Maximas ride & handling.  Being 5 P.S.I. low in the tires will make a BIG difference.

[wing]

32-35 = 3psi   It will make a difference at the limit, but in general driving I'd disagree especially when we are talking between 32-35 when most cars suggest 32.

[mrthompson]

R.I.P. Sporty Maxima.   

[tortoise]

32-35 = 3psi   It will make a difference at the limit, but in general driving I'd disagree especially when we are talking between 32-35 when most cars suggest 32.

"Earlier in the week the pressures were at 28psi one cold morning, 30psi at another time and even as high as 32psi"

I chose 30 P.S.I. as it's the middle of the range.

In my car I notice a difference between 32 and 35, but then again my Toyos have soft-ish sidewalls.

[wing]

Well when it is cold your pressure will drop, as the tires warm up the pressure increases, I'll check tonight if I get a chance to see my guage is reading the same as the computer.

[tortoise]

"As the tires warm up"

Do you mean during the day due to warmer temps or after driving?

As far as I know, the recommended tire pressure is for tires that are at ambient temperature.

[wing]

I'm not sure about that, if you drive really really hard your tires will go up in pressure.  You need to remove air to keep the pressures consistant.  I do this at auto-x I can gain 5 PSI during my runs, I need to keep my pressure minus 5 PSI from what I want it to be when I'm on the course.

I apply the same pricipal on the street except I care less, so if recommended is 32 I set it to 32, if you drive around on the highway you may get it up to 33 or 34 if your really going fast and it's warm out, the difference will be negligable.

As far as I take it, the recommended pressure is the recommended pressure at all times, of course you can't constantly maintain that pressure so "close-enough" would be ambiant temperature.  But when it's -2 in the morning at +15 in the afternoon I'm not going to fill up the tires before going to work and release air on my way home

[tortoise]

"It's also important to check tire pressures when the tires are cool. Driving on an under-inflated tire generates heat in the tire and the air expands, increasing pressure. While the tire pressure may test correctly, internal tire friction is still generating heat that can destroy the tire. Tire pressures should be checked after the vehicle has sat for several hours and before driving it more than a few blocks."

From:  http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/061018.htm

Having quoted that, I'll condede that while noticeable, it may not make a difference.  I suspect tires with a stiffer sidewall will be less affected by pressure than tires with softer sidewalls.

[Spec5]

Just out of curiousity, whats the recommended tire pressure on the tire itself?

Tire pressures should be measured when the tires are not "hot". In otherwords, don't drive too far before checking. Have said that, you would hope that the onboard computer would be willing to sacrifice a few PSI here and there as the tires heat up and cool down. Unless of course this confirms our worst fears - that even the onboard computer of the Maxima has gotten so soft as to not allow the tire pressure monitor to "allow" for spirited driving every now and again.

[si]

32-35 = 3psi   It will make a difference at the limit, but in general driving I'd disagree especially when we are talking between 32-35 when most cars suggest 32.

In my car I notice a difference between 32 and 35

I find that impressive, especially since over 24 hours, tire pressure can fluctuate 3 times that variation.

I've said it before though, I do think it's funny when people get really fussy about maintaining a specific pressure such as 32, when they don't realize that pressure will change through out the day.

[tortoise]

Well, the P5's supension is pretty tight, and the Toyos are soft so I think this combination exagerates the difference.

I notice that the ride is a little harsher, but the car corners better when thrown through corners (like an off ramp).

Of course It could all be in my head.

And I disagree that the tire pressure can change 3x the difference.  I've never noticed this.

[Benhaze]

Wouldn't you consider the TL and Passat V6 as direct competitors? I would.

 

And I would choose the TL over the Maxima if I'd be on the market for a FWD. Actually I suspect the new Altima is going to be more interesting than the Maxima.