Topic: Nissan Maxima or Golf GTI?

[oiamo123]

Hey guys, just looking to get a new car at the end of the summer. I created a previous post and decided to drop the motorcycle idea. Anyhow, i'm now considering either a MkV/VI Golf GTI, 09+ Nissan Maxima 3.5, or maybe something else (with similar 0-100, reliability, comfort etc and a price range or about $9/11 000 CAD). I tried searching for a lot of the results and found that the Golf is better in the city, however it is known to have a stiff suspension and isn't nearly as big the Nissan Maxima. To add on, the Nissan's lack of fuel economy isn't the greatest in the world but I do a lot of highway driving where I live.

Thanks for the help

 

[OliverD]

You're talking about two very different cars - hot hatch vs. large sporty sedan.

I rented an ~'09 Maxima and they are quite nice cars. People here will complain about the CVT but I didn't find it that bad.

The Maxima will probably be more reliable. A ~$10k GTI is going to be fairly old and/or have high KMs.

[Jaeger]

You're talking about two very different cars - hot hatch vs. large sporty sedan.

This.  Seems like the OP needs to figure out what type of vehicle he really wants.  I can understand why either would be desirable, but they are very different.  The GTI won't give you the space and comfort of the Maxima and the Maxima won't give you the sporty handling and cargo flexibility of the GTI.

Wildly different vehicles can have similar 0-60 times - not sure why that is the determining factor.

[Fobroader]

A 6spd manual Maxima is a fantastic, unknown rocket ship. Yeah its wrong wheel drive, but between a Golf and a proper VQ 3.5L V6, I would take the Nissan every time.

[ChaosphereIX]

dont knock FWD if it is properly set up, can still be a riot to drive

would take the GTI all day any day, outside of a GTR the Nissan V6 is toneless wall of noise [IMO of course]

besides that, the GTI has better aftermarket support [if that matters to you], as well as a hatch. Plus it will be better on gas. Also, tartan seats.

[OliverD]

A 6spd manual Maxima is a fantastic, unknown rocket ship. Yeah its wrong wheel drive, but between a Golf and a proper VQ 3.5L V6, I would take the Nissan every time.

No manuals in that gen Maxima.

[Fobroader]

A 6spd manual Maxima is a fantastic, unknown rocket ship. Yeah its wrong wheel drive, but between a Golf and a proper VQ 3.5L V6, I would take the Nissan every time.

No manuals in that gen Maxima.

Oh...then neither. For $10K, buy the best Mustang GT you can afford.

[oiamo123]

You're talking about two very different cars - hot hatch vs. large sporty sedan.

This.  Seems like the OP needs to figure out what type of vehicle he really wants.  I can understand why either would be desirable, but they are very different.  The GTI won't give you the space and comfort of the Maxima and the Maxima won't give you the sporty handling and cargo flexibility of the GTI.

Wildly different vehicles can have similar 0-60 times - not sure why that is the determining factor.

The 0-60 isn't a determining factor for me, it's just that I would like something that is quick and fun to drive, but as well as being comfortable, reliable, and a good overall car. I can't seem to decide between another hatchback or a sedan. It's seems like an easy enough decision but 2-door hatchback or 4-door sedan 

[quadzilla]

The GTI will either have had or will have carbon build up issues. Something else to think about.

[Jaeger]

A 6spd manual Maxima is a fantastic, unknown rocket ship. Yeah its wrong wheel drive, but between a Golf and a proper VQ 3.5L V6, I would take the Nissan every time.

No manuals in that gen Maxima.

Oh...then neither. For $10K, buy the best Mustang GT you can afford.

Might be harder to find but a V6 Altima with 6 sp. manual would offer everything that a comparable Maxima would save for the badge.  Plus manual.  I certainly enjoyed the one I had.  The 3.5 VQ is a strong, solid motor

[Fobroader]

A 6spd manual Maxima is a fantastic, unknown rocket ship. Yeah its wrong wheel drive, but between a Golf and a proper VQ 3.5L V6, I would take the Nissan every time.

No manuals in that gen Maxima.

Oh...then neither. For $10K, buy the best Mustang GT you can afford.

Might be harder to find but a V6 Altima with 6 sp. manual would offer everything that a comparable Maxima would save for the badge.  Plus manual.  I certainly enjoyed the one I had.  The 3.5 VQ is a strong, solid motor

I loved my V6 manual Altima as well, didn't even think of it though.

[ArticSteve]

I wouldn't be beating the door for a 7th gen Maxima unless you got a well known serviced one for real cheap.

Consider something like this (just an example)

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-toronto/2009-nissan-altima-3-5l-se-coupe/1256488982?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[Jaeger]

^^^ Good call.  Though I would still go with a sedan if one can be found.  The Altima Coupe never made much sense to me.  Way down on interior space versus the sedan, but not sportier in any respect.

[Fobroader]

^^^ Good call.  Though I would still go with a sedan if one can be found.  The Altima Coupe never made much sense to me.  Way down on interior space versus the sedan, but not sportier in any respect.

Yup, dealer called me in when they first released the V6 coupe and they had a manual.....saw 0 benefit to losing two doors.

[KD]

^^^ Good call.  Though I would still go with a sedan if one can be found.  The Altima Coupe never made much sense to me.  Way down on interior space versus the sedan, but not sportier in any respect.

Yup, dealer called me in when they first released the V6 coupe and they had a manual.....saw 0 benefit to losing two doors.

Seems to be the common theme as I rarely see Altima Coupes around.  Nice looking car though!

[CanuckS2K]

2nd gen G Sedan would certainly fit your needs.  Fun to drive, AWD, and reliable.


http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Infiniti/G/St+Catharines/Ontario/5_30468937_ON20080604101010390/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=9_15_263

[ltruong]

I think those Maxima V6 had engine issues(might be low numbers)... I remember reading about it. something about a weak bolt in the timing chain/belt assembly that cause failure and big.$$$  I might be wrong.

Why don't you look for an Accord sedan V6 Manual?

[Great_Big_Abyss]

I think those Maxima V6 had engine issues(might be low numbers)... I remember reading about it. something about a weak bolt in the timing chain/belt assembly that cause failure and big.$$$  I might be wrong.

Why don't you look for an Accord sedan V6 Manual?

Nissan has had it's fair share of CVT issues, but engine reliability of their 3.5 has never been an issue.  It's a gem of an engine.

[OliverD]

I think those Maxima V6 had engine issues(might be low numbers)... I remember reading about it. something about a weak bolt in the timing chain/belt assembly that cause failure and big.$$$  I might be wrong.

Why don't you look for an Accord sedan V6 Manual?

Because they don't exist in Canada.

[JohnnyMac]

If I wanted something with 4 doors, is fun to drive but also comfortable, I think in your price range I would probably choose a Passat CC 2.0T manual.  You get the heart of a GTI and the upscale styling of the Maxima, it pretty much splits the difference in ride/handling between the two cars, fuel economy should split the two as well, and I think it should be about as reliable as the GTI and possibly the Maxima.

Something like this should work well for you.

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/CC/KITCHENER/Ontario/19_10020716_/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=1_15_27

If all you cared about was reliability, 0-60 time, and ride comfort I don't think you could do any better than a used Toyota Camry V6.  Those were very fast in a straight line and have proven to be very reliable.

http://wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Camry/Quebec/Quebec/5_31080191_CT2004617124817731/?ursrc=hl&showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=8_15_42