May go from 09 Maxima to 370z
 

I've owned the Maxima for about a year and a half, but I'm getting more and more interested in the 370Z. Has anyone owned both? I like the fact that the 370Z shares a lot of the interior features and electronics with the Maxima. What kind of power difference are we talking from 290hp door to 332hp 2 door? Has anyone driven/owned both? The Nissan dealer I bought from is willing to make a nice deal for a trade since the Maxima has VERY low miles.
What do you guys think?

I had an 07 Maxima for about a year and test drove the 09 for a few miles. The Max and the Z are two very different cars, despite what they have in common. Not to point out the obvious but switching from a 5 seater FWD sedan to a 2 seater RWD sports car is a big switch - especially if you live in snow country which it looks like you do.

If the above doesn't phase you then here's what you can look forward to. The additional HP in a lighter vehicle makes for a much sportier driving experience. Going around corners is like a go-kart in the Z compared to the Max. The 09 Max is a nice car but reminds me of driving my In-Laws Buick more than the Z.

Have you driven a Z yet? If you do don't let the "blind-spots" bother you - they go away after a week or two once you figure out the best mirror adjustments and you get used to checking over your shoulder for every lane change again. Also have a little fun on your test drive so you know what you can look forward to every time you drive it. Good luck!

My Z is in the shop right now and I must say I'm impressed with the 09 maxima they gave me for a loaner... However, I MISS my Z!!! You will have no regrets making the swap from maxima to Z! The maxima handles pretty good for it's size and makes pretty decent power but it often cannot transfer that to the ground as I have noticed over the past few weeks. I have put about 2-3k miles on this maxima and I must say the Z will be a refreshing kick in the butt with all the extra power :D

I say go for it! :tup:

the new Max is an incredible car but it's more for those with a family who wants some power as well

if you are single (not married) w/o kids, then go for the 370Z

I'm married with 3 kids. Does that mean I have to sell my Z? :confused:

If you are a family man, Ensure you have a vehicle for the family before getting a 2-seated. This should maintain harmony.

Personally I did not like the Maxima when I had it as a loaner for 5 days.

Great points. I love the Maxima, its an awesome car, but I like the whole unique sports car feel of the 370. I nearly bought an 08 Corvette last year before I bought the Maxima, but as sporty as it is it's just not a sports car

I'm also considering a 2010 Jeep SRT8, but the quality isn't what Nissan is from what I've seen and read.

Are the incentives coming out for December? Are they going to run 0% finance on 09s? What pricing should I expect? Also hoping that since I'd be going back to the same dealer with the max with LOW miles I can get a good trade...I would guess they would like to make another deal...

And yes other car is an SUV!

Dude, max & 370, there is no comparison.

There is no such thing: "The Nissan dealer I bought from is willing to make a nice deal for a trade since the Maxima has VERY low miles. "

You are going to lose money, just do it! if you want a sports car.

you know what I mean

Basically it's either the 370Z, or the Jeep SRT8.

It's a tough call, two totally different cars but same kind of fun factor. Getting dealer quotes on both.

Of course I'm going to lose money on the Maxima, but with the insanely low miles, it won't be too bad.

i lold

:stirthepot: I keed, I keed!
:rofl2:

SRT is power, SUV...370Z is sports car. Prices are close, 0% for 60 on SRT8, and I'm not sure what will come out for Nissan tomorrow or this week?

I traded in my 09 Maxima sport/tech package last week for a 09 Nismo 370z. The maxima was awesome, I couldn't stop driving it, put 27k miles on it during the 15months I had it, I was looking for reasons to drive it. In the end I gave it up because I wanted a sports car and I had a Odyssey and civic sitting in the garage. Kids love the odyssey and the wife needs a car easy on gas for her work commute. There is a noticeable difference in HP and ride comfort. I've driven by the dealership a couple of times and noticed my maxima sitting there, I can tell you I have no regrets in my decision. :tiphat:

Lamborghini makes an LP640 and they also make a tractor for use on a farm.
Two very different animals.

That's funny..same thing here, Maxima is great, but I need something more sportscar like...either the SRT or the 370Z, just have to visit dealerships and decide. did they hammer you on the trade in on the max? I only have 6k miles on mine.

I'm married, the Z is for me!!!! :tup:

Just get another car like a SUV for the family. ;)

Does your Maxima still have the 4DSC sticker? I still remember cracking up years ago when I saw the sticker?

Yes, I own a 09 370Z that I purchased this summer and in October I purchased a 2010 Maxama for my wife and as our family driver.
The Z is just for fun as I am retired. The power of the Z over the maxima is very substantial and in my opinion the Maxima would feel much more like a true sports car if it was rear wheel drive and had the power of my Z but don't get me wrong, the maxima is still a solid, powerful, fun to drive car, it's just not a Z.

They gave me exactly what KBB said the car was worth in excellent condition so Im not complaining. Depreciation was a killer but I got the nismo for 6k off sticker.

The Maxima and The 370z are no way similar at all.
If your from the Northeast don't even go for the switch now cause it's sorta late...
If thats ur only car just wait until spring once the weather gets better.

wat i found lacking on the new maxima is a 6MT. just not sporty enough with a CVT.

I haven't made the decision yet. Been busy with work, but this weekend I may go back out to Nissan and Jeep for the SRT8 Cherokee. The thing is the 370Z has such a better interior/options, but the 420hp V8 in the SRT8 is sweet. I really haven't decided yet, but I want to decide before the holiday.

Well if you're into straight line speed then go for the Jeep. It's cool. But remember that 420 is flywheel hp. I'm somewhere in the neighborhood of 382 to the flywheel in a lighter much more nimble car. And that's just basic bolt ons with tune.

I guarantee that you will have a sh!tload more fun in the 370Z than you ever will regardless of hp in an SUV.

Just my :twocents:

..wait....what?

Keep it, it's a great escape. I also have three kids with another on the way and my wife wouldn't let me get rid of the Z. I guess you could say it's our getaway car.

<--- Had an 07 Maxima for about a year + .. Loved that car.. it was pretty heavily modded and had lots of fun working on it.. That being said..
Traded the Max in for the Z and would do it again in a heartbeat. Go for it dude.

jep, my G-coupe and Z are both getaway cars. it's the only real time dad (me)'s alone by himself enjoying some piece and quiet. :p

Well here we are on Christmas week. I decided to wait to make the decision today or this weekend. My dealer has a touring/sport all loaded up, but I'd have to have them get me silver or black since this one is that gray color I believe.

The SRT8 Jeep is great, but its HARD to find one on a lot to drive. The SRT would be better for winter, but the Nissan interior/electronics of the 370Z is just awesome...way above the SRT8 in my opinion.

Prices I've gotten so far are close, SRT is 45k + TTL at 0%.

370Z I haven't gotten an official price, but I've "heard" MSRP of 42k loaded is somewhere around 38k plus TTL but with 5% interest or so? Wonder if I could get it for 36k? to NOT go with the SRT8 the price difference has to be strong.

Also, I drove a C6 Vette and my main problem with it was the feeling that I'm "sitting on the ground". The 370Z looks like more of a standard seat. Is that true? can anyone compare the seat toa maxima?

Take a look at truecar.com. It'll get you in the ball park of what to pay for the car.

As far as the seating is concerned. I'd put the Z in between the vette and the maxima. The Z is low - but getting in and out of my frieds vette seems more "difficult". It is a sports car after all...

Great site...looks like 38-39k fully loaded is realistic + TTL. Cherokee will be higher. I have a feeling Nissan will give me more value on the Maxima I just bought fromt hem a year and a half ago though.

You'll definitely get more for the Maxima at a Nissan store than at any domestic store. Where are you in the Northeast? I'll put together a deal, just pm me with the vehicle specifics and i'll give you a price on the Z and the trade value of maxima!

think I should sell the Maxima back to the Nissan I bought it from then go deal with Jeep if I go the SRT8 route?

Most dealers outside of a Carmax will tend to give you a better number for your trade if you are actually going to buy a new car from them. You are going to take a beating no matter what you do, but you will probably take less of a beating buying a Nissan, although i think you had this exact same thread on the board about 8 months ago, so I really don't know how serious you are.

Doesn't Jeep kinda suck quality-wise?

A tough call? Same kind of fun factor? An SUV and a sports car? :icon14:

I don't think he knows WTF he wants....(which is a really good way to lose your a$$)

Just came from an '09 Max
 

Hey guy- Just came from an '09 Max (Premium SV with all the tech) myself. Got an '09 Touring 6MT and I don't regret one thing. I was in a 39 month lease for the Max and get this-- I checked with Nissan and they sent me a letter stating there would be NO CHARGES for early termination of my lease. So, after almost every employee at the dealership and Nissan Finance wanting to copy the official letter (because they couldn't believe I would not be penalized for an early term) I got into a Z for 39 month term. Love it!

Totally different feel, and it's been challenging trying to find out how to get my stuff in and out of it. BUT, what I found was that I was haulin' around too much crap anyway so it gave me an opportunity to take a look at what I really needed to carry with me.

Great car!

Thats great...yeah I have a feeling I'd get Blue Book as long as I took a new 370 off the lot.

Question is how much more powerful does the 370Z feel? I also got the Max without the Nav package which was a mistake (just sport) so I have a couple reasons to look at the Z. I also only have 7800 miles on the 09 Max.

Anyone come off a LS1 car that can compare the power/torque to the 370Z in terms of feel?