After I traded my 1996 Maxima (H&R springs, KYB/AGX adjustable struts & shocks, FSTB, 16" 2000 Maxima SE rims, clear corners & drop-in K&N filter) for an 06 Diamond Graphite 5AT w/ Sports Suspension Package, I had a little buyer's remorse. The Maxima was a great car and still had a ton of power for it's age. However, after driving the G35 for the past 10 days, I've come to realize that I made the correct choice. The most noticable difference (besides the serious increase in power) is the RWD. I haven't owned a RWD since 1989 (1976 Celica 4 speed manual). All I can say is WOW! Also, I'm still getting use to the great exhaust sound. I've only put about 750 miles on it, so it's not quite broken in yet, but I have stepped on it a couple of times. I've already replaced the orange corner lights with clear corners (see attachment) and I have a PAC AAI-NIS2 on the way.

Over the weekend I did a complete detailing. Check out the details here:

https://g35driver.com/forums/care-detailing/93086-first-detail-new-car.html

 

Congrats and cool that you love it. I bought mine 2 weeks ago after trading in my 2001 325Ci and I dont regret it one bit

 

ouch....did the dealer drill your plate to the bumper? Looks like you have the dreaded screw holes. I live in VA and they did that to my car also....grrrrrrrr.

 

Yes, I'm trying to decide what to do about it. When I ordered the clear corners, I also ordered some touch up paint (clear coat and paint). I thought about finding a cap or a flat headed screw to fill the hole and just paint the top. If that doesn't work I could always put the plate back on.

 

What do you think about the size of the car compared to the max?

A buddy of mine has a lowered Max 95 SE. He wants a RWD car, I of course recommended the G. He thinks it is too small.

I had a 97 Max, and an '00 max. The G definately feels smaller than my '00, but I remember the '00 felt a lot bigger than my '97.

The trunk is smaller in the G for sure.

Do you have any regrets related to the size of the car?

 

No regrets on the size change outside or inside. I do feel like I'm sitting pretty high since the Maxima was lowered on H&R springs. Inside I was concerned since I felt a little cramped on the left side but after driving for a while it seems fine now.

 

I traded out of a '98 and at first I thought it felt a little small. I decided it's because of the center console - it's a little more intrusive than the one I left in my Max. Overall, the inside of the car feels bigger to me now (13 months later). It definitely drives bigger.

No regrets at all about the trade. The Max was a great car and still had a lot of life in her. I'm sure someone bought her, lowered her and stuck a fart can exhaust on her (it pains me to think this...). She's likely entered her second childhood.

 

I traded in my '98 Maxima for my 2005 G35x. I miss my Maxima a bit - yes I absolutely love my G, but the Maxima was so good to me. After 130k miles she only needed a new radiator fan...nothing else went on her. Plus it was free of blasted RATTLES and brake SQUEAKS!

Now I'm riled up!

 

Converted from a 1992 se maxima here. Hence the name. What up guys! .org converts? heh

 

I came from a 96 Maxima 5MT, MEVI, JWT ECU, Y-pipe, 5th gen muffler, lightweight 17s, H&Rs, Koni Yellows, subframe connectors, and Stillen bodykit. That car treat me incredibly well and I became a VQ convert. Teh car went 14.3s@100mph with those mods. My G35 felt a bit slower until I took it to the track and it ran 14.3s@98mph I love my G35. It is quite a step up in terms of luxury, ride quality, handling, braking, etc. RWD really does drive differently and it makes the driving experience much better.

FYI, the 6th gen Maxima (larger than the 4th gen) and the G35 have nearly identical interior deminisions. We're talking about tenths of an inch. Trunk space is within 1/2 cu. ft.