Hey guys, I own a 2002 Maxima SE M6 and am seriously considering trading it in for a 2003 Z. I know I'm gonna get biased opinions considering this is the Z forum, however just wondering if I can get a few questions answered. Is the Z much faster than what I drive now? I live in Canada and this will be my daily driver, has anyone experienced the Z driving regularly in the snow? Do you think I can fit my hockey bag in the trunk? This transition will run me about 12,000 CAN and I don't really want to waste that cash? Sorry for rambling on.

 

That should be the #1 selling point in Canada. Here in the states its "2 Golf Bags"

Just messing with you. I used to have a 2000 Maxima SE and

A. Yes the Z is WORLDS faster/more fun.
B. No the Z is not a good idea in the snow being that it is RWD and not FWD like your max.

As far as the money..what % of your yearly income does it represent if you don't mind me asking? WHat % rate would you be financing the new loan? Here in the states we can get 2% for new Zs.

 

You can drive the Z in the snow with racing nails. Just dont run over anybody!

 

There are quite a few people that drive them in the snow and get snow tires

 

I traded an 02 Max on my Z. The difference is night and day. The Z is such a blast to drive. I don't think driving it in the winter however is a good idea. I had my maxima had a ton of mods and I still would drive a stock Z over it any day.

 

I had an 20th AE maxima, it was awesome in snow except for the tires, it had to me changed. The Z has more power than the maxima. Since you live in Canada and its a daily driver. I would consider buying a beater for the winter. If you do decide to trade in the Max for the Z, make sure you have alternate transportation for the winter. The Z sucks in snow if there is more than an inch or so. I would not risk it personally. I live in DC/VA/MD area and we get snow from January-March, I take public transportation when necessary. It not worth putting a nice sports in the snow doing fish tales and donuts all day. Good luck in your decision!

 

I have a set of Blizzak LM-22's on my Z. There are one of the few GREAT snow tires, along with the Micheline X-Ice. If you drive like an idiot and dont understand common physics, the Z is deff. not a good winter vehicle for you. But if you are tamed enough to control flooring it with a crown of snow, youll be fine.

I driven the Z with the tire in 2 inch's of snow.. Take it slow, easy ake off, and your fine.

Good Luck..

Sully

 

I have a 2001 Maxima SE and a 2003 Touring Silverstone 6MT...I love both cars...If it's possible I say keep both..BTW..the Z has much more pep...

 

I have an 02 Maxima Se 6 Spd and a Z. Maxima is quick but will not beat a Z.

Z sucks in the snow. Just get both,

 

Do what i did, I have a 2000 Maxima that I use as an everyday driver and I only take the Z out when I want to. A Z should never be used as an everyday driver.

 

Sounds like a GO except for the winter driving issue- and don't forget the ground clearance on the Z it sits really low, more than 2-3 inches of snow and you might as well bw driving a plow.

 

What he said...I've also got Blizzaks, and as long as u don't drive like an idiot in the snow, you'll do fine.

 

You guys might be safe driving on snow; however, you have to be concern about the @$$hole$ that are out there. I agree with some guys who have Blizzaks and Michelines they are awesome but after 2-3 inches you can forget it. Good luck!

 

Z is quicker but not much quicker than an 02 Manual Max yours was an 00 with the old 3.0 motor so thats why it felt much quicker. 00 Max vs 02 Max (3.5) night and day difference. I like the Max for cruising the Z for handling.

 

Why should'nt it be used as a daily driver most of us use it as a daily driver and its a good one, esepcially those of us in nice climates.

 

I'd definately go for it. My hockey bag fits fine, you shouldn't have any problems. As far as the snow issue goes put some snow tires on for sure. I don't know where you are in Canada but here in Toronto I don't remember it snowing more than 3 inches at a time. Enjoy!

Luke

 

Thanks for the help guys, and Lukey I also live in Toronto, so I hear what your saying about the snow. Just the odd times there is accumulation, I need to know I can still get to work! Thanks again!

 

I would go with the Z as well. But, I would get a beater car for the winter.

I don't know about your area but here they salt and sand the roads. The first year I had my Z I would bring it out of the garage and drive it in the winter when there was no snow on the roads. I ended up with so many paint chips on the bumper and splash guard area, from the crap still on the roads that I decided to just parking it for the entire winter.

 

Traded my 02 Maxima for the Z too. There is a noticable difference in power for me. Z feels quicker. I say go for it if the loss of room is not a big issue. To me that is the only reason to keep the Maxima.

 

A big question is interior room. Will you ever need to drive more than just 1 other person? If not, get the Z. I'm sure you'll love it.