Need car advice - The Orange Mane

BroncoFaith · 03-11-2007, 11:14 PM

Hello all,

I'm in a position where I'll be needing to acquire a new(to me) vehicle in the next couple of months. I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, and would greatly appreciate any insight you could share with me. Here goes..

1) a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5SE (safe choice)
2) a 2003 Cadillac STS (fun choice)

Both cars have around 50,000 km (30,000 miles) and the sticker price is only a difference of about $2500.(Cadillac is higher, obviously)

Any advice, from personal experience or otherwise, would be great.

Thanks!

ak1971 · 03-11-2007, 11:17 PM

buy the Nissan. I have had two Infinitis, and Nissan products (to me) are the best

Sir Mawn · 03-11-2007, 11:33 PM

I have a 2002 Maxima GLE. Great car, fun to drive, no problems.

You can't go wrong with the Caddy either. My father owns one and has no complaints. Very fun to drive as well.

Either way you is great, from my experience.

TheDave · 03-11-2007, 11:34 PM

nissan

watermock · 03-11-2007, 11:37 PM

Caddilacs have improved their quality drasically so it depends on if your using the Caddy for public exposure in sales ect. I think they are both good cars, but an Altima is fairly bulletproof. Caddy's had a big problem with electronics but have gotten much better. I would say it depends on if you need a sales/show car or a daily driver.

BroncoFaith · 03-11-2007, 11:51 PM

Thanks for the responses.

It will be a sales/show car, as that's what I do, but will also be a daily vehicle.
I put on quite a few miles (approx 18000/year) and worry about maintenance.
I have owned 2 Nissan's previously, and have been very satisfied.
The domestic I owned (Ford Taurus SHO) was great until about 120,000 miles,
at which point stuff (expensive) started to go wrong quite often.
I guess what I'm wondering is, is a domestic (Cadillac) as reliable as the import, and have they really made progress with the electrical (eek!)

maven · 03-11-2007, 11:55 PM

What about a Lexus IS300? Quality used car(toyota). Chicks still dig it(which is very important). And last, quality. 4 doors, stylish with longevity looks. A well built sedan with nice power( 6 cyl.)

69bronco · 03-12-2007, 12:06 AM

i rented a 2007 altima and it was junk.

Caddy.

chaz · 03-12-2007, 12:21 AM

out of those two i'd go nissan....dont really think caddy looks any cooler...im just a college student though so maybe caddy's dont appeal to me b/c im not retired! haha...jk you'll have fun with either, both are very nice.

Rigs11 · 03-12-2007, 12:55 AM

Get a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE instead. More HP than the Altima and around the same price.

watermock · 03-12-2007, 01:02 AM

..the two motors are virtually identical in the V6 version. It's just detuned. Second, there are many more Altimas on the used market by far.

liljd307 · 03-12-2007, 01:31 AM

go for the fun...just ask your self "what the hell... why not?"

crazyhorse · 03-12-2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

..the two motors are virtually identical in the V6 version. It's just detuned. Second, there are many more Altimas on the used market by far.

You should stop acting like you know anything about cars.

The Caddy has, by a long shot, a better drive train and electronics than the Altima. I am not a GM fan, but know enough about cars to know that Caddy has one of the best engines in the world.

Mock likes to act like he knows something about cars. I'm not sure why.

Further, it's up to you to buy the car you like. There are lemons in every brand. The best thing to do is find he car you like best, get the number of the prvious owner (if buying it from a lot) and find out how he car performed for them.

I have worked for dealerships and have a novice background in working on cars. I can tell you without any reservation that the cra you should buy is the one you dont mind making payments on.

At one time the Caddy had a 100,000 mile warrantee on the motor and drive train. Dont know if this is still the case.

Nobody can tell you which "used car" you should get as there is no way of knowing the history.

That's what you should be looking for.

-Slap- · 03-12-2007, 12:53 PM

I'm going to replace my Maxima with another Maxima.

Cito Pelon · 03-13-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoFaith

Hello all,

I'm in a position where I'll be needing to acquire a new(to me) vehicle in the next couple of months. I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, and would greatly appreciate any insight you could share with me. Here goes..

1) a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5SE (safe choice)
2) a 2003 Cadillac STS (fun choice)

Both cars have around 50,000 km (30,000 miles) and the sticker price is only a difference of about $2500.(Cadillac is higher, obviously)

Any advice, from personal experience or otherwise, would be great.

Thanks!

Those are two of the choices I'm looking at as my next sedan. I'd go for a Maxima over the Altima, because I've found out over time that these carmakers make a premium sedan for a reason - they want it to be better than the level under that. The Cadillac has seen much better quality since 2003, but it is still well below the Japanese brands. The temptation to me is the styling of the STS, I like how it looks.

One of the show-stoppers for me about the Cadillac is you won't find one with a manual shift. The Maxima you can find with a manual shift. I do detest automatics in sport sedans.

watermock · 03-13-2007, 05:03 PM

Hell yes I know about cars. What did I say? Cadillacs have improved dramatically...buy a vowel. I sold cars for 20 years. Now I have an LLC in Arkansas.

As far as a 97 rental Altima...that is two full model series old, and you WERE DRIVING A RENTAL CAR...that's almost as bad as driving a salesman's demo.

A niece has an Altima and it's been trouble free.

One thing I will also mention...while Nissan's and Toyotas, Hondas ect are great used cars, their resale is absurd...your just as well off buying new. A Caddy will depreciate much faster.

With all the financing deals and warranty wars, I would actually recommend going new if you need it financed. If you have good non dealer financing, it's also worth just taking a big rebate because of the equity position.

Domestics have vastly improved over the last decade but still carry a stigma...there are still some junk out there, but they are constantly whittled down. We use Cummins powered deisels instead of Allison Chevys..tell me why Crazyhorse.

watermock · 03-13-2007, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cito Pelon

Those are two of the choices I'm looking at as my next sedan. I'd go for a Maxima over the Altima, because I've found out over time that these carmakers make a premium sedan for a reason - they want it to be better than the level under that. The Cadillac has seen much better quality since 2003, but it is still well below the Japanese brands. The temptation to me is the styling of the STS, I like how it looks.

One of the show-stoppers for me about the Cadillac is you won't find one with a manual shift. The Maxima you can find with a manual shift. I do detest automatics in sport sedans.

A Camry V6 is essentially the same car as a 350 Lexus. Automatics are just as efficient and better for working with ABS. A stick is peppier in the mountains, but an auto is much easier and safer. Cars are now being equipped with 6 speed trannys.

Garcia Bronco · 03-13-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoFaith

Hello all,

I'm in a position where I'll be needing to acquire a new(to me) vehicle in the next couple of months. I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, and would greatly appreciate any insight you could share with me. Here goes..

1) a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5SE (safe choice)
2) a 2003 Cadillac STS (fun choice)

Both cars have around 50,000 km (30,000 miles) and the sticker price is only a difference of about $2500.(Cadillac is higher, obviously)

Any advice, from personal experience or otherwise, would be great.

Thanks!

I drove a 2000 Nissan Maxima for 6 years....they rock

Garcia Bronco · 03-13-2007, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigs11

Get a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE instead. More HP than the Altima and around the same price.

Listen to the man...it's the same engine with better comfort and more prestige

OrangeShadow · 03-13-2007, 05:12 PM

get the caddy, the only nissans id drive would be a 90s skyline or a 350Z

bendog · 03-13-2007, 05:22 PM

Shoulda bought the old style maxima instead of the mazda. Had to have a car quick, and the lots were empty of last year maxima's.

However, the camry isn't a bad alternative, imo.

btw, what's the difference between the camry and the lexis with the same body style? It's the Lexus 300 level, I believe.

GonzoLays · 03-13-2007, 05:35 PM

Depends on how old you are and how much you like to show off your money.

If you are the type of guy that likes to pull out a bankroll every time you pay for something...get the caddy.

If you are a type of guy that wears expensive clothes with the name brand clearly visible so people know you are wearing expensive clothing...get the caddy.

If you wear cologne five days a week...get the caddy.

If you are single...get the caddy.

In those cases, the caddy fits your personality.

But if you are a middle-aged, married, 9-5 working drone with a mortgage, two daughters and dog, why in the hell bother? The caddy does nothing for you. Go with the Altima. That is more of your speed. Plus you have lower insurance, gas and car payments. That's the PRACTICAL car for you, bud.

Meck77 · 03-13-2007, 05:43 PM

Florida_Bronco · 03-13-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

A stick is peppier in the mountains, but an auto is much easier and safer. Cars are now being equipped with 6 speed trannys.

A stick is peppier everywhere. Also, explain to me how a stick is safer?

6 speed trans is nothing new. GM put the Tremec T-56 in F-bodies since 1993and the Corvette in 1992.

watermock · 03-13-2007, 06:00 PM

But now the 6 speed is becoming much more common. Some Lexus has an 8 speed which seems like overkill. Our old Impala had a two speed powerglide.

It will be interesting if that new attempt at a CVT will work out on that new Altima.

03-11-2007, 11:14 PM	#1
BroncoFaith Just Drafted Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 41	Need car advice Hello all, I'm in a position where I'll be needing to acquire a new(to me) vehicle in the next couple of months. I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, and would greatly appreciate any insight you could share with me. Here goes.. 1) a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5SE (safe choice) 2) a 2003 Cadillac STS (fun choice) Both cars have around 50,000 km (30,000 miles) and the sticker price is only a difference of about $2500.(Cadillac is higher, obviously) Any advice, from personal experience or otherwise, would be great. Thanks!

03-13-2007, 05:43 PM	#23
Meck77 Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 16,324	Last edited by Meck77; 03-13-2007 at 05:46 PM..

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03-11-2007, 11:17 PM	#2
ak1971 uhhhh Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,550	buy the Nissan. I have had two Infinitis, and Nissan products (to me) are the best

03-11-2007, 11:33 PM	#3
Sir Mawn Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mexico City Posts: 1,926	I have a 2002 Maxima GLE. Great car, fun to drive, no problems. You can't go wrong with the Caddy either. My father owns one and has no complaints. Very fun to drive as well. Either way you is great, from my experience.

03-11-2007, 11:34 PM	#4
TheDave Sauced... Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 15,120	nissan

03-11-2007, 11:37 PM	#5
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Caddilacs have improved their quality drasically so it depends on if your using the Caddy for public exposure in sales ect. I think they are both good cars, but an Altima is fairly bulletproof. Caddy's had a big problem with electronics but have gotten much better. I would say it depends on if you need a sales/show car or a daily driver.

03-11-2007, 11:51 PM	#6
BroncoFaith Just Drafted Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 41	Thanks for the responses. It will be a sales/show car, as that's what I do, but will also be a daily vehicle. I put on quite a few miles (approx 18000/year) and worry about maintenance. I have owned 2 Nissan's previously, and have been very satisfied. The domestic I owned (Ford Taurus SHO) was great until about 120,000 miles, at which point stuff (expensive) started to go wrong quite often. I guess what I'm wondering is, is a domestic (Cadillac) as reliable as the import, and have they really made progress with the electrical (eek!)

03-11-2007, 11:55 PM	#7
maven ★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆ Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,867	What about a Lexus IS300? Quality used car(toyota). Chicks still dig it(which is very important). And last, quality. 4 doors, stylish with longevity looks. A well built sedan with nice power( 6 cyl.)

03-12-2007, 12:06 AM	#8
69bronco negrodamus of NFL Q's Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 210	i rented a 2007 altima and it was junk. Caddy.

03-12-2007, 12:21 AM	#9
chaz highly touted recruit Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,456 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mr. Bruton	out of those two i'd go nissan....dont really think caddy looks any cooler...im just a college student though so maybe caddy's dont appeal to me b/c im not retired! haha...jk you'll have fun with either, both are very nice.

03-12-2007, 12:55 AM	#10
Rigs11 Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 7,855	Get a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE instead. More HP than the Altima and around the same price.

03-12-2007, 01:02 AM	#11
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	..the two motors are virtually identical in the V6 version. It's just detuned. Second, there are many more Altimas on the used market by far.

03-12-2007, 01:31 AM	#12
liljd307 Just Drafted Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 31	go for the fun...just ask your self "what the hell... why not?"

03-12-2007, 12:53 PM	#14
-Slap- Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 31,895	I'm going to replace my Maxima with another Maxima.

03-13-2007, 05:03 PM	#16
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Hell yes I know about cars. What did I say? Cadillacs have improved dramatically...buy a vowel. I sold cars for 20 years. Now I have an LLC in Arkansas. As far as a 97 rental Altima...that is two full model series old, and you WERE DRIVING A RENTAL CAR...that's almost as bad as driving a salesman's demo. A niece has an Altima and it's been trouble free. One thing I will also mention...while Nissan's and Toyotas, Hondas ect are great used cars, their resale is absurd...your just as well off buying new. A Caddy will depreciate much faster. With all the financing deals and warranty wars, I would actually recommend going new if you need it financed. If you have good non dealer financing, it's also worth just taking a big rebate because of the equity position. Domestics have vastly improved over the last decade but still carry a stigma...there are still some junk out there, but they are constantly whittled down. We use Cummins powered deisels instead of Allison Chevys..tell me why Crazyhorse.

03-13-2007, 05:12 PM	#20
OrangeShadow armed and dangerous Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 6,771	get the caddy, the only nissans id drive would be a 90s skyline or a 350Z

03-13-2007, 05:22 PM	#21
bendog Marginally Continent David Bowens, he'd be an upgrade Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Folsom Prison Posts: 19,935 Adopt-a-Bronco: David Bowens	Shoulda bought the old style maxima instead of the mazda. Had to have a car quick, and the lots were empty of last year maxima's. However, the camry isn't a bad alternative, imo. btw, what's the difference between the camry and the lexis with the same body style? It's the Lexus 300 level, I believe.

03-13-2007, 05:35 PM	#22
GonzoLays Five Tool Poster Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 5,650 Adopt-a-Bronco: #3 DJ	Depends on how old you are and how much you like to show off your money. If you are the type of guy that likes to pull out a bankroll every time you pay for something...get the caddy. If you are a type of guy that wears expensive clothes with the name brand clearly visible so people know you are wearing expensive clothing...get the caddy. If you wear cologne five days a week...get the caddy. If you are single...get the caddy. In those cases, the caddy fits your personality. But if you are a middle-aged, married, 9-5 working drone with a mortgage, two daughters and dog, why in the hell bother? The caddy does nothing for you. Go with the Altima. That is more of your speed. Plus you have lower insurance, gas and car payments. That's the PRACTICAL car for you, bud.

03-13-2007, 06:00 PM	#25
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	But now the 6 speed is becoming much more common. Some Lexus has an 8 speed which seems like overkill. Our old Impala had a two speed powerglide. It will be interesting if that new attempt at a CVT will work out on that new Altima.