- With subtle changes inside and out, the 2012 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S starts again at $32,510.
- The uplevel Maxima 3.5 SV is priced again from $35,210.
- Both models come equipped with a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission.
FRANKLIN, Tennessee — With subtle changes inside and out, the 2012 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S starts again at $32,510, while the 2012 Maxima 3.5 SV is priced again from $35,210. Both prices include a $760 shipping charge, and are unchanged from 2011.
For 2012, Nissan has modestly freshened the Maxima's exterior, with a new grille, taillamps and alloy wheels in 18- and 19-inch diameters. Two new exterior colors, Java Metallic and Dark Slate, are available.
The cabin receives a few small trim changes, but is mostly carried over from 2011.
A new $710 Limited Edition package on the Maxima 3.5 S bundles smoked xenon headlights, a compass in the rearview mirror, 18-inch dark-silver-finish alloy wheels, rear spoiler, dark satin chrome grille, foglamps, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and metallic trim.
Inside Line says: Nissan holds the line on Maxima stickers.
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carsgalore says:
10:05 AM, 12/01/2011
aston_dbs says:
@carsgalore:
I'm curious of what other cars you test drove before you went with the Maxima?
The interior is actually alright..... for a $25k family/sport sedan.
I have had this disussion with many people before and the like or dislike they have towards interiors of cars is based on their preferences. Some like aluminum pieces, some like wood, some like plastic, some don't care. Not a bad thing, just different for everyone. My purchase was not based soley on the interior. It played a part but not the whole part. In my opinion, I could have gone with any of those cars you mentioned, but I did not because there was something about those cars car overall that I did not like enough to buy or something that I just did not want. (no offense to any Acura, Lexus/Toyota owners or fans)
Just so I explain a bit better, my wife and I have been buying "sedans" and trucks/SUV's and even minivans for at least 11 years that I can remmeber and as our kids get older, we are ready for our coupes and in my case a real sports car. (not a sport sedan or any other type of car that mixes car niches). This will be the last "Sport Sedan", "Entry Luxury" or "Altima Big Brother" we will buy, the next move is an Audi A5 convertable for her, and either a GTR or Porsche 911(all used of course, we aint rich by any means!) LOL
carsgalore says:
09:48 AM, 12/01/2011
@aston_dbs says:
I'm curious of what other cars you test drove before you went with the Maxima?
Acura RL, TL, Lexus ES350 and I reluctantly test drove a Camry. Different categories, yes but my issue with all of those cars is the same one you have with the Nissan Maxima. The price range is high for these cars, but the interiors are only going to be but so good for this time in the industry. They are all expensive, no matter who you go with or at least based on your tastes.
@aston_dbs says:
The interior is actually alright..... for a $25k family/sport sedan.
I agree, the car is pricey but I like it compared to the Camry, RL, TL (not the Lexus ES350, it's nicer)-I am curius, which model did you test drive? I have the 2010 SV with Tech Pkg (wood grain, dual panel moon roof, khaki color leather w/ black accents, back up cam, heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel.)
The thigns I do NOT like about my Maxima is the CVT, and it is NOT rear wheel drive (as an entry level luxury car should be)
aston_dbs says:
08:19 AM, 09/01/2011
@carsgalore:
I'm curious of what other cars you test drove before you went with the Maxima?
The interior is actually alright..... for a $25k family/sport sedan.
For $35k (or what somebody mentioned as $40k - Seriously???), it's pretty bad (on par with BMW - Yuck!).
As I mentioned on other thread, the best interiors (NOT for supercars, just regular 'affordable cars') are (IMHO - not in particular order):
- Acura (TL, RL, MDX and ZDX)
- Audi (A5, A6, A7)
- Porsche (New Cayenne, 911... I know... but the used ones are pretty affordable)
Lexus... eh! Infiniti? Pretty much the same for each car...
The closest is TL (RL has SUPER NICE interior - again, IMHO),
So, there you go.
agnh says:
07:30 AM, 09/01/2011
I sold Nissans in the early to mid 1990s and at the time, Maxima was really a great car and very exciting compared to the sea of Accords and Camrys, with Mazda and the Americans not even in competition. For the $15k to $25k price range, it had the character that everyone else lacked.
Eventually Nissan displaced it with the Altima, and now with all the Infinitis, Lexi and whatnot, the Maxima seems to have turned into the ignored stepchild.
carpaul1 says:
02:57 AM, 09/01/2011
CVT must go. I hate that transmission, it has no place in a luxury car, unless it is a full on hybrid luxury
wjtinatl says:
10:03 PM, 08/31/2011
MSRP on Maxima is outrageous, over 40k for SV (leather) with Sport Pkg. In Atlanta however, discounts are everywhere, dealers routinely advertise 8k off Maxima's. Still about 3k more than a V6 Accord EX-L, I'm not sure the Maxima is even 3k nicer than the Honda.
ant14 says:
07:57 PM, 08/31/2011
Maxima lost it's Mojo back in early 2000...The Altima is more Maxima, than Maxima and at $35K, its treading on territory which is honestly more engaging and exciting.
garrym says:
07:49 PM, 08/31/2011
Once upon a time I liked the Maxima. Just the right size, a decent V6 and very comfortable. Now, too big, too bland, probably still comfortable though.
I can think of other cars in this price class which would just as comfortable, better performing and styling that would alwasys make me look back at the car for one more glance before locking the garage.
carsgalore says:
06:33 PM, 08/31/2011
@aston_dbs
...the interior is pretty nice to me, in all honestly most of the car makers in the entry-level market are making their interiors pretty much in the same fashion, either wood grain or brushed aluminum and two toned leather and plastics.
carsgalore says:
06:31 PM, 08/31/2011
@aston_dbs says:
I never pay attention to Maxima before, but wow...
$35k... (with THAT interior) AND with CVT?!
Is Nissan's CVT really that good? Nissan put them almost in every line!
And for approx. $35k Sport Sedan, I'd shell out a few grand more to take the base TL (or slightly used SH-AWD).
MUCH better interior and have a proper 5 (Now 2012 - 6) Speed gear.
I am an owner of the 2010 Max and we love it. I agree, I do NOT like the CVT for performance, but it does fairly good for a CVT. Ii am sure no one out there does a CVT as good. Nissan should have given this car a true 6 or 7 speed, and returned the Maxima to a rear wheel drive car (1981 or so).