I've owned my '91 Maxima SE for about 9 years, and have been very pleased
with it most of the time (except the Bose setup and the damn window reg
units).  It's got 180K+ on the odo, and just needs to be replaced.  I need
something more reliable/dependable for work and travel.  I'll be driving in
snow, so I considered several AWD mini-utes as well as FWD cars.  I plan on
keeping this next car for just as long, so I am obviously not considering
any American cars.

So, I looked at many used (new to me) cars. They generally fall into 2
categories.

Not nearly enough leg room (I'm 6'1" and about 220):

   Honda - Accord, CR-V
   Toyota - Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Matrix (too small anyway)
   Subaru - Outback, Impreza, Legacy

Too expensive to buy - Too expensive to maintain

   Audi - A4, A6 - poor reliability
   BMW - 325xi, 330xi
   VW - Passat 4Motion - see Audi
   Subaru - Forester ('03 and up has the room, but generally too pricey)

I then started looking at / thinking about another Nissan.  The newer
Maximas are far too unattractive to consider, but I really like the new
Altimas ('02 and up).  I haven't driven one yet (will be today).

Which brings me to my questions.

Has anyone owned both the new Altima and an older (3rd or 4th Gen) Maxima?
How would you compare the two?

How does the 4-cylinder Altima compare to either of these cars?  It has more
HP and torque than my V6 3rd Gen, so I'm definitely considering it (plus, in
case you haven't noticed, gas prices aren't exactly stable these days).  I'd
like the V6 Altima, but not sure I can justify it.

The 3rd Gen Max and the Altima have indy suspensions, the 4th Gen Max has a
solid rear axle.  Any obvious handling differences between these cars?

I'd also appreciate any comments new Altima owners have about their car.

Thanks,

Bill G
'91 SE Auto