I'm a nissan fanatic, but a car guy at best(I like all cars). I used to own a 2000 maxima. Always wanted an 02/03 maxima 6-speed for practicality and performance. 02/03 6-speeds are the fastest maximas ever made even though they don't have as much horsepower as the new maxi's. Don't underestimate the vq35. They have a ton of torque throughout the powerband