Looking at Maximas.. How many miles is too high??
#1
Looking at Maximas.. How many miles is too high??
I'm looking at an 06 SL with 60,000 miles or an 04 SE with 24,000 miles..
The 06 is $15K (Private Party) and the 04 is $13K (Dealer). I haven't tried talking either down yet..
The SL is obviously a lot nicer but it has an assload more miles.. I've never bought a car with over 30K miles and never owned a car with over 60K miles..
How scared should I be of buying the SL with 60K? I plan on this being a long term car for me so don't want it dying anytime soon.
Thanks for the advice!
The 06 is $15K (Private Party) and the 04 is $13K (Dealer). I haven't tried talking either down yet..
The SL is obviously a lot nicer but it has an assload more miles.. I've never bought a car with over 30K miles and never owned a car with over 60K miles..
How scared should I be of buying the SL with 60K? I plan on this being a long term car for me so don't want it dying anytime soon.
Thanks for the advice!
#2
Wow, 04, only 24k...if it was garage kept it's a gem. Of course, if it didn't have many comparable features with the SL, leather, sliding sunroof, electric seats, heated seats, HID, all that jazz, then it's going to feel like an entry level car.
60,000 seems like a lot for $15000, but it's not a lot of miles for these cars. Of course that price should come down some for both of them. Note too that the one at the dealer will cost more out the door because you're dealing with dealer fees, full tax and what not. Best thing to do is get an out the door price for the dealer car, then negotiate with the private seller, at least you know what the bottom line is. Note that you will have to pay tax on the private car, I think that's done when you go to register the car in your name. Could always have a receipt with an "adjusted" price on it, signed by the previous owner that could help you lower your tax burden. It's fraud, but people do it all the time.
Have you seen both cars yet?
60,000 seems like a lot for $15000, but it's not a lot of miles for these cars. Of course that price should come down some for both of them. Note too that the one at the dealer will cost more out the door because you're dealing with dealer fees, full tax and what not. Best thing to do is get an out the door price for the dealer car, then negotiate with the private seller, at least you know what the bottom line is. Note that you will have to pay tax on the private car, I think that's done when you go to register the car in your name. Could always have a receipt with an "adjusted" price on it, signed by the previous owner that could help you lower your tax burden. It's fraud, but people do it all the time.
Have you seen both cars yet?
#3
I agree with MadMax on the 04 SE, if it was kept indoors it's a great find man!!
I have one with the driver preferred package and LOVE it!
Either way you will be happy - I have had this car since 06 and have had 0 issues except for the minor fixes.
I have one with the driver preferred package and LOVE it!
Either way you will be happy - I have had this car since 06 and have had 0 issues except for the minor fixes.
#4
That's the thing, if you look at all the exterior plastic, headlights, trim, tails, you can tell right away if this car was kept inside. The paint may show some signs too, but detail buff can make that paint look new, plastic don't lie. If it turns out everything is in mint shape...all I can say is yeah baby...
#6
Personally, I would go with the 06 for the simple fact that the 04's are prone to transmission problems.
BUT, is it a 5-speed auto or 6 spd? If it's a 6 spd than you should be good. Not a lot of people that I have read on these forums has had trans issues with that.
BUT, is it a 5-speed auto or 6 spd? If it's a 6 spd than you should be good. Not a lot of people that I have read on these forums has had trans issues with that.
#8
Personally, I would go with the 06 for the simple fact that the 04's are prone to transmission problems.
BUT, is it a 5-speed auto or 6 spd? If it's a 6 spd than you should be good. Not a lot of people that I have read on these forums has had trans issues with that.
BUT, is it a 5-speed auto or 6 spd? If it's a 6 spd than you should be good. Not a lot of people that I have read on these forums has had trans issues with that.
#9
Personally, I would go with the 06 for the simple fact that the 04's are prone to transmission problems.
BUT, is it a 5-speed auto or 6 spd? If it's a 6 spd than you should be good. Not a lot of people that I have read on these forums has had trans issues with that.
BUT, is it a 5-speed auto or 6 spd? If it's a 6 spd than you should be good. Not a lot of people that I have read on these forums has had trans issues with that.
#11
#12
Yeah, since they're both automatic. I would check out the 2006 and make sure that everything is ok with it. Definitely get the CarFax that's on the site.
Even though it has 59k on it. If it's been well taken care of with no issues. Than most engines go until 250k. Also, the mileage is still pretty low for a 2006.
I'm sure others are gonna give their opinions on this too. Anyways, you got time. Just don't rush it. Who knows, you might find a better deal with less mileage, fully loaded, and a 6-spd.
Even though it has 59k on it. If it's been well taken care of with no issues. Than most engines go until 250k. Also, the mileage is still pretty low for a 2006.
I'm sure others are gonna give their opinions on this too. Anyways, you got time. Just don't rush it. Who knows, you might find a better deal with less mileage, fully loaded, and a 6-spd.
Last edited by 6.5affiliate; 07-21-2011 at 09:49 PM.
#14
04 - timing chain issues - trans valve body issues
06 - timing chain issues fixed - upgrade trans valve body. no more issues
timing chain fix by dealer $2,500
trans replacement $2,000
talk the 06 down to $14,000 and ride away no real worries
04. its not if the problems are going to happen. its WHEN are they going to happen.
ive been on the forums well over 5 years and ive seen more 04 problems than anything else
06 - timing chain issues fixed - upgrade trans valve body. no more issues
timing chain fix by dealer $2,500
trans replacement $2,000
talk the 06 down to $14,000 and ride away no real worries
04. its not if the problems are going to happen. its WHEN are they going to happen.
ive been on the forums well over 5 years and ive seen more 04 problems than anything else
#15
The 06 has an accident reported to Carfax on 8/31/2009:
08/31/2009 Pennsylvania
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving right rear impact
Involving right side impact
Vehicle struck by another motor vehicle
Vehicle disabled
Vehicle towed
The 04 has 2 owners no accidents no maintainence history
Hope this info helps
08/31/2009 Pennsylvania
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving right rear impact
Involving right side impact
Vehicle struck by another motor vehicle
Vehicle disabled
Vehicle towed
The 04 has 2 owners no accidents no maintainence history
Hope this info helps
#16
The 06 has an accident reported to Carfax on 8/31/2009:
08/31/2009 Pennsylvania
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving right rear impact
Involving right side impact
Vehicle struck by another motor vehicle
Vehicle disabled
Vehicle towed
The 04 has 2 owners no accidents no maintainence history
Hope this info helps
08/31/2009 Pennsylvania
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving right rear impact
Involving right side impact
Vehicle struck by another motor vehicle
Vehicle disabled
Vehicle towed
The 04 has 2 owners no accidents no maintainence history
Hope this info helps
#21
The 06 has an accident reported to Carfax on 8/31/2009:
08/31/2009 Pennsylvania
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving right rear impact
Involving right side impact
Vehicle struck by another motor vehicle
Vehicle disabled
Vehicle towed
The 04 has 2 owners no accidents no maintainence history
Hope this info helps
08/31/2009 Pennsylvania
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving right rear impact
Involving right side impact
Vehicle struck by another motor vehicle
Vehicle disabled
Vehicle towed
The 04 has 2 owners no accidents no maintainence history
Hope this info helps
As for the 06, it was involved in an accident some two years back; but it seems not so serious for it has since been used thereafter.
If you ask me Op just has to inspect and test drive the cars to make his choice.
I don't think the suggestion is true that the 04 is more prone to problems. I have an 06 and I've only recently changed the VB. The tranny of the 6th gen is just fundamentally faulty. If it seemed that we have more problems with the 04, it is because it's the oldest, the older the 6th gen becomes the more prone it is to problems.
Last edited by Costee; 07-22-2011 at 11:59 AM.
#22
Costee: It can be repaired right and have many useful years but the paint work is very important. Even with the low res pictures it is very obvious that the car has seen paint on Right rear door and maybe trunk/bumper. Over a period of time that paint becomes very obvious and an eye sore. I have an eye for such things
#23
its real easy to fudge mileage on these cars cause of the speedo.
hence the low low miles. the 04 is either a gem with no problems for 60k additional miles or black death. the only 04's i see are pound for pound are the 6 speed manual's. then you have a great buy , but the 5 speed autos are not great. hell the 4 speeds are better with less issues
my faith still lies on the 06 or trying to find another 05 06 07 08 but stay clear of the 04's if you can. god knows i wish i know what i know now and its a future lesson to join a forum to get a great deal of info before my next car purchase
hence the low low miles. the 04 is either a gem with no problems for 60k additional miles or black death. the only 04's i see are pound for pound are the 6 speed manual's. then you have a great buy , but the 5 speed autos are not great. hell the 4 speeds are better with less issues
my faith still lies on the 06 or trying to find another 05 06 07 08 but stay clear of the 04's if you can. god knows i wish i know what i know now and its a future lesson to join a forum to get a great deal of info before my next car purchase
Last edited by CXJ Performance; 07-22-2011 at 03:09 PM.
#24
Mitrals, thanks much! That is great to get the Carfax on the 06!
Thanks again for all the replies.. I currently own an 05 Dodge Ram (not like my sig says) and I'm a member of a very active Ram forum.. It pays in spades to have such valuable info from owners..
I def have time as I have to sell my other car (Dodge Nitro) first and it's not even for sale yet, officially..
I would LOVE a 6 speed but as you can see, the pickings are slim around my area.. I'm not looking to spend but $13-$14K and I would like lower miles if possible (under 60 fo sho)..
What are the chances I would get such a Maxima for that price?
Thanks again for all the replies.. I currently own an 05 Dodge Ram (not like my sig says) and I'm a member of a very active Ram forum.. It pays in spades to have such valuable info from owners..
I def have time as I have to sell my other car (Dodge Nitro) first and it's not even for sale yet, officially..
I would LOVE a 6 speed but as you can see, the pickings are slim around my area.. I'm not looking to spend but $13-$14K and I would like lower miles if possible (under 60 fo sho)..
What are the chances I would get such a Maxima for that price?
#27
Here's an 06 with 53K miles for $15K..
I dunno though.. The one wheel shot looks like there is scratches all over the wheel and the caliper looks SUPER rusty.. What do you guys think?
I dunno though.. The one wheel shot looks like there is scratches all over the wheel and the caliper looks SUPER rusty.. What do you guys think?
#28
Wheels can be replaced, and it's a negotiation point to get the price down.
Look closely at the rust on the caliper when you go see the car, they typically have a bit of surface rust, so that's normal. Nothing a quick cleanup and carefully aimed shots of paint can't cure...But if you seen under the car there's extensive rust in other places, then I'd be concerned.
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Look closely at the rust on the caliper when you go see the car, they typically have a bit of surface rust, so that's normal. Nothing a quick cleanup and carefully aimed shots of paint can't cure...But if you seen under the car there's extensive rust in other places, then I'd be concerned.
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#30
ok, i hear alot of ppl ****ting on the 04 i own a 04 and am happy with my purchase, yes my tranny just started slipping, but only when its cold, but nevertheless i love my car cause its a awesome car, despite all the problems we might have with our 6th gens we can say this, we get our moneys worth, well most of us do remember nothing is perfect and even with the problems, these car still MOVES!!
my wife and i came from, Pontiac Grand Prix ----> Daewoo Leganza -----> 04 Max (Now)
and i could say this i love our car, inside out, there is some problems that needs to be fixed, but you will never find a car with no problem unless its new, and even then, there is stupid errors that are made sometimes by the manufacturer that dont own up to them, so if you go to buy a car bro, buy the car you know you would love, inside and out even with her flaws.
FYI i just changed my 2 front struts on my 04 next am looking to change the right axle and 4 new tires on it, with wheel alignment and balance, remember your dealing with a machine, she needs good care to keep running
my wife and i came from, Pontiac Grand Prix ----> Daewoo Leganza -----> 04 Max (Now)
and i could say this i love our car, inside out, there is some problems that needs to be fixed, but you will never find a car with no problem unless its new, and even then, there is stupid errors that are made sometimes by the manufacturer that dont own up to them, so if you go to buy a car bro, buy the car you know you would love, inside and out even with her flaws.
FYI i just changed my 2 front struts on my 04 next am looking to change the right axle and 4 new tires on it, with wheel alignment and balance, remember your dealing with a machine, she needs good care to keep running
#31
The 06 SL with 60K that is a private owner said she'd take $14K with no fussing.. I still have to go look at it but just wanted to throw that out there...
Also, anyone ever drive a Mazda3s Sport? How quick are those?
Also, anyone ever drive a Mazda3s Sport? How quick are those?
#32
Here's a nice looking 05 with 53K miles for $13,500..
#34
Yeah, it's generally the 04 and 05's which is the reason why there's a transmission lawsuit thread on here. Also, this is primarily why they changed over to a CVT transmission on the newer maximas.
#35
Still looking!
I came across this 08 with 44K Miles for $15K. That's a great price, no?
Anyone have a Carfax by chance? VIN = 1N4BA41E08C828606
Thanks!
I came across this 08 with 44K Miles for $15K. That's a great price, no?
Anyone have a Carfax by chance? VIN = 1N4BA41E08C828606
Thanks!
#36
Tbird: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news again, 2 accidents:
02/13/2009 Ohio
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving rear center impact
It hit a motor vehicle
Rear center primarily damaged
Airbags did not deploy
12/25/2009 Ohio
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving left rear impact
It hit a moveable object
Left rear primarily damaged
Airbags did not deploy
02/13/2009 Ohio
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving rear center impact
It hit a motor vehicle
Rear center primarily damaged
Airbags did not deploy
12/25/2009 Ohio
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving left rear impact
It hit a moveable object
Left rear primarily damaged
Airbags did not deploy
#37
Actually, the 06 tranny is no better. Incidentally, it's the 04 SL with 4-speed auto that does not have tranny problems. It's the same tranny that is fitted in the 5.5 gen,the RE4F0B. As is well known the 5-speed tranny is RE5F22A.
#38
Tbird: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news again, 2 accidents:
02/13/2009 Ohio
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving rear center impact
It hit a motor vehicle
Rear center primarily damaged
Airbags did not deploy
12/25/2009 Ohio
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving left rear impact
It hit a moveable object
Left rear primarily damaged
Airbags did not deploy
02/13/2009 Ohio
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving rear center impact
It hit a motor vehicle
Rear center primarily damaged
Airbags did not deploy
12/25/2009 Ohio
Damage Report Accident reported
Involving left rear impact
It hit a moveable object
Left rear primarily damaged
Airbags did not deploy
Can you tell me if it was the first or second owner? Was the first owner a private party?
#39
Got another on the radar.. Anyone be able to do a carfax/autocheck for me please?
1N4BA41E18C810132
2008 SE - $16,800 - 35K Miles
1N4BA41E18C810132
2008 SE - $16,800 - 35K Miles
#40
Man how do you find cars with damage!
04/27/2011 Seller Disclosure
New Jersey
Structural / frame damage disclosed by seller
based on results of a visual inspection
Listed as a fleet vehicle
Sold at auctionNew Jersey
Structural / frame damage disclosed by seller
based on results of a visual inspection
Listed as a fleet vehicle