tbird2340

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!

MadMax07SL

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?

the macedonian

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.

MadMax07SL

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...

Rsprince89

Buy the 04 SE if you want a great buy for the price. Buy the 06 if you want that Mercedes Benz feel. Ether way they will last you a very very very long time. These cars are solid

6.5affiliate

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.

eugrub

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I bought my car 2005 maxima 27k miles for only $13k

RAZ76

iTrader: (8)

I totally agree and that was my suggestion also.

MaxPrime

+5

tbird2340

Thanks for all the replies! No, I haven't driven either yet as they are both about 1 hour away and I need to get out there..

tbird2340

2004 Maxima - They just got it in so no pictures yet..

2006 Maxima

6.5affiliate

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.

Kryogen

Personally I wanted full equip (SE driver preferred package), so I got a 04 SE full equip with 30K miles (3 years ago).

CXJ Performance

iTrader: (3)

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

mitrals

iTrader: (1)

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

MadMax07SL

mitrals

iTrader: (1)

Carfax account

MadMax07SL

You'd make a good friend to have, like a dude that owns a fulls sized pickup truck....

mitrals

iTrader: (1)

And someone that keeps nagging when he sees bad financial decisions :P

MadMax07SL

Cash is King baby!

Costee

I find that 04 intriguing: low miles, yet two owners (were these owners two old dames?). No maintenance history no doubt reflects minimal usage. But for a 7-year old car such lack of use could have rusty effects on metal components underneath the car, and in which case all these would become manifest once the car is run more regularly. Of course, more $$$ will be needed to change parts. But then some may argue that all this is conjectural.
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.

mitrals

iTrader: (1)

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

CXJ Performance

iTrader: (3)

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

tbird2340

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?

mitrals

iTrader: (1)

I got my 6 speed for sale, shade over 100K for 9K, all options you can think of . Can meet you at Buffalo or Detroit border

tbird2340

Ha! Would think of it if not for the miles.

tbird2340

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?

MadMax07SL

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.

.

04vqmaxsl

Carfax reports leasee's that buy their car after lease termination as a 2 owner car. If the first owner leased it, chances are if they bought it, they are the "second" owner.

MadMaxx11225

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

tbird2340

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?

tbird2340

Here's a nice looking 05 with 53K miles for $13,500..

tbird2340

Do the 04's AND 05's have the transmission problems or just the 04? Has it been ironed out in the 06's?

6.5affiliate

If everything checks out than you should DEFINITELY get that. It's a real good price. As for the Mazda, they aren't that quick IMO

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.

tbird2340

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!

mitrals

iTrader: (1)

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

Costee

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.

tbird2340

Sum*****.. Thanks for checking..

Can you tell me if it was the first or second owner? Was the first owner a private party?

tbird2340

Got another on the radar.. Anyone be able to do a carfax/autocheck for me please?

1N4BA41E18C810132

2008 SE - $16,800 - 35K Miles

mitrals

iTrader: (1)

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 auction