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Should I get 97 5-speed?

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Old 11-24-2014, 09:15 PM
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Should I get 97 5-speed?

Hi guys, I have an auto 97 thats in pretty decent condition (except for radiator support of course.) Ive changed out alot of parts and have done some work on it myself. Today I was looking at a dealers website that is close to home and noticed a 5-speed 97 GXE w/130,000 mi on it listed for around 5000. Im thinking I can knock them down a lot cheaper than that but before I go to look at it I thought I should consult with the all knowing ORG. So I guess what i'm asking is, as long as its at least maintained like my current maxima, would it be worth buying?

Last edited by The Wizard; 11-24-2014 at 11:03 PM.
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Old 11-24-2014, 10:02 PM
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Do what you want.

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Old 11-24-2014, 10:07 PM
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who da f8k would buy a 4th gen for $5,000.00
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Old 11-24-2014, 11:00 PM
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Why not look at craigslist or the classifieds right here? $5000 for a GXE is nuts. Should be around 1500 to 2000 in great shape. For a fully loaded GLE or I30 with low mileage, in i-m-m-a-c-u-l-a-t-e condition, like this one, then yeah 5000;

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Old 11-24-2014, 11:06 PM
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pics?

IMO, it's not worth more than $2,000 to $2,500 tops

Plus, GXE are bare bones...I'd shoot for a fully loaded SE personally.
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Old 11-25-2014, 01:53 AM
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I have a very busy work schedule so I have not been able to check it out yet but will post pics as soon as I can. I have my own negotiotion methods for obtaining the 5-speed for 2000-2500. It will not sell where I live, so I know I can get it for that price, its just a matter of time. My main question to all of those that own a manual, is whether it is worth switching to a 5-speed in terms of reliability/fun?

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Old 11-25-2014, 01:58 AM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
I have my own negotiotion methods for obtaining the 5-speed for 2000-2500. I know i can get it for that price its just a matter of time. My main question to all of those that own a manual, is whether it is worth switching to a 5-speed in terms of reliability/fun?
Depends on who you ask. I have both auto and 5speed Maximas. The 5spd is more fun, and definitely quicker.
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Old 11-25-2014, 02:19 AM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
I have a very busy work schedule so I have not been able to check it out yet but will post pics as soon as I can. I have my own negotiotion methods for obtaining the 5-speed for 2000-2500. I know i can get it for that price its just a matter of time. My main question to all of those that own a manual, is whether it is worth switching to a 5-speed in terms of reliability/fun?
That should really be a question only you can answer. MT maximas are quite a bit more fun than the autos. Reliability depends on how the previous owner took care of it. For example I've owned 2 MT maximas. On my 1st car the clutch got replaced at 150K miles, and on my I30 now the clutch lasted to 200K miles. In each case, simply replacing the main parts, clutch, throw-out bearing, pressure plate, slave cylinder (not necessary but I do it anyway) brought my car back to good as new performance.
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Old 11-25-2014, 05:58 AM
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Around here, if you can find one, 5-speeds go for roughly $700 more than automatics.
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Old 11-25-2014, 09:52 AM
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You should find time to do a 5 speed conversion and just fix the rad support you'll be a lot happier this way
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Old 11-25-2014, 01:44 PM
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i LOVE my 97 5 spd

would recommend it to anyone

but then agian i only paid $1800 for it
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Old 11-25-2014, 10:43 PM
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Originally Posted by TurboA32
You should find time to do a 5 speed conversion and just fix the rad support you'll be a lot happier this way
i would defintatley do that, but i dont have the time (working about 70hours/week) and even if i did, my max is so rusty on rad support and undercarriage, id have to junk it about 3 or 4 years from now.
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Old 11-27-2014, 11:30 PM
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So yesterday morning I went to my scheduled appointment at a chevrolet dealership to see the maxima. When I arrived and inquired about the car, the head manager told me that it was not a manual but an auto, and that they had just sold it the night before. I was very confused as the ad I was looking at, had (and still does) 5-speed written all over it. Not to mention I talked to an associate in charge of online ads who confirmed that it was a 5-speed w/130,000 mi, set up my appointment and later shook her hand upon arrival. The manager didn't check any computer systems or do a visual check for the listed maxima, but insisted that they only have one manual that it isnt a maxima and had just auctioned off. He then proceeded to try and hire me as a car salesman which I immediatley turned down because I didnt go there for a ****ing job. I am very sad as the this maxima was 10 mins away from my house and the nearest decent-looking 5-speed is 1h 45mins away (craigslist)

Am I going crazy or does this ad not have 5-speed written all over it?
link to ad: http://billjacobschevrolet.com/UsedC...r=1997&Index=0

Last edited by bumpypickle; 11-27-2014 at 11:36 PM.
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Old 11-28-2014, 12:41 AM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
So yesterday morning I went to my scheduled appointment at a chevrolet dealership to see the maxima. When I arrived and inquired about the car, the head manager told me that it was not a manual but an auto, and that they had just sold it the night before. I was very confused as the ad I was looking at, had (and still does) 5-speed written all over it. Not to mention I talked to an associate in charge of online ads who confirmed that it was a 5-speed w/130,000 mi, set up my appointment and later shook her hand upon arrival. The manager didn't check any computer systems or do a visual check for the listed maxima, but insisted that they only have one manual that it isnt a maxima and had just auctioned off. He then proceeded to try and hire me as a car salesman which I immediatley turned down because I didnt go there for a ****ing job. I am very sad as the this maxima was 10 mins away from my house and the nearest decent-looking 5-speed is 1h 45mins away (craigslist)

Am I going crazy or does this ad not have 5-speed written all over it?
link to ad: http://billjacobschevrolet.com/UsedC...r=1997&Index=0
Unfortunately that's salespeople for you. Next one you come across, after speaking to the salesman, speak to the manager for verification before you head down to the dealer.
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Old 11-28-2014, 08:14 AM
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Ad says 5 speed transmission with overdrive.

Sorry man.
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Old 11-28-2014, 08:47 AM
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Sorry to hear about the bad Chevy dealer experience.

Now here's a Georgia Peach to consider in the link below.

This car would sell for the same price in my area. If this is a GA car, it may not have spec of rust.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/cto/4771546351.html

If I was in the ATL area, I would buy it just to hold it for some club member who needs a SE 5MT.
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Old 11-28-2014, 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by CS_AR
Sorry to hear about the bad Chevy dealer experience.

Now here's a Georgia Peach to consider in the link below.

This car would sell for the same price in my area. If this is a GA car, it may not have spec of rust.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/cto/4771546351.html

If I was in the ATL area, I would buy it just to hold it for some club member who needs a SE 5MT.
Isn't that kind of high price wise?
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Old 11-28-2014, 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by george__

Isn't that kind of high price wise?
For the Mileage, i would say no if it's in good condition

I bought my 97 se 5mt in Atlanta with about 170k with faded bumpers and other cosmetic problems along with needing a clutch for $1800 but list price was $2300

Last edited by Daniel VQ30life; 11-28-2014 at 02:36 PM.
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Old 11-28-2014, 11:58 PM
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Ive seen this gem for about the past 3 months. Just got reposted 4 days ago. Going to try and pick it up for 2000-2200. Although his asking price isn't too bad, im just gonna point out the radiator support, among other faults, to knock the price down.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4777432287.html

Last edited by The Wizard; 11-29-2014 at 02:44 AM.
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Old 11-29-2014, 07:01 AM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
Ive seen this gem for about the past 3 months. Just got reposted 4 days ago. Going to try and pick it up for 2000-2200. Although his asking price isn't too bad, im just gonna point out the radiator support, among other faults, to knock the price down.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4777432287.html
It sure looks like a sweet one. I hope it works out.
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Old 11-29-2014, 12:19 PM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
Ive seen this gem for about the past 3 months. Just got reposted 4 days ago. Going to try and pick it up for 2000-2200. Although his asking price isn't too bad, im just gonna point out the radiator support, among other faults, to knock the price down.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4777432287.html
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Old 11-29-2014, 09:05 PM
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^

We both agreed on 2250 as long as the car is in decent/good condition. 2000 if shes rusty. Am going out this tuesday/wednesday to look/drive it.
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Old 11-29-2014, 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
^

We both agreed on 2250 as long as the car is in decent/good condition. 2000 if shes rusty. Am going out this tuesday/wednesday to look/drive it.
Here's hoping it works out. It sure looks good.
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Old 12-05-2014, 03:40 AM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
^

We both agreed on 2250 as long as the car is in decent/good condition. 2000 if shes rusty. Am going out this tuesday/wednesday to look/drive it.

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Old 12-24-2014, 03:54 AM
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Just picked up a fully loaded 5 speed se last night for $1400 with 107,000 mi

Little rough on the outside, but not much rust, rad support is good. Interior is good for the most part, just need to detail it myself. Ill post pictures when theres more day light.

Currently debating on whether to keep my auto as a parts car, or just sell it...hm...

Last edited by bumpypickle; 12-24-2014 at 05:07 AM.
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Old 12-24-2014, 06:27 AM
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Know thats a good buy congrats
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Old 12-24-2014, 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
just picked up a fully loaded 5 speed se last night for $1400 with 107,000 mi

little rough on the outside, but not much rust, rad support is good. Interior is good for the most part, just need to detail it myself. Ill post pictures when theres more day light.

Currently debating on whether to keep my auto as a parts car, or just sell it...hm...

Last edited by CS_AR; 12-24-2014 at 07:58 AM.
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Old 12-24-2014, 02:58 PM
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Pics or it didn't happen.
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Old 12-25-2014, 02:11 PM
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Old 12-25-2014, 02:18 PM
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Old 12-25-2014, 02:20 PM
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Shes a little beat up and uncared for, but ill show her some love

In comparison to my gxe's audio, the bose sound system sounds phenominal! I'm very impressed.

Last edited by bumpypickle; 12-25-2014 at 02:23 PM.
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Old 12-25-2014, 03:44 PM
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not bad for its price and its miles, but dam its going to need alooot of work for the exterior.
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Old 12-25-2014, 05:31 PM
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Yeah im planning on changing out the bumpers and side fenders with same color coded ones i find at junkyards in time
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Old 12-25-2014, 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle
Just picked up a fully loaded 5 speed se last night for $1400 with 107,000 mi

Little rough on the outside, but not much rust, rad support is good. Interior is good for the most part, just need to detail it myself. Ill post pictures when theres more day light.

Currently debating on whether to keep my auto as a parts car, or just sell it...hm...
Just a little rough? not much rust? Yikes. You have your work cut out for you (pun intended). Hope you fix her up and enjoy it.
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Old 12-25-2014, 06:58 PM
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get rid of it
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Old 12-25-2014, 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by george__
get rid of it
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Old 12-25-2014, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by george__
get rid of it


Originally Posted by The Wizard
not much rust? Yikes.
In areas where it matters most (rad) It is alot better, and I feel alot safer putting my 1 year-old son inside of it. Ill post pictures comparing the rad supports when I get off work.

Last edited by bumpypickle; 12-25-2014 at 09:01 PM.
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Old 12-25-2014, 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by bumpypickle




In areas where it matters most (rad) It is alot better, and I feel alot safer putting my 1 year-old son inside of it. Ill post pictures comparing the rad supports when I get off work.
hey, at least it's not a honduh!!!
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Old 12-26-2014, 02:07 AM
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What's up with that exhaust?
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Old 12-26-2014, 03:10 AM
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Originally Posted by The Wizard
What's up with that exhaust?
yes its a little ****ed lol im just gonna put a stock muffler on w/warpspeed y pipe.
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