I'm looking for some advice here. I don't own a maxima, but I found a nice 91 SE that I've been looking at and I was looking for some opinions on it. It is a 5sp manual, leather, Pearl white, sunroof, 93000 miles. They are asking almost $7000. I know that is more than blue book, but is it worth it or should I talk the guy down? I guess the main questions I had were about reliability and such. I've read alot here about problems with the auto tranny, but what about the manual? Do you guys have problems with them? I'm not really interested in modifying it, but I am looking for a second "family" car that will be fun. I just don't want to buy the car and have something major break on me. Right now I drive a 85 Toyota Cressida with 235,000 miles on it and no serious work, so I enjoy reliable cars. What do you guys think?

BTW, I've decided that whatever car I get will be a maxima.

 

They typical problems with this car are: broken exhaust studs, window regulators. Other potential, big ticket items: timing belt (should have been replaced @ 60k miles) and struts. Then there are a host of other things that may need attending to:
coolant - was it every flushed? If not $$$ in the future.
brakes, tires, accessory drive belts, vacuume hoses, tune up, etc. Lots of little things probably aren't right after 10 years. Most owners just do enough maintenance to keep a vehicle running, at the lowest cost, by this point.
Test drive it and have it looked at by someone who is familiar with these cars. $7,000 sounds about $1,500 high.

 

These cars will last a very long time, as long as you take care of it, as you probably already know.

These engines will last forever. I fully expect to get at least 200,000mi out of mine. Ive got 140,000 mi on it already and it still runs very strong. BTW, I paid $4000 for mine. The dealer was asking $6500 but we offered $4000 in cash and they couldnt refuse. Cash speaks very loudly.

I would talk him down a bit though. Also-these brothers (twins) at my work have a '92 or '93 SE - fully loaded but no leather. They paid $10,000! It is in mint condition though. Its got really low miles as well.

 

Bring it around my house. I'll give it a good inspection.
Free of charge!

 

The price depends on the area... for most areas that sounds kind of high, but for certain major metros, especially in no salt states... like the SF bay area for instance, it might be reasonable.

 

heh even for the bay area thats waaay too much money.. you should be paying 5000-5500 at most... i got my 90 for 4400 in awesome condition, one owner abotu 6 months ago.. you can find a better deal...

 

Oh yeah, I suppose for the 91 that is still a bit much, even for the bay area. I was thinking 92 (VE30DE).

 

J Blanch

Just bargain with the person......that's a lot. Good luck.

 

I appriciate the responses, and I know what to look for now. The car is in Lincoln, NE so I don't think that qualifies for a price premium. And as far as price goes, 5500 sounds to match better with the other prices I've seen around. Again, thanks for all the info.

 

I bought mine for $4200 BUT it needed the maintenance that brubenstein mentioned. Also, take a very hard look at the body. Some things are easy to miss. ex - my car has scratches on one of the passenger windows and some dings around the sunroof and hood. I didn't notice this until after I bought it.

 

Lincoln huh? Just a stones throw away from where I am, Omaha. When I was looking for a car, a dealership, Beardmore, I think, In Bellvue was askin $10,000 for a '92 SE (no leather).

 

I think that thats a bit high. I paid $3500 + 1 beat to hell integra (90 GS 4door) 157k miles bad engine bad auto trans. bad exhaust, dented up all over(approx. trade value $2100) for~~

my 92 VE with 120K miles

Thats in the Seattle area

 

When did you buy your Max and how many miles did it have?
Was it totally stock?

I paid $3750 for mine.

 

I just bought a 92 GXE for $3000....here is the picture:

 

by the way it has leather and 138,000 miles...here is the inside:

 

92 SE with 84K on it. paid 4200 and it has EVERYTHING offered on the max except the adjustable suspension that i've never even seen.