Hey 3rd Geners,

I'm currently looking for my first car, and I started to look into the older Maximas. And to be honest, I like the look of the 3rd Generation Maxima compared to the 4/5/6 generation.

On CL, i found a 3rd Gen Maxima w/ almost everything powered, 104k Miles, 3.0L v6 SOHC for $2500.
But i was thinking of offering something a bit lower.

Should I go for it, or possibly find something else?

 

2500 isn't bad at all. I'm sure you could get away with offering less. With only a little over 100k miles it will still have plenty of life and I would doubt you could find another one with that many miles. Shoot if I lived near you, I would buy it. Mine had 180k and a bunch of crap wrong with it and I paid 1200 for it

 

Thanks. I'll hit the guy up with an offer.
And that sucks

 

i got mine at $2000, with 53k miles... i love it compared to the new maximas.

 

Oh wow nice deal there.

My friend was telling me that I could do better for a car around that price range. So I'm a little hesitant with what to do, lol

 

id go for it, i think i paid $1700ish for mine years ago with 380k on it and it was a awesome first car

 

That sounds like a good deal because of the low miles. At this point, finding a 3rd gen (or probably even a 4th gen) with only a little more than 100k is going to be rare.

The engines on these are very durable, both the SOHC and the DOHC.

One thing I would be a bit worried about is the transmission, especially if it is an automatic. Make sure someone checks it out for you to be sure it isn't slipping or something isn't wrong with it. If the trans goes out, it will cost you a lot to fix.

If that 3rd gen is a manual trans (it would be an 89-91 SE at that point), I would definitely try to buy it if you like the body style.

 

Haven't gotten a response yet, but here is the 1994 Maxima on CL. Sadly it is a 4SPD Auto Transmission.

 

Looks like it is in very good shape and not tampered with. It is a GXE, but someone (possibly dealership) has added a spoiler to it. I would think that is a very good car for the price.

Just like any used car, something could go wrong, but I would say your odds are better with something like that (it looks well taken care of) than most cars out there. That ad was written almost like someone copied the information right off the original window sticker. I don't know if that's good or bad.

You might be able to get the price lowered with good negotiating skills. Really, the price is inline with kbb values, but it's not a car lots of people are searching for like a Civic or Accord.

 

He hasn't responded to my email, sadly. I also found a 4th gen, looks like it's in good condition for about 1200. I'll call these guys up tomorrow.

 

Honestly, as much as I prefer the 3rd gen, the 4th gen might be a better fit for a first car.
One of the first things one wants to do is modify the car. In stock form, the 4x4 with 15's looks dorky. 4th gen has much better suspension choices than the 3rd gen anymore.
Also, the vq engine has way more options for upgrades from the aftermarket.

in stock form, the 4th gen is a reliable car, with decent looks. not a horrible first car.

 

Hmm, didn't realize that. thanks.
What should I be looking at/asking about the maxima? Any specifics? I know lower mileage is good, but what else?