DerekJ212

iTrader: (1)

Im looking at possibly buying a 97 SE w/91k miles, 5spd, leather, loaded basically for $9200-9500. First off, how is that price? I know everyone always says it can be had cheaper, but im in the Bay Area, CA and everything is expensive here. Also, i currently drive a problem car Mazda 626 ES automatic V6, so ive never driven a manual. Is it worth it? I know itd be more fun, but seems like more of a pain in traffic and stuff...Also, im considering it against a Acura 2.5TL or an Audi A4 1.8T....what do you guys think? Opinions? Also, when im looking at it or attempting to test drive it, anything i should be on the lookout for, impending distaster kind of things? Thanks! I'd love to be part of the Max club =) And if i got the 97 SE, would it beat a '02 Mustang V6 coupe? Thanks again!

DerekJ212

iTrader: (1)

^^^^
Im looking to buy soon so i could really use some help!

meccanoble

iTrader: (22)

look at the features on the car and what has been added to it. Never go for anything more than the value on kbb.com minus 1,000 + half the price of mods put on the car. Work from there. Although it may seem like there are few options, patience is a virtue and i promise you, you will find a good deal sooner or later...i was in your same situation as far as wanting a car now, waited a little and ran into a great deal. You will too, just be patient...

and i'm not sure how good the audi and acura is that old but i know they can't possibly be as fast as the maxima, plus its roomier and just looks dam good...

MAXINXS

It seems as though the forum is a bit slow today. I can tell you that the price for the Maxima sounds reasonable, but is a bit high in my opinion. I bought my 95 3 years ago with 104,000 miles for $9,500. I would definitely go with the Maxima, what do you expect your on a Maxima enthusiasts forum. They are great cars and there are many modifications available. Watch out for transmission whining. There are a few other things to watch out for that I can't think of. Try searching I know this has been covered many times before. Good luck.

Jamsan

iTrader: (2)

my mom has a 96 2.5 TL...it blows IMO....my auto max whipes it clean...imagine what a 5spd can do....itd be a tie between the max and the audi however, and depending on who your gonna ask is the answer your gonna get...go to an audi forum, they'll tell you the A4, come here, and we'll tell ya the max

go with the max

maximadrummer

bigdaddy

Get the Max. 110,000miles rolling on 19x9.5 in the rears and still
running head to head with my friends 99 Acura T/L.

maximadrummer

The maxima will definitly take a auto stang, the 5-speed stang would be a closer match. I used to sell and drive both cars and I think the Max is definitly faster.The VQ is awesome!

Jamsan

iTrader: (2)

v6 stang..... :whipes @$$:

97max5spd

Stay away from the A4. My girlfriend has a '97 1.8T and it has had many problems. Catalytic converter, light switch, ignition switch, power steering fluid leak, MAF, in the span of only 1 year. Definately go with a Japanese car if you plan on buying.
The A4 is a nice car to drive...nicely weighted steering, good brakes, and decent suspension. It also has enough power to be fun in town driving, but lacks the punch of a V-6 on the highway to be entertaining. Oh, and the shifter bothers me because it has a very rubbery feel, not very precise.
I definately would not give up my car for that one.

DerekJ212

iTrader: (1)

How much more will insurance be for a 17yr old a 97SE Max compared to like $1400/yr on a 96 Mazda 626 ESV6? Thanks

ORBRIT

Call your agent and ask them.

Man you really suffer at that age - I'm 28 and my annual insurance is $800, and that includes the highest liabilities available and only a $250 deductible on comprehensive and collision.

CorvetteKid

Hey, i dont know about the price on a 97 with 91k miles on it...if it is in mint condition, i guess its up to you...i am selling mine for around 8,500...it is a 97 5-speed with 83k miles and every option...if you want to know more, let me know...my E-mail is OMAG321@aol.com...

Magikone69

iTrader: (2)

i guess im gonna be the only one voting against the max. First off the Akura sux so lets get that outta the way right now.(although i think aftermarket will pick up for the lack of power this car has. i would go with the audi based on the fact that the 1.8t engine is a stock turbo and is a fun engine. i havent heard of any problems so far from any owners except from what 97max5spd said. VW's had problems from as far as i could remember so i wouldnt doubt it, and i dont think audi is far from a VW (1.8t is shared with jetta, gti, passat...). The max is a great car, especially the 5 spd. The max is startin to see alot of aftermarket parts including Forced Induction (Turbo, super charger...) if hookin up cars is ur thing. some guys here i heard have 370+ hp cars. Also the max has one of the best V6 engines for like 7 years or so. The maxima is great, only car i would have taken over my max is the VW gti w/ the 1.8t engine. ah what the hell... just get the max, u wont regrett it.

StygianMax

iTrader: (8)

You will NOT enjoy driving the 2.5TL. Along with my '97 SE 5-spd, I have a '96 3.2TL. I nicknamed it the "Silver Sofa" because the ride is so cushy/floaty. Eventhough it claims to have 200hp, the auto tranny sucks up a lot of it.

Go with the Max.

Campy

I was unaware that A4's came with the 1.8T back in '96... It was the first year for the A4, and I could have sworn they only came with the 2.8L SOHC V6... unless, perhaps, it was a VERY late production... That's worth checking out if you're seriously considering the A4...

Personally, I'd go with the Maxima. That price is pretty low compared to what I've been seeing around here (I'm in Maine, so there may be a slight price difference). The Audi is nice, but the Maxima is faster stock vs. stock. Granted, it won't take as much money to get that 1.8T putting out some bigger numbers, but you're still dealing with only four cylinders. It's really up to you.

Just... don't get the TL. Hondas suck.

As for the Mustang. A 5-speed Maxima wouldn't have much of a problem.

95maxrider

iTrader: (32)

i would also go with the maxima. more room and power than the audi, much more speed than the acura, and very reliable. it also seems to be at a pretty good price depending on what options it has on it.

and about that mustang...my auto 95 with intake and y pipe tore a 5 speed V6 2001 mustang a new one. if you have a 5 speed, it wouldnt even be worth the gas money.