I went to look at a black 1996 GXE with no extras and 116500 miles. Real good exterior pretty worn interior. He's asking $4988 and it doesn't sound like he'll negotiate (it's a dealer). It seems to run and shift good (5spd). I checked the carfax, one owner no accidents etc. The check engine light was on but they said they take care of that before they sell it. So is this a good deal, a great deal, or should I run away and not look back? Also if I go to look again is there anything I should recheck and any trick to get him to lower the price (He says, keep in mind this is a dealer, that he's got like ten other people trying to come look). Thanks in advance for your help.

 

doesnt sound too bad. $5k for a 5speed 96' with no options and 116k miles. that doesnt bad, but with no options a somewhat high miles you might want to talk down a few more hundred. but if you like the car, go for it. if its well taken care of.... it can go over 200k miles.

if thats the highest you can afford and you really want a maxima, then i say go for it. but for a couple grand more you can prolly find a fully loaded 95' SE. but that will be real hard to find

 

The 5-speeds are a lot harder to find.
Even considering the interior is a little worn, his asking price is still quite fair as per Kelly Blue Book.

 

Make sure you find out why the CEL is on, and that they replace any parts needed instead of just resetting the ECU

 

Even if they reset the ECU the code will still show up at the dealership right? I thought I'd say I wanted to have the dealership check it out after all the work has been done.
Are there any common problems that I could check? I know there was an axle problem with '95s and '96s, is this just a leak I could see by looking at the axles? (anywhere specific?)

 

Sounds like a pretty good deal. But with cars like this if you keep your eyes out you can find a great deal. I just bought a 96 gxe with almost perfect interior, the outside was kinda rough (it had a good size scratch/crack on the rear bumper, and some scratches and very small dents here and there) and it ran great for 3 grand. It was from a credit union that just wanted to get rid of it. They were asking 6 and we droped them in half.

 

Have the dealer actually fix the problem before you even think of negotiating on price....

 

The dealer's not going to fix the engine light problem. They're just reset the ECU. When you check the gauge, the engine light won't be there. After a couple of days to a week, it will come back. They are not going to spend a couple of hundred dollars to fix the problem. Check for oil leaks, make sure all the VIN numbers are label on each part of the car. For example, hood, engine, 4 doors, front side cover.

When I was looking for my maxima, I went to this dealer to check out a 1996 GXE maxima. I found out oil leaking, front side cover has been replaced. I checked the VIN number and everything. No accident whatsoever reported. Bring someone that owns a car or have some experience in cars with you. When I check on the engine, he wouldn't let me push the gas padel too much. He's thinking I might break it.

I got my car from a private owner. He reseted the ECU, now I need to change the knock and oxygen sensor. $5350 with 109,000 Miles.

_______________
1996 Maxima GLE

 

Just had a terrible experience with the MIL (malfunction indicator light) on a '95 GXE, it is aparently a common thing among the '95-'96 Maximas....it has to do with the Rear Heated O2 sensor. But if you're dealing with a Nissan dealer they know there has been a Service Bulletin on it and should take car of it...otherwise you'll have problems. I didn't figure out this info till it was too late (long story). Just a warning, take the car to a mechanic you trust.

 

I wouldn't get it. It doesn't sound like too good a deal. No options + worn out interior + some engine problem + high mileage = a car you'll be happy to finally own but a few weeks / months later you'll be kicking yourself and asking why you didn't just look for a better deal. $5K seems quite high for the car you'll be getting. I got a '95 GLE, almost fully loaded with immaculate interior for $4200. for reference, a GLE is much nicer than a GXE. sure, the deal I got is pretty hard to find, but it can be done. don't settle for what you're looking at right now.

 

offer the dealer 3 grand cash youll be drivin it in no time money talks and BS walks

 

you could ask the dealer to run the codes after they've "fixed" it and see what comes up. anything other than an 0505 - walk away...

 

or even better....... have the dealer "fix" the car......... Then take it out on a longer test drive to see if the CEL comes back on...... If it does, go back to the dealership, park the car, get out, thank the salesman, and WALK AWAY!!!!!! lol

 

Thanks for all your replies...I decided I didn't want to spend that kind of money for something with those miles, Besides my budget just went up a little--I love graduations. Only problem is finding a five speed, but I'll just have to wait for the right car. Thanks again everybody.

 

No Problem......