First off, I'm only 16 years old, the cash flow isnt too great so I won't be modding the new car like crazy. But I'm pretty dead set on getting a SE 5spd, I also have to sell the 96 SE auto which has 147k miles, very well kept so I'm wondering what kind of price range I could sell it for.

As for looking for the new car, I was wondering if you guys could give me some pointers on what to and not to look for when buying this one.

Thanks in advance

what do you want to do with the car ?

a. nice ride/luxury sedan
b. do some racing
c. show car
d. pimp mobile

Race. Something cool also just came up, a neighbor of mine that is moving is going to give me his mid to late 80's civic hatchback, so I'll sell that and get a bit more money towards the new car.

And, if anyone would like to help, my area code is 38139 if you wanted to look at some of the cars on autotrader.

Maybe you forgot, someone is giving you an 80's hatchback for free...why do you want to buy a max? Mod the Civic out like crazy!

NO!!!!! Sell the Civic to some ricer wannabe.......

There is a list of basic mods you can do here on the org. 4thGen Mod FAQS I believe. But some of the mods will be a lil pricey for a 16 year old. Like the Y-Pipe for $225 from Warspeed Performance, so thats a lot of yards to cut, but none the less it's do-able. Good luck and for gawdsakes don't keep the civic

The 96 auto will sell for maybe $3000-$3500. Ask for $4500 and see what offers you get. http://www.edmunds.com shows the blue book value

When you buy the 97-99 SE 5-speed, don't pay too much. If the seller wants too much then forget about it Again, http://www.edmunds.com shows the value of the car. Just expect to make a few repairs when you buy the car (so don't pay too much for the car) and do a full tuneup and change the fluids when you get it.

I got my car when I was 16 too (I'm 17 now) Just do the basic/cheap mods first and then get a job and buy a little bit at a time. I'm still figuring out the problems with my car and getting them repaired right now (parents are paying ) I'm planning on getting a job in a few months so I can buy new rims and exhaust and so I can do the front end conversion. I can't buy a lot of stuff for my car since I'll be going to college next year.

Good luck!

Well, I kind of had to get off my high horse about getting a 99 5spd, maybe someother day, but I found a nice 97. I'll let you guys see if this sounds good..

1997 Maxima SE
85K miles
Color: Beige
Price: $7650
*I have the VIN # if someone could look up it's history and tell me it.
VIN: JN1CA21D9VM518845

hey nothings too pricy for a 16 year old, i work and work, and pull it off.

Thats a little pricy. Many people are negotable if you show an intrest. I picked mine up for 6500 and the guy delivered to my house. Remember you never have to pay sticker price. Sounds nice. Nick