Hey guys, I went out and looked at a '98 SE yesterday at a local dealer. It has 67k miles and pretty much all the options. However, the silver paint is in pretty bad shape on the back bumper. On the back right corner, most of the first layer of paint has come off and is starting to do the same on the center of the bumper. The interior is in pretty good shape and I am going to test drive it today. It is listed for 9995 on Autotrader and I was wondering if you think that is a decent price. I hope to take some pics of the car today and will post them when I get back. Thanks!

Here is the link for the autotrader ad if anyone is interested. None of the pics show the problems on the back bumper though.
http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ca...lor=&cardist=0

 

bumpin it up....just wanted to get an idea before i headed to the dealer

 

Watch out for it.
I will just say that usually, Autotrader.com is high on their stuff.
The paint should not be having struggles already, with it being a 98, esp not on the rear. This, to me, might indicate a little bump, if not a large wreck. Check it out.
Look for little things like the tollerances (gaps) between the trunk lid and the fencer. If it has been hit in the rear, those will be a little different, where they should be the same. Take a business card or something and put the end of it on the fender and then take a pen and mark where the gap ends on the trunk lid. Then, do the same on the other side. If they are the same, you are probably good to go. Just do this to all the gaps (doors, hood, etc.) and look for points that might not be consistent. It would be a good indication of something not quite right. That is what I would do.

Also, go to Edmunds.com and use their used car pricing. They are pretty much right on. You will not get taken if you put everything in there that is wrong with the car or every option that the max has. It will give you a good estimate or "guide" of what it should be.

Hope this helps.

 

Also, I would recommend that you get a 5spd. You will end up enjoying it much more, esp. if you mod it at all.

 

By looking at that pic, I can see that car has more than paint issues. From the way it is sitting it looks like it has had a front and rear collision. You might want to check out the frame and get some background info on it.

 

Thanks, Bru. This dealer is one that I am not very familiar with, but they do seem to have quite a large inventory for a smaller dealer. Anyway, the pricing seems to be pretty good. However, I will have to check it when I go to see it again like you said. From what I surveyed yesterday, it did not appear to be wrecked at all, just a slight scuff at the bottom of the bumper. I will make sure to do a carfax on this one if I get really interested.

Unfortunately, it is an automatic. I really would probably prefer an auto just due to the fact that I do a lot of city driving, but I would like to have the extra fun that a 5sp would provide.

Thanks for the help.

 

By looking at that pic, I can see that car has more than paint issues. From the way it is sitting it looks like it has had a front and rear collision. You might want to check out the frame and get some background info on it.

 

By looking at that pic, I can see that car has more than paint issues. From the way it is sitting it looks like it has had a front and rear collision. You might want to check out the frame and get some background info on it.

 

Ah, the dreaded double post -- see above.

 

Get a CarFax. Personally I would walk if it was me cause Im not paying 10 Grand for a 98 with paint issues.

If you decide you want it anywayz.

Get funding outside the dealership (from your bank) and buy the car with cash. If you have cash you can get that car alot cheaper than if you were going to finance with the dealer.

Also use kbb.com or edmunds.com for pricing.

I would get a mechanic to crawl over that car so you know exactly what your getting in to.

Prophecy

 

Thanks Prophecy.

After looking over it last night at the dealer, I would not offer him more than 8,000 for it -- expecting to get about 10 from them for my Tahoe. However, seeing as how any vehicle I get must be a trade for my Tahoe (if I don't sell it myself), I would most likely be in a tough position to bargain.

My next car must be one that I can rely on though, so I will be very careful to make sure it is in good condition.

 

Sale the Tahoe yourself. You will get a better deal then trading it to the dealer cause the dealer is going to low ball you then try to get you to finance the rest thru them.

Also if you cant sell it locally, put that thing on EBAY. Take all the pictures you can of the car, get a mechanics report on the car for the potential buyers and sell it for just under book on Ebay.

OR trade it on these forums. There are guys on here looking to upgrade cause they got kids and need a big boat to haul them around with some groceries and could do a trade plus cash with you.


THEN....

Take the cash from the Tahoe and get on the maxima FOR SALE forums and shop. You know that 90% of all max's on here have been taken care of. Or get one of ebay. I got one off ebay myself and for the price I got the better end of the deal.


Good luck

Proph

 

Ya, I have it on AutoTrader right now, but have been pondering listing it on Ebay. I also posted a thread on the classifieds forum with a link to the ad and mentioning that I would very much like a trade for a Maxima.

Thanks again

 

If you really want it bad I would talk them way down, def no more than 8k like you said. I just bought a 1998se 5sp black/black this January for $10,999 from a dealership. 55k miles, lowered, intake, y-pipe, exhaust, etc. Been in heaven ever since
Good luck!




Hey Prophecy1, maybe I'll see you around town sometime.

 

Wow, 11000 for a 98? I figured you could get a 2000 se for like 12000 with the same amount of miles. Was it something about the 98 that made you want it more than the fifth gen?

 

Yeah, I saw it already had all those mods done to it with that low of miles still. Then I test drove it!!

 

Hell yah man.. I drive a Black 96 GXE with 20% All around and no spoilier at this moment. Ugly stock wheels at the moment. Im always in the Tates Creek and Nicholasville road area.

Proph

 

Prolly have seen you already then. I work out in Nicholasville and live off Tates Creek by Slone's Market. I've got the 98se black, lowered, clear corners, tails, debadged, stock 5 spokes.

 

Okay, so I emailed the dealer yesterday asking them about the damage to the paint on the rear bumper and this is the response I got, kind of curious:

I CAN NOT TELL IF IT HAS ANY MAJOR DAMAGE,BUT THE BUMPER COVER HAS BEEN PAINTED AND NEEDS TO BE REDONE.IF YOU WANT A AUTO CHECK HISTORY DONE,PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE CAN RUN THE HISTORY REPORT.THANKS,MIKE.

I am not sure what to take from that, but I think I will probably stay away from this vehicle.