'97 Maxima GLE 98k. . .worth $6100?
 

I'm looking to buy a 1997 Maxima GLE from a guy about an hour away from my house. Before traveling out there to look at it, assuming it's in good order, is $6,100 a fair price?

As listed:
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE
98k miles
New front tires
2002 17" Maxima rims
5k miles on rear tires
New front brakes

Assuming it's worth it, what should I be looking for when I go to check it out? Any known problems? I'm competent with a wrench, but only with the repair manual in front of me. I really don't know what I should be looking out for.

ANY pointers would be helpful.

-James

ps
here's the car:
http://www.jamesderose.net/IMG_3118.jpg
http://www.jamesderose.net/IMG_3122.jpg
http://www.jamesderose.net/IMG_3127.jpg
http://www.jamesderose.net/IMG_3116.jpg

$5500 would be my reasonable price.

i think so
look for normal maintanance things that come with age

You can try and get the price lowered a little. I would say those rims and fairly new tires (not sure which brand they are) are valued at atleast $500. At almost 100k miles, you should be looking forward to a few repairs (not sure on the repair history of that car). I would try and settle around $5500 or so and expect a few repairs, but check the history of the car first :thumbsup:

assuming everything works out ok, does anyone know how to handle an out of state buy like this? I'm in NJ and the seller is in NY. I usually had the seller drop the car off at my house, i'd throw it on the insurance, then register it, then drive it. This is different, though, because i'd want to give him cash on-site and drive it home. I'm sure i need the title to register it, so what do I do about that?

Anyhow. . .is there anything I should be looking for under the hood? Handling? Noises? Tell-tale signs of a bad buy? Like I said. . .I'm a noob at buying used cars. I'm used to buying from a dealership with waranties, etc etc.

-James

ps
thanks for all the help so far!! this is the fastest responding forum EVER!

A year ago I got my 1996 Infiniti I30. Black on Black, fully loaded and 67K miles with new tires, new rear brakes and 16" OZ Rims. Got it for $7,100. So, I'd say no definately bring him down lower.

id say go for it, i got my '97 se for 6K even, and it had 111k miles on it and no leather..

well. . .seems like $5500 is everyone's suggested price? I may be able to get him a little lower.

Things to look for though? I know my '93 sentra I have now starts good, sounds nice, and even drives for 20 minutes real sweet. HOWEVER, i think it has a blown head gasket as it overheats after 15 minutes and all i smell is burning (or boiling) coolant. Mechanic who replaced the water pump for me (didn't have time to tackle it myself) said it may be blown.

POINT IS. . .that the car looks/sounds/runs great. . .for 15 minutes. Obviously i won't sell it without telling the buy about its problem. I just don't want to get stuck as the buy that DOES get caught with that kind of lemon.

So like I said. . .any telltale signs of abuse/major problems?

thanks again for all your help guys! this is a really great forum. i've been lurking for a few months, but didn't sign up until today. glad i did!

-James

James,

The wheels on that car look great. Spend $25 and check the CarFax. I know what you mean about hard to identify problems. My mechanic once told me I had a bad rear wheel bearing, he could hear it moaning. Well, I always have the radio on and I had gotten used to the sound. They can hear things we can't.

It will take more time, but really the best thing you could do would be to take it to a mechanic, and have them check it out. Even Midas for $30 would be better than nothing. At least get an idea of what brake life is left, how the exhaust is, and if there are any leaks. In my area, people are asking more for similar vehicles, so I'd say $6,000 is okay, and 5,500 would be great.

I got my '97 SE 5 speed for $5800 on eBay with 97,000 miles. I live in NY and the guy lived in NJ (opposite of your situation). We met in the city, checked the car out and I gave him the money, he gave me the title and a bill of sale to sign for me and him and I drove the car home with no plates or insurance, hoping for the best. Very risky but I made it. Next day I went and got it insured, registered and state inspected.

My dad's a car mechanic so I brought him along to check it. I can check the car out myself but my dad is a lot better at it. Main things to check for are oil leaks, axle boots, SES light works and bulb hasn't been removed, rust prone locations like under radiator and rear fender wells, drive it, check for clicks, squeals, etc. Make sure the A/C works, heater works, airbag and ABS lights work if applicable. Test all the buttons, power seats, mirrors, windows, antenna, locks, trunk pop, everything.

You should expect regular TLC and maintenance stuff like shocks, brakes, belts, etc. But the car should run and everything should function. Assuming the car is in excellent condition, never crashed, no mechanical problems, etc. the blue book value is $6900 bucks so $6100 isn't bad.

I think if a car has been kept up and has had most things replaced, not because they broke but because they were wearing out, then it would be a fine price.

I have 120k on mine now and almost everything under the hood has been replaced. But im weird like that. Granted its not stock but i wouldnt sell it for $5,500. It just wouldnt be worth it. I dont know what this car is like but you can tell if someone loved the car or not.

i live in RHode island and i have a 97 gxe with 139k miles, i be going to ny on weekends im asking 5k obo its peable beige if ur interested let me know leave me an email @ gregalmonte@msn.com i know the milage is high but ive only put 2k in it i just want a 5spd.... i also have a cold air intake and and a 1000 watt amp and 2 12" kickers that i would negotiate with the car...

btw cars is conpletely stock the intake and woofers are not on yet...

thanks for the offer! if this deal doesn't work out on sunday, i'll definately take that into consideration. do you have pictures? really psyched about getting this car. i'll let you know how it turns out!

any more suggestions on what to look for, keep 'em comin!

thanks again!
-James