I have the opportunity to pick up a 95 SE, auto, with 69k miles on it for $8600. Is the automatic transmission worth it? Will it still provide enough driving excitement or "pep"? It doesn't need to be the fastest thing I own, but enough that I won't regret the automatic. Your insight is appreciated!

Picture is attached!

John
87 300ZX Turbo (high 8s 1/8 mile)
85 RX-7 GSL (yeah right)
95 Maxima SE?

 

i dunno know though, i have that exact same car but mines a 5 speed. I think its a good deal though.

 

It's not a bad deal....If you want to cruise in an Automatic.
If you want your everyday commute to be a blast, keep your eyes open for a 5 speed.
Oh yeah.....don't make the same mistake I did....hold out for one with a sunroof.

Jap

 

Like others have said, that is a good deal. . . I have a 95 w/5-speed and I know I wouldn't trade it for anything, including my mom's auto 2K. It is just flat out fun, my mom even misses the car. As for the sunroof, mine has that, and if you have never had one, you won't miss it, but if you have, you might want to hold out.

 

Try and find a 5spd. I have an 96 auto and its really..really.boring.

 

I dont know why you guys think autos are so bad. All I had for my first 4 cars were 5 speeds and now I got my Auto max and it is more fun to drive than any of the 5 speeds. Yes 5spds have their advantages but so do autos. Dont count them out just because everyone says get a 5 speed. Do what YOU want to do. Good Luck

 

I'm not saying an auto is bad. I think if you have never driven a 5-speed max, and don't plan to, then you will be perfectly happy with an auto. I just think it turns the car into something else. If I lived in the city though or had to commute in rush hour or anything like that, I wouldn't mind an auto at all, as I know it is still a good car.

 

The mileage is very reasonable.
It looks nice.
I have sunroof, but I very rarely use it, and it takes up valuable headroom. So I think you will be fine without one.
BTW, I have never driven stick. Can someone tell me how long it would take me to learn enough to just be able to drive?
It's like chicken and egg for me. I can't buy stick car because I don't know how to drive it, and I can't learn how to drive because I don't have a stick shift car.

 

Well... I am going to look at it Saturday. It is about an hour away, so it is not that big of a deal... if it is nice and clean and everything is great, I might have to get it. There is still that thing inside me that says to wait for the 95/96 se with a 5-spd and a sunroof. Argh. It won't hurt to go take a look at it!

John

 

I recently picked up a 96 GLE (74K) with leather, sunroof, etc for 9300. I am in NYC.

 

Sounds like a good price, but if you haven't driven a 5 Spd max I would suggest it. I was ready to get an auto, but fell in luv with the 5 spd when I test drove it and just had to have it. Also having a sunroof is a must for me. Sunny days... can't beat it! Love driving all the time. Just my thoughts. Good luck either one are great cars!

 

I really isn't that hard, within an hour of practicing in a parking lot, you should have no problems on the streets, and within a week or so it will start becoming second nature. Hard est part is getting going.

 

Trust me on this one...wait for the 5 speed it is totally worth it. i just bought my 96 se 5 speed and i love it and never traid it for anything.. It took me so long to find a 5 speed but the second one i found was the one. Everyone I saw in the paper was Auto...every different paper..auto, aut, auto,auto...i did find a 5 speed with 125K but went to look at it and wasnt good..this one i got is 5 speed 96 se, with 85K, leather, heated seats, sunroof, new clutch, umm engine was like perfect, new tires,,,full repair records and i got it for $8,400 so my $.02 on this hole thing is wait for the right one...if you think this is the one, go for it...peace

 

Like everyone has said...I guess it depends on what you really want. 5 speed and automatic are both good. I have an automatic and I love it. I drive a lot in NYC (hence lots of traffic) and I have no regrets about my automatic.
Also, I have a sunroof and I think it's a necessity!

Good luck and go for what will make you happy!