Last week I totalled my Max in the snow storm. I drifted, lost control, and another car hit me from behind. I loved my 1998 Maxima, and looking to get another one.

I found locally 2 Maximas selling for the same price ($5000 USD):

Car A: is a 1995 GLE (leather and roof) with 125000 km or 78000 milles,

Car B: is a 1998 GXE with 240000 km or 150000 milles, oil rust proof applied every year.

Both cars are advertised as very clean, and are selling for same price, which is $5000 USD. Car A has a sales tax advantage: no sales tax because it is 10 years old , this is how it works here Car B will cost me approximately $500 more in sales tax. Both are sold by private owners.

I wished I could get a 5th gen, but I lost my job this same week, I have a tight budget.

Which one between car A and car B would be the best pick?
Thanks !

Forgot to mention, both are automatic.

 

personally, if car B is a 5-speed then I would maybe consider it
But if it isnt then it really is at a disadvantage
72,000 miles is alot bigger difference than 3 years is, plus as a GXE, car B might be kinda bare-bones
Also consider the car's history and previous owners, more information is needed than just what youve posted to make a good descision

 

I would take a well maintained car at 240k over a poorly maintained one at 125k. Have you or someone who knows their way under the hood take a look at the cars and ask the owner/dealer for maintenance records if they have them.
I gotta say tho, leather,sunroof and 125k at $5000 sounds very tempting.
Also, never a bad idea to carfax their VIN's

 

Forgot to mention, both are automatic. Maintenance records check is an excellent idea. I should ask for these on both cars. Maintenance records might be the tie-breaker.

 

car a is the one to get lower miles less taxes and it has the roof and leather

 

$5K USD sounds too high for both, specialy the 98.

I find the Maximas are way overpriced in some canadian provinces.

If you can haggle the price down below $4000 on the 98 it might be worth it.
Hopefully it is in top shape with a clean engine and tranny.

 

If crash test results are important to you then get the 98, otherwise the 95 sounds good because the mileage is so low. I don't know if I'd consider a 98 with such high mileage though. If you're able to drive to Toronto you'll find a bigger selection and good prices. That's what I did when I bought mine. Older Maxima's than mine for sale up here are still selling for more than I bought mine for over 1 year ago down in Mississauga.

 

if it's a clean car then go with the '95. It's hard to beat a max that has leather + low low miles. Good luck and enjoy whichever you pick!!

 

The 95 is lighter, so if you want something fast....

 

it's not a considerable difference you'd notice...plus the 95 is a gle and the 98 is a gxe. i wouldn't base my decision on weight "difference" whatsoever.



test drive both, see which one feels/drives better to you and decide after you see them in person. low mileage is good, but some people prefer the looks of the 97-99s better, so i guess it all depends on what you're looking for and plan on doing with the car. goodluck with whichever you decide on, and try to haggle the price like that other guy said.

 

I would opt for the low-mileage 95 if I only had a choice between the two vehicles. However, I would keep on looking for a low-mileage 5-speed given the chance to take my time.

 

drive em, only way to know

 

Hi Plate,

the asking price was $6000 CAD for both. I dotn think I can find a 1998 for $4000 US, or $4700 CAD here. I may be succeed negotiating the price down to $5500 CAD.

Test drive, and maintenance records, are definitely going to be 2 important factors in the decision.

 

95 all the way?

 

how is the body condition? I'd probably go with the 95 if there wasn't much of a difference.

 

Damn right. Even some 95-96s still go for 6500-8000$CND.

BTW, go with the 95 low miller.