New ride for my daughter?
12-05-2006, 05:17 PM
#1
New ride for my daughter?
1997 Maxima. It's black on black with an autotragic tranny.
It has 180,000 miles with a ses light on.
They are asking $6,900.00, I know, I know, way too much already! I will run numbers, before purchasing!
Please let me know what to look for in this car. I know you guys and gals are quite knowledgeable (NCSUMax)......
I am also going to run a Carfax also.
Thank you in advance,
Swee
It has 180,000 miles with a ses light on.
They are asking $6,900.00, I know, I know, way too much already! I will run numbers, before purchasing!
Please let me know what to look for in this car. I know you guys and gals are quite knowledgeable (NCSUMax)......
I am also going to run a Carfax also.
Thank you in advance,
Swee
12-05-2006, 05:25 PM
#2
those number seem a tad crooked. although not in the middle, it is often a sign. why 2 threads asking the same question?
check the dipstick and valves (under the oil cap) for varnish. check for rust on the body. run the codes to determine repair cost.
check the dipstick and valves (under the oil cap) for varnish. check for rust on the body. run the codes to determine repair cost.
12-05-2006, 05:32 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: 92626
Posts: 1,187
I guess he added pictures?
but like I said before preet_s sold his 125k max for 3k and bought a 100k i30t w/ VLSD for $6400.
So my estimate is that that car is worth less than 3k. No way he's gonna take that much off.
http://forum.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=502466
but like I said before preet_s sold his 125k max for 3k and bought a 100k i30t w/ VLSD for $6400.
So my estimate is that that car is worth less than 3k. No way he's gonna take that much off.
http://forum.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=502466
12-05-2006, 05:36 PM
#4
Hey there,
I received an email notification stating that I had posted this in two places or double posted, my apologies. I have not done that intentionally. I believe I posted it in the 4th gen forum. You folks know best! That is why I posted it here!
Now, I'm off to read your valuable replies!
Swee
I received an email notification stating that I had posted this in two places or double posted, my apologies. I have not done that intentionally. I believe I posted it in the 4th gen forum. You folks know best! That is why I posted it here!
Now, I'm off to read your valuable replies!
Swee
12-05-2006, 05:42 PM
#6
Originally Posted by 96i30azn
I agree that odds are not good that they will come down that much. I ran KBB and it came back as $2,270-3,425, and that is for 'fair trade in' as the leather armrest has two tears in the leather. The Bose will not turn down when you try to make it quieter. I believe the tape deck is broken.
I did not run to AutoZone to run codes for me. Will try and do tommorow.
I know that they are asking way too much for this car. The pricing problem I ran into, was I wasn't aware of the trim level. It didn't say what it was anywhere on the car.
Is there anyway for me to tell?
Swee
12-05-2006, 05:44 PM
#7
it is an SE (the white clock and wing with no brake light in the window). add the extras (roof etc). that clock still looks "touched" to me. got a 97 manual with about 150k for $3k. no codes and inside was mint. only thing needed ws brake work. i wouldnt even bother with that car unless the owner is trying to rob you because you are a woman. you dont have to go to AZ to pull the codes, but since the car isnt your i dont know if the owner will let you touch the ECU. prob best not to so he cant claim you did something. delete the other thread. or this one.
12-05-2006, 06:03 PM
#9
2damizzax,
Again, I wasn't aware there was another post, nor was I aware of how it happened! As you can see, I have plenty of posting experience here, and have never had a double posting issue. My apologies.......
Thank you for your advice. I was ok with finding a car that required 'some work'. I am, however leery about the price. I was aware from the get-go that this chap is a little off his rocker asking that kind of money (Toyota of Greenville).
My main concerns were the reliability factor as well as problematic areas of the 4th genners.
I will run our tax records online for the former owner. It will also verify the last known mileage at the time the tax bill was paid.
I forgot to mention that it did have an FSTB. I found that a little ironic since it was 'traded in by a 60-something year old man'.
Again, thank all of you very very much
Swee
Again, I wasn't aware there was another post, nor was I aware of how it happened! As you can see, I have plenty of posting experience here, and have never had a double posting issue. My apologies.......
Thank you for your advice. I was ok with finding a car that required 'some work'. I am, however leery about the price. I was aware from the get-go that this chap is a little off his rocker asking that kind of money (Toyota of Greenville).
My main concerns were the reliability factor as well as problematic areas of the 4th genners.
I will run our tax records online for the former owner. It will also verify the last known mileage at the time the tax bill was paid.
I forgot to mention that it did have an FSTB. I found that a little ironic since it was 'traded in by a 60-something year old man'.
Again, thank all of you very very much
Swee
12-05-2006, 06:35 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 477
way too many miles. I wouldn't go above 100K miles, definetly not 120K miles for that money. Although Maximas are reliable, by 180K too much wear-suspension/tranny, etc may be going on, that will start needing repair if the previous owner never fixed anything. Especially probablematic if the "whole budget" is blown on purchase price. Also that Maxima has 17 inch 2002-03 wheels-that's a tip off that it was owned by someone younger. Plus those wheels, though nice looking require more expensive tires that aren't going to do that well in rain or snow. If you are able to go more expensive, you might be able to get a slightly newer 98-99 Maxima, especially with lower miles. If you are looking for a cheaper Maxima, I'd look for a 97-99 GXE or a basic SE. I'd skip the Bose and leather models unless you are getting a rare 98-99 SE or GLE with optional sideairbags/heated seats (required leather interior). The upside to that Maxima-it's the best color combination IMHO and it's an SE with the cool gauges. How good carfax is depends on the state-some states report car wrecks, and mileage, some don't. I'd have a mechanic look at it if buying.
12-05-2006, 08:20 PM
#12
Thank you EVERYONE for your advice. I won't be purchasing this car because of your sound wisdom.
I knew Toyota of Greenville was way over-priced to begin with. I also knew the rims were newer. That combined with the FSTB, I knew the salesman (big surprise here) was lying about it being owned by an older gentleman. I just really wanted to run it past the pros.
Again, y'all have been a huge help. Thank You immensely. This will be her first car. It was important to me that she learned how to fix and maintain her own car, with her own two hands. But, most importantly is that 'Skinny' be given the opportunity to purchase a decent car to begin with.
You are a valuable asset. Thank you all! Have a Merry Christmas!
Skinny, says 'Thank you for the advice and wonderful wisdom you have shared.' She did call NCSUMax and spoke with him for a bit about the car. He, too loved the color combo.
Swee- Skinny's Mom
I knew Toyota of Greenville was way over-priced to begin with. I also knew the rims were newer. That combined with the FSTB, I knew the salesman (big surprise here) was lying about it being owned by an older gentleman. I just really wanted to run it past the pros.
Again, y'all have been a huge help. Thank You immensely. This will be her first car. It was important to me that she learned how to fix and maintain her own car, with her own two hands. But, most importantly is that 'Skinny' be given the opportunity to purchase a decent car to begin with.
You are a valuable asset. Thank you all! Have a Merry Christmas!
Skinny, says 'Thank you for the advice and wonderful wisdom you have shared.' She did call NCSUMax and spoke with him for a bit about the car. He, too loved the color combo.
Swee- Skinny's Mom
12-05-2006, 08:30 PM
#15
Yes, it did, why would that matter? I mean, why would that persuade me in any way to purchase the car, that everyone yelled 'no way' to? Did you see something the rest of us missed?
I want to get her something we can put together and mod together, a mother/daughter sort of thing, you know, the men folk wouldn't understand
I want to get her something we can put together and mod together, a mother/daughter sort of thing, you know, the men folk wouldn't understand
12-05-2006, 08:36 PM
#16
Originally Posted by 4MySwee
Yes, it did, why would that matter? I mean, why would that persuade me in any way to purchase the car, that everyone yelled 'no way' to? Did you see something the rest of us missed?
i didnt say anything about the wheels altering your decision in any way, did i...nope!
12-05-2006, 08:41 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 179
get a 98-99 GLE, side airbags + ABS are a must for a younger driver. If you're not too picky about trim you should definitely at least shop around for a better deal. 6900 should fetch you a clean max with less than 80k miles
12-05-2006, 08:44 PM
#18
Originally Posted by gx2nds4
get a 98-99 GLE, side airbags + ABS are a must for a younger driver. If you're not too picky about trim you should definitely at least shop around for a better deal. 6900 should fetch you a clean max with less than 80k miles
on the price, i got my 99gxe over a year ago with 76k miles, for 7k out the door, and that was still kinda expensive, only went for it because it was the only decent 5spd available within 200 miles of me.
12-05-2006, 09:00 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 179
Originally Posted by 4MySwee
Yes, it did, why would that matter? I mean, why would that persuade me in any way to purchase the car, that everyone yelled 'no way' to? Did you see something the rest of us missed?
I want to get her something we can put together and mod together, a mother/daughter sort of thing, you know, the men folk wouldn't understand
I want to get her something we can put together and mod together, a mother/daughter sort of thing, you know, the men folk wouldn't understand
12-05-2006, 09:32 PM
#24
Originally Posted by gx2nds4
If you want to consider modding it, you could consider a 98+ buick regal gs. Great modding potential and stock is faster most modded 4th gen maxes. Supercharged 3800 has plenty of potential if you don't have too much against domestics.
I am also trying to keep the hootspah that the car has, to a minimum, considering it will be for my new driver. Nothing like me taking her license (or her car) a week after she gets it.
I like the Maxima a lot. She can grow with it. It will be mod-able, and should be fairly reliable. All those are important factors for me.
Thank you for your suggestion none the less~!
12-06-2006, 07:14 AM
#30
I paid 11k USD for a 99 ES (canadian model no leather, spoiler or roof but with stick, weather package, VLSD, SE trim and 16" rims) with 35K miles in 2001.
The car now has 90K miles on it and has been well maintained and is in excellent working order and I would probably be asking between 6000$ and 7000$ for it if I was to sell it... So, like everyone else said, yours is too expensive.
The car now has 90K miles on it and has been well maintained and is in excellent working order and I would probably be asking between 6000$ and 7000$ for it if I was to sell it... So, like everyone else said, yours is too expensive.
12-06-2006, 11:03 AM
#31
Originally Posted by 4x4Max
Doesnt matter i guess since you're not buying it, but that max already had the 5th gen 17" rims
5th gen wheels don't warrant a $3000+ over pricing. (not that you're saying it did)
I'd stay away from this car at that price. I'd give em' $3k for it, maybe $3.5k if I drove it and it drove real nice. Can't believe they're asking $6.9k for a 97 with 180k miles, and the SES light on. That's intelligence insulting.
12-06-2006, 01:29 PM
#33
Originally Posted by 4MySwee
2damizzax,
I forgot to mention that it did have an FSTB. I found that a little ironic since it was 'traded in by a 60-something year old man'.
Swee
I forgot to mention that it did have an FSTB. I found that a little ironic since it was 'traded in by a 60-something year old man'.
Swee
12-06-2006, 02:45 PM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: 92626
Posts: 1,187
Originally Posted by Maxgig
I would be leery as well. I don't think a 60+ yr old man would change out the radio (it apears to be a in dash 6pack cd one, although I may be wrong) or put rims from a 5th Gen on it as well. They aren't being totally honest with you, I would forget about it and move on.
12-06-2006, 03:13 PM
#36
it has a 95-96 climate control from the looks of it too, and the odo looks like its been tampered with. I Couldnt imagine my grandpa installing a FSTB and 17's on his car, it was hard enough to get him to buy an an SE over a GLE. I got my 98SE 5MT-VLSD, 151K miles, sterling mist, black leather, auto climate control, bose, heated seats tinted windows everything for 8K cad, id say back then it would have been around 5K USD, and up north cars here are always more expensive then down south.
12-06-2006, 04:44 PM
#37
Supporting Maxima.org Member
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Fresh Meadows, NY
Posts: 634
Like others say the odometer does look like its been tampered with and $6900 for a 97 with 180k miles is way too much money. I bought my car 98 with 87000 miles about 3 years ago for $5700 I would say stay away from this. And as far the car reliability goes maximas are pretty strong reliable cars. So like others say No don't get this car I'm sure there are a lot of maximas out there
12-06-2006, 07:40 PM
#39
Give me the run down Mike! Skinny is looking into one she can rely on and restore/mod!
I am taking everyone's advice and avoiding this car like the plaque. I thought the deal smelled funny!
Swee
I am taking everyone's advice and avoiding this car like the plaque. I thought the deal smelled funny!
Swee
12-06-2006, 07:47 PM
#40
If you buy Mike's car, it's a package deal. Already modded and a sweet ride. I had the chance to see it up close. If he's really selling, you should seriously consider it. Besides, your daughter will have one of the coolest Maximas in her neighborhood.