Trev_Daddy

I'm thinking about picking this car up just as a backup to my car...It's a '96 GLE...But it has 320,000 miles ....They want $2,000 for it...What do you all think?

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

i would buy it if it was near me. i'm sure it has some problems?

Str8ridin

$2k on 300,000 + miles = $$$$ down the road. Spend the 2K on an old Honda or bike or something....

95emeraldgxe

does this 96 have any mods on it??

Vyrus

iTrader: (4)

If it has 320,000 miles do you think it does?
-Cyrus

Trev_Daddy

Nope. Bone stock. I just thought it might be a good in-between car..I don't have quite enough to get a new Max...But by the spring, I should.

Vyrus

iTrader: (4)

If you're only planning on using it until spring, then go for it. But make sure everything is mechanically perfect and that the one-of-a-kind VQ has no problems. Don't expect the interior to be perfect at all, but for $2,000 you can't go bad. Sure, Maximas are famous for their quality and vehicle life, but this car had already gone through its life. But you will love that engine, 320,000 miles or 1 million, it won't let you down*.


* = Unless pumping large amounts of nitrous-oxide and/or superchargers.
-Cyrus

Trev_Daddy

What do you think it is worth? I mean, if I buy it for $2k, what could I reasonably ask for it? (The miles will no doubt turn off many people)

Vyrus

iTrader: (4)

When you say you will buy a Maxima in the spring, is that a new Maxima or a 4th gen. If its a new Maxima, buy the old one too because you obviously get paid alot. If you're looking for a 4th gen, hold off because for $5gs you can buy some that are barely over 100,000 miles and will last much longer. Were it me, and I wanted a car and had $2k ready I would buy it in a heartbeat (assuming its is good condition for a '96 car, not good condition for a 320,000 mile car).
-Cyrus

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

is anything wrong with it, or is it just high mileage?

Trev_Daddy

Not that I can tell...Just high mileage....I'm going to take a closer look into it...I'll let you guys know!

Vyrus

iTrader: (4)

Get the VIN so you can do a Carfax.
-Cyrus

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

$2000?

take it.. take it now..

you can get a spare motor with 6k miles for $1200 ...

thats a 96 GLE with 6k miles for $3200 .. thats a friggen steal..

check everything but engine on it.. everything checks out.. TAKE IT..

Vyrus

iTrader: (4)

And how much would the transmission cost? And how much for installation of both? Add all those up and he could buy a 4th Gen with 100,000 miles. But I still say buy it, as long as it runs fine and an engine transplant ISN'T in order.
-Cyrus

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

if you want to look at it cost wise..

30k Motor is $700
5spd Tranny is $500
Labour is $1200

$2400 + $2000 = 96 5spd GLE w/ 30k miles

and who says the tranny and motor will blow..

Vyrus

iTrader: (4)

Where in the hell do you get the prices from? How much will it cost for a 5spd conversion?
-Cyrus

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

http://www.car-part.com <---- Nationwide
http://www.toms4n.com/ <--- 10 mins from my house

5spd Conversion when the Tranny is added is about $1300

NYCe MaXiMa

iTrader: (9)

320k miles?

How the ****? I would buy it so I can see how long a VQ can last

But seriously, I'd be worried about the tranny and the engine... But either way, check out the rest of the things, ispect anything and everything, maybe you can knock off 500$ or so. Again, an auto tranny can be Baught right here on the ORG for like 300$... there are a few people who did tranny conversions and have nothing to do with their spare auto tranny.
Seriously though, 2 grand is cheap. If it's in good condition, why not?

Vyrus

iTrader: (4)

That's all? Including installation of the clutch and everything? Didn't most people pay $2000+?
-Cyrus

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

key is finding the parts cheap.. labor is usually $700...

tifosiv122

iTrader: (2)

Yeah as usual you beat me to it.

THROW IN ANOTHER MOTOR AND TRANNY! I have another motor lined up when mine goes and I am shopping for a 5 speed...if I find a nice black leather interior I will do a swap for that too...if the body is good, take it...ask ?'s later...ohh, try to knock off $100 or so...so you feel that you really got a deal...what can I say, I'm Jewish.

Erik

KWheelzSB

iTrader: (1)

Personally, I wouldn't offer more than $1,500 for that car, but that's just me. That would be a starting point, afaic. 300k+ is very "tired" mileage on almost any car (even a Max) & will be a serious impediment to resale. Unless you can really buy this car "$right$," walk away.

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

i still think it's a good deal.

LucentAUTO

if buying high mileage cars/ cheap cars were this easy, why dont everyone do this? If u just replace the engine, other problems will pop out.

skeelo34

iTrader: (4)

Find me the parts that cheap and I'll pay you for your time.

KWheelzSB

iTrader: (1)

I agree. Also, engine/tranny swaps are NOT cheap, unless you have a connection on the "labor" costs.

Plus, unless you plan to drive the thing until the wheels fall off, you WILL lose money & potential buyers on resale because of a non-original drivetrain. Drivetrain replacements open up all kinds of questions for buyers relating to how the car may have been driven/cared for. There's no getting around that.

Besides, as he said, he's only looking for an economical car to last him less than 6 months - why would he bother with all that?

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

because they don't know how easy it is..

think about it.. up until recently.. how many people knew how cheap and easy it was to swap their auto's to 5spds? now everyone is doing it.. knowledge is the key my friend

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

i would buy it if i could afford it.

Steve Marsh

Go for it, as long as the frame/sub frame is not bent, cracked, patched, and or the front end is in good shape. The costs for brake parts are cheap, go to pepboys and take advantage of their free replacement rotors,calipers,brake pads warranties. I would talk them down to at least $1,200.00-$1,500.00 seeing that it has so many miles on it. Used engines and trannys cost no money for this gem of a vehicle. Check all spark plug conditions also. There are numerous cars and trucks (american/import) on record with more than 3 times the mileage as this particular car. Look for small maintenance items to give gravity to the asking price! Should you buy it, if i were you i would get it officially documented regarding the mileage, whereas we all can learn a lot MORE about 4th gen VQ. Maybe nissan will buy it from you later for marketing purposes (wishful thinking)? Also for "brand new" cv joints look into www.raxle.com Best wishes! 96se 158,100 miles Amsoil 0w-30,Amsoil SDF-13 oil filter,Amsoil ATF fluid, "Redline Water Wetter" coolant additive, Dunlop SP Sport 5000's.

maximachad

TREV - Did you end up buying this car?? Curious about how a Maxima with this many miles runs...

Chad

Trev_Daddy

Well, I did take a look at it...The engine and tranny seemed fine (They really know how to put an engine together well!!!) but there were alot of rattle and squeaks inside....The leather was torn in a few spots and the sunroof was reluctant to open...So, I decided to pass it up....

I just thought it looked like too much work if I was going to have it for a few months...

What do you think?

SuDZ

If your only going to have it a few months would the leather have really had to been fixed?

SuDZ

Trev_Daddy

No. But I figure that if I bought it and the leather was messed up, PLUS the sunroof didn't work...Well...I'd have a hard time selling it later.