We need a second car and the Maxima looks good from reviews, have not owned a Nissan before. What I want is a low cost car with little cost to its maintenance.

What issues should I look for? The 1996 has 103k miles, $3500 plus dealer fees. The 1999 has 64k miles, $6900 plus dealer fees. Seems a bit high.

Is the Maxima good in snow?

Thank you.

 

$2,700 cash for '96 or just walk out.

 

No 4th gen is worth $6,900 PERIOD. With that said, the '99 has NATS (Nissan Anti Thest System) that often forgets key codes ans leaves you stranded. '99 coils are known to be junk and often cause engine misfires. Starters and other parts are particular to 99.
I like my '96 and got it from cragslist for $1,600 cash from a private sale.

4th gens in snow country (salt) suffer from radiator core support rust. Inspect for the engine crossmember falling away from the core support ust behind the front bumper. This is a ~$800.00 repair.

 

Both cars seem to have good mileage, but talked them down on the prices.

 

With so few miles on a 96 I would worry about engine sludge, or the possibilty that it spent much of its life at shops waiting for repair.

 

The 99 is the worst engine performance do to the emissions. (Cali Spec)

 

A 99 in excellent condition is about $2500 and a 96 would be $1600. Used dealer mark ups seem to be almost double of what they get the car for, they have to eat too. That being said, if the car got totalled you basically get nothing, even though they want you to pay x amount. Get one private party and get it maintained/fixed, it should be less depending on the repairs needed.

 

95 or bust

 

Literally, due to that Al front beam/bumper support.

I vote 96.

 

http://www.palmautomall.com/used-inventory

The 1996 is listed for $4300 but I emailed them about it. On Edmunds car evaluation it shows $3500, and they agreed to sell it for that.

The other one is at www.floridacars1.com but at that markup they are probably not going to listen to $4500, which is Edmund's evaluation. But I could email them. It looks nice. One owner.

 

3500 is very, very high. As in, ive never seen a 4th gen with those miles listed that high, ever, kind of high.

I personally wouldnt go above 3000 for a 4th gen and thats with zero problems and very clean. If i was you id keep looking elsewhere, the fact that place posted a 99' for over 6 grand is utterly absurd.

 

Does the 1999 model develop an ignition key issue? What does it cost to repair?

 

I'll go to the place with the 1996 and offer them $3000 if it sounds and drives well. First we are awaiting the positive job offer.

 

no...offer 2500 and settle at 3 if you're willing to pay 3.

 

I agree with what is being said here...try to get it at a lower price.

 

I got my 95 after my 99 Monte Carlo got wrecked shortly after cash for clunkers. For $2k cash it was the only decent car I could find in my area I could afford with the insurance payout.

 

This is the answer.

 

I would get a personal loan from your bank and get more car for your money on craigslist.
Dealer markups are insane.

 

I have owned a 96 Max for 7 years. I am an older guy.

I bought my car with 100k miles on it at the time. It has been maintained well, and had recent work.

I have driven my car for almost 90k miles now. It has had small problems, nothing huge. I really like the car. It is roomy, and is fun to drive.

Regarding the cost. Sometimes I would rather pay more money for a good car so that I can drive the car for many years.

If you can buy the 96 for a reasonable amount of money, you might actually like the car for several years.