Before I get started, I'd just like to say that I've parused this site & forum for a little bit, and am quite impressed with the level of intelligence and abundance of good information found here. A tip o' the hat to current members and webmasters.

Anyway, on to the post. I've recently found an absolutely beautiful maroon '95 Maxima SE for sale at a nearby dealership. The paint is in good condition, the interior (and the leather, ohhh the leather) looks great. Bose stereo system & CD player, power everything, sun/moonroof. All the goodies. 5-speed The car is amazing, and far surpasses my current car (a '94 Chevy Beretta).. the price is just about right, too.

There's just one small problem.
It's got 159,000 miles and change on it. I gave it a pretty good look-over, and judging by the condition of everything, I'd say it has to have been pretty well taken care of, but that's still a lot of miles...
My question: How many more miles can I expect to squeeze out of this car without replacing major parts (engine, tranny, etc.)? I'm absolutely in love with this car, but I don't want to get it if it's going to fall apart in a couple thousand more miles...
So, to all of you Maxima owners... will it be worth the 5 grand they're asking for it?
Thanks guys (and gals, if any frequent the board).

 

You may, may, may have to get the tranny rebuilt eventually. But, except for normal wear items, I think you could expect another 100,000 out of it.

Plus, that's a good price for a good car.

 

Yes, it's a good price, but you should be able to squeeze the dealership for a little more of a price cut than $5000.

I would offer them 4500 or try and get some accessories they should throw in...

 

If taken care of the engine is good for at least 200,000. With that many miles you're rolling the dice on the clutch, timing chain, water pump and other parts. However, I like the color, the options and the 5 speed. Run a carfax, have your mechanic check it
and if you buy it pray to the Car Gods in the Sky for luck. The good thing is these cars are durable.
Good Luck.

 

The dealer probably paid 3K when they took the car in on trade...Maybe 4k would be a decent offer...

 

Alright, thanks guys.

I'll know probably by tuesday about a job, which is a key factor in getting my parents to trade in the Beretta for something else.

I'll keep you all filled in as to what happens with this deal, and HOPEFULLY I'll be driving this by the end of the month, maybe sooner

 

what about the timing chain? Wouldn't that need to be replaced soon? it is not just about the engine and tranny...what about the
shocks/spring, rubber hoses, air bag, air bag sensors, lots of items from daily use that will probably require replacement sooner then later... just something you may wnat to think about. I think even for cars these days 200,000 miles would be considered long in car life terms.