eperalta

I need some advice. Last night I test drove a 2002 Black Maxima SE with a 6speed: only options were Bose Audio System, moonroof, floormats. However, the car had 5900 miles on it. The salesperson said it was a demo car. I'm just wondering what is a fair price on it because he wouldn't go under $24700 that includes $876 discount for mileage(they used $.15/mile). To me the car appeared to be a used car(i.e. repo). The front tires show some wear(need to be rotated), the trunk wasn't very clean, and the exterior around door handles had some scuffs. Remember I viewed the car at night aorund 8pm so I couldn't see the body for other surface marks or flaws. I wonder if the oil&filter has even been changed. Oh BTW I am located in Northern Virginia.

Madd Kidd

When my wife bought her car a few years ago, she bought a demo with 700 miles on it. The dealership (not Nissan ) was willing to budge on the price but before we bought it we told them they had the change the oil and detail some of the scratches that were on the car. If the dealer is not willing to budge on the price, than you should ask to get the car detailed and oil changed for free. Although it has 5900 miles on it, the car is still basically new. You may also want to get the VIN# to be sure that the car was not involved in any accidents. I also live in No. VA so if you need any more help, email me.

jjs

Don't do it!! Check out sites like edmunds.com...you will find a brand new 2002 is right about there in price, never mind the fact dealers have 2003's on the lot now so 2002's should be even cheaper...

eperalta

Madd Kidd-How much would you pay for it?
Also I am not willing to pay $24.7k for this car. I would pay more like $21,500. Will see if the salesperson get back to me. Because I know the car has been sitting for a while. However, I might get an '03 because I got a lead on one.

Madd Kidd

I think $21,500 is in the ball park for the car. If the dealer does not go down on price and they are not willing to do the touch up and the oil change you may want to walk away from that car. Also if it has been sitting for a while, there could be a reason that the dealership is not telling you. You almost can't go wrong with the 2k3 though. Good luck.

Newman

iTrader: (3)

if the dealer is Rosenthal Nissan then i wouldnt take their word for it that it was a demo. they are known to be dishonest and sleazy. i'd get the vin and check www.carfax.com.
go here to ask org memebers to check the vin for you:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=138518

furthermore, you can get a brand new 2002 right now for probably a thousand or 2 less than what they want for that demo. when i was looking for my new car Rosenthal wouldnt go below $31,040 for a 2002 with everything but navigation. HUGE rip off. stay away from Rosenthal. and check that vin #

MaxSEima

The way you discribed it, I would pass up on this car and wait for another. And yes, $24K is way too much to pay for that used car. Did they tell you since it's never been registered it's still considered a new car? They used that line when I was thinking about buying a demo car. Also, save your self some grief and buy a different color. Black is the worst color to get...

MaxAtack

If you got a better lead with the 03 like you said, go with the 03. The last thing you need is a headache dealing with problems that could arise later on with the car. If you do decide to go with it, $21,500 would sound about fair, but I'm convinced you can still shoot them down a bit.

Just my .02.

eperalta

Really you think I can get a better deal than $21,500; remember this includes BOSE(I know its not the greatest but does cost $1100) and a moonroof($800). Ok, here's my lead I can get an '03 for $500 under invoice he says I gotta make a decision by today. Is $500 under invoice good for an '03? I think its a good deal.

T-bone

iTrader: (1)

a 2002 for that much!?!?? Look at all of those miles! I don't like Rosenthal either. I went there last fall when I was looking for a Maxima and they were selling used 99's way over price. I ended up buying a 2K from a private party. Shop around.

Abrader

If you ask the dealer, they have to show you the CarFax report. It is the law at least in FLA anyway.

Get the VIN checked on their dime.

It will give you an idea of how many owners, and if any accidents have happened.

Green 2kSE

Don't let them pressure you to buy today. What will happen tomorrow, all the Nissans will be sold? If I get that line, I walk. There's bound to be more Nissan dealerships in your area. BTW, $500 below invoice on 2k3 is about right, I think several members here have got a similar deal.

Tai Mai Shu

Here is the deal on 02's. Black book wholesale is around 19K for a clean 02 right now. You are buying a car that is technically a year old depreciation wise. Also those miles seem high even for a demo. No one mentioned and you should ask about the warranty. I bet the clock started when the car went into service and you have lost 5900 miles on the 36K warranty plus whatever months the car went into service. Volvo did crap like that on their demo's. Personally, I would stay away from this one unless they are ready to make a sweet deal (ie: 20K).

eperalta

Thank you all for your replies. I'm gonna have to pass on the '02 Max SE and get an '03 Max SE.

MaxSEima

Good luck and always remember that you can walk away. Let us know what kind of deal you end up getting.

Triple8Sol

iTrader: (29)

Walk away...you can find a brand new 2002 Maxima for that price.

Anuj

You also don't know what damage they did to the car during the break in period..or even after that. I mean if I went to test out a new car I wanted, I would go all out on it and see how powerful it is. I wouldn't really care that it's new and worry about the break in period because I wouldn't end up with it. It's not that I don't care about the car but i want to see what it's capable of doing. But on my car or anyone elses I wouldn't abuse it. You are better off buying brand new. Also, you would get a way better price than 24700.

MaxAtack

I made out with $400 below invoice, so that DEFINETLY is a good deal!
Sorry I couldn't reply back to you sooner, but if that salesguy's willing to hold his end of the bargain, I say go for it!