I found a 2000 Maxima SE, leather (not in the best shape) Charcoal exterior, standard SE equipment, but, here is the kicker, it's got 119K on it.......They had 8800.00 on it, but I looked at Kelly Blue Book and I am coming up with a number more like 6100 trade in and a little less than what they are asking for private party sale, tires are almost new, I have a 97 with about 145K and would like to get something a little newer, BUT I will have to sell ALL my mods off the 97 (Y pipe, diamond clears, New leather from leather seats.com, stillen intake, and lots more stuff) THEN RE-BUY it all over again! I am not sure what the best thing to do is. I need rotors, pads, struts, springs, and drive axels, Oh and a new starter......I figure even though the milage is high, the rubber parts are not old enought to have dry rotted yet, so CV boots should be OK, (couldn't check them last night it was dark by the time I found it on the lot. Also I like the idea of having the extra 32 ponies from the factory.......Opinions? (Oh the car is in OK shape, I would rate it as a "fair to average" based on some interior probs. body and paint are really good as far as I could tell in the dark last night)
TIA
2Maximas

 

AT $8K its not a bad price. But you'd have to hold the car for several years to get your money's worth. It'd be a hard car to resell with over 150K miles.

 

It is the mileage, it is important to understand the care of the previous owner and the present condition of the car. Although 119k is not the end of every maximas life, it could be on its way. I think you should wait and trade up for something with 60-80k then you will definitely have a few great years. I like to keep my cars for a minimum of 3 years.

 

you cannot expect, or use the trade-in value to argue your sale. the owner is not selling it to a dealer, so the profit margin reflected in the trade-in is not going to be given to a used-retail customer. To get a better idea of what to expect try searching it as a private sale vehicle.

 

About the 32 extra ponies...

Don't expect it to be much faster, since the 32 extra ponies are carrying more weight. Expect about the same performance as yours.