ben805

My colleague wanted to sell his 2003 Maxima SE and it just turn 19K miles on it, Automatic and the car never been abused or anything, he drove it back and forth to work that's about it. Majestic Blue Pearl exterior and gray cloth interior, he is selling it for $16K even, is this a good buy? or do you think I can do better for this amount of money? I saw a few used 2004~05 Maxima with about 40K miles going for roughly the same price, not sure if I should get the newer gen with higher miles, or stick with older gen 2003 with low miles.

NJ Devils Fan

iTrader: (2)

Its a bit much, the kelly blue book value if in excellent condition is a shade over $15000 for sale between private parties.

cburwell

I have been looking for lower mileage for my second car, but in some cases lower mileage does not alway mean less problems.

As someone mentioned, his asking price is about $1000 of the blue book value. Talk to him a bit and see what he says, hopefully he will come down a bit on the price.

TorridoMax

iTrader: (2)

offer him 14k, i would not pay any more than that

steves01max

If the price doesnt change much I'd go with an 05 max since they introduced the 5spd auto tranny for it plus less glitches than the 04's.

Maxim(a)SerjVQ

the 5th gens are more sexy. look at the rear of the two gens and try to prove me wrong. the 2 biggest problems i have with the 6th genners are the C-Pillar where the door meets, it's screwed up and out of place looking imho. also, the taillights and the trunklid on the 6th gen looks like a saturn ion. nothing nearly as subtle and unique. Oh, plus, 5th gens are roughly 200lbs lighter. I'd say work with him to get the price down a little, because the only thing that has ever disappointed me on this car was the resale value. So I'm prolly gonna drive it til the motor dies. . .which means I'll prolly still be here in. . .oh i dunno. . .2017?

bigEL

It comes down to a matter of personal preference. Style (interior and exterior) is probably the biggest subjective difference. Otherwise, the drivetrain and suspension changes probably aren't that noticeable. However, when buying used, knowing the history of the car is invaluable. If you are sitting on the fence, stick with the known quantity.

FanaticMadMax

I would say it's a steal for the mileage and the condition for that price, cuz generally the dealer usually sell it for around 17-18k for it. Coming from a Private party i would say it's a good deal again you have to have the car check just in case if there really anything wrong with it.

ptviperz

I'd say try to buy it for 15K, but it's extremely low mileage and who really cares about $1000 over a 4 or 5 year loan? It's not enough money to quibble over to me.

The 5.5 gens are my favorite, then the 3rd gens. I'm not a huge fan of the interior in the 6th gen, but it's all according to your taste bro.

NiSmOVQ35

iTrader: (1)

Its a Good price, considering the low miles. I drive a 5.5gen but i love the 6th gen styling.

miragetkg

iTrader: (4)

I would offer him 12K for it. Private seller = cheaper price. Plus the car will 5 years old soon.

plastii

I would pay no more than 12-13K for it.

maximizd97

16k is too much for a 4-5 yr old maxima. Low miles are great for the buyer, but honestly, your friend will be hard pressed to get 13k on trade. Cloth seats and automatic make it nothing special to dealers and private buyers. It is a buyer's market and 14k would be my top dollar for a run of the mill maxima. Your friend will be hard pressed to get more than that from anyone. Great car, but 16k is WAY too much for this caliber of maxima.

maximizd97

No! Yes dealers will charge 17k+ for a car like this. This is an asking price. That assumes that:

a.) They are willing to take a huge chunk off to move the car off their lot.
b.) They have reconditioned the car, no matter how good the condition.

dealer cost should have NOTHING to do with private party. Private sellers want to make more than insulting trade-in values, because they know that their car is worthy to be sold to a friend, maxima enthusiast, or whoever without regret.

That said, private party prices can either be a pipe dream, or a happy median in the eyes of the seller. 16k is a pipe dream. If you want to spend 16k you should be getting a certified maxima that has been completely reconditioned after haggling a dealer.

A lot of people get ripped off by thinking that 1000 over your loan doesn't amount to much. As a business man, I know that this is a bad assumption. Your friend, if not sooner than later, will realize that he is not going to get 16k from a buyer or a dealer at this point. 14k, top dollar. Make the right choice.

Silver5thgenfan

Bought mine back in March from a dealer '03 6spd. It was listed at $16,900 had 36k on it. Got them down to $15,500... I'd say get it in a hurry. I'd offer the $15,500 but don't be discouraged if he is firm on $16k.

macnolias

iTrader: (1)

I would send him down to a Nissan dealership to see what they'll offer him and give him 500 on top of that. Make him an offer around 12-13 and see if he takes it. Then wait a couple weeks and see if the car is still available then he's more likely to take your offer.

Teufelhunden

iTrader: (8)

that is alot, for a cloth and no options. id say 14k should be good.

Clinman

In begginning of 2003 Nissan and the dealers were giving away the 5th G because the 6th 2004 Maxima was coming out. I bought my car brand new without dealing (internet ad) with moon roof, 6 speed for 21K (no trade in). I have 57k on it and had to replace the anti-lock which was under warranty (other wise a 2k) job Everything else is regular maint....got 55k highway out of tires and front brakes.
16k is too much to pay for 4 or 5 year old car even with 19K miles but then again what is the price of a brand new max or Altima....your call

bvenvert

First off, which do you like better the 6th gen Max or the 5.5? I personally don't like the looks of the 6th gen max and wouldn't even consider one when I bought my loaded 03 in 2004. I like the styling on the 5.5 gen so much better than the new max, not to mention that the power train is basically the same.

I would offer him 14,000 or 14,500 for his, since you know he will be lucky to get 13K in trade from a dealership. If he doesn't take you up on your offer, then look around and see what you can find on autotrader. I bought my 03 Max with 19K on it back in 04 for 19,200.00 and it came with every option but navi. I can't imagine that an 03 with a cloth interior, even with low miles is worth 16k.

NJ Devils Fan

iTrader: (2)

I got my auto '02 with 32k miles back in june '04 for $15,500, so a car only a year newer with 19k...too much imo

frank43

I agree, 14K max

maximizd97

Agreed! Maybe don't try to screw over a good friend THAT much, but its something good to go by. I still say 14k would be giving him more than enough, and yet you would still be getting a good buy.

"Bran Da Man"

You should get it. What you're looking at sounds like a very good car. With gas being as expensive as it is, I haven't driven my Max much at all! My 1994.5 Sentra LE is my daily driver. I have 7,474 miles on my 2001 Maxima SE. I get oil changed and service every three months. Low mileage cars are very attractive. Good luck on your potential purchase!

Respectfully,
"Bran Da Man"

LeX

iTrader: (14)

I would offer him 14k that is a good bit of cash for the car and a fair deal

ChrisK327

7k on an 01 max, now thats low mileage..... wanna sell it?

STILLENGLE

thats a pretty fair price.