Thinking of buying a 5th/5.5 Gen? Please post all questions and info here....
09-22-2008, 08:07 AM
#161
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 3
I have been looking for a 01-03 SE for a few weeks. I want to get a fun yet nice 4-door to take some load off my Z and my old blazer. After looking at several AE models i have narrowed my search to only 2001 AE's. I have the 3.5 in my Z and its a great and powerful engine, but i really prefer the 3.0 in the maxima. That iteration of the VQ is so much smoother and compliments the car nicely, IMO.
Couple questions. I have found Edmunds, KBB, and NADA to be of very little help. People ask all sorts of price ranges for these cars. Right now i am looking at a Black on black AE, auto, with all options in excellent condition with 98K. The front lights have been cleaned and show no haze, it has 2, yes only 2, dings which look to fixable by a dent dr. The drivers leather seat has cracked and separated on the thigh bolster. These are the only issues with this car. It is a two owner car with ALL service records and receipts. They are asking 8900, but will take 8500. This is the most expensive AE I have looked at but it is also in better condition overall. I would love to get them around 8000, or maybe 8200. Thoughts? In reality i would think these cars around the 100K mark are $7500 cars, but value (and beauty) is in the eye of the beholder I guess.
Also I would most definitely want to have the front leather redone (katzkin, leatherseats.com). Anyone had this done and were the results worth the cost?
Couple questions. I have found Edmunds, KBB, and NADA to be of very little help. People ask all sorts of price ranges for these cars. Right now i am looking at a Black on black AE, auto, with all options in excellent condition with 98K. The front lights have been cleaned and show no haze, it has 2, yes only 2, dings which look to fixable by a dent dr. The drivers leather seat has cracked and separated on the thigh bolster. These are the only issues with this car. It is a two owner car with ALL service records and receipts. They are asking 8900, but will take 8500. This is the most expensive AE I have looked at but it is also in better condition overall. I would love to get them around 8000, or maybe 8200. Thoughts? In reality i would think these cars around the 100K mark are $7500 cars, but value (and beauty) is in the eye of the beholder I guess.
Also I would most definitely want to have the front leather redone (katzkin, leatherseats.com). Anyone had this done and were the results worth the cost?
09-23-2008, 07:51 PM
#162
How much to pay for 2003 TE Maxima w/ 48k?
I am going to look at a 2003 Maxima titanium edition 6spd with 48k on it. Its supposed to be in really good shape, definately looks like it in the pictures. Has titanium and meridian package, all options except navi. They are asking 12,600 but kbb is only 11,200. KBB doesn't include titanium package though, so how much is a good price to pay for the car? Thanks guys!
09-23-2008, 07:57 PM
#163
that same car you listed retails for $14,055 in my area unless you're looking at private sale which goes for $11,725. I'd say that if this is from a dealer, the price is fair, a bit high for a private seller though. Either way, prices vary greatly from place to place and market to market. Look at the car and decide for yourself if its worth the money. In the end, its your money and your car. Good luck.
09-23-2008, 09:20 PM
#165
I think you could find one cheaper. I've seen 02's from 7,500 up. 12,600 isnt crazy though, just a bit high. In the end you get what you pay for... sometimes you pay more. Just ask yourself after looking at it "is it worth it?"
09-24-2008, 04:02 AM
#168
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,795
I am going to look at a 2003 Maxima titanium edition 6spd with 48k on it. Its supposed to be in really good shape, definately looks like it in the pictures. Has titanium and meridian package, all options except navi. They are asking 12,600 but kbb is only 11,200. KBB doesn't include titanium package though, so how much is a good price to pay for the car? Thanks guys!
The guy I bought mine from had all records, and appeared to be pretty darn **** when it came to the maintenance. I probably could have found one cheaper, but it was worth it to me to have the peace of mind that it was well taken care of.
09-26-2008, 10:46 AM
#169
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: houston tx
Posts: 189
If they are asking 12,600, they are probably expecting to negotiate to around 12,000......If the car appears to be well maintained, and they have all maintenance records, etc. I would gladly pay a few hundred extra.
The guy I bought mine from had all records, and appeared to be pretty darn **** when it came to the maintenance. I probably could have found one cheaper, but it was worth it to me to have the peace of mind that it was well taken care of.
The guy I bought mine from had all records, and appeared to be pretty darn **** when it came to the maintenance. I probably could have found one cheaper, but it was worth it to me to have the peace of mind that it was well taken care of.
aww thats a deal son ! 2 years ago, i got my 02 SE loaded with 66K miles for $14,000 . if you can snag that 03 for $12 grand that's pretty solid. man that's looooooowwwwwww mileage for a 5 -6 year old car. whew!
09-28-2008, 11:48 AM
#170
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Liberty, SC
Posts: 1
Finally back in the Maxima scene. This is my 4th Max and I dipped out for a little while to play with a SuperCharged Frontier and then a 05 Titan. Now with a divorce in the process, I stepped back to a 03 Maxima SE. I love the car. Not exactly what I was looking for but with the time restraints and budget, I couldn't find a 04 quick enough. I do have a few problems with this car though. I was wondering if anyone else had the problem of it wanting to whind over a great deal after sitting over night. To me, it seems like a leaky injector... but, I haven't worked on cars in forever. Anyone else have this problem? Is this common?
Last edited by mahima; 09-28-2008 at 11:54 AM.
10-01-2008, 06:45 PM
#171
Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 35
To Max or Not to Max that is the question :P
I currently have a 95 Maxima (156,000/miles) that I bought with 97,000 mils on it, I have had it for a few years now and it was mostly trouble free with some of the minor expected issues with an older car. Now the old girl seems to want to be out out to pasture, so many things are wrong atm that it would take to long to list. My Maxima experience overall is pretty positive though an thats why I am looking for an 00-03 car. I use them mainly as an everyday commuter car, so I can pile on the miles an not worry to much about hurting the resale value. Plus there still great looking cars, an can handle going out on the town quite nicely imo, an ther sporty as hell as i'm a serious lead foot.
I am currently considering a 2000 Maxima SE 5spd with 92,000 miles on it, it is Dark Red or Burgundy (wine) Ive gotten the dealer down to $6500, my mechanic has also given the car a quick once over an he says the car looks to be in pretty good shape. We are going to give it a thorough checkout on Sat.
A few Questions -
A) $6500/92,000miles??To Much??
B) AAA is now selling extended warranties with my experience im thinking it might be a good idea. Or did the greatly improve the reliability of the 00-03 cars.
C) 00-03 Require Premium Fuel or is it just recommended?
I currently have a 95 Maxima (156,000/miles) that I bought with 97,000 mils on it, I have had it for a few years now and it was mostly trouble free with some of the minor expected issues with an older car. Now the old girl seems to want to be out out to pasture, so many things are wrong atm that it would take to long to list. My Maxima experience overall is pretty positive though an thats why I am looking for an 00-03 car. I use them mainly as an everyday commuter car, so I can pile on the miles an not worry to much about hurting the resale value. Plus there still great looking cars, an can handle going out on the town quite nicely imo, an ther sporty as hell as i'm a serious lead foot.
I am currently considering a 2000 Maxima SE 5spd with 92,000 miles on it, it is Dark Red or Burgundy (wine) Ive gotten the dealer down to $6500, my mechanic has also given the car a quick once over an he says the car looks to be in pretty good shape. We are going to give it a thorough checkout on Sat.
A few Questions -
A) $6500/92,000miles??To Much??
B) AAA is now selling extended warranties with my experience im thinking it might be a good idea. Or did the greatly improve the reliability of the 00-03 cars.
C) 00-03 Require Premium Fuel or is it just recommended?
10-01-2008, 06:53 PM
#172
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Carver, MA
Posts: 39
I just purchased a 01' SE with what I believed to be fully loaded. (leather, power everything, bose, heated seats etc.
Im loving the car.. did a lot of reading here on the forums before i picked her out, So thank you to everyone.
Now for my 2 question.
there is a blank plate on the dash below the mirror controls.. any idea what that is for?
(can take a pic if needed)
And, how do i know if the mirrors are heated?
Thank you
- Cal
Im loving the car.. did a lot of reading here on the forums before i picked her out, So thank you to everyone.
Now for my 2 question.
there is a blank plate on the dash below the mirror controls.. any idea what that is for?
(can take a pic if needed)
And, how do i know if the mirrors are heated?
Thank you
- Cal
10-02-2008, 11:02 PM
#174
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 52
I am looking at a 2000 with 110,000 miles. Overall it looks like its in great shape. The thing screamed when i took it for a quick test drive. Its being sold buy a Indian who owns a drive threw and sells cars like this in front of his shop and he says he had it inspected and it has no problems but i question if he really did. It just had an oil change but that really doesn't mean anything if the car overall was never properly maintained.
Now i am going to take it to my school auto shop to put it up on the lift and have the auto teacher look at it with me sense i dont see me paying 100+ bucks to take it to a shop to be inspected. I was wondering what i should look at specifically on these cars.
Oh he wanted 5k for it but i talked him down to 4,500 because it needs tires.
Now i am going to take it to my school auto shop to put it up on the lift and have the auto teacher look at it with me sense i dont see me paying 100+ bucks to take it to a shop to be inspected. I was wondering what i should look at specifically on these cars.
Oh he wanted 5k for it but i talked him down to 4,500 because it needs tires.
10-06-2008, 06:50 PM
#176
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Carver, MA
Posts: 39
I am looking at a 2000 with 110,000 miles. Overall it looks like its in great shape. The thing screamed when i took it for a quick test drive. Its being sold buy a Indian who owns a drive threw and sells cars like this in front of his shop and he says he had it inspected and it has no problems but i question if he really did. It just had an oil change but that really doesn't mean anything if the car overall was never properly maintained.
Now i am going to take it to my school auto shop to put it up on the lift and have the auto teacher look at it with me sense i dont see me paying 100+ bucks to take it to a shop to be inspected. I was wondering what i should look at specifically on these cars.
Oh he wanted 5k for it but i talked him down to 4,500 because it needs tires.
Now i am going to take it to my school auto shop to put it up on the lift and have the auto teacher look at it with me sense i dont see me paying 100+ bucks to take it to a shop to be inspected. I was wondering what i should look at specifically on these cars.
Oh he wanted 5k for it but i talked him down to 4,500 because it needs tires.
I brought 3 Max's to a mechanic before i purchased mine, One had been in an accident and the frame was somewhat bent, other one had seaweed burnt above the muffler and signs of water damage (we pulled up the rear passenger carpet to find a ton of sand. Do a carfax on it!)
3rd max was the charm. wasn't My 1st choice of Color, but hey.. "Old lady Champagne" doesn't draw attention from state troopers as much.
Be prepared to resurface/replace the rotors & pads tends to be a common occurrence.
10-08-2008, 06:25 PM
#177
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: !Chikago!
Posts: 1
Just turned 16 and Im lookin at 2000-02 Maxima stick's,
I really want one but Im gonna admit I dont kno too much about them.
Can u guys tell me some pro's and con's
and the most important, how are the insurance rates??
I really want one but Im gonna admit I dont kno too much about them.
Can u guys tell me some pro's and con's
and the most important, how are the insurance rates??
10-16-2008, 09:47 AM
#178
Highly recommended. Look for one with a little higher mileage but taken care of. That'll be the cheapest price and insurance. My insurance on my parents plan is fairly low. (I'm 18.)
10-19-2008, 04:58 PM
#180
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Moore, OK
Posts: 1,767
10-20-2008, 10:12 AM
#182
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 52
If you have your own plan expect 200+ a month! Mines 188 for the minimum! Im 17 about to turn 18 and my driving record is clean.
10-22-2008, 04:53 PM
#183
Looking at a 2000 SE 5-speed Saturday
I found a 2000 SE 5-speed. Silver with black leather interior. It sounds fully loaded; heated seats, leather, dual power seats. 144,000 miles for $4,700. The seller said it looses 1/2 quart of oil between oil changes. I am thinking this is some kind of gasket leak. They said the interior was great and the body had no damage. It's never been in a wreck. What should I look for? Anything in particular? Does this sound like a good deal? KBB valued it excellent as $5200.
Mooney
Update: I just looked at the car this morning. It had blemishes on the body and a small indention in the front bumper. The door panels has normal wear and tear and the leather seats were good. The only problem I for see is the engine losing 1/2 quart of oil in between oil changes. They say it does not leak. Also the check engine light is on and she said they didn't know what it was for. I didn't think to take it by Advance, there was one right there but it's in a town I haven't been too. And it had a cracked windshield. For $4,700 I am not sure about this car.
Opinions??
Mooney
Mooney
Update: I just looked at the car this morning. It had blemishes on the body and a small indention in the front bumper. The door panels has normal wear and tear and the leather seats were good. The only problem I for see is the engine losing 1/2 quart of oil in between oil changes. They say it does not leak. Also the check engine light is on and she said they didn't know what it was for. I didn't think to take it by Advance, there was one right there but it's in a town I haven't been too. And it had a cracked windshield. For $4,700 I am not sure about this car.
Opinions??
Mooney
Last edited by Powerman5115; 10-25-2008 at 03:22 PM.
10-30-2008, 11:09 AM
#184
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 286
How's this for $6k??
It's a 2002 Maxima GLE with 147k miles on it! 
It's a one owner car and the guy want $7k for it but i've managed to talk it down to $6k over the phone. From the sound of it, it's pretty much a new car with 147k miles. He have all the maintenance records. Is it worth getting a loan and buy it?
The only bad thing about the car is that it have the stock OEM halogen headlight due to someone keep stealing the HID headlight (he said it's been replaced 3 times and he gave up on it and put the halogen headlight on so no one would steal it)
Here's the ad:
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All scheduled maintenance, Always garaged, Fully loaded, Highway miles, Ice cold A/C, Looks & runs great, Maintenance records available, No accidents, Non-smoker, One owner, Perfect first car, Power everything, Runs & drives great, Very clean interior, Well maintained. This is 2002 Nissan Maxima GLE. Automatic Transmission, V6 engine. Fully loaded with sunroof, all power options and black leather interior. car was maintenced and taken care of very well. all paperwork and receipts are on file. Perfect interior. no scratches or rips in leather. no burn holes. this is a perfect all around reliable nice and clean car. i am the first and only owner of the car. purchased in 2002. Asking 7000 or best offer.
[/IMG]
It's a one owner car and the guy want $7k for it but i've managed to talk it down to $6k over the phone. From the sound of it, it's pretty much a new car with 147k miles. He have all the maintenance records. Is it worth getting a loan and buy it?The only bad thing about the car is that it have the stock OEM halogen headlight due to someone keep stealing the HID headlight (he said it's been replaced 3 times and he gave up on it and put the halogen headlight on so no one would steal it)
Here's the ad:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
All scheduled maintenance, Always garaged, Fully loaded, Highway miles, Ice cold A/C, Looks & runs great, Maintenance records available, No accidents, Non-smoker, One owner, Perfect first car, Power everything, Runs & drives great, Very clean interior, Well maintained. This is 2002 Nissan Maxima GLE. Automatic Transmission, V6 engine. Fully loaded with sunroof, all power options and black leather interior. car was maintenced and taken care of very well. all paperwork and receipts are on file. Perfect interior. no scratches or rips in leather. no burn holes. this is a perfect all around reliable nice and clean car. i am the first and only owner of the car. purchased in 2002. Asking 7000 or best offer.
[/IMG]
10-30-2008, 11:40 AM
#185
Don't do it . Its a 5.5 gen and it doesn't even have the 5.5 headlights. I have a 5.5 front end Conversion with AE headlights with GAPS galore.
Just to let you know you somebody will tell you to post this on the following thread.
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...info-here.html
Just to let you know you somebody will tell you to post this on the following thread.
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...info-here.html
Last edited by blkAEmax82; 10-30-2008 at 03:29 PM.
10-30-2008, 02:17 PM
#189
the car does look clean and the interior is clean too...but it's a lot of miles for that price...talk it down to $5k lol...i had a 2002 SE fully loaded minus navi and had 116k miles on it...i wanted $5500 for it but ended up trading it in to the dealer for $4k lol
10-30-2008, 02:47 PM
#191
headlights are different because the op said the owner told him they kept getting stolen out. I would try and talk him down a bit more. tell him 4500 and if he says 5k then I would make the deal. 6k is steep for the amount of miles. If he did properly maintain it, it should last past 200,000 miles no problem. Also drive it first and beat on it a bit. That's when you'll find out how the car is truly running. Pay attention to any noises and the transmission.
Good luck
Good luck
10-30-2008, 03:12 PM
#192
headlights are different because the op said the owner told him they kept getting stolen out. I would try and talk him down a bit more. tell him 4500 and if he says 5k then I would make the deal. 6k is steep for the amount of miles. If he did properly maintain it, it should last past 200,000 miles no problem. Also drive it first and beat on it a bit. That's when you'll find out how the car is truly running. Pay attention to any noises and the transmission.
Good luck
Good luck
Great advice.
10-30-2008, 03:22 PM
#193
Where is the car located? Definitely take a good look at the car. Get underneath and check for rust issues. Test drive it and like the post above get on it. Make sure to hit it in various rpm ranges. Take it by an AZ place and get them to scan for codes too.
I wouldn't offer him anymore then 5k. Tell him that getting the replacement headlights is going to cost you xxx.xx. Make the offer of 5k and get a loan for 5500.00. By yourself some 5.5 gen headlights and your good to go.
I wouldn't offer him anymore then 5k. Tell him that getting the replacement headlights is going to cost you xxx.xx. Make the offer of 5k and get a loan for 5500.00. By yourself some 5.5 gen headlights and your good to go.
10-30-2008, 03:43 PM
#196
Ask to drive the car on a cold day before the car has been driven. That way any of the weird cold weather soft/slipping shifts will be obvious. The car will shift fine when warmed up so you have to check it when the car is cold. Pay close attention to the 2-3 part throttle upshift.
My '02 is nearly 140,000 miles and runs fine-except for the soft shifts before it warms up. Been like that since I got the car 25,000 miles ago though.
My '02 is nearly 140,000 miles and runs fine-except for the soft shifts before it warms up. Been like that since I got the car 25,000 miles ago though.
10-30-2008, 03:51 PM
#197
10-30-2008, 04:07 PM
#198
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 339
hmm.. milage doesnt scare me, but the 2K headlights do..... milage means nothing as long as the owner takes care of it, remove the bra, drive the car and get a mechanic check it out, if its aight then i dont see why not we all know its not gonna be in tip top condition, as long as its o.k with minor fixes... my car is going on 200K miles and you couldn't feel or tell, check members rides...
Last edited by 24K on da way; 10-30-2008 at 04:10 PM.
