Took my max into the dealer and I know she has alot of problems from a rear axle bushing leak, both front lower control arms are bad and my exhaust is starting to make noise under acceleration (possible cat going bad). I got the oil change and while at the dealer drove an 06 SL max that is fully loaded with 53,000 miles for $15,500. It comes with a nissan certified warranty that covers everything for a 2.5 years or 100,000 miles including the transmission which I know people have had problems with. My 01 fully loaded max has 165,000 miles and has never failed me for 5 years. They offered $3000 for the car which is a clean pearl white with no rust. I love the body of the 01 but not feeling the 06 body. Although the 06 is fully loaded except nav, including the 18" chrome nissan wheels I am hesitant. Any thoughts since I want to stay with the maxima family....

 

You just answered your own question. If you are hesitant due to some characteristics of the 6th gen, you will not be fully happy with it. I'll assume you own the 01 with no car payment? That is always a plus, so I'd say just save your money and fix the 01. You're clearly happy with your current car overall. Take care of the maintenance work, and chances are you will be happier with sticking with the 01.

A new car is nice, but after about a year, it will just be another car once the "new" effect wears off. I would also recommend not buying anything major without being fully satisfied with it. Do NOT just settle for something because its new, you will regret it down the road.

Or just sell the 01, and get another 00' thru 03'

 

this.

 

Yea but dumping money into an old car is not a good idea.

 

I guess it's all relative. Dumping money into an old car is the same as dumping money into a new car (car payments). It's not an investment. A DD car will very, very rarely yield a return. New or old. Everything breaks sooner or later. The difference is what did you pay into it. It's a budget thing.

A vehicle that costs $15000 plus tt&l with a trade-in of $3k financed for 3 years will run over $375/month (not including maintenance or repairs). That's 4,500 a year. A control arm kit will run about $500 installed, two cv shafts R&R'd with new seals run under $350, and a new exhaust system for about $500 installed. You're left with over 3 grand to play with if you were to keep the used car you like as opposed to the new car that is 'meh'.

 

I suppose, main idea behind not spending money on the old car is thinking in the long run hopefully you have a newer, hopefully a bit nicer, safer car that won't have to pay into repairs like the older car.

 

And stock exhaust even cheaper. I dump cash in my Maxima but I know I am going to have it for a while but not all crazy spending but if you got the cash F33k it.

 

Safety is always a good idea.

Better the devil you know...

 

sir,please keep the 01 , at least it's your car and I assume it is for a while now,and over that you like the body style too...save yourself from the headache of another car...you'll start all over again with changing things and spending money....

 

Do remember that us dealers do not give you 3,000 for your car, merely 3000 off the gross on the 06 Maxima. You'd be better off selling it and having 3,000 cash than giving away your Maxima for free and getting a car loan in return. Just my .02.

 

I don't know about you, but for $15k, if I'm hesitant then it kinda kills it. But then, that's just me lol. It seems like a decent deal, but from what your above para suggests...it just isn't you.


Isn't that what we're all doing lol

 

Only the one who modify their rides. There are lots of members here (OP?) who just keep their DD nice and clean and stock.

At least the 2006 isn't that crappy CVT in the 6.5 Gen. And you can replace that fugly "tooth" grille easily enough. But personally, I'm no fan of the 6th Gen design. Too much like an adult version of the Altima.

 

I was exactly where you are now several weeks ago. Decided to keep my 00 w/150k miles and make repairs. As they say "cheaper to keep her"

 

That's a big 'only' lol, but yeah some folks aren't into mods and such. I liked to think of myself as one of those members you mention, keeping a mostly stock ride. But in my case it didn't last (even you went for those horns and the sprboost)

As far as the OP I think if you're feeling hesitant like that (where you're not sure if the good outweighs the bad, whatever it may be) then don't do it. 'Sides, the stuff he mentioned isn't super $$ to get fixed.

 

This.

(that is, as long as repairs aren't ridiculous $$$)

 

Hmm... I should have been more specific. Like everyone else with an 8 year old car, I've been spending good money on repairs and replacements for standard OEM parts; in addition to modifications.

So yeah... good maintenance isn't a magic wand for avoiding standard wear.

 

That newer car that you won't have to spend money on repairs is only $375/month...and is still a rusting, depreciating asset.

 

Car payments suck.. Like one of the other posters stated, you can fix whats wrong with your car in like three of the monthly payments you would use for the new max..

 

You will be surprised how much more you will like your car once you fix it. Me personally, I look at a failing stock part as an excuse to upgrade. Maybe not so with the axle bushings and control arm, but the exhaust definitely. I am surprised how every year I go to the car show and look at new cars only to find that my 03 has everything I want...And it will be payed off in a year.

 

Very true. A lawyer couldn't argue it.

And there are some maint/repairs that I've done that made me feel almost as good as a new mod. (w/o the headaches of a lemon that is)

 

Thanks for all the replys guys...I am still torn on what to do...My credit score was 741 so my monthly payment for 5 years would be $270. I am leaning towards keeping the 01. It is nice not having a car payment and owning the 01. The only fix that I am troubled about is the leaking gel liquid filled rear axle bushing. I do most of the repairs on my car but am not sure how to tackle this one. Is this something I need to do right away or will this be ok for awhile? The stealer wants $995 to do this for me which I just laughed and said no thanks.....

 

Mine did it for about 5yrs now... the leak quits, and I haven't noticed any change in ride. You could repair yourself if you want, IDK but I don't think that bushing has to be pushed in. I have starred at it many times and looks like all we would have to do is undo the "bottom" of the struts, the bushing bolts on both sides and the axle should roll forward/down enough to slide it out. Which one of yours is leaking? Mine is passenger side.

 

Did you ever lookup the value of this car that's for sale, just to get a good idea if it's worth it? Then lowball them a bit, see what happens? Or make sure you get a few dollars more towards the tradin. As already stated, it's mostly just moving money from one column to another on the form...just get your bottom line lower so you feel more comfortable.

Don't be fooled by the fancy footwork they do around the "payment only 270", that's 5 years. Bottom line, what's the interest rate, how much are you paying for the car, how much is your trade-in. If you feel comfortable about all 3 aspects separately, then the payment is what it is. Just doing a quick amortization here, with 4.0 interest on 15000 for 5 years gives me a 276 month payment. Is that close to the numbers they crunched? Seems like your tradin is only washing away the TTT fees, and you're still left with the new car price...get them to lower the price, reduce or eliminate the dealer fee, or up the tradin.


http://www.amortization-calc.com/


The thing is, until they make the sale, they have latitude to move...keep pushing. In the end, it's 6 years newer, 110,000 less miles, and 2.5 years worth of warrantee. I say get the new car and ditch the old. Just get a better price!!!

 

You're getting out of a nine year old car, into one with five years of payments @270/month.

Go on, guess how old your new one will be when you've finally finished paying for it....

There are DIY's around for changing out the rear bushings.

 

All this has happened before, and it will happen again.

Didn't we learn anything from Battlestar Gallactica?

 

Keep your car, fix the problem, avoid the payment. Save that $270/month for 5 years and see what you get.

 

Every time something goes wrong with the old car, that's going to eat away at any savings potential. Figure $2000 worth of repairs minimum over the next 2 years. If he saves $6480, take 2000 from, leaves 4500. He also loses almost half the value of the trade-in, take 1500 he'll pay extra for a newer car in 2 years, leaves $3000 saved up in that two years. And what if the old car ends up costing $4000 in repairs over the next two years? Then it's almost a wash, and he saved nearer to zero. Instead he could be almost half way into the new car payments, and sporting 6 more months of warrantee ta boot.

Sometimes it's better to cut your losses, and get some value out of the trade in while it's still viable.

I'm not saying this 06 for $15800 is the best deal, it could be better. But here's the thing to note, the OP is already tired of the car or why is he looking at newer cars? It's not always a bad thing to get into a newer car payment when you consider the costs in keeping a high mileage car running...

OP, maybe the best thing for you is hit up 2 or 3 more dealerships this weekend, see if you find some other options or better deals. Then if the 06 is still calling your name, buy it...

 

That's a lot of what ifs. What if once he repairs the current problems, the car is problem free for the next 5 years? He already said it's never let him down and the problems he's having aren't bad for a car that old with 165K Also, based on your scenario, if he saves $6480 - $2000 in repairs = ~$4500 and has to make up a theoretical $1500 in trade differential, he still comes out with a new car and an extra $2000 to put down on the new one.

A paid off car remains an asset, one with a payment is a liability. It's better to cut your losses when there are actual losses.

 

I'm all for driving a car so you get your money's worth. 2-5 years after you paid it off is my plan usually. I also have always purchased used cars. This max I'm driving now is the newest car I've ever owned with 19000 on the ticker when I got it. So trust me when I say, I get what you're saying.

But here's the problem with "saving". Most people don't or wont. Me personally after the car is paid off I'll put extra money on my mortgage for a couple of years, maybe put on the new porch...when the car get's to be a burden, I will get into a fixed payment on a reliable newer car with coverage.

When an out of warranty car as a "whatif", and the bill hits all at once, it's a real downer. Having peace of mind that the majority of major repairs to a car will be covered under a warrantee for a static monthly payment is sometimes more valuable than playing the gamble.

If the 01 is reliable, you're probably right, he should stay in it for a little longer. But someone has to play logic of the other side, and that's me...

 

Oh and your math is off...by that formula he would end up with a rough $3000...

 

Here's another perspective, what if he's just bored with 2001 technology and wants to get something with a little less worn and torn inside...? Nothing wrong with feeling a little prestige when driving you car. It's there with you every day, might as well be something you're enjoying driving. It's not always about saving the money.

 

You do have some good points, but with his current car being largely trouble-free I'd stick with it for a while. The value of his trade-in will continue to drop, but so will the price of the car he's looking at (or similar). The saving-yeah, I agree on that too, but I'd probably have to assume that someone who hangs onto a car for that long probably knows a thing or 2 about saving. Well, let's hope so.

LOL! Good catch, I noticed that right about the time I read your first reply. Gimme a break, it's early for me!

 

Hey guys...Thanks again for the insight. It has been enlightening reading all the responses and ideas. I am going to look at other dealers this weekend and have since told the dealer with 06 SL that I feel my 01 is worth more than they are offering and might be better off selling it on my own. I am waiting for their counter offer and seeing if I can change their mind. If they really want to sell this car that has been on their lot for 5 months, I might have a good case..Will keep everyone posted.

 

I would much rather have a CVT with the extended warranty than the crappy 5AT with such a horrible track record.

IMO repair the maxima and save the money you saved not having a payment towards a car you really want.

 

The CVT on the 6.5 gen is not the same as the CVT on the 7.0 gen . At least, it sure doesn't drive the same. The 7th gen is actually fun. The 6.5 gen is like driving a Ford 500.

 

Two years ago I test drove a 2009 Taurus, a (265 hp Ford 500 essentially), and the 07 Maxima I'm driving now...I promise you, the Ford didn't come close to enjoyable compared to the Max. The max was more spirited then even the RWD 2009 base model Pontiac G8 (265 hp also), that's why I came home with the 07 Max.

Now I've never driven a 7th gen, so I certainly won't dispute that statement, but the one comparing a 6.5 to a Ford 500 is WAY misstated...

 

Would you rather have a "dull" CVT or a 5AT that is well known for breaking and costing $1000s to repair on a regular basis? Just hit the 6th gen forums for 5 mins and you'll probably change your mind.

 

You've got your Fords mixed up.

2009 was still the 5th gen Ford Taurus, which was a rebadged Ford Five Hundred (to the untrained eye)... except that there was far more than rebadging going on. Ford upgraded the wimpy 3.0L V6 from the Five Hundred, and they replaced the CVT from the Five Hundred with a proper, geared transmission. The 5th gen Taurus was actually a pretty decent ride.

So although the 6.5 gen Max had far more HP and handling than the Five Hundred, the driving experience between the Five Hundred and the 6.5 Maxima was pretty much the same with respect to the transmission: nnn-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n

Is none-of-the-above an option?

 

Crap... I bet your car is faster than mine now.

 

Yes, Sparks... the world is flat.