kidgrave

iTrader: (7)

Hey 5th Genners. So the car that is probably going to be bought is actually for my girlfriend. We saw a 2003 Nissan Maxima. Majestic blue, automatic, 3.5, looks clean, and feels great...the thing is, that its salvage title. I didn't get to drive it, but it feels pretty good on start up. It does hickup a bit after i rev it, but it doesnt seem that bad. Also, it does have about 199xxx miles on the 3.5. so what does everyone think? Would it be worth it to buy? should i look more into it?

The asking price is $3500obo.

michael454rs

iTrader: (1)

I think thats a little high for the miles. I got my 03 fully loaded, heated seats and steering wheel with 75,000 and its also salvage tittle. Try and see if you can get a better deal

kidgrave

iTrader: (7)

Well it is 3500obo...so thats why i would think its an ok deal...maybe doing like 3000 or 2800

nelledge

iTrader: (6)

How much have you budgeted for repairs and maintenance?

Rods03Max619

iTrader: (5)

Do you know why its salvaged like crashed, totaled, or Hail or what ....I would say 3000we or 2800 just find stuff you are going to need to address ASAP and tell the owner, GL..

oms

Agree with finding out why it was totaled, Frame damage is my worry in this case. One thing to know about 3.5's is that they do burn oil, some more than others, a compression test may help figuring that out. If you get it cheap enough though, just keep topping it off.

spock

iTrader: (5)

They don't all burn oil. Mine goes down less than 1/2 quart between 4k intervals. I've got 87k on the odometer.
I'd try and find out more on the reason for the salvaged title. Price is less than a bargain with that many miles. My opinion, of course.

TunerMaxima3000

iTrader: (4)

Yeah that price sounds about right if it WASN'T salvage IMO.

I would just walk away from it, that mileage is way too high, you can find something a lot nicer than that man.

L2theBR

iTrader: (3)

It really depends how good the internals are, engine/tranny etc. A salvage title isn't always necessarily a bad thing, it all depends on the body shop it was taken to. If they weren't hacks and everything was fixed properly by a quality bodyman, then it could be in great shape. I've personally owned/sold salvage title cars that are x10 cleaner and in much better condition then a clean titled car. First find out what happened to it to total it in the first place, sometimes a car can be totaled from very minimal damage. Then if possible find out which body shop did the repairs, if it's a local shop, stop by and see what kind of work they do.

That all being said, $3500 is a lot for that car with 200k miles with a questionable history. I would talk them down to $2800 and not a dime more.

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

Not sure I'd take the chance, I got my '02 6 speed with leather, Bose and climate control for $5000, had 154,000 miles on it.

kidgrave

iTrader: (7)

Thanks for the imput guys....will take all this into consideration and will be doing more research on the car...in the mean time, I'll try to talk her into learning how to drive m/t so she can buy something we can both have fun with...

T_Behr904

I'd stay away from a car with a salvage title. Check your state laws as well, as certain states do not allow you to re-title a car to drive on the streets once it gets a salvage title. I would keep looking around for something different unless you want to buy it for a parts car.

7speed

Hows search coming? Depending on salvage reason, it could be a decent find. I would try them at $2500-$2800

SimonsezSE

That price is way too high for a vehicle of that year, mileage, and with a salvage title. I bought my '03 w/ Meridian pkg. and 109k for $4700. I'm selling my 2002 SE w/ leather and 147k for $3500. Granted it has a mismatched hood and front bumper from some jagoff backing into me, but it's a clean title.

I'd check Carfax or AutoCheck for a background. Those two have saved my butt numerous times from buying a lemon. Of course, you never know what isn't reported, and some cars that have salvage titles are still good cars.

I know that the cost of living is higher in LA, but you can find something better for that price, I'd guess.

bocian

iTrader: (1)

Dont listen to anyone bashing on salvage titles, theyre not all bad, in fact some may be way better than some clean titles, having many salvage titled cars myself including my current baby
yea some salvage title cars might have been hit really hard with frame damage but there are clean titles that have had the same if not worse damage, I've personally seen this... clean title doesnt necessarily mean non accident car, but it does lessens the chances. that being said, salvage title takes the value of the car down so imo, this one is not worth that much money especially with that mileage. as someone said, if you have a decent enough budget for upgrades/repairs then this is a good car if you can get the price down to around or even below 3k, if not, i personally wouldnt do it... thats my opinion, hope it helps...

95VQ30

wrecked car + 200k miles = under $2000 easy

Keep shopping

T_Behr904

I'm sticking to my guns when I say to stay away from a salvage title car. The car doesn't necessarily have to be wrecked in a crash to have a salvage title. The car could have been flood damaged. Sure, you might get lucky and end up with a good car, but it's a risk. It's your money. Do as you wish with it.

kidgrave

iTrader: (7)

thanks for all the input guys...but i regret to inform you that she bought a sentra.

T_Behr904

What year Sentra?