My son is looking at a used 2016 Nissan Maxima SV with 90,000 miles on it. Normally, this car would be out of his price range but the dealer has the price down to $13,500. Obviously, the high mileage is attributing to that price, but it appears to be a good deal even with the high mileage. He is in the Marines and has 2 more 7 month deployments so that will help balance out the high mileage some since it will just sit while he is gone. It has new tires and brakes so I'm not concerned there, but should I have any concerns with him buying this 2016 with high mileage? I have a 2017 Maxima Platinum with 54,000 miles and all has been good so far. (except the whistling sunroof that everyone has).

I would appreciate everyone's input into their thoughts on the high mileage. This is a 1 owner car and has a clean CarFax history.

Thanks!

 

Is he leaving for deployment soon? If so, it makes a lot more sense to buy a car when he gets back. A used car would still depreciate a lot faster than the money in your savings account. Regardless, from my personal experience I wouldn't trust a high-mileage Maxima.

 

Me neither. It's hit or miss. 90k miles is about where stuff can start breaking even if you do regular maintenance. As much as I love my Maxima, we're talking about a Nissan product, not Honda or Toyota. Those two I would trust much more at 90k miles. It's a reality I don't like, but chose to live with because I like Maximas, otherwise. Much more than Accords or Camrys (or even Avalons).

 

SV is missing a lot of options...the other issue with that high mileage, finding an extended warranty option even for just a couple of years will be way over priced.

The thing about high mileage cars, you have to factor in the repair and service costs, and what was not done by previous owner. Things that may/will need to be replaced, Tires, Brakes, belt, battery, CVT fluid, Spark Plugs, PCV valve...That list right there is going to cost between $2000-$3000 depending on what you go with, and what isn't already replaced on the car. Some other things that could go out with that mileage, CVT and struts/shocks. So point to be made here, if the price is $13500, which out the door is still more like $16,000, plus all those potential repairs...that's what you will need to evaluate.

 

Just read you have new tires and brakes. That's good stuff. But I also read he's going to be away on deployment. for as much as 14 months while the car sits still in the sun. That's one that bugs me. Sitting still like that it could be damage or just weather beaten. Could also be broken into. Would be ideal if he had a safe place to park it in a garage for that duration...where would he be leaving it? Also note that time the car will still depreciate regardless of not putting any miles on it.

 

""(except the whistling sunroof that everyone has).""
Never had this issue on either my retired 2016 Platinum or my current 2019 Platinum

 

My 16 Platinum has 82k, I bought it used earlier this year. So far no issues other than the front strut mounts, they clunk, especially when cold.

 

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. You guys bring up some very valid points that I have shared with my son. We have decided to pass on the car and begin a search for one with less miles. He will just have to spend a little more if he wants a Maxima that has fewer miles.

 

Excellent points!! Thank you for pointing these out so I could show my son that I'm not the over concerned parent that he thinks I am. LOL

 

You are very fortunate! I should clarify that the whistling begins around 76 mph, especially on a windy day. I've had the dealer try and fix it but so far no luck. I just turn the music up louder if it gets too loud. LOL

 

Even though he is about 15 hours away from home he always brings his vehicle home while he is deployed and we park it in a garage. I shared my concerns with him with just leaving it sit in a lot for so long basically unattended. Even though it would be on a Marine base one thing we have learned is that there are still plenty of thieves that are Marines. You don't lock it up, don't expect it to be there when you return.

 

Ridiculous that there is no vertical adjustment. Not an issue on my car in the summer, but in the winter the speed it whistles depends on the outside temperature.

 

Sometimes "One owner" such high mileage cars sold by dealers are former rental cars. Of course it was "one owner"( The rental company) but hundreds of drivers who did not care. How can you put 90K miles in a 3 year old car? For that you can go direct to Avis car sales or Hertz car sales and buy one newer at a better price if you are lucky you get a good one, but it is a risk. I'm certain that many cars can last up to 200k miles but they start having issues after 100K miles and those CVT's are known for issues...

 

I am fortunate as well with my '17 SL.

 

When I was in we called them the "10%". 10% of the Corps were sh!tbirds when they joined, unfortunately you just can't wring out the nasty in all of them. Semper Fi!

 

If I still had my 16 Maxima purchased in March of 2016, I would have over 90k miles. People drive

 

Well, good to know. But your retired 2016 is, ... three years old, and your 2019 is brand new. Not sure it means much. I too am yet to have a problem with my 2018 SV, except for the infotainment center going bonkers when connected to Android Auto. Then, and only then.

But then again I only put ~ 13,000 miles on my car. So not sure it means much.

 

I personally would not pay that much money for a 16 with 90k miles. My 18 sv (which is leased) has a residual value of $15000 after 3 years. I know residual value and dealer asking price are two different things though what's the book value?

 

Nm I looked it up. Blue book is about 13,500. I'd get that proce down as far as possible imo