I am buying a used car. I can buy a 94 Civic DX hatchback w/ 70,000 miles on it or a 96 Maxima GXE (more $) w/ 100,000 miles. I would prefer the Maxima but I know the Civic will run forever. I'm just wondering if I can expect the Maxima run well past the 100,000 mark?? Any input?

if you treat it well it'll last well past 100 and close to 200

I don't know...should I get an Infinity G35c or a Sentra? Should I get a Dodge Stratus or an '03 Mustang Cobra?

The major problem around 100k would be with the tranny. Ask if they had it serviced before? Like tranny fluid changed or something.

Get the Civic. It is much faster, looks better, has a huge aftermarket, and a very powerfull and torquey motor. It isn't fair to compare the lowely Geezer-getter maxima to it.

hahahahahaha

There are many maxima's out there above the 200k mile mark... the maxima should last you just as long as the civic would. And it'll be faster and classier too

you are looking at 2 totally different cars.

94 civic DX? how about older civic hatchback DX with B18C1 or even B18C5 swapped? take advantage of light weight car and add the regular bolt ons, u'll be in 13s if properly driven. cornerin will definetly not be a problem.

if you have a family, and planning to keep it for a long time, get the max. VQs are smooth and reliable. it also produce decent amount of HP/torque which should help you pass through the traffic easily.

Honestly, the civic has less miles and will get better mileage. If you don't have a family and dont plan on having one for a while, I would go with the civic. It would take quite a bit to bring it up to the max's performance level, but it doesnt sound like that is a priority.

why would you even ask that question here?! the Max for sure!!!

He probably posted this on the honda board also, to get their opinion.

The max board is sayin to get the max, and the honda board is prolly sayin the honda is better

How do you know a civic will run forever??

You gotta be nuts trying to pick between a Maxima and a Civic DX. I associate the Civic with a bicycle..even if that will cause the flame war on here.

I sometimes wish I had a Civic DX. It would cost me less for gas, and I'd run less of a risk of getting speeding tickets.

try finding one thats not moded

perhaps i just raced my buddy's civic hatch DX 5-spd with b16a2 swap. he's goin for sleeper style. sure that little thing is fast, cheap, and fun to drive.

but again, when i start up my max, i enjoy the leg room and the torque-ish powerband. knowing that my VQ is gonna keep my car running long and strong is another plus.

I hear what you're saying, but the Civic and GXE were equivalents in 1998-1999. The 1999 non-ABS GXE 5-spd sold for $16,995, about the same as a Civic. Back in 1996 the Maxima was considerably more money. So it's surprising that the Maxima has so many miles in his buy decision--mileage should be the same if price is the same. In a used decision, always go for lower mileage. An 8 year-old car, to me, is not something you're gonna keep 7 more years, it's just to get you by until you can get something new. Every case is different, but if the Civic and Maxima were in identical condition and price, I'd go for the Civic. If the Maxima had lower miles and the price were the same, I'd consider the Maxima.

WTF! are you tripping frank?

the 96 Maxima is considered a MIDSIZE family sedan (with a ext. retail value of $6,700 - 8,700).

the Civic hatchback on the other hand was (and still is) a COMPACT...do you know what a civic hatchback looks like? the 96 Civic (i use the 96 model year to make an equal comparision) has a est. value of $5,600 - $7,300. so obviously the Maxima has something that makes it worth $2k or so more!!!

and in the Maxima and Civic were NEVER "equivalents"!
not in 98, not now, NEVER! not sure how you figure that one!

perhaps you could compare a newer Civic (non-hatchback) version to an Altima. or the Honda Accord to the Maxima...but not the Max to the Civic!

It all depends on what you intend to do with it, race or just daily driven. I considered the civic before I bought my max and just could not get over the power potential of a maxima.

Also consider how much higher the chance is for your Civic to get broken into or stolen.

ok...am i the only sane one reading this thread?!

triple8sol, i love ya man...but who in the hell would steal a stock 94 Civic hatchback?!

Maxima would be better for everything, except maybe gas mileage. But I'm happy with 28 mpg.

You'd be surprised how many civics get stolen.

Civic may be more reliable (moreso because its less complicated than the Max) however the Maxima is more enjoyable to own and drive. Do whatever your budget allows for but sometimes putting more money up front pays off in dividends.