1. What should I look for when I go see a car?
Anything specific? Or just the normal stuff?
Also, if it has over 60k miles.. what should I be looking for to be changed? IE washer pump etc..?

2. Why is it so damn hard to find one lol?
I mean, I see millions of them driving around everyday.
I dont ask for much...
decently low mileage, manual, leather, 5th gen and up, dark color preferable

Any sites recommend other then
autotrader.com
this one
cars.com
carsdirect.com

?

Thanks

 

Tranny leaks are a major sign of diff bearings

 

autoshopperonline.com
automart.com

 

If you have any doubt, take the car to a reputable shop and have the guy do an inspection on it... he'll tell you if he sees any signs or feels anything when he drives it. Overall, if the previous owner takes care of it (regular oil changes, tranny flushes, engine flushes, etc), you should only have to change the struts (since they 'typically' go out by 50k or 60k miles - even if they don't FEEL bad) and the brakes/tires if the original/previous owner ran too long on the original brakes/tires. It is worth it to take it to a reputable Nissan dealer locally (read for recommendations in the Org) and have them do an oil change, etc... then say "hey, I just bought the car... can you look it over and see what needs to be done"... they'll come up with a laundry list, of course (they want the $$$)... a lot of which you can do yourself (like the all famous incabin microfilter)

That's because we like to hold on to them for a long, long time...

How about www.nissanusa.com and look for a dealer, do an inventory search on their used - you can pinpoint the search.

 

Or we're stuck in 'em forever because the resale value sucks

 

so true, so true. Also, since you're looking for a 5th gen+, dont expect the VI to work on an 00 or 01. Chances are the plastic cup thing on the VAIS control rod is broken/ loose. But that's a simple JB Weld fix, so dont run away from it if it right away if the VI isn't working.

Also, 5th Gens have the reputation for having crappy coils, just be aware of that. Missfire, hesitation during acceleration, jumpy idle, could be caused by bad coils, the more coils gone bad, the worse it would feel.

 

True,
coils go bad in 5th gens, but what a sweet ride!

 

I like autotrader also, but any place where people are selling cars, dealerships are pretty bad

 

Check underneath for rust...I got my Maxima in October and I just recently realized the painted "rim" on my undercarriage (near the bottom of the doors - don't know how to describe it) is rusting out and is missing chunks. Plus my muffler is rusting out too. Also, if you go for a 99 be aware that the ignition coils tend to be a common problem. Nothing too huge, but just something to keep in mind. The 99 does have other nice features that still made it worthwhile for me.

 

There are several members who have had a Max for many years, ran great, took care of it... mileage over 200k... even one I remember that had mileage over 300k...

 

get the Vin if you can and check its service history

 

It's sort of hard to find a private party that meets my criteria.

What do you think of either
- buying from dealer lot
or
- going with dealer to auction and buying there?


Thanks.