Guys,
I have a '96 max se and want a new 2001 se anniversary. The dealer said they would give me $6,500 for it in trade in. It has about 102k miles on it and is not in the best of shape. The new car sticker is 31,900k. Invoice is 28,900 or so. After the rebate he is going to give it to me for 28,200. Does this seem reasonable? I always have good luck getting burned so I thought I would get some second opinions. I still am thinking about getting the gold warranty. Anyone have any feedback or recomendations regarding this? Is it worth it? Also the new max has just about all the options and they are kind of hard to find in so cal these days. I am just seeing all these other car companies advertise thousands in rebates and dont want to miss out. Is there any other reccomendations you guys have after buying it new? Should I get anything else thrown in? Thanks for the help........Dave
dsiwula@ceira.com

 

I'd stroll on down to Edmonds.com and read some of the tutorials on new car purchases. The trade in value of your car is very low. What exactly is "not in the best of shape"? Is this mechanical or appearance-wise? I'm in a similar boat. My 96 is worth nothing, but I'm not taking $6500 on a trade. Absolute BS. If you have the time, keep the Maxima and sell it privately. You should get $8-$9k with no problem(if it is stock).

Also try KBB.com and verify the invoice of ALL options. I had to go through 2 different sets of false invoices on my 4Runner before they would show me the real one(the one that matched the one that I physically had). Trust me, the dealers are EVIL.

Anyways, since the 2002 Maxima is due out next month and the bigger and better 2002 Altima is due out soon, you shouldn't have to pay that much. I'm pretty sure there is a customer cash back incentive of at least $1000 right now. It may be more, but look into it. Also, don't forget the 2% dealer hold back on this vehicle.

Oh yeah, as far as throwing things in, do it after you have agreed on everything. Tell the salesman that you won't buy the car unless he throws in a free tint job, bra, or like 6 free oil changes. I've never done it, but have plenty of friends who have.

So, if you disregard everything I've said, don't forget to check out edmonds.com, they taught me alot.

Good luck and yes I really hate car dealerships.
Zam

 

Oh yeah, I forgot something.

DON'T GET THE WARRANTY. What a waste of money. If it was a domestic vehicle, I'd think about it. Since the Maxima is a proven vehicle(as are most Japanese cars), it is unlikely that you'll use it.

Also, try and get gap insurance through your auto insurance broker. When I bought my 99 GSR, the dealer wanted $600. I didn't even know what it was, so I called my insurance company and they said no problem. I had it added for like $25 every 6 months. Basically it covers the value of your car over its market value. Since the Maxima will lose $4-$5k in value the first month of ownership, you wouldn't want to pay that difference if the car were totaled.

If I left anything out, I'm sure someone will straighten me out.

Again, good luck.
Zam