I found a 97se 5 speed with 46,000 miles today at a dealer, it also has a 100,000 warranty. They are asking 16,900 is that ot much? I told I am not willing to go more than 16,000

 

Sounds like a lot to me. I bought my car new for $19700 last November and I bet it's even cheaper now. I am not the used car pro but I would rather spend 3k more for a new Maxima than an expensive old one. I have had problems with used cars and will not buy one again. It wasn't a Maxima but I do not like the idea of not knowing how the previous owner treated his car. Why would he trade in a 97 SE anyway? I traded in my car when it was a few years old because there were problems with it.

 

That is way too high. Maximas have pretty lousy resale values.

Check Edmunds.com and look up their used car price section to see how much you should pay for your Maxima.

 

hmmm...with that low of miles it sounds like he was leasing it. That could be good or bad. My car was a lease return, and it turned out to be good. Nevertheless, my friend bought a 97 SE-5spd, digital climate, heated leather seats, ABS, every possible option, and it had 21k miles. He bought it in Feb/Mar of this year and paid $15,800 for it. My other friend paid $15,400 for his 97 SE-5, with 42k miles, but it doens't have the Meridian pkg. (heated seats, ABS). It just depends on how much time you have to haggle, and how many people in your area want a 5-spd max. Here in Oklahoma, nobady wants a 5-spd max so they tend to sit on lots for a while. Most dealers here don't get them because they can't sell them. Therefore, us 5spd enthusiasts can get a better deal. Also, act sort of disinterested in the car, and make sure that you keep haggling until you feel you've got a good deal. If they're asking $16,900 for it, tell them you won't pay a dime over $14,000, and then slowly work your way up. Also make sure you keep reminding them that you origanaly only wanted to pay $14,000, and if they seem like they are interested, then you will get a good deal. If they tell you to leave or try to switch you, tell them that on the internet you looked up the price of $14,576, and you think that they are trying to "high gross you". Then ask to speak to the used car sales manager, and he will actually go and get the manager. Just keep on them, and you will get your price, especially if you are okay with paying $16,000 for it. BTW, I am a Certified Nissan Sales Associate and I used to sell cars until last month at Power's Nissan in Oklahoma City. Most dealers generally carry about $3-4k in overhead, so they can make a good profit. Good Luck!

 

I bought my 98 se with 46,000 miles for 13,250. The car you want wholesales for 12,000. I would offer 13,000 but no more

 

I just bought my '97 SE 3 weeks ago for $15,500 plus fees, which total up to ~$17,000. My car has auto, leather, ABS, Bose, automatic climat control, sunroof.

From my shopping experience, a '97 SE should be ~$16,000. No more than that.

It also depend on the region you live in. Here in Bay Area the dealership tend not to negotiate that much, maybe because they don't lack of business plus the rent is high?