I am thinking about buying my first car, i was wonder if i should get a 5th generation or 4th generation Maxima. I don't want to spend over $13 grand. The main reason why i'm posting this is because i'd really like to know if there are many 2000 maximas for that amount, i saw one 2000 for about 13,599 but i wassnt sure if that is normal for the newer maximas.

 

hmmm...find out more about the 2K Maxima you found..if it doesn't have that many mileage and in decent condition, i'd say it's a pretty good deal.

 

Well i found out that it is like the base model with no fog lights and regular hubs.

 

you can get a pretty loaded 4th gen for the 13k you're willing to spend...especially a 99 version, which would still be fairly new

 

that's just like how my car was when i first bought it!
if it is 5 speed, that's even better!

well, 5th gens have 32 more horses to start off with, so if making your car go faster is your primary goal, then this is not a bad start.

on the other hand, if you want more amenities in your car like sunroof, leather, BOSE and stuff...then try to look for a used 4th gen. you should be able to find one with good options for your price range.

 

whats the body condition and milage like though?? ....$13k for a 5th gen, that seems REALLY low!!!

 

but aren't the additional horses offset by the added weight of the 5th gen?...so it comes out a little closer between the 4th and 5th

 

if you're talking autos, in my area I haven't seen a 5th gen break a 15.5-.6 ....so I think they are rather equal or maybe ONLY a tad faster!

 

yeah, i was talking about autos...5 speeds i don't know too much about, so I can't judge there

 

ya i think I"m going to look at the 4th gens, but i love the front of the 5th gen maximas, they have that "get out of my way or i'll move you myself" type look if there is such thing heh. But i would rather have a fully loaded 4th gen with no money left then a bare 5th gen with no money left heh.

 

i wouldnt say "offset."

its not like the 5th gen's are tanks.

 

You MUST be referring to the 2000-2001 version of the 5G Max. My 2K2 auto ran a 15.039sec @ 90.93mph ET without brake torquing or manual shifting.

 

yeah 2k-2k1 autos! my friend is running 15.0-.1s in his 2k2 last time at the track, funny thing is my other friend ran mid/low 15.3 in his 4g auto with only an intake.....so still not THAT much faster, but defiently has potential for 14's(probably has already been done )! which a stock 4g auto will never see...

 

The mags consistanly got mid 6's 0-60 for 4th gen 5spd, and about 7 flat for 2k 5spd.

*hides from briguy*

 

Hey, Syntaxxed...

I'm fairly new here, but I can offer you some advice because I was facing a similiar situation when I got my car. I had to decide between taking out a pretty big loan on a used 2k1 or just buying an older 4th gen. You're not in QUITE the same situation (you have the money to put down and a 5th gen you can afford), but my decision came down to which car I liked more, not the money... so I think this still applies.

I test drove a 2k1's (a nearly stripped GXE) and a few different 4th gens. In the end, I decided on the '96 GLE I have now. There's nothing wrong with the 5th gens, but I didn't notice anything that would convince me to get a stripped 5th gen over a loaded 4th gen (now, if the 5th gen had been a 5-spd it would've been a whole 'nother story...). With $13,600 to put down you can get yourself a totally loaded 4th gen. And, as far as I know, the speed difference between 4th gens and 5th gens (not including the 2k2) is so negligible that you're going to hear as many different opinions on it as people who reply. As far as I'm concerned, I couldn't feel a very big difference.

But it comes down to what you like. $13,600 is pretty cheap for a 2000, so I'd double check to make sure there aren't any problems. If there aren't, and you're not too concerned about luxury features, and you like the looks of the 5th gen more than the 4th gen... go for it. If you you're looking for a lot of options I don't think you'll have a hard time finding a loaded '98 or '99 for that price...

 

isnt the price lower on a 5spd max...?

 

Not realy true.

 

Well yea becuase variables like weather, track, tires, launch, ect. but, it does prove that the light weight of the 4th gen and the down low torque helps it push up to 60mph quicker, you of all people should know this with your Lightning-quick '95...a FWD v6 family sedan doing 0-60 in 5.8 with only bolt-ons is amazing in my book.

 

Well i would also rather have a fully loaded 4th gen maxima than a bottom of the line 5th generation. And i don't really want a big loan becaue i'll be in a college in a little over a year.

 

btw, what's a good millage to look for, like under 60k?

 

Syntaxxed

I quote DBM, not exactly in his own words: "How well you take car of the car the first 100,000 miles will determine how well the car treats you the next 100,000 miles).

If you're going to get used, less is of course better. I got mine at 77k, people are willing to buy Maximas even when they are over 100k miles. 60k is probably a good "low" mileage BUT if the car was treated like crap during the first 60k miles, you know it won't be problem-free. However, with a used car, it's impossible to predict the car's upkeep UNLESS that have all service records to show that the previous owner at least did their oil changes and preventive maintenance work.

As for your debate between 4th & 5th gen, drive both and see which one you like more. Completely different interior & exterior. Whatever rocks your boat.

 

$14k for a 2000? What's wrong with it?? If it is in mint condition, the only other thing I can think of is that it has high mileage (you haven't said, so...). Also, was it in an accident and repaired?

High mileage for the average car is the worst enemy. All kinds of things wear out as the mileage increases. I doubt for a 2 year old car that anything has been replaced yet. But, if you have it inspected and it turns out that it's in great shape, it may be worth serious consideration.

Assuming excellent mechanical condition, the main question you have to ask yourself is this: Is it missing any options I definitely need/want, OR options that are expensive to add on aftermarket later on (like a sun roof or leather interior)? How long do you plan on keeping it? If you think you'd hang onto it for the long haul, and could add options slowly over time, then get it. Otherwise, if you think you'll have it for 2-3 years, by the time you get in all the options you want you'll be near ready to sell it.

Couple of other things: Do you like to mod your car? The 4th gen has far more aftermarket and performance parts available. Also, do you have a preference in looks? If you really like one over the other, try to imagine how you'll feel after ownership--will you be longing for the one you didn't choose?

 

I saw it at yahoo autos i believe, it didnt have much info on it. It did seem a bit strange because i see some 1999 and 1998 Maximas for more than that 2000

 

5.98 I was just saying that MT got 6.6 for the 95 max and MT got 6.7 for the 2000 max, it's really close.

 

Thank God you said something emax95! Also a bottom of the line 5th gen is lighter than the fully loaded GLE or a SE. From my experience a 2K GXE is more than adequately equipped with the exception of the stereo. Additionally, there is always room for mods?