I have been looking to get a 97-99 Maxima with a 5spd, they dont come along very often where I am. I found a 98 black 5spd with 39200miles, appears to be taking care of no door dents, great paint... the dealer is asking $17999 or so and I think that is way to much, Kelly blue book says that from a dealer to expect $15300 and like $12600 from an individual, any advice on what to ask? I was thinking of offering them $14000, any help would be great

 

you can probably find a new 2002 leftover on a lot for $18k. I would persoanlly offer no more than $12k

 

I second Nic..

Thats a hell of a price tag! Although, for a 98 with only high 30k miles, I would be comfortable around $15 or maybe a little higher..
just my $.02

Do you have a pic of it?

 

I agree with you, the mileage is low and it still has the powertrain warranty.

 

That dealer is insane. $12 to $13k is probably a good offer to make.

 

A pic is at http://images.autotrader.com/images/...421_A.562x421, talked to the dealer and made an offer of 12k cash tomarrow, he seemed very interested so ill find out tomarrow when I talk to them, the car was a trade-in. thanx for the responses

 

Check the title to make sure the vehicle is not salvaged.
Some 1998 maximas have a recall out for faulty alternators.
Ask to to have the max put on a lift and check the underside for any damage or paint overspray.

 

12K cash is a good deal if they take it! Good luck

 

i paid less for my 98SE two years ago, but mine is only an auto w/ all the gle options(leather, climate control, etc)

 

I am also buyin a 98 5spd Se fully loaded leather spoiler fogs everything
5sp also with 60000 kms ... which is about 40000 miles for 18000 CANADIAN ... thats like 12000 US ... so these guys are right 12000 cash is a good deal.

 

i got my fully loaded 98 with 41k miles in march for $14,400 and that was with finacing. right now i would say 12,500 if you have tha cash.

 

The KBB etc. are guidelines, it's the buyer and seller who decide at what price the car changes hands. I saw a thing on tv where it said "Americans" are afraid to haggle, whereas the rest of the world haggles over prices, making it almost an art form.

A 98 Max? Offer them 10 grand. Maybe they wont take it but since last time I checked your money is green just like a su*** who will pay 18k, they may let you have it for 11.5. Would I sell you mine for 11.5? No, because I need my car for transportation and I really can't afford a car payment right now because I just bought another house. But the one sitting on the lot? They can be flexible. Like I said I saw 8995 for a 1997 GLE in Freehold NJ.

He doesn't want to sell it at 10, or 11.5? Who cares, you go on to the next dealer then with your GREEN money. Just like when I searched the real estate comps, a neighbor paid 30k more for his house than the seller was asking. I'm like WTF, you wanted it that bad? Why? I gave a lowball offer which wasn't acccepted, but I paid about 20k less than asking and the market right now is hot due to low mortgage rates. Point is don't be afraid to pay less. Good luck.

 

its a different ball game when you have the cash on hand

 

Hey man, I have the exact same car, 98 Se 5speed(fully loaded). Bought it from a dealer and got a 100,000 mile warranty too, and paid no more than 16K for it. Good luck. I'd buy anyway. Great car!