hey guys, I've found a used car that is almost a done deal for me to buy but I need your guys input on this

Its a 1996 Nissan Maxima SE
Mileage: 57,777 miles
Exterior: Dark Green(he says he choosed this color so it looked close to black at night time)
Interior: Light Tan
Price: $7,900

Options:
-Automatic
-AM/FM Radio w/ Cassette Player
-Sliding Sunroof/Pop up Sunroof
-Single CD Player
-Bose Audio System w/Speakers
-Air Conditioning
-Power Steering
-Power Windows
-Power Door Locks
-Dual Power Seats
-Dual Front Air Bags
-Alloy Wheels
-Cruise Control
-Tilt Wheel
-New Brakes Installed
-New Alternator
-Steel Timing Belt
-Leather Seats
-Rear Spoiler

I had someone check the record- no accidents, no nothing, it was CLEAN

He had an extended warranty but never used it so that could vouch for something

I checked it out today and it was mighty NICE inside, but the negatives are that he was a smoker using the car so I could clearly smell the distinct smoke in the car, the floor carpet was dirty, and outside body looked somewhat dirty, but no dents or scratches

I really want to get this car for $6,500 but I know this guy is not gonna shave off $1,400 so I was thinking about $7,000-$7,250, anyway is this a good deal or a rip off?

I'm starting school in like 2 weeks, and I've looked at over 4 cars already and I'm getting sick and tired of always looking for cars and not living up to its expectations, so I might consider getting this car and giving it 10 years to live with me since I know someone who had a very bad Toyota Corolla very old and he used it for over 10 years- amazing, so consider this for price

advice please

 

i don't know exactly how much you know about cars, but did you think about bringing it down to your mechanic to have it fully checkout out before seriously thinking about buying it? 7 grand is a pretty big investment to not have checked out, maybe you allready have tho, just tossin out some advice.

 

yeah, im going to check it out by mechanic then see what I can do it from there

just wondering if its a rip off or sounds like a good deal

 

If the car is in good mechanical condition, that's an EXCELLENT deal. He could easily sell that for at least $2000 more. As for the smoking, steam clean all the carpets and clean the seats and gradually it will go away.

While this car may be an awesome deal, it's an automatic. At first you won't mind, but if you've got car enthusiast in your blood your going to want a 5spd. Otherwise, go for it, it's still a quick car for everyday commuting.

 

go for it if everything checks out...it is a pretty good deal

 

Paint chips, dings, imperfections don't show up on a dirty car's exterior. A nice wash would be a good idea too.

Check the trunk lid around the spoiler mounting, do you see rust?

 

Nah, there wasn't any rust on the trunk lid.

Oh btw, they are selling the car because they are going to buy a new Altima- its a decent car but i was thinking WTF? why not buy a new 2003 Maxima

So far it sounds like a good deal by the sound of you guys

 

Seems like a good deal...i like the mileage on it

 

Killer mileage, great price, seems like a good deal...



Eric

 

cool thx guys, appreciate the comments

 

Why not make it an '04 Max? Anyhow, it sounds like a decent deal. I got my 96 SE 5sd w/ bose, sunroof, keyless, etc... with 101k back in 2001 for $9,250 was WELL worth it. Now has 144,800 and still going great. I would get that car if I were you, but if you are looking for performance, look around and try to find a 5spd version. A little harder to find, but worth it. I am sure you could find a good deal on one. Good luck.

 

i got my 96 gle a little over a month ago with 108k miles for $5800, if you could get that car for around the $7200-7300 range that would be a great deal

 

Why not an 04 Max? Look at the prices. The max has been designed to compete with the larger luxury cars. The Altima decked out is close to what the previous loaded max's were. Yes ,the new max is a rocket and handles like it's on rails, but does someone who is not into a Maxima specifically, want to pay that kind of money for the options or live with the base model. A lot of people will look at size and options in the middle to upper 20K's and choose the Altima. Just my opinion of course.

 

I looked everyday for 5 weeks within a 250 mile radius of my house for exactly what I wanted. I wanted a 97-98 Se 5 speed with leather.I almost gave up several times and nearly bought a car that wasn't exactly what I wanted. I finally found the perfect car Saturday and I pick it up Tommorow.My suggestion would be to buy only exactly what you want and be patient.It may take a while and a lot of time and effort but eventually you'll the perfect car for you

 

]

it took me almost a year

 

I agree with the above post. I definately didnt wait for what i wanted, i mean geez, what 18 year old guy buys a sunlit sand max?!?! lol, that aside, im pretty damn happy with my car, it had everything i wanted (sunroof, 5sp, SE) and everything i didnt want (leather, bose), and a pretty good price. So maybe i did sorta get what i wanted...

My color just makes it that much more of a sleeper




Eric

 

Guys, I got this car and it was the car I wanted, I got it pretty cheap if you ask me for a full loaded, clean record, SE model, very low mileage, mechanic checked, no problems, awesome audio equipment, and the dash turns green at night which is pretty nice

this car was worth the money considering ive been looking for months for this car , thx guys for your help- p.s. i got it for 7000 range

 

Also, give that ride a good wash. If itz the dark green that looks black at night, I garuntee it will look HOT when it's all cleaned up. Strip the wax,
polish,
seal with glaze,
then top it with some good canuba based wax and you'll see what I mean! I likes to call the color

Money Green!!

 

haha what a coincidence, its exactly the color you are talking about capitone

 

Ya don't say...

Congrats on the new ride. For that price and those options, you have no choice but to enjoy it. You just may have lucked up with the paint too, because if I recall correctly the paint on 96 and below were a decent grade of paint. All the same, Maxima paint in General doesn't have a very good reputation for durability, ESPECIALLY for us darker color Max's. The colors are clean and when washed properly, Shine like nobodies business, but were abnormally susceptible to microscopic road grit and dings, sooo....Take Care of That PainT!!!

Capitone out

 

yeah congrats on the new ride and enjoy!