I am encouraging my cousin to buy a 1996 maxima GLE. It has 96k on the odometer, is an auto too. A few questions:

1) Fluid in the radiator had to be added before the test drive took place, about 1/4 a gallon to my understanding. Fairly normal?

2) The battery was dead, but its probably since it was sitting idle for 2 weeks. It has a remote starter, so maybe that is draining it?

3) The trunk had some sort of funky "bondo" looking work on the underside. Is an OEM trunk lid not perfectly even on the underside, sheetmetal wise?

4) It has heated seats, does that also mean it has heated outside mirrors?

5) The radio works, but the display is non-existant. Is that fixable, or better off getting a replacement?

6) Will this vehicle be able to last for another 100k?


Finally, the price is $5900, think that is fair?

 

Much as I hate borrowing money, please be aware that $5900 is a lot of money. For the avg. joe that's way more than one month's take-home pay. That being said, it's one thing to spend it and get burned, but you've listed 4 problems that you found right off the bat. A normal car DOES NOT consume coolant. Either there is a leak that needs to be fixed, or there's a blown head gasket (s). I've not heard of VQ's routinely blowing head gaskets.

Battery is a $60 issue, if it's not charging that's a whole other problem. My car has sat 4 weeks and started right up.

Of course the inside of the trunk lid is sans bondo.

If you don't care about a radio display, that's fine. Replacement is not bad.

Will it last another 100k? A normal Maxima should last 196k, but who can say with this vehicle in question? Why not put the $5900 down and buy a brand-new entry level car? You could get away with $185/mo for 36 months etc. Again, I hate to borrow, but 5900 is not chump change. I'd steer clear of the car you've mentioned my .02

 

In my area, I think most individuals would advertise that car for 4-5000 dollars. The miles are decent for a 96, though. Like the above post said, there are several warning signs that need answers. Especially if your are thinking of paying top dollar. Find that coolant! Hose, water pump, head gaskets, etc... could cause it. I think a mechanic can check the oil or exhaust for coolant contamination. Check the charging system?alternator or old battery. Check for rear end damage-look for paint work, poor alignment,etc . cold weather pkg includes heated seats, heated mirrors, low windshield washer fluid warning lights, heavy duty battery, gle requires ABS.

 

way too many bad signs. I would stay away from that car period unless I could get it for about 1500-2000.

 

check that alternator....jus had a $450 alternator/battery replacement job done on my 96 GLE with 115k miles