Hey all,

I posted in the 5th gen forum about a 5.5 Maxima with a 6 speed, but I was never serious about that car. I am not as familiar with 4th gens as 5th gens, so please bear with me.

I found a 99 SE 5 speed in a nice color combo with 27,000 miles for-- listed for $13,995-- and the internet price "was" $11,995, but I don't see that price anymore. Obviously, this is a dealership-- one of the biggest Toyota dealerships in the country, but I am just surprised at that high of a price.

So... is it worth it? I had talked to them over the phone and made an offer "in the tens" and was quickly shot down. However, I think the car has been sitting for a bit, so maybe I can slide back in with a bit higher offer-- say 11,500. That is much higher than I wanted to pay for a 4th gen, but I wonder if the trade off is worth it, because I knew if I got a 5th gen for a comparable price, I would've been obsessed about keeping it looking nice, however, if I get this, I can just treat it as a car, because it's older looking. Somewhat twisted logic, I realize, but perhaps the tradeoff in lower insurance and so forth will enable me to get my "second" car much quicker. (I'm thinking a M (Z3) roadster or Z4-M coupe, or hell as long as I'm inflating my income by 500%, a GT-R)

Thanks guys!

 

Yes, like you said DEALER price, ha in my opinion is way to high. If you were to look around you could probably look for what you want at HALF that price, probably even lower. I say look around. Even if you have to go out of state, still would be cheaper, plus you have bonding time with your Max.

 

If you are thinking of paying less for a "1st" car why waste 10-12K on a 4th gen if that is what you want. Find a 97-99 for around 6K.

 

Pretty low mileage at 27k but these 4th gens are losing resale value quick. In my opinion that is alot of money to spend on a 4th gen, but if you never plan on reselling it anytime soon, it may be worth it if you like it alot.

 

i looked at a maxima 98 GXE with 40,000 miles its engine seals were bad due to not being used often and it sat around to much. Keep a serious eye out for leaks, ive seen two maximas with low mileage one had timing cover leak, other had a rear engine seal. Either cars repair was over $2000, just for the leaks.

 

if you could see yourself installing a new 3.5 or 3.0 for that matter, mileage isn't too big an issue. most 4th gen owners don't encounter any problems until normal wear and tear hits at nearly 200k+ miles. either way, seems like way too much for a 4th gen. if you're not worried about taking care of it, why not just get a civic or older accord? especially if you're looking forward to your '2nd' car more than this one. just get whatever you need to get by.

 

Way too much for a 4th Gen. You can barely get loans on cars that are 1999 models (I know-I just tried). Wish the dealer good luck at finding someone to pay 14 grand.
I love 4th gens, but that is too much money-I doubt your car insurance would pay you 14 grand if it was stolen or totalled.
Better look for a 2002-03 6speed manual for that money.

 

that's waaaay overpriced for a 4th gen. i picked mine up for $3950 and haven't had the first problem whatsoever....granted it's 4 years older and has more miles, but still. i would do a little more shopping if i were you

 

yea, WAY too much for a gen 4, I just had someone try to sell me his 99 Maxima SE with 60K miles on it for 10 grand, I told him that is Way above bluebook man, No one will buy it for that. Especally since it sounds like a 6 year old car with only 57k miles on it is that low, IT makes me wonder if he used it offen...

 

Thanks all who replied. I am really in love with it, but I am not in love with that SPECIFIC car if that makes sense? Money talks and a list price of $4000 above book is absolutely ridiculous. Maybe I'll check back on it in a month and see if I can get it for $11,000 maximum, because I'm sure it will still be there. But then, even $11,000 isn't really worth it when I could get a Maxima with higher miles, but same condition for thousands less. Again, thanks all.

 

For $11k you could get a nice E36. Don't do it.

 

Get a 5th Gen for $11K...