Current car: 2009 Maxima, 32,000KM, SV Sport

Within the next year, I will be getting married and moving into a new home. As a result, I could greatly use some extra cash and have considered trading in my Maxima. I'm looking at trading in for a 2007 G35 Sedan, which should net me approximately $10k (sell my car for ~$30,000 (private sale), buy the G35 for ~$20,0000).
Fortunately, the G35 Sport doesn't give up any features that the Maxima currently has, which is a good thing because I've been spoiled and couldn't lose out on all the "bells and whistles".
Whichever car I end up owning, I will likely own for the long term...at least 4 years, so reliability is important to me.

Given my situation and my chosen alternative, what do you guys think?

 

Getting married usually implies children in the future. You might end up needing the space of the max.

 

i agree!!

 

Yea the G sedan isnt good when it comes to kids, way too small back there!! Keep the max!

 

If you can get 30K for a 3 year old car, go for it!!!
Have you, however, considered she may only be marrying you for your Max?

 

You took the words right out of my mouth!

 

Not really worth it to confuse yourself over 10 thousand .. assuming that you will get $30,000 which may i kindly tell you -- Good Luck!!! but imo not worth it..... now on the other hand if your going to sell it and get a way Cheaper car - can capitalize on the cash , then its worth your wild... but to sell ur car for thirty then get a similar car for twenty with nothing in it, just to keep 10.... not really realistic!!!!!

 

I got my sv sport tech 2 years old for 26 ... as others said good luck getting that much.

 

Trix, I noticed you're from Toronto also FYI, I just paid 26k for my 09 sport/tech with the same mileage from a dealer in the GTA. I would say keep the car and start a home based business which will allow you to write off a % of the costs of home ownership, your car expenses, and a lot more send me a PM and I will forward you some info on a home based business opportunity if you like. cheers!

 

I only paid $33k brand new for a SV with Sport and Nav. So if you can get $30k then I say sell and come buy mine with only 15k miles for 27K.

 

ya trade in is probably around 23k and private to retail is around 26k to 27k and that's if you can find a private buyer with the cash to throw down... so I mind as well just keep the max.

 

Few things for you guys from the US, we pay more for the same cars here in Canada because of smaller market size. Many manufacturers have lowered pricing on new cars in Canada but there is still a substantial difference AND the Canadian $ is currently worth more than the US$. We really get punished up here on a lot of things, especially cars. SO you cant compare purchase price on US vs. Canadian vehicles

 

that is probably right, i don't know I live here in the US. I would have him look up what he can get for his car. Then he has to remember to take into consideration the tags/taxes/licensing fees and all that stuff. He will have to pay sales tax on the purchase of his new car, unless its different up there then it is here. usually if you actually run the numbers on things it is always cheaper to keep the car you have. Unless he decides to sell his car and get something in the 5k range. I would keep it. You would have lost a lot of money now getting rid of it

 

First off, thanks to all of you for your advice, some great points were made.

My estimate of $30k was based on the most expensive car listed in the used market right now (in my area) because of the low KM's, remaining balance of warranty, and an alternate set of alloy rims and 18 inch winters.

However, with your help I'm beginning realize that a best case scenario of 8-10k may not be worth the hassle and increased risk of reliability issues.

There is an outside chance that I may be able to acquire a G35 from a close contact that purchases cars directly from dealer auctions. So, unless I can get an awesome deal that way, I'm leaning towards keeping the Max.

Thanks again for your help.

 

This is easy, don't get married. If she really loves you, she won't force you into marriage

 

First of all; good luck on the marriage and I wish you especially good luck being able to sell your 2009 Maxima for $32,000.

How many miles does your Max have? I recommend trading the car in because you'll probably get a decent enough deal using the trade-in value on it and then putting that into a new car or slightly used older car and come out with lower payments.

I still do not believe you'll be able to sell your car for 32K when new Maximas (base models) that are 2011 can be had for cheaper.

 

if u r gonna trade for anything, it should be for a hybrid that does at least 40 mpg. otherwise it's a waste.

 

Heres an idea, buy the house as Boyfriend/Girlfriend. Then when she gets annoying and turns into a "real" lady you can simply cut your losses. Divorces are expensive. J/K On a serious note. Unless you wisely invest that $10K you'll feel the loss in another way. It will be easy to buy that house thats just a little out of your range cause you have this $10K buffer. Or replace those annoying counter tops in the kitchen. With this said youre bound to have car repairs and a less effiecient car simply due to age and that $10 buffer is spent anyways. Just budget and follow it.

Just my $.02 but Im married with a new born son and have owned my house since age 25.