So I am currently in the market for a 4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999).

Is there anything in particular I should look for?

Are there any differences within these years that I should know about?

Is there an amount of miles that stock parts typically start failing at?

I am also pretty set on getting a 5-Speed.

Thanks in advance, also this is my first post.

 

Read these

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...hread-yet.html

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...ing-forum.html

Basically, the first link will answer the first two questions you asked.

re: parts failure, not really. Many 4th gens go 200K or more on original engine and trans. The main thing you want to look out for is RUST, specifically on the radiator support up front.

 

99's have the NATS which causes a lot of starting problems for a lot of people.

 

...NATS isnt really a problem. 99 and up all have NATS. Its only a problem if you do something screwey with ignition/ECM or your Key

 

Look for a 95-98. Avoid 99 due to NATS and Other emission problems.
Engine and trans can go up to 200k +
Like said above, look for rust, especially in the radiator support. Its a 15 year old car, so expect to replace worn out parts.

 

Y u no suggest '95-'98?

 

Fixed
It was just preference

 

 

As stated above inspect where the cross member bolts to the radiator support. Jack the car up if you can. I just looked through the grill in the bumper and it looked fine. Couple hours later i was changing the oil and realized the crossmember wasnt even touching the support. Wasnt hard to replace but took some time. Good luck.

 

Sorry to bump this thread again but are my chances of finding a Pearl White/Black leather/5-Speed pretty much 0?

 

Up here in Canada these cars insurance are stupid expensive, that's the only way they can get them off the road. Most insurance companies won't even insure older cars due to the fact the older cars are more prone to cause accidents. I had to get rid of my 90 accord because the insurance was just too high. Is this a project car?

 

I finally found one that stood out to me. It isn't the pearl white I was looking for, but black is my second choice. Looks pretty much stock, with not too high of miles either. What do you think, .orgers?

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/3261299665.html

I know the price is way too high, what are some good ways to get it down? The KBB(however reliable a source it may be) says it should be worth $3,019.

If you can't tell, this is my first car.

 

Pass. You're not going to be able to talk him down to the $2500 or less that it's really worth.

 

Agreed.

 

Just texted him out of interest. Apparently he already has a buyer at $4000. Guess I'll keep looking!

 

it's a nice max...but not 5k nice.

 

He's definitely b.s.'ing you. Text him and tell him that if his $4000 buyer doesn't fall through you will buy it for $xxxx amount. I would go as high as $2500 provided it didn't need any work.

I have the white on black 5 speed you want and lemme tell you white is very hard to keep clean. Also my car has a few rust spots (rocker panels, door,etc) and it sticks out like a mother. I bought it at 182k for $1300

I wish I had a black on black. That car is nice except for the damn wood grain dash kit. I have that too and i need to figure out a way to get that off. Good Luck

 

Wrap it in black 3M vinyl.

 

would that actually work ?

 

you can do MANY things to your dash trim.

 

Well I texted him with an offer of $2500 and he said "That would never happen for $2500" seems pretty arrogant to me lol.

 

I told you to pass lol

 

You can check autotrader.com and cars.com for a sanity check. For $5K, you might sneak a 5th gen under the wire. With this high mileage, going older doesn't necessarily get you much of a price break.

http://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchr...=50&slrTypeId=

Check out the 2000 w/115Kmi for $5k, and the 1995 w/156k for $2600, and the modified 1999 w/156k for $2950K.
btw, generally a car with mods commands a lower the price at a dealer, not higher. You may try to use the mods as leverage for a better deal. To be fair, it's a younger car than the 95 at nearly the same price (and you get a bike rack!)

Good luck

 

Shudve been like never gonna happen with $5000 lulz. Anyway OP on to the next one. you'll find one. dont be hesitant to travel a little bit.

 

i bought a mint 1995 with 59 thousand original miles from ebay

 

3 thousand dollars

 

I know what ur going thru cuz I wanted a 4th gen for quite a few months before I finally found one that fit the bill. I just bought a white 96 GXE with 180k miles this past Sunday for $3k from a used car dealer. That being said, I could find absolutely nothing wrong mechanically or electrically with the vehicle and I tested EVERYTHING. Keep in mind I am in CA, so prices are a little higher out here.

I can't recommend specific things to look out for cuz I am new to maximas myself, but having just gone through the buying process I can recommend little things like:

1. Making sure the title is in the sellers name and asking for their id
2. Getting the VIN to get a carfax
3. Finding out why the car is being sold
4. Modifications that have been done
5. Tire tread is also a big issue if they need to be changed soon
6. Current problems the seller is aware of

I am sure you are already aware of most of these, but it doesn't hurt just hear them again, or maybe I might have touched on one you weren't thinking about