Hey everyone, I've decided on a used Maxima for my next car and I could really use your expert opinions. I have two virtually identical cars available. Both are 2010 SV Premium/Tech with Nav. One owner, clean Carfax w/ 34k miles. Winter frost w/ tan interior.

Only difference is one is CPO for $23,900 and the other is not and is $22,200. My thoughts are CPO is nothing more than power train and the 2010's tranny is covered until 10 yr/120k anyway. Also factory power train is still in effect for another year and a half on both. Soooo, is ~2 years of engine/drivetrain warranty worth $1700 for what I believe is a fairly reliable, well built car? I almost guarantee I'll hit years before miles.

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

Skip the CPO and save the money. You have a extended CVT warranty and the car is very reliable

 

Unless you are an expert at inspecting cars that 1700 dollar difference could be something that you failed to notice. Also Nissan CPO is more than just drive train coverage. Better check everything out again.

 

I would suggest asking the dealer with the lower priced Maxima why they did not offer it as a CPO. There just might be an important reason... As I understand it, not all used cars are eligible based on history. Or ask what the price would be if they did make it a CPO.

 

Thank you for the input everyone!

@ Richard66: If you mean features, there is literally no difference. Now, maybe certain components under the hood have more wear, etc. but they have almost the same miles (34-35K). I could take it to my mechanic for an inspection though.

@ Max2013: The lower priced max is not at a Nissan dealer. Isn't it true that only Nissan dealers sell Nissan CPO?

Thanks again!

 

If you are financing the CPO car may have a lower rate. In the Chicago area there are special rates on them now. I am not sure if the rates are regional or not.

 

Whoever said to skip the CPO cause the extra $1700 isn't worth it, is a complete moron. As someone stated a Certified Pre Owned covers more than just the CVT and more importantly it covers internal engine parts.

Also 1700 dollars divided into the life of the loan isn't really that much more money extra per month, as opposed to having an unexpected repair that would normally be cover but you're not because you chose to be a penny pincher.

You're buying a big ticket item why cut corners when it comes to a warranty? Also there are some perks on a Certified Pre Owned from Nissan like free oil changes and state inspections for free not sure if your Nissan dealer offers it but mine did.

 

+1 CPO vehicle, besides adding value to car states more than a carfax could. As in that the vehicle is original as the day it left the factory, everything is to spec and more often the not, never modified (at least heavily)... IMHO $1700 more equals piece of mind

 

For about $27.5K you can find a new 2013 with a bumper to bumper for 3/36 and a 0% financing. The financing alone could actually make a new 2013 cheaper and if you are paying cash IMO the warranty new tires, brakes, etc make up the price difference and then some.


Here is an SV ( not premium) being advertised for under $26.5K .


http://wayzatanissan.com/new/Nissan/...bd2b5d3e86.htm

 

Those $26.5 2013 Maxima are impossible to find in New England, Massachusetts, New Hampshire region trust me I'm in the market for one with my tax money coming in a few weeks and I haven't had any luck. I'm deciding to either pay off half my car note or jump to a 2013 at the price you listed above

 

If an item was unreliable so that I would have to buy an extended warranty to protect myself, I would not buy the item. For cars like the Camry, Accord and Maxima that are above average in reliability the large expense is not worth the additional perks that go with the extended warranty. The number of people that benefit from an extended warranty is extremely small that is why everywhere you go extended warranties are pushed hard. As a word to the wise, do the due diligence, have the car inspected, if there are issues don't buy even if an extended warranty is offered.

 

You're buying a $20,000 vehicle where is the large expense at? OP said difference is only $1700

 

+1 on not finding those prices in New England. Not happening

 

I'm sure if you called the closest dealer that has one at that price and tell them you are traveling to buy the car ( drive if you trade, one way flight if you don't) and I'm sure they will help you with the price for your travel expenses and time or arrange some sort of delivery

 

Talk to people knowledgeable in the business and you will discover that extended warranties are extremely profitable for the seller and a poor financial decision for the buyer. I saved countless thousands of dollars by never paying for extended warranties.


PS $1,700 is not chump change, especially if you do every few years.

 

Negative on the CPO. The CPO warranty doesn't cover sh*t. As a tech, I hate when I see a car with a CPO warranty. The only thing covered is the actual engine itself. None of the accessories or any other part of the car are covered. A/C system, motor mounts, electrical system, suspension... not covered.

I'd recommend get the non-CPO car or ask them to uncertify the car (yes, they can do that) and instead put the $1700 towards a Security Plus Preowned Preferred warranty.

 

Definitely true. It's an even worse financial decision to tack it on to your car loan as well, which is exactly what the salespeople will try to do.

I was so adamant about NOT purchasing an extended warranty at the time I bought my car that at the end of the conversation they had reduced the price of the warranty by just over $1000 (from $2100).

 

+1, true. I knew I was going to purchase a warranty and my max I wanted to pay. They even quote on quote gave me a deal, when I didn't bite I got it for Around what u payed for it.