http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1829228259

I have 10k to spend on a car. The above link seems like a decent deal. Its a 5 speed, the color is great, and its one of the faster 4th gens because of its year. The mileage is a bit high though. What do you guys think I should go up to in my bidding? 8k? If I don't use this 10k my parents have offered me my mothers 98 GLE. But its an auto and is sage mist green (not the easiest color to work with) plus its heavier and slower than this one.

So what should I do? Get the ebay auction max and use the remaining cash on mods, or take the newer max that is risk free? All feedback is appreciated.

 

I wouldn't buy a modifies car if I could help it, the fact that it has aftermarket parts means it was most likely raced (track or street) which can cause excessive wear on the transmission and engine. It does look as though it's in excellent condition though, but he's not telling you everything it has. That is definitely lowered and has clear corners in addition to the other mods.
-Cyrus

 

Well if you get it for the current price of 6K it's a pretty good deal.
Good Luck,
Paul

 

Don't be a fool and buy this ride. It says there is a visible dent in the front left fender so the guy took all the pics from the right side. Who knows how big this so called "dent" is, what caused it, and if there is some damage to alignment and underbody components as a result.

 

i would not buy that car.

Too little details and pictures... it's also dropped low as hell... looks like coilovers or intrax springs... most likely the coilovers..Also, where do you see that it's a 5 speed??? It says automatic there.
Milage wouldn't normally worry me, at least milage like that, and on a maxima.. but that car has been tempered with. I would want more details or some kind of warranty before spending 6 grand just like that... It's sold "AS IS"

i would not pay more then 6.5k for a GXE of 95-96 year now a days, period.. especially for one with 110k miles...

I think you can find a better deal, don't jump into it.... i did that as well and kind of regret it sometimes... wait until you find what you want and when everything is laid out for you without any worries or second thoughts... there are tons and tons of maximas for sale out there..

 

I would have to agree with the majority on this one and would say leave the car alone.

FIVE REASONS:
1)The because of the mileage and how it was used (highway or street use). 2)Two the car has been mods on it and you never know how well they have been done. 3)Not enough info on the car for that price. 4)You know what type of problems might arise from getting the car from your mom. Unless your mom goes to the track or street races I think that would be your safest bet. 5)Show your folks a little appreciation and take the car off of your moms hands. They might give you a few bucks on the side for the mods you want to put on the max.

 

Dude, just go to cars.com and find a Max and check its VIN on Carfax. Much safer, and there are tons of cars on there.

 

Unless you are dead set against an automagic I would buy your mothers car. You know how it has been maintained and driven and any accidents it has been in. A used car from a stranger is always a risk, even using a service like carfax. Presumably your mother will give you a good price, $10k for a 98 GLE is very good. The weight/speed difference year to year is minimal, but the diffeence between an auto and a stick is significant. I would either get Dons VB mod or consider a 5 speed conversion even if you can't do it right away.

BTW Sage mist green isn't that bad

 

Well, it's currently at $6,000 with reserve met--seems strange. Blue Book for a 95 is $8.5-$10k. And the fact that he didn't show ANY pictures of the dent suggests mischief. Honest sellers always show you exactly what you're getting.

I wouldn't jump to conclusions about it being raced. It doesn't look lowered to me (there's plenty of wheel gap). You can stick in clear corners and still treat your car well.

But overall, I'd find it VERY difficult to buy a high mileage mass produced car over eBay. There are plenty of Maximas running around. You should be able to find one closer to where you live so you can test drive it. The only way I'd buy a car sight unseen is if it were a collectible, I *really* had to have it, and the seller was reputable.

In short--I DON'T recommend buying this car.

 

I had a similar situation to yours. A year and a half ago I was looking for a 97-99 Se. I didn't even know then that stick was so much better. I wound up buying my parents 96 gle. I've had too many problems with it, including blowing the auto tranny at 36k. I wound up doing a 5spd conversion, and that tranny lasted only 2k. I'm rebuilding that one now. Anyways, with the nice interior the Gle comes with, I would take it over a regular gxe anyday. The weight difference is not that much. You can always convert it, its not that hard, just alot of work.....

 

I have a fundamental problem with buying a car I have never seen or driven. If the main thing you are looking for is a 5 speed then it seems like this car isn't even an option. Go to the autotrader web site, look around a little. Just don't jump into anything too soon. Also go to the Maximas FS forum, there have been a lot of fourth gens in there recently. I just bought a 95 SE with 91K on it for 7 grand. So just take your time and if you want a 5 speed you are going to have to look a little for it. But you also never know exactly what you are getting when you buy used. My car had factory maintenance records, but now I see the front end was painted and my bumper looks like it wants to peal. Can't go wrong with the parents car...