Looking at a used max..

I'm looking for a 4th gen max between 1997-1999, type SE, preferably 5sp. There a silver 1999 SE 5sp right near me, power sunroof, spoiler, bose, I like it alot. But he has 130k miles on it. I know many of you will suggest against it, but do you think if I take it to a mechanic, they can check and make sure the car is still in good running condition? Because the guy selling it has owned it since brand new, and told me just about all miles have been from driving to work on highway. His asking is 7,000, but I know I can haggle at least a bit. Just a couple minor problem: 1) hydrolics aren't workiung right keeping the hood up, 2) driver side door light doesn't turn on correctly when opening door.

Good deal if the car is in pretty good shape? Or any used car advise? This is my first car.

Thanks,
Dan

i would try to find a better one 130k i had on my 95 but i guess if it was maintained pretty well it wouldnt be bad...could probably find one cheaper and better condition probably older though

7k for 130k. i got my 97 SE for 7k w/ 74k miles. you should look some more. autotrader or ebay. you should be able to find some really good deals. though i got an automatic. i am now looking for a 5 spd. just keep looking and i'm sure you'll find something nice. but if you really do like that max. then you should get it checked out.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/204462635355_17.jpg

you can get a max for much cheaper.. i paid 5400$ for mine with 96k .. its in beautiful condition. if i hadn't been in dire need a car i probably could have waited a few days and gotten it cheaper.

I am buying a 2000 Maxima SE tomorrow with 58000 miles for 10,000.Let me know your opinion (no leather or sunroof)

For a Maxima 130,000 miles isn't anything unusual. Many people drive these things long distances to work everyday. It's not uncommon to put 250,000 miles on one without having any major problems whatsoever. I sold my 91 last year with 247,000 miles and never had any major mechanical problems. I have a 96 with 150k now and a 97 with 175k niether with any problems.

7k is way too much. Average on an SE is about $6,500 and that's with no mile deductions. The most I would give is about $6,200 and that's with an automatic. With the 5spd it's only worth about $5,700 tops and that's stretching it.

$10,000 isn't a run-to-the-bank bargin, but it's not too bad. Maybe a little better than average if you're getting it from a dealer...about average if you're buying from another individual.

tdaily - Even thought the KBB value is at $6,400 - $6,500 (private party)? I looked up the exact car on KBB and the value is right around there. Do most car sales go just about for KBB value, or under it? I'm going to try and bargain out of him, I definitely won't buy it if he wants more than 6k.

Hmm.

I got my 1995 Maxima GXE for $4200 with 100,000 miles on it. Didn't really need anything but new brakes. Now currently has over 161,000 miles on it without any Major repairs. The usually stuff like belts, plugs, and minor things i did my self. They go well over 100,000 miles easily but the need attention like all cars. Anyways i would look around for a less reasonable prices with less miles. Best of luck.

KBB value represents the ideal selling price for the seller. Typically, of course, sellers wind up going a little lower; depending on the overall value of the car but usually $3~500. If a seller isn't in any hurry to sell, though they may hold on to the car long enough to get that ideal price listed in KBB.
You are right about the $6,400 range, but when looking the vehicle up on kbb. com don't forget to select "5-speed" on the page where you put the mileage and zip code in. That will bump the value down about $450~600 and, eventhough I know your fond of having a 5-speed, it will hurt the resale a little.
Depending on how bad the seller wants to get rid of the vehicle, I'd say you stand a good chance at getting it around 6k. If they aren't agreeable, remind them that it is high mileage, and is a manual transmission. $5,700 would be a pretty good deal, thats why I quoted that price. I'd offer that first and see what kind of reaction you get.
$6,400 is way too much the kbb is quite a bit lower than that considering the high mileage and manual tranny. I'd say anything around 5,800 or $6,000 would be fair enough for the both of you. Good luck.

Thanks for the info/advice (esp. tdaily). I will be test driving the car with my parents tomorrow, and hopefully bringing it to a mechanic for a quick checkout to make sure everythgin is OK. I've now set in my mind anythign over 6,000, then I shouldn't buy.

If you can, try to find a lower mileage Max. But those repairs are nothing so shoot for that goal you are trying to buy the Max at.

keep looking out there and you might get a good deal on a SE-L

Yay!! Got the max for $5,200 after a bargaining ordeal with the guy. I'm picking it up monday, can't wait :)

Sounds like you're going to get a pretty good deal...Congrats! :icon16: