Possible good deal I can't pass up--need opinions

[JCE]

So if you're in the USA and are familar not only with the car I'm about to mention and used car values listen up...I still want to do the 350ci in a FC RX-7 but that might be put on hold pending outcome of my credit report and or availablility of funds in the next 2 months. The guy selling it is a fellow co-worker and I know the history of the car as well as it's condition.

1996 Nissan Maxima--5 SPEED! These are VERY hard to come by especially in this area of the country. It's got ~138,000 miles, recently replaces hydraulics, new basic things like belts etc, leather interior, sunroof, Bose audio (will obviously be replaced), and most importantly it's another 3rd Gen Maxima--I've already had 2 of and love more than any other sedan. I checked Kelley Blue Book value, in "good" condition it's $1480...I'm thinking about offering $1500-1600. I'm not 100% thrilled at the maroon color...as I HATE reds. But finding a 5 speed 3rd gen and in decent enough condition and with lower mileage is a good find. 138k miles is less than 14,000 per year which is below the national average of 15,000 miles per year. Thoughts from you fellow car enthusiasts and or Nissan fans?

 

[Jay]

5 Speed, wow I dont think I've seen one in 5 speed.

 

[luftrofl]

Since you're probably on good terms with your co-worker, go ahead and offer $1500-1600.

BUT don't be suprised if he doesn't accept it, because checking craigslist.org, I see that most owners are asking well over the KBB value for the year you're looking at. Not only that, but 2nd gen maximas are going for well over that.

Good luck with getting your maxima 👍 because that would be the deal of a lifetime

 

[Joey D]

Maybe I'm missing something but was is so cool about it?

But for the price its a good deal, for any car. Something with that many miles, but still really cheap is pretty good. I would be sure to get a CARFAX report on it just to make sure everything is good on the car.

 

[B_B_B]

kbb is pretty much useless while 5 speeds are rare ive seen a few before they dont add valuse to a maxima but it is a 96 try like 4g if its near mint

 

[YSSMAN]

I really like the 3rd Gen models, my Grandfather had three of them (in addition to other 2nd and 4th gen models)... They are pretty quick, and offer a great ammount of performance without taking away from the overall ride and interior quality. With the 5-speed, go for it.

 

[JCE]

Maybe I'm missing something but was is so cool about it?

I can answer that easily:

1. My '95 SE was the best car I've ever owned--beats my VR4, my cop car, my SE-R, and my Vette hands down in the emotional feeling department. When it was totalled my heart broke, I hand washed that car and hand picked up all the debris inside to keep it clean. NEVER smoked in, NEVER ate in, and never drank in. I wouldn't let even my own mother drive it much less smoke in it.

2. It's the most comfortable car I've EVER driven. I've NEVER felt "at home" in any other car--it's like everything in the cockpit was designed for me and only me. I loved my black '95 SE so much when I sold my house I bought a black '96 GLE with black leather interior to mate it (gave it to my mom after her Camaro broke down for the last time with 215k original miles). My mom's still driving it, it's still garaged, and only has 118k miles on the clock and is in perfect condition like the day I bought it.

3. As far as sedans go it's design is still sexy--I love these cars. No manufacturer will ever make a sedan that's as good as the 3rd gen Maxima in my eyes.

4. Sentimentality--if I ever see one in a parking lot I always want to walk up to it and see if it's an SE. And if I see an owner of one I always tell him or her (assuming it's an SE) that they have a beautiful car and I used to have one.

5. This one is cool mainly because 5 speeds in the 3rd gen were quite rare.

kbb is pretty much useless while 5 speeds are rare ive seen a few before they dont add valuse to a maxima but it is a 96 try like 4g if its near mint

Door dints, clear coat isn't 100%, interior seeing as it's leather is obviously worn due to Texas heat, and he doesn't seem like he really cares how much he gets for it mainly because he said "let me know when you get some cash and it's yours"--that's a good sign.

 

[Gil]

If you buy it, budget in a new clutch. It'll make you feel better in the long run.
Also budget in a new timing belt.
Neither thing is cheap. But the crap that both can prevent...priceless.

I like Nissans, have a soft spot for Maximas. Even though under 140K miles is considered "low mileage", I'm kinda leery about cars that are over 100K.
But I tend to keep a car for a lot of years. Though of the current crop none of the cars has been around my house for more than 5 years. My son's '97 Lumina did belong to his grandma, and she bought it new.

 

[JCE]

I need a mod to lock this please. Someone made him an offer of $4200 which I will not even consider matching. That's over $1,000 over KBB private party value.