realmac

That's my current car. My dream car/s (within reason) are the latest revisions of the Nissan Maxima followed by the Altima.

I'm 19 work at a supermarket presently and have college loans to pay back so getting a new Max could be a challenge. That being said, I've fallen in love with Nissan cars. My mom used to drive an 87 Stanza GXE, got rid of it after about 11 years and replaced it with a used Pontiac Bonneville. With about 91k miles and 10 years under its belt, my car isn't exactly at its peak. When I finish college in 2005/2006, the car will likely be no its last leg.

Have any advice to give someone who would like to work his way up to buying a new or used Nissan? Or have personal experiences to share that could provide me with some guidance? Right now I have no credit, perhaps I should work on that now?

I hear time and time again that buying a new car is a bad investment, since it depreciates up to 40% as soon as you drive it off the lot. Habberstaad is the nearest dealership and seems to have a good reputation. So it's a tossup between a private seller and a dealer. Of course this is all down the road, depending on how my other business endeavours turn out.

James12345

If I were you I'd work my way up. Save up a few grand and get a good used car. Save/work while you're driving that then when you have the means and the credit, go for the brand new one.

3rd gen VE 5spd to start ya off?

Maximan190

iTrader: (8)

whats the white Cutty there for..?

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

from that divx link i notice you dont' read so well.. he said its his current ride

erty67

iTrader: (104)

Agreed! I say sell that Oldsmobile and buy a 3rd Gen(89-94) or maybe even a 4th gen(95-99).

Maximan190

iTrader: (8)

Title: Planning for a maxima
Beginning of post: "thats my current ride.."

i thought he meant he already has a max as his current car and looking to get a newer one...not lack of reading skills

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

you are just too quick for your own damn good

jamiebooth

I started out with a 3rd gen maxima SE when I was your age. It was in good condition loaded with leather, ABS, moonroof, BOsE. The only bad thing about getting a maxima when you are young is it ruins your chances of owning a cheaper or less luxurious car in the future. Every car I seemed to test drive I would think was a piece of crap or didn't drive or ride well cause I would compare everything to my maxima. I kind of spoiled myself with the maxima comfort and the way it rides and the leather and other options too. I got my car with 98,000 miles on it and it seemed to drive or ride better than any of my friends cars that were brand new GMs, Fords, Hondas, Toyotas, or DSM's. my next car was a 98 max SE loaded. now I have a 2002 max SE loaded. My family has owned nissans and maximas since I was born. I would defintely recommend getting one.

I think a $3000-$5000 3rd gen (1989-1994) would be perfect unless you wanted to spend some more cash and get a 4th gen (1995-1999). have your parents co-sign and you should have no problem getting a 3000-5000 loan. that is what I did and the payment was only 120/month.

then you can save up for a newer one later and establish credit now.

realmac

I'm graduating from college this May. Planning again for a Maxima, going to several different dealerships on the island this Friday. Only difference this time vs the last is having a whole lot more money saved. Also I am only looking at the 5th Generation models. 6th gen is out of my price range and 4th is just too old. The Cutlass has been reliable for the most part, though age is clearly starting to rear its ugly head.

A 2002 or 2003 with lots of options is my goal. I just am not feeling leather seats for some reason. Leather just seems to cling to me and not be comfortable in general.

I had pondered getting a Y2k BMW 3 series, but the maintenance costs are definitely outside of my desired price range. With gas going up, insurance going up (will be on my own policy when I get the car), etc the last thing I want to do is pay $500 for a brake job or wait a while for some custom part to arrive from the factory.

Also thought about using the Cutty as my backup / city car. Any ideas / feedback for a soon to be Maxima owner?

realmac

Here's a pic again of the Cutlass Ciera...

96max5sp

Things to look out for on a 2002-2003:

1) Front wheel bearings (I had to replace both front wheel bearings in less then a year)
2) Front rotors warp easily (I had to replace those as well)
3) If you put on an aftermarket Intake MAF has tendency to fail (haven't experienced this yet *knock on wood*

anybody wish to add to this list?

Also read up on the sticky's and you should be fine, 2002-2003 ranges in price from about 15,000-20,000 depending on options and mileage. I got mine for 13,500 cause it had 75,000 miles on it, but its a max so I didn't worry about the mileage. Also def do a search and surf the boards before commenting or asking questions otherwise people will flame and post something like , , etc.

Thats about it as far as I know, other then that it is a great car, and def get a 6sp

Bobo

There is nothing wrong with buying a low mileage 4th Gen (they do exist) and keeping the Cutlass as back up.

I think you will be in over your head financially buying a 2002 or 2003 Maxima. You will want to repay your college loans and get your own pied a terre with furnishings at some point if you don't already.

realmac

Well, I do have an ample amount of money available to me. My college loans aren't that much, as I went to a local community college and a state school. My own place would be nice, but that isn't something I'm really focused on getting right now. I want to be making 30k a year or more before I make that step. I'm doing my best to get into a local graduate school and will be working throughout, regardless of if I have a newer vehicle.

Mileage isn't really my concern as much as it is age and design. The 4th gens are ok, but the 5th gen body style is my preferred choice.

realmac

Thanks for your input. Everyone tells me a stick is better, I'll have to learn how to drive one quickly.. On the cutlass I had to replace one of the wheel hub assemblies, since the wheel was making a loud knocking noises even at low speeds. I'm lucky it didn't fall off.. :O