Buying used: Older(96) vs newer (2002) vehicles

[predator]

So I am in the market for a used vehicle to cut down my commute time ( 3-4 hours a day). I have been looking at cars for the last couple of months seeing what's on the market and I am leaning towards a loaded nissan maxima with manual transmission (Seems to be a very good bang for the buck vehicle). Liking the V6 with a manual option.

My question is this: Is it wiser to buy an older model (1996) vs a newer one (2002-2003)? In terms of maintenance cost would the 1996 have a lot more problems or since most of the major repairs have been done it will be cheaper to maintain than an 02-03 ( Newer so maybe have less major components go wrong?).

I am a bit torn on this question, to go really old or newer. I could outright buy the 1996 with my savings but for an 02-03 I will need a loan / line of credit.

Feedback would be appreciated

[DavidY]

Whichever you get, make sure that it has good service records and have it inspected by a qualified mechanic that you trust.

This year's Consumer Reports rates the following Nissan Maxima's as good values with above average reliability: 1999 & 2002 (in the US$6-$8K range), 2003 (in the US$8-10K range). All vehicles recommended were 1999 or newer.

If you do a lot of stop and go traffic, an automatic is typically recommended. :D

David

[Quiggie]

If you only limit yourself to cars with service records you will miss out on a lot of good deals. The fact is most cars lack service records, this doesn't mean they were not serviced regularly.

Also not everyone knows a good mechanic or even how to go about finding a trustworthy one.

To answer the original question, I would get a newer Maxima simply because I like them a lot better. A 96 Maxima with the V6 has what 190 hp? Whereas the 02 has 255. Big difference.

[DavidY]

If you only limit yourself to cars with service records you will miss out on a lot of good deals. The fact is most cars lack service records, this doesn't mean they were not serviced regularly.

Also not everyone knows a good mechanic or even how to go about finding a trustworthy one.

To answer the original question, I would get a newer Maxima simply because I like them a lot better. A 96 Maxima with the V6 has what 190 hp? Whereas the 02 has 255. Big difference.

Here in BC, BCAA offers vehicle inspections for a fee....in large metropolitan centres, these inspections could even be mobile. BCAA also has a list of their approved auto service providers across the province.

The OP could look at the lemon aid guide or check out the Nissan Maxima enthusiast forums and see what are the common problems are associated with the Maxima (specific model year).

Dave

[ctrueman82]

Neither! Buy my 97' Civic Si coupe!

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8829201#post8829201

[predator]

Some good advice here, I am starting to lean towards a 2002 - 2003 now but need to check the lemon-aid guide

[mr_raider]

The mid 90s Maximas were some the best built cars around. If you find one cheap with reasonable mileage and a good maintenance record, I would consider it.

[edgedamage]

Also buying a older car you can get away with just getting liability insurance and forget fire and theft. When you get a loan the bank forces you to get 100% coverage which costs more.

[l69norm]

In most places, rust kills a car before anything else. Once it's in a car, there's no real way to stop it.

I'd buy an older car with the best body outright with the caveat that it will have to be replaced in a few years

[DavidY]

Here are some tips for buying any used vehicle (from a dealer or a private seller):

http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/td/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8787338

Dave