How Smart is it to buy a LATE model car with HIGH Mileage?

Question

Im car shopping, and lookin for the best deal on a 2004 Nissan Maxima. I will be financing, and would like the best deal possible. Cars.com has a nice listing of cars and different prices,and ofcourse the slightly lower Maxmia e.g 2004 with over 75,000 miles is a about 16,995. Is it worth it to purchase late model cars like this for that kind of money? Do you think a good tune up should do the trick?!? HEEEEELP

Answer 1

For that kind of money, I would have to see all the maintenance records.

If one checks the maintenance manual, there should have been regularly scheduled services.
If these were followed, it may be worth the price. Think a long time on that.
There are better values, even in new cars.

Most cars have a life expectancy of 110,000 miles by manufacturers. Driving 15,000 miles per year=2 years. Think about it, and the equity at that time.

Myself, nah uh!

Answer 2

It is generally accepted that an average year of driving puts anywhere from 10k to 15k miles on a car. The 2007's are jsut about to come out which means the car in question is almost 3 years old, or 30k-45k. As it has 75k (25k per year), the car has been driven harder than most of it's age. Essentially, you'll be driving a 04 that's more like a 02 or 00.

Also, you'll be coming up on some pretty expensive services for a car of that mileage.

For a Nissan, I'd keep looking. If you are just looking at mpg, try a Toyota Corolla.

Answer 3

75,000 miles in 3 years? That's 25,000 miles a year.... not that bad. My mom drives over 20,000 miles a year just going shopping and going out with friends. She never drives over the speed limit and always drives carefully. So high mileage doesn't necessarily mean abused.

High mileage usually means that the car has been reliable as an unreliable car would have low mileage since it's in the shop all the time.

But you should definately have it thoroughly inspected by AAA or a trusted mechanic before purchasing.

Also Maxima has a timing chain which doesn't break like a belt does.

*******DONT BELIEVE MOMMY2*********

Nissan is NOT made by FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!! FORD owns Mazda, not Nissan!!!!!!!

French automaker Renault owns Nissan.

I bought a used Nissan Altima with 60,000 miles and now it has 130,000 miles. Never had a problem!!!!!!

Answer 4

First you have to check the bluebook value of the car w/ those miles. And then go from there.

75K is a ton of miles for a 3 year old car. the average milage for a car is 12K to 15K a year. This one has had 25K a year..... but if its what you want, I say get it checked out first.

Just try to be patient. maybe go to a dealer and try to find a certified pre-owned. This way you can by a car with some miles on it and walk away with a warranty.

also check out a site called 'car facts' to see if its ever been in an accident.

Answer 5

75,000 miles is a lot in two years. Find out from the owner why they used the car so much. If its mainly highway miles, thats really not a problem. Also find out how well they maintained the car, like oil changes every 3,000 miles. Also consult Consumer Reports to find out the ratings on Nissan Maxima, this will tell you if the car has a lot of maintenance problems. I know a Toyota with 75,000 miles on it is nothing. I bought a Toyata truck with 160,000 miles on it and sold it at 250,000 miles when it was still going strong. Finally, I would definately have the car looked at by a mechanic before I forked over that kind of money.

Answer 6

First rule, if you buy a high milage car make sure it is Japanese. Your best bets are Honda and Toyota. A well maintained one will run for a very long time, reliably. Ive never had a Nissan, so I dont know. Thats a pretty high price. Look around at used Accords or you can get a brand new Toyota Yaris or something for around the same amount. Do some research and see what you come up with.

Answer 7

With all the incentives car manufactures are offering these days its probably a better bet to buy a new vehicle as compared to a used one... but if you chose to buy a used one have it checked out by a good mechanic.. most used cars have high mileage..they always have, its almost impossible to roll back mileage these days... I advice against off lease vehicles, most have received zero maintenance during the lease period...

Answer 8

I think that is too much money for a car with that many miles. The miles are not always bad though. You did say it was a Maxima and they are rather expensive. So maybe it isn't such a bad deal. Sometimes cars will go for many many miles. It depends on how well the car is taken care of.

Answer 9

Late model cars are often designed to run about 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
What you need consider is how many miles you will be putting on the car and how long you plan on keeping the car. Also consider the price differences between one with 75,000 miles verses one with 35,000.
Keep in mind the car will need a service/tune-up at 100,000 miles. This will run you around $200. But it shouldn't need another one for 50,000-100,000 miles.

Answer 10

These are probably rental cars, and they are usually kept in fairly good condition by the rental car agency so that they can use them for a long time before replacing them. You would be wise to do the same if you get it. Also keep an eye on the brakes, as they have probably been overworked also.