High mileage Maxima or Tacoma

Billfold · 06-27-05, 05:16

I am looking for a new beater car to last me a couple to a few years, and I came across a 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE w/100,029 miles. Is this car going to be reiable for atleast another 75,00 to 100,000, or should I just go with like a 6000 Focus w/50K miles.

The same place also has a 1998 Tacoma SR-5 4x4 w/134K at 9,995. Which is the more reliable car. Honda's and Toyota's, especially the Accord and Camry are just going for rediculous prices around DFW.

Dave N · 06-27-05, 08:42

I think the biggest factor to consider is how well the car has been maintained. Can you get maintenance records for either of these cars? It's common wisdom that most Japanese (and a lot of American) cars will easily do 200K if they are taken care of. That said, my own thoughts on quality/durability go: Toyota>Honda>Nissan. But that's just my opinion, others may disagree.

Corey Bit Spank · 06-27-05, 10:06

My Accord has nearly 112k and it doesn't show any signs of giving up anytime soon. I'm not too worried.

JohnnyDaJackal · 06-27-05, 10:52

I would do a little research on those specific year and model cars at www.carpoint.com
They have a reliability section and list common problems with the particular year and model car. I wouldn't base my decision purely on it, but its a good guide.

The 4th generation Maximas MIGHT require premium gas, I know the 5th generations do. With gas prices as high as they are and continually rising, I would hate to spend that much money on gas for a beater car

.

From my experience and friends and family, Toyota makes a really well built car that lasts. My dad has an 89 Corolla still doing good (knock on wood) and my best friend's family has a 92 Camry with over 200k miles still running fine. As long as you keep up with it maintence wise, you should be fine. I don't have to much experience with Nissan, but i'm sure they are up there too.

I would definately avoid the 2000 Ford Focus if your looking for a reliable beater car. My friend has one and uses it to deliever pizza in, and has had so many problems with it. I know when my cousin was thinking about getting one he researched the reliability of them and was quickly drawn away from them

chml17l · 06-27-05, 11:23

Toyota/Honda/Nissan quality is way above Ford IMO. My wife's Ranger truck started to fall apart at 50k.

If you do get the Focus, make sure if doesn't have Ford's trick cruise control. I'm referring to the recent news report of 16 million Fords that were manufactured with faulty cruise control switches. The switch is wired hot (always on) and sits above the brake master cylinder. It is separated by a thin film membrane from the brake fluid. The brake fluid vaporizes thru the membrane and can auto-ignite your car even with the ignition shut off!

Quality certainly is Job 1 at Ford!

medic · 06-27-05, 12:04

I have a 93 maxima SE with 135K and it's purring along just fine.
even the 93 says it needs premium gas, but the knock sensor works just fine to control the car with regular unleaded. I've been running this was for 12 years and no problems - the power is a little less, but for city driving it doesn't matter.

maximas have little electrical quirks like bad BOSE stereos, dimming clocks, and such, but nothing vital and nothing that can't be fixed with a little solder.

how well the car has been kept the is best indication of future drivability. also, check with your insurance on which is cheaper to insure

I generally stay away from fords, but if you do go with it, make sure the focus was built after the years of recalls they had after intorduction.

Terran · 06-27-05, 04:03

That's not high mileage for a maxima. You should be able to get another 100k out of it. Check out maxima.org (although it's not as good a site as it used to be). There are a several members with over 200k and still driving them hard. I love my 1995.

Billfold · 06-28-05, 06:41

Ok, so that Maxima is still a pretty good deal, any thoughts on a '01 or '02 Taurus?

White95Max · 06-28-05, 09:33

You can have mine.

Intel486 · 06-28-05, 01:45

I'd go with that Yota if you can get the price below $9k. I don't think it's worth that much money unless it's in really good condition. Remember used car lots don't pay a lot for trade ins and then jack the price up high. They make all their money from the difference in trade in value and sale price. They aren't like the main dealership who make almost all of their money from Parts and Services.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chml17l

Toyota/Honda/Nissan quality is way above Ford IMO. My wife's Ranger truck started to fall apart at 50k.

If you do get the Focus, make sure if doesn't have Ford's trick cruise control. I'm referring to the recent news report of 16 million Fords that were manufactured with faulty cruise control switches. The switch is wired hot (always on) and sits above the brake master cylinder. It is separated by a thin film membrane from the brake fluid. The brake fluid vaporizes thru the membrane and can auto-ignite your car even with the ignition shut off!

Quality certainly is Job 1 at Ford!

It's the switch that disables the cruise control when brake pressure is applied. It operates by sensing the pressure of the brake fluid. There is a membrane of fluid that seperates the electronic sensor from the brake fluid. The membrane is breaking down and causing brake fluid to leak through.

So far from what I know it's an issue on the F-150s and similar vehicles. I haven't heard anything about the Focus or other cars made by Ford having this issue.

I've already recieved a letter about the recall and had the dealership tell me about it for my previous vehicle. People should all know about it by now and should have had it disconnected at the dealership (They just unplug it and it takes 5 mins) and give you an idea of when replacement parts will be in.