Since I personally feel close to many of you on the forums (thanks to the brilliant "RETURN IT" advise that I got in my watch thread :lol: ) I thought I'd seek more advise from all those who cared enough to give me their opinions earlier.

As many of you know, I had made a post a few months back about snagging an Acura TL by the end of the year based on getting some of my funding sorted AND giving myself time to see what upgrades Honda was putting into the the 07's.

But my present car's condition has taken a dip for the worse and I just HAVE to get another car because long distance rides are slowly becoming more non-existent because I'm losing faith in her. Heck short distance ones are too.

So we went used car shopping yesterday and I ran into a phenomenal looking 2003 Midnight blue Nissan Maxima that has been seemingly pampered by its previous owner. The car is an SE (Sports Edition), has 23,000 virgin miles on her, and the engine just PURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRS.

Took it for a spin and she was BEGGING to be revved.

Scratchless, tinted windows, Spoiler, CD Bose Changer, Alloy Wheels, I mean other than tire treads being worn out, she could've gone for new.

The ONLY drawbacks were that the rear-seats were ridiculously uncomfortable. I mean this is the first time I sat in the rear seats of a Sedan that felt like trying to relax on a rocky cliff. It nearly hurt my brother-in-law sitting in the back to the extent he wanted me to end our test-drive quickly. It seems to me that they have never been used and the Padding / Foam is still extremely firm.

So my questions are 3 fold

1. Is there anyway / anything that can be remedied to fix the rear seats i.e. make them softer either by setting up padded seat covers or aything else ?

[B]The following 2 are the most important questions[/B]

2. I got quoted $20,999 + Taxes, Registration etc. KBB tells me that $19,000 is where my negotiations with the dealer should begin. Oddly enough Edmunds is quoting the car at $18,000. Where should I start negotiating with the dealer ? Do you guys know any other sites I can get some rates ?

3. Where do used car APR's begin ? Dealer gave me some (unknown) bank rate at 11.20% and Nissan's rate of 9%. Anyone know anywhere else I can get a decent rate ?

Wow didn't realize its a long post but thanks for the heads up whoever cares to read through it and give one

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[QUOTE=Kamal] 3) Where do used car APR's begin ? Dealer gave me some (unknown) bank rate at 11.20% and Nissan's rate of 9%. Anyone know anywhere else I can get a decent rate ? [/QUOTE] I was listening to Clark Howard the other day (Financial talk radio) who implored anyone that is going to buy a new car: "Never go into a dealership without a quote from an outside lender." He mentioned that a vast majority of the time, the dealer's APR quote will be much higher than what you can secure outside of the dealership. So, go to a credit union (since they're usually slightly lower) or your bank and speak to them FIRST!!

I wish I had known this a few years ago when I bought my car. Instead I got severely JACKED on my interest rate. It's paid off now (thank god) but this is definitely advice that I'll adhere to when the wife and I begin looking in a few months.

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[quote=skahound]I was listening to Clark Howard the other day (Financial talk radio) who implored anyone that is going to buy a new car: "Never go into a dealership without a quote from an outside lender." He mentioned that a vast majority of the time, the dealer's APR quote will be much higher than what you can secure outside of the dealership. So, go to a credit union (since they're usually slightly lower) or your bank and speak to them FIRST!!

I wish I had known this a few years ago when I bought my car. Instead I got severely JACKED on my interest rate. It's paid off now (thank god) but this is definitely advice that I'll adhere to when the wife and I begin looking in a few months.[/quote]

Second this.

The economical reality here in Portugal is obviously very different from the States, but I work for a car fleet management company, and that?s how I try to negotiate with dealerships...either I have a quote from the outside or we advise our clients to approach the dealership telling them that he already has quotation done by us and according to our negotiated discounts.

Some dealerships sometimes get pissed, because they?re confronted with this : a client goes there, and they quote him...next up they come to us, sign the car order and we go buy the same car at that same dealer for a lower price...they scream something like "that was not the quote I gave this customer!", but they?re screwed because now it?s us buying it, and they have a yearly rate agreement with us.

Whatever, what I mean is shop arond and always start negotiating at the lowest rate you find...that way, the final rate will probably be found halfway.

BTW, what does APR mean?

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

Thats funny. I actually purchased 2002 Midnight Blue Nissan Maxima SE Last year. And I happened to be in an Acura dealership at the time. wouldn't change it for anything.I think yours is the newer body style correct? I wouldn't think the seats would change much but I guess they do. The back seat in mine is relatively comfortable. I love the power it has also, plus the navigation system is perfect especially because I'm always located somewhere that I don't know anything about. The onlt downside I found out was how much tires cost on that thing. To replace mine with the ones that are on it now would run $250 a PIECE! I think IMy APR was 9.6 % and that was through the dealership. I wouild just pay it off a bit and refinance it through my own bank.

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[QUOTE=Kinetic] BTW, what does APR mean?[/QUOTE] APR = Annual Percentage Rate

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

Thanks for that Ska, eLoan is offering 6.65 on used cars, I need to check if I qualify with them

[quote=hambino21]Thats funny. I actually purchased 2002 Midnight Blue Nissan Maxima SE Last year. And I happened to be in an Acura dealership at the time. wouldn't change it for anything.I think yours is the newer body style correct?.[/quote]

Mine is the 2000 - 2004 model style so I think we both have the same car.

How many miles did your car have and how much did you pay for it ?

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

Mine had 45,000 miles. I got it for $17,900. To me that was alittle high but it was 800 less than kelly blue book. But so far I love that thing. It's such a smooth ride and it corners like a sports car.

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

i got approved first before i got my audi through capital one... they do a thing called a "blank check". my interest rate was 7% (apr depends of course on your credit rating) and you request how much you want. they then send you a blank check with your name and info on it which you can write out for as much as the requested (approved) loan amount or less depending on the deal you get... gives you a gigantic advantage in negotiating the best deal. Also, avoid getting "soft hits" on your credit score. whether you know it or not many times when you give them your license to take a test drive they're checking your credit to see if you qualify even before you decide whether or not you want the car.. those little hits stay on your credit for 60 to 90 days... be specific and tell them you don't want them to run a credit check. just show them your license and proof of insurance. they don't need to make copies of them or run them for a test drive...

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

jap crap...

get a buick..

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

You're the most patriot American I know. And you're fucking Canadian!

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

nooo! wait for the TL! you wont be disappointed!

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[quote=skahound]You're the most patriot American I know. And you're fucking Canadian![/quote]

TY..:lol:

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[QUOTE=hambino21.I think yours is the newer body style correct? The onlt downside I found out was how much tires cost on that thing. To replace mine with the ones that are on it now would run $250 a PIECE![/QUOTE]

2002 & 2003 are the same body style...Look at getting some Falken Ziex ZE-512 tires they are around $95/per tire if rims are 17". These are supposed to be far superior to stock bridgestone potenzas in performance, treadlife (360 rating) and obviously cost. I have a 2000 Maxima as well...check out this forum...[url]http://forums.maxima.org/ [/url]....always a great help to me. Plus you can find out reliability issues other people have had.

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

I got a 2.9% APR from Honda when I bought my new car. they had a college-graduate special. i'ma lucky SOB

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[quote=Kamal]Since I personally feel close to many of you on the forums (thanks to the brilliant "RETURN IT" advise that I got in my watch thread :lol: ) I thought I'd seek more advise from all those who cared enough to give me their opinions earlier.[/quote]

Awe GROUP HUG!! pluuuuuuuuuurrrr :lol:

Sorry I can't be of much help in selecting a car. I know when I bought a used car for my first car I took it for a test drive and took it to a mechanic that is a friend of the family.

Do you know anyone that you trust that you can take the car to to see if the repairs are do-able or cheap?

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

^^^ Woman 1: I've bought a new car Woman 2: Oh cool, what kind of car is it? Woman 1: a blue one [/lameness]

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

I find Kelly Blue Book to be very helpful

[url]http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/ke.kb.sp?kbb&&&usedCars;slp[/url]

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[quote=Kamal]

1. Is there anyway / anything that can be remedied to fix the rear seats i.e. make them softer either by setting up padded seat covers or aything else ?

[/quote]

imo , your best bet would be investing in some new seats entirely, there should be some car mod. shops in your area that can help you out in this regard.

take the seats out and put some ones from ikea in :p

also, tune into these guys show on npr and give them a ring, i enjoy listening to their shows as they are car gurus [url]http://www.cartalk.com[/url]

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

thats a hard choice. i almost got a maxima when shopping a few years back, but would have been stretching my budget. personally, if you can afford it, I would go for the acura.

you can try out [URL="http://tl.acurazine.com/"]http://tl.acurazine.com/[/URL] for message board all about acuras. you may have to wade through some BS & uninformed opinions to find info, but it can be a resource.

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

Kamal if your interested in a Nissan Maxima, you might also take a look at Infiniti G35s. I know that on 5th gen. maximas turning radius is pretty bad, with the G35s turning radius is good + all around better performance(RWD too) & imo better styling. Also have the option of coupe or sedan or even more recently all wheel drive. Plus they hold residual value very well. KBB values : '03 G35 Sedan w/ 50k= $19000 - $20000 PPV '03 G35 Coupe w/ 50k= $21000 - $24000 PPV

The all-wheel drive version (dubbed G35x) just came out in '05 is only a sedan and carries a little heftier price tag '05 G35x Sedan w/ 50k= $22000 - $24000

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

Don't know what can be done for the rear seat situation. I'm sure there are aftermarket options (re-apolster), but I imagine its not cheap nor as high quality as the original seats.

Regarding negotiation, just do your research, figure out what your willing to pay ahead of time and stay firm. I would look at what private sellers are letting theirs go for, its usually a good way of pricing on used cars.

With the financing, thats just plain too much (I imagine you have good credit). Last time I financed a used car I only paid 7%. The car being as new as it is and having that low of mileage will probably qualify for new car financing. At least thats how they do it at the credit union I'm with:

[quote][B]Product[/B][B] From:[/B][B] To:[/B]
New Auto Loan (2003 models and newer) 5.74% 14.75% Used Auto (2002 models and older) 6.24% 15.25%[/quote]

Here's some comparisons from my CU's web page. Looks like US bank or Key Bank might be worth looking into:

[quote]Auto Loans: Make the Comparison

[IMG]http://www.becu.org/images/clrpxl.gif[/IMG]Institution APR* Term

BECU 5.74% 72 months

Bank of America 9.49% 72 months

Key Bank 6.92% 72 months

US Bank 6.64% 72 months

Washington Mutual 9.02% 72 months

Wells Fargo 7.40% 72 months [/quote]

Good luck!

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

I like this a lot better...

[img]http://www.luxology.com/press/image/product/modo103/Art/modo103_JunkCar_2.jpg[/img]

:lol: :lol:

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

some of the stuff on here is basic and probably known, but a fantastic site if you're looking to buy regardless of new or used...

[URL="http://www.carbuyingtips.com/"]http://www.carbuyingtips.com/[/URL]

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

^^^ The same guy runs [URL="http://www.housebuyingtips.com"]www.housebuyingtips.com[/URL]. Really great insight/advise.:RockOn:

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

i wouldnt go for a nissan, they have a bad resale value. plus if the seats in the back arent comfortable then forget it, because then you will have to deal with it when you buy the car and why would you want to go out of your way just to fix the back seats. If i were you go for an Acura, I got a 2003 CL type S and bought my mom a 2005 TL and we both couldn't be happier with the cars. Plus they both drive soo smooth especially mine being a 6 speed manual, it doesnt feel like im driving a stick.

but as far as banks go with a credit union they always have the best rates, and when negotiating on the price of the car ask for the wholesale value of the car, the dealership will print it out and also show your outside source. Be firm with your offer and go lower than what you really want in the price, but offer between the wholesale and kbb value of the car. Best advice dont budge on your offer very much, be very firm.

good luck

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[quote=day_for_night]nooo! wait for the TL! you wont be disappointed![/quote]

Oh I am gonna get a TL, I'll just have to push it forward a few years. The way I'm seeing it now, I have a TL with about 142,000 miles on it, it wont last me another 2.5 years (if that given how its condition is worsening) and with the new TL payments going strong, I'll be back to having 1 car when my present car dies on me. The idea is to get 2 cars since Sugana drives as well now and we do a LOT of long distance driving.

I figure if I get another used dependable car with low miles, it'll last me at least 6 years more and if I pay it off in 2 - 2.5, I can easily get the new TL once this one is paid for.

[quote=So dude like Totally man]check out this forum...[URL="http://forums.maxima.org/"]http://forums.maxima.org/ [/URL]....always a great help to me. Plus you can find out reliability issues other people have had.[/quote]

Thanks for that, before I dig deeper into it, do you know any repetitive problems that people have been facing. Whats making this deal even sweeter is that the Nissan Dealership I'm getting it from is offering

[LIST] []Free Engine Repairs []Free Oil Changes []Free Tire Rotations []Free Car Washes[/LIST]All as long as I own the car. While there might be a catch to it (which I need to figure out) it's making the deal pretty juicy right now.

[quote=DancingQueen]Awe GROUP HUG!! pluuuuuuuuuurrrr :lol:

Sorry I can't be of much help in selecting a car. I know when I bought a used car for my first car I took it for a test drive and took it to a mechanic that is a friend of the family.

Do you know anyone that you trust that you can take the car to to see if the repairs are do-able or cheap?[/quote]

I could, but I live literally out in the middle of nowhere. Closest Acura dealer is 2 hours away. The place I get it fixed locally has been good in the past. As I said above, it's got 142,000 on the clock and I'm consistently having brake problems and there's a recent engine problem that has been "temporarily" fixed. Not to mention Acura parts are not particularly cheap and paying so much on a car so old is psychologically disheartening more than anything. (Since Oct of last year, I might have paid anywhere between 12 - 1500 bucks on miscellaneous repairs).

[quote=buckman]I find Kelly Blue Book to be very helpful[/quote]

Yep, already valued the car there

[quote=nbpgt]thats a hard choice. i almost got a maxima when shopping a few years back, but would have been stretching my budget. personally, if you can afford it, I would go for the acura.

you can try out [URL="http://tl.acurazine.com/"]http://tl.acurazine.com/[/URL] for message board all about acuras. you may have to wade through some BS & uninformed opinions to find info, but it can be a resource.[/quote]

Am already registered there ;)

[quote=So dude like Totally man]Kamal if your interested in a Nissan Maxima, you might also take a look at Infiniti G35s. I know that on 5th gen. maximas turning radius is pretty bad, with the G35s turning radius is good + all around better performance(RWD too) & imo better styling. Also have the option of coupe or sedan or even more recently all wheel drive. Plus they hold residual value very well. KBB values : '03 G35 Sedan w/ 50k= $19000 - $20000 PPV '03 G35 Coupe w/ 50k= $21000 - $24000 PPV

The all-wheel drive version (dubbed G35x) just came out in '05 is only a sedan and carries a little heftier price tag '05 G35x Sedan w/ 50k= $22000 - $24000[/quote]

Yea we test drove a boat load of those last year.... Since I'm buying this car to be my "everyday" use car, I'm saving the fancier purchase for the TL in the next couple of years

[quote=neoee]Don't know what can be done for the rear seat situation. I'm sure there are aftermarket options (re-apolster), but I imagine its not cheap nor as high quality as the original seats.

Regarding negotiation, just do your research, figure out what your willing to pay ahead of time and stay firm. I would look at what private sellers are letting theirs go for, its usually a good way of pricing on used cars.

With the financing, thats just plain too much (I imagine you have good credit). Last time I financed a used car I only paid 7%. The car being as new as it is and having that low of mileage will probably qualify for new car financing. Good luck![/quote]

Thanks for that bro... yea I was thinking of possibly getting padded seat covers to make them softer. I sat in the back seat for about 5 minutes when the car was parked and shit it was pretty bad. As for financing, I didn't give my info to the dealer since I was still "looking around" so I just asked him what his going rates were and that's what provided. I'm gonna call Capital One / eLoan within this week if that dude is ready to come down to my level.

[quote=FM]some of the stuff on here is basic and probably known, but a fantastic site if you're looking to buy regardless of new or used...

[URL="http://www.carbuyingtips.com/"]http://www.carbuyingtips.com/[/URL][/quote]

Spent a good bit of my morning there yesterday :lol:

Thanks for everyone who took their time to post in here....

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[quote=cyrus32]i wouldnt go for a nissan, they have a bad resale value. plus if the seats in the back arent comfortable then forget it, because then you will have to deal with it when you buy the car and why would you want to go out of your way just to fix the back seats. If i were you go for an Acura, I got a 2003 CL type S and bought my mom a 2005 TL and we both couldn't be happier with the cars. Plus they both drive soo smooth especially mine being a 6 speed manual, it doesnt feel like im driving a stick.

but as far as banks go with a credit union they always have the best rates, and when negotiating on the price of the car ask for the wholesale value of the car, the dealership will print it out and also show your outside source. Be firm with your offer and go lower than what you really want in the price, but offer between the wholesale and kbb value of the car. Best advice dont budge on your offer very much, be very firm.

good luck[/quote]

Since it's only the rear seats and about 96% of the times, its just me and the missus driving around, I'm willing to take a gamble with the seats on the purchase.

I'm not sure of the resale value of Maxima's but I'm purchasing this one for the long haul. I'm gonna drive her around for another 6 years at minimum (just like I've driven my existing TL and I'll most likely keep it until I've paid off the Maxima).

I've never heard a bad thing about the Maxima's. The Maxima engine across the board of "Motors" that fit into anything had been on the top 10 list of Engines in the US for 15 straight years when I checked back in 2000 (I was considering a Maxima back then as well).

I'm gonna go check out the local Credit Union to see what kind of loan I qualify for.

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[quote=cyrus32], I got a 2003 CL type S and bought my mom a 2005 TL and we both couldn't be happier with the cars. [/quote]

i iwsh i had enough money to buy me a new car and my mom :shock: :lol:

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

You wish you had enough money to buy your mom? Is she being held for ransom?

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

1mil, wanna contribute to the fund.

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

and your mom what?

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

:lol: I think you should return it!

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

you should have went with this car

[IMG]http://www.jldr.com/ohcl99_15.jpg[/IMG]

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

I wanted to but the dealer said you just drove home with it.... lucky bastid :p

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[QUOTE=cyrus32]i wouldnt go for a nissan, they have a bad resale value.[/QUOTE] Not all Nissan products lose there residual, the Infiniti G35 actually won an award for holding the highest residual value...Unfortunately Maximas don't have good resale....I bought my 2000 max 2 years ago for $10500, about 1/3 sticker price. Off Ebay no less

[QUOTE=Kamal]Thanks for that, before I dig deeper into it, do you know any repetitive problems that people have been facing.[/QUOTE]

I don't know of any major problems with the 2003.... ECU reprogram, turn radius & getting around 20mpg on premium are minor flaws... Check this site out.. [url]http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/[/url] ....this should list any technical service bulletins

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

Kamal, since you have been driving a TL and are looking for a newer car, why don't you look at getting a slightly used TL until you are ready to get a brand new one a couple years down the road? I'm sure you could get an 02, 03 for around the price of the maxima that you are looking at.

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

everytime kamal starts thinking about cars, i have to post this to tempt him...

[img]http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/3558/tl4bt.jpg[/img]

you won't regret it dude. ;)

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

:ROFLMAO: :lol:

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[quote=Kamal]1) Is there anyway / anything that can be remedied to fix the rear seats i.e. make them softer either by setting up padded seat covers or aything else ? [/quote]

That you'd have to take to a pro shop that does custon seat upholstry and get the seat padded up a bit more. Nissans are nortorious for having harder than normal seats. I've rode in the back of a couple different Nissans and I never want to again.

Re: So I have to settle on a new ride...

[quote=Jenks]everytime kamal starts thinking about cars, i have to post this to tempt him...

[IMG]http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/3558/tl4bt.jpg[/IMG]

you won't regret it dude. ;)[/quote]

seriously, have you test driven one yet? (i'm guessing yes)

i drive the crap outta mine, and there is literally NOTHING wrong with it after 70,000 km.