Possibly Buying a Car, Need Help

[nStanzaX11]

Hello,

I'm a first time Car Buyer, and its possible within the next few days I could buy a 1990 Nissan Stanza. Oddly, I always wanted one for some reason. But anyways I need something to get to and from school, and I will need a car for when I go off to college. I found a 1990 XE Nissan Stanza for sale in my area, for $1275. From the pictures it looks to be in very good condition, I was very impressed with it actually. The only draw back is that it has 150,589 miles on it. I'm not sure if thats too much. I mean I know that is a lot of miles, but is it still worth buying at this point. Does anyone know the life expectancy of Stanza's (I know they havent been around in a while). I know I've seen some go well beyond 200k. The thing is I would love to have this car!! I'm definately going to test drive it before anything, and get a history report. But at 150k miles do you think I'm safe? I'll just be using it for local traveling.. but please your thoughts, opinions and your expertise (if you have any :P ).. THANKS!

[vooch]

Off the cuff...I would think it's OK but most importantly.....how many miles do you plan on driving each year? If it's around 10-12K it should be no problem. I would also suggest to offer a lower price & be firm about it!
Good Luck!

[07G35S]

my expertise with old nissans = zip. But using kbb.com I found that 150,000 miles on an XE stanza in excellent condition is right around 1250 bucks. "good" condition automatically drops the vehicle price to about 1k. I wouldn't even pay that much, because I doubt theres a high demand for the vehicle, so you should be able to talk them down. Hopefully someone else here can attest to the longevity of the vehicle.

[nStanzaX11]

I went and saw the car, and unfortunately I will not be getting it. The pictures used for the ad sale were either old, or touched up, because the cars paint was starting to chip, there was also sum dings and dents that were not in the pictures. The speakers seemed to be going out as well. I didn't going in thinking it was going to be perfect though. The fact is the 150k miles had taken its toal on the car, it fealt creaky and a little shaky. I'm glad I had the oppurtunity to look at this car though, and I will continue to search for a relatively cheap, but nice, used car.. preferably a Nissan. Thanks so much for the feedback to those responded to my post!

[kgoetz97]

My parents had a '92 that they donated to charity last year b/c it would not pass VA state inspection. I forget why it would not pass, but it was not anything major... Having said that, my father was never thrilled with the car. He bought it new b/c it was several grand cheaper than a comparable Camry at the time. He was most disappointed in the poor gas mileage (low 20's and only 25/26 on the highway, whereas he gets 32/34 highway on his '07 Camry).
All in all....not a bad first car. I remember that it was kinda sporty for a family car of it's year....a worthy precursor for an Altima

[07G35S]

^ why dont you put it on the list in your signature? :p

[kgoetz97]

^ huh?
It never was my car....

[07G35S]

Oh you said not bad for a first car, I figured you meant it was yours... I see now you were just making that observation for the OP.

[kgoetz97]

^^^ The Stanza would have been a nice first car for me. I got a '86 Camry instead. My parents "stepped up" to the '92 Stanza.

[miata007]

I think you should be looking for a good used Accord (1992 ex). They are very reliable and used parts can be easily obtained at local junkyard, unlike Stanza. I would not worry even if it has 200k on it. Just make sure the car has been properly maintianed and is not salvage (title). If the car drives fine, then check if there are any leaks from the engine and transmission.
No leaks = good car (well maintained)
Leaks = abused car

good luck
007