Looking for some opinions. I need a reliable second car for my woman to drive.

I currently have a 95 Nissan Maxima with a ton of miles, about 180K. But the car is in good shape. The engine runs perfectly, all it needs is a tune up. And it's chain driven, no timing belt. The tranny has never given me any problems. Brakes have about 5K miles on them.

Here's what it needs....new struts/shocks. And new tires for the stock wheels or new 17 inch wheels for the current tires. And a good cleaning.

She's not going to be doing a lot of driving. Just basic running around. Maybe 8K miles a year.

Option 2 is to lease a new car. Something cheap. Although I like the Civic, Accord and Corolla, I'm not too sure if I want to deal with the high theft rate. I was looking at the Impreza, the Altima or the Highlander. All 3 will be pretty much base models. I know there are some lease plans for about $200 to $250 a month.

Any suggestions?

 

Keep the maxi, I use to have one, thing was rock solid untill this crazy driver pushed me into the wall and totalled the car with 230K on the odo. Get the struts and the wheels, and use it instead of getting another car, you dont need to spend the money if you already have something as dependable as the maxi. If your girl doesnt like the maxima, well then its a whole different story. But IMHO, just keep the maxima.

 

Yea, how much would new tires and shocks/struts, and a detailing cost? Maybe $1000 total (nder/over). But if it was $1K and you are willing to pay $250 a month for a lease, think of it this way, you would have your Maxi in top shape in 5 months of a lease payment - and it's yours - no payments. But if you can afford it, get the new car, why not? I'd probably go with the Altima.

 

That's what I'm leaning towards. I just don't want the damn thing to crap out when we really need it.

Jack_n_Coke: oddly enough, she really likes the max.