Reaper21

iTrader: (1)

I've been presented the opportunity to purchase a 1993 Nissan Altima with 67,xxx miles on it (yes, the mileage is accurate). The miles are almost irrelevant tho since the car has been thru 22 winters so there is a good amount of rust on the underbody of the car. No rotting away yet, but the rust is there. The engine and transmission are running well. The owner had the oil changed every 5k miles - she is the original owner. 2 year old battery, 2 year old tires (with barely any miles obviously). She just had $2,000 worth of maintenance and repairs done to it. She gave me all the write-ups for it so I know it was done. I know the mechanic who did and he's a stand up guy. The interior is immaculate, exterior isn't trashed but it definitely looks like a '93. And it was just inspected for 2 years.

So here's the question... Would you buy this car for $1,500 as a winter beater?

Gymkata

Sure, why not? If it runs well and the mechanic says there is nothing major that he sees wrong with it, then go for it. Just make sure that nothing is about to go and realize that you will likely junk it whenever the first major component fails.

...and you can practice your rally skills in it without worrying about messing up a nice car.

Meraki Autoworks

iTrader: (8)

Heck yeah i would, i love having a car to beat around so the F can stay in good condition. Havent drove the F in a month LOL.

ISFPOWER

iTrader: (20)

some of the most reliable cars. my mom had a 5 speed that went to 267k miles without one problem. normal spark plugs and crap like that she did before anything needed attention. good cars.

metaleckz

iTrader: (9)

Ill buy it for 1.5k

RCB

iTrader: (18)

I would probably buy it for $1500 as a beater but the car is without a doubt going to rot away to nothing in the next few years.
I would study the rust good to see exactly where it is traveling. If something major is going to fall apart soon then maybe it's not worth it. If it looks like it will survive a few winters then go for it.

Nissan and infinity had major rust issues thought the 99s and early 2ks.
I had a 99 Maxima SE 5-speed that ran and shifted perfect and was like brand new inside at 200k. The radiator support rotted right out of the car and sub frame connector ripped right out of it leaving the motor flopping around.

I have seen an 03' Maxima with holes right through the floors at 60k, 240s with strut towers ripped out, QX and pathfinder with everything including the tail gate and rockers rotted right off.

I did brakes on an I30 last week that was in great shape but the guys getting rid of it because the rear wheel arches are gone and the radiator supports on it's way.

Is a shame because they all looked brand new inside and ran great.

tgui

My winter beater is a 4x4, not a crappy Nissan.

$3700 and I fixed a **** ton!!! I think I'm up to $6000 now, but its reliable and comfortable.

VtotheJ

iTrader: (2)

Yes. I had the same opportunity in college, bought a 98 Integra from a 1-owner guy. Interior was immaculate and the whole 9. One of the main reasons why I kept it even after purchasing the F is that maintenance is cheap and so are repairs. Gas mileage is pretty good too around 35 highway. I just couldn't justify letting it go, and having to put winter tires on my F and remove them when the weather gets better. Rust & paint fade is inevitable, so is the weather stripping wearing away. It just comes with owning an old car.

dannyk8232

That's like free! If you want a winter beater, that's the one!

Quadrphnia

Agreed!

Another vote for a Nissan as a Winter beater. "She's a realllll beaut Clark..."
1997 i30t I've had since 1999. Love it.

dannyk8232

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

MisterSkiz

iTrader: (2)

Just save money and drive your IS-F in t he winter with some winter tires.

car does fine and you are just saving it for the next guy.

We have nice cars, but they are not some exotic.