With a new set of tires, this Maxima should be ready to be used as a classic daily driver
May 9, 2025 at 17:12
- This 1985 Maxima shows just 43,000 miles and remains in near-original condition.
- Powered by a 3.0-liter V6, the mid–size sedan offers 160 hp and classic ’80s charm.
- A similar 1986 Maxima with 39,000 miles sold for $17,000 at auction recently.
For fans of well-preserved ‘80s metal and quiet oddballs of the automotive world, this might be worth a closer look. This is a 1985 Nissan Nissan with an asking price of $12,900. That might seem like a lot for a sedan that, at first glance, looks like it should still be parked outside a mid-tier accounting firm, but there’s some logic behind it. So, is it actually a smart buy?
This particular Maxima was recently posted up on Facebook and was brought along to Spring Carlisle in Pennsylvania by Toys With Wheels , where it was available at what one of the biggest automotive flea markets in the world. For a nearly 40-year-old car, it’s in remarkable condition. It shows just 43,000 miles (about 69,200 kilometers) on the odometer, which is low enough to make enthusiasts take notice.
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A search online reveals that late last year, a similar 1986 Nissan Maxima traded hands on Bring a Trailer for $17,000. That car had ~39,000 miles (~62,700 km) on the odometer and, like this one, was in very good condition. If a diehard Nissan enthusiast, or perhaps a former Maxima owner who’s feeling a little nostalgic, happens to see this listing, it could certainly sell for or near the asking price.
Finished in a light tan color that feels right at home in the mid-1980s, the car even retains its original wheels. Small details like that tend to matter to collectors and those who appreciate originality over customization.
Toyswithwheels
Japanese cars from this time period have a reputation for excellent build quality, and this is evident in the Maxima’s cabin. Despite the car being 40 years old, the materials across the dashboard and center console have not deteriorated in the slightest. Both front and rear seats are still in good condition, a rare find for a car of this vintage.
Read: Nissan Wants To Bring Back Xterra As A Rugged Hybrid SUV
As a 1985 model, this Maxima came with a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6. Back when new, it produced 160 horsepower and 173 lb-ft (234 Nm) of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. It’s not going to win any stop light races, but it has enough power to feel competent on the road, and the V6 lends it a bit more character than the typical four-cylinder fare of the time.
Whether it sells for asking or not, it’s a solid example of how some ‘80s sedans, which were once overlooked, are starting to get their due.