OneLovelyZee

Hi everyone,

My 2004 350z was deemed a total loss when a drunk driver hit it while parked. The other party's insurance will make an offer to pay me out for the 350z and I want to be able to get a fair price for it.

The 350z is a 2004 Touring model with 90,000 miles on it. Condition wise, I would rate it an 8.7 out of 10 because it was nearly in excellent condition minus a small tear on the driver's seat. No mods done to it except 06 wheels, tint, touchscreen deck, and upgraded audio components.

What would be a fair price to ask for? Any tips on the negotiating a price?

If all goes well, I'm planning on getting a 07-08 350z after this mess is sorted out.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Sorry to hear about the shunt and glad you weren't in the Z when it happened! As for car valuation, try kbb.com and Edmunds to get some idea of what a private party Z would go for. You can also list the other items when the adjuster calls, and see if they've accounted for them. Be sure to have your receipts ready to fax over if they want proof. There's usually not much room for negotiation unless you have big ticket aftermarket items on the car and documented.

oldschool350z

iTrader: (1)

What insurance company does the douchebag have?

Hopefully it's not Allstate, they ****ing suck.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

Take your deck and audio out for starters, get your insurance involved if required.

Look up blue book, add sales tax and demand that

shooter45

If the estimate is low, you don't have to take it.
Have them find you a vehicle like you had for the money they offer.
Stand firm.

350zsunshinefl

iTrader: (1)

find the cleanest example comparable vehicle from a dealer and show them the asking price, add tax on that - that is the sum you should be getting.

Not sure what the trim of your Z but make sure to find the same trim as well, also include any maintenance u've done recently, (tires can cost a pretty penny)

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

I recently negotiated with the insurance company regarding my son's car that was totaled by his girlfriend. My suggestion would be to get the insurance company to commit to a number which will be ridiculously low because here in California they consult with the DMV and the amount of money paid for cars reported by the buyers which is always low. Then what I would do is ask for more money and show the insurance company examples of cars similar to yours that are for sale online or elsewhere such as eBay and Craigslist. If they refuse to raise the amount then what I would do is indicate any recent service you had done to the car such as new tires or new air conditioning system or whatever and any aftermarket items or improvements done to the vehicle as a means of justifying your higher amount. Depending on how much you want to play hardball, you can tell them that they can either take your offer or you will sue them and they can enjoy civil litigation which is what I do for a living lol.

OneLovelyZee

Good morning everyone,

Thank you for the replies so far! It really saddens me that I have to part with my Z because I intended to keep it for a long time.

The other party has State Farm insurance.

Does the insurance value the car at dealership prices or private party prices?

So far, I've seen similar Z's (mileage and condition wise) in my area for sale between $11,000-$13,500. KBB for my car is at $10,800 in excellent condition. I'm not too sure what to ask for yet.

Here were the specs on my Z:
2004 350z Touring (A/T)
91,000 Miles
It's about a 8.7-9.0 out of 10 condition wise
It was maintained very well and I did a oil analysis and the results were perfect.
Modifcations: 06 wheels, 4 channel amp, upgraded speakers, subwoofer and touchscreen deck

shooter45

When you mention the word "sue" to your insurance agent, the conversation is usually over. You will be dealing entirely with the claims dept.
and a few others. Your insurance agent will usually try to help you satisfy your claim.
Be firm but not threatening until it's absolutely necessary.

Dekker001

Keep in mind that AFTER you negotiate the best price you can get, THEN tell them you wish to keep the totaled car. I did this with my 535i and after getting 11k from them on the car, I "bought" the wreck for $526. Took it part and sold the pieces for almost 4k more....