GRRR, I first set my budget around 16,000-17,000, which I was planning to spend after I sold my car. The problem is, I haven't been able to sell my car.. it's not that my car is bad, or even overpriced (I get comments on it almost every time I fill up at a gas station), I just think it's too hard for people to get loans.. either that, or people with 16 large in their pocket isn't going to spend it on a used Stang..

Plus I kept seeing 05 Enthusiasts with 2x,xxx miles on them, in awesome shape at dealerships for around 21-22,000....

So I decided to up my budget. Budget now is rougly 21-22 (looking around at cars that are 24-25, with plans on negotiating down) at dealerships, and plans on just trading my car in. Now 350z's are even more expensive! At first I was looking for only black, but I've come to notice that I can't even find other colors in my price range! I see things like...05 tourings for 30,000, or 05 base models, or 05 enthusiasts/perf that either have high miles, or a freaking automatic transmission.

I was so psyched to see an 05 350z (in black) with only 10,000 miles, and was planning on buying it yesterday. On their dealer website, on autotrader, automart and cars.com it was listed as a 6 speed manual. Even the dealer that I spoke with and made an appointment with said it was a 6 speed manual! I drive down there at the designated time (60-70 miles away), only to find:

1) that the dealer I spoke with isn't even THERE.
2) his boss who I chewed out
3) an automatic 350z, which despite the 10,000 miles, was in HORRIBLE condition (swirls EVERYWHERE, scratches, scuff marks, etc...my 03 with 35k miles was 1000% better shape than that one was)

Was it this freaking hard when you guys looked too? I'm ready to just give up! I've been looking for 3 months now and haven't found ****. I'm not just limiting myself to the immediate area either, I'm looking within a 300 mile radius of the bay area..

*edit: and for anyone that will suggest this: no I can't afford a new one, as much as I'd love one. There's a huge difference between 21,000 and 27,000 (invoice for new)

 

I'm surprised to read this. I always thought there are a lot of used Z’s out there specially 2004 Z’s due to the ended 36 Month leasing contracts.

 

I got lucky. I found a 03 Track Z with 22,000 miles on it with every option on it by accident. I was at the dealer intending to buy a 07 base model, but the a Silver light blinded me for a second from the used lot of the dealership. There behold was a great condition 03 Track.

Got it for $24,000. Which wasn't awesome... but wasn't bad either. MSRP on it with all the options added to almost $39,000 when it was brand new, I figured a 4 year old car with only 22,000 miles for $15,000 less than it's original MSRP wasn't too shabby. I ditched the idea of a 07 Z and bought that 03 that exact same day.

 

Thats strange there seems to be plenty of them floating around here in GA especially the 04's I bought my 03 Touring edition a month ago 30,000 miles has the Nav and tcs snagged her for 20 even. I looked at the 04s but the 03 just seemed more powerful, plus its a cool 6 or 7 gs cheaper with less miles Just keep lookin u know its worth it

 

Yes, it can be pretty hard. Although you may feel a little frustrated, try to stay cool and don't rush into a purchase.

How about buying from a private party?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/s...000&maxAsk=max

 

Oh another thing.

I think that the reason that you're seeing so many bad Zs is the same reason that insurance is so high for the Z --- too many bad owners.

If you're buying a used car, try to find a mature and responsible owner.

 

I almost rushed into getting an 05 performance with 28k miles...despite it's exterior and interior looking like complete garbage.. just because I just hated searching around.

I've looked at craigslist, and I can't look at private party unless I sell my car first..which is why I'm going to a dealership.

Craigslist also has dealer listings too, but all their listings are too expensive (27k for an 05 is ridiculous), has too many miles, has retarded mods (chrome rims), or just not the color I'm looking for.

Plus all the ones on that page you linked, I clicked on already

To be honest, if I could find a 350z in the same shape as my stang, I'd be happy. I hate it when people buy black cars, yet either don't know or just don't care how they cleaning it. The 3 black 05 Z's I looked at (one was base, one was just beat to DEATH and one was automatic) were in worse condition than my mustang. It's ridiculous.

 

I was a lucky one as well, and got my '05 Base with 4000 miles on it for 22k. All I did was search on google for a few days, and found like 5 serious ones to look at in my city. It's not that hard if you are really looking and making calls. Remember that most dealers have their dirty fingers in more than just one pocket, and can find what you are looking for as well (just don't let them make you pay for their one phone call to the auction house).

 

I don't think it's that hard. I think it depends mostly the area you live in. I found my Z within a week when I searched. Behold, got mine for $19,000 with 26,000 miles on it 2003 Enthusiast. Just keep looking for the better deal with low miles, you can always talk them down

 

I found mine through a private party seller. I picked my 03 Base up for 17.5K with 38K miles. It came with Nissan's 100K Gold warranty and the woman had custom leather put in it that was almost brand new. The car is in excellent condition. Overall, I did pretty good and I think you can too if you are willing to be patient.

I think you're at a disadvantage because you're in Cali. Zs are a hard sale in Mass so there's a few to go around and not that many buyers since most people here think of snow when they think of buying a car.
Consider expanding your search range. A friend of mine bought several cars now by buying cheap 1 way air fare tickets, picking up the car and driving it back. The key is to do your homework and get all the docs in order before you take the trip. He's done it a few times and he's done very well for himself. Just an idea to consider. Good luck and I am sure you'll find your Z.

 

took me 3 mos as well back in 2006. i narrowed it down to an '04 in black or silverstone. looked at every used car website. was getting daily car-finder e-mails but nothing was what i wanted to pay,or the mileage i wanted. then of all places in the local paper a guy was selling his to the dealer if no one made him an offer in 1 week.

so i got an '04 silverstone with 16,000 miles for 21,000. he was desperate so i talked him down to 20,000. (i'm sure the dealer offered him 19,000)

a 2-year old 30,000 enthusiast for 20,000. so keep lookin and wait for your deal. i'm glad i did. i almost ended up with an '04 BASE for 24,000 through a dealer but i waited!

good luck

 

I've been looking for the past month or so and the only ones I found under 20k are either silver or burgundy (2 of the 3 colors i dont want). I live in the chicago area & can't seem to find one. Maybe I should expand my search to 22k for dealers. THink they'll budge for as low as say 19.5k ?

 

keep lookin
i got my black 03 touring for 19k with 32 grand on her

 

just gotta be lucky sometimes, bought mine from a member on here with all the mods on my sig, with 37k and warranty for a year and a half for 20k. Just be patient and don't settle.

 

picked up an 03 super black touring for 21.5k, excellent condition and still under powertrain warranty. she had 26k on the odometer.

 

Congrats

 

i got mine brand new with 2 miles on her

 

can you explain "seems more powerful". i think all the pre 06's look similar.

 

WTF did you get a Mustang in the first place for of course it won't sell lol

How old are you?

 

I Picked up my 2005 Base for $20,000 with less than 5000 miles on it. Planning on trading it in for an 07 or possibly a G35 cuz I'm being offered $19,500 for trade in and i've put 10,000 miles on it(now at 15k).