Great, just when I thought the choice was easy, you guys are starting to make a valid argument for trading it in.

As for the Skyline, believe me that would be my 1st choice of car, but there's no way I'll be able to save enough for it, and in the meantime my Z's value will have decreased even more.

This has been on my brain for 2 weeks now, it's killing me. I keep thinking this is the best time for me to do this but I just don't know.

 

I sold a car worth 8700 on KBB, sold it for $6500, dealerships were offering $4000 for a trade in. For me, it was clear that selling it myself was worth it no matter what the hassles. Took me 1 month to sell it and I met with 5 potential buyers before selling.

If I had traded in, the savings would have been 7% of $4000, or $280. I got $2500 more than the tax savings, so you do the math. (of course this is just 1 scenario, and the selling price is low, so theres more potential buyers, but I'm sure the extra $ you'd get selling your Z privately would be much than the 7% tax credit...)

Yea, potential buyers will test drive it but thats the "hassle" you go through for... say $5000 extra dollars - hey its your money.

By the way, when you are going shopping for your nismo Z or elise (exige) or any car, don't even mention the trade in until you have negotiated and agreed on a price for your new car, and then talk about the trade in. What some stealerships do is they will give you a (seemingly) good price on your trade in and then over charge you on the new car.

 

1 more thing - DO NOT MAKE IMPULSIVE/RUSH DECISIONS. that will hurt your wallet.

 

Carmax is a great place to start. they actually give decent prices for used cars and the best part of it is that you dont have to buy anything from them.

 

A few more points:

1. The difference isn't going to be $5,000 or $7,000. As in the example above, it'll probably be between $2,000 and $3,000 for a car in this price range. Still a good amount of money.

2. Cars depreciate more and more slowly over time. The best way to avoid depreciation is to NOT buy a new car. The only minor exception to this is that there can be drops at major mileage marks, especially the ones where the warranties run out. But in general, if you want to avoid depreciation as much as possible, but a used car and then hold onto it.

3. In general, the lowest trim level loses the least value. Used car shoppers aren't as interesting in special trims and expensive features. They just want a Z. The NISMO will probably depreciate the most of any Z, if only because it costs the most. My father owned a 2003 for a year and a half, lost only $2,000 even though he paid MSRP. It was the base trim, back when the car was new.

 

Boy I hear Ya.
Most that run their mouth not getting it either.
9-10 people in no way can afford a $80,000 car.
Anyone that puts a car before their family or what's important needs help!

 

So is the general consensus that trading or selling my car for the Nismo is not a good idea?

 

Lotus!!!no disrespect...Nismo all the way or better yet Lexus IS-F...very nice...

 

You have to do what makes sense for you. Consider that New York is a snow belt state. Buyers will be shopping for sports cars in the Spring.

 

I would just put it up for sale in the classifieds. There's no need to rush in trading it in. Wait for the rest of winter, and if no one bites, then think about trading it in. Unless, you absolutely hate your car and can't stand to even look at it. I would think this would be your ideal solution.

 

I personally wouldn't trade in an '04 for low miles for a NISMO.

I also wouldn't trade in the '04 with low miles for an Elise, if it would be your daily driver.

 

since you are almost finished paying off the car, just pay it off then go on Liability Insurance to save money. Then buy a few mods. Rims and suspension and even think of going FI.... it would alott cheaper..

 

I hate to see anyone giving up their z,but whatever makes you happy.

 

If you go to your DMV they'll give you a form to fill out so that you can do the same thing when you sell the vehicle privately. Some states just require you to show them the bill of sale.

 

I certainly don't hate my car, but I am starting to crave the manual transmission. I feel like the longer I wait, the more miles, wear and tear, and age of the car will start to factor in to what I can get for it (and not in a good way).

I'll probably be buying a house soon (with a 2 car garage), and this car will no longer need to be a daily driver. So now I'm starting to get the itch for of a driver's car.

I'm kind of at an impasse though. On the one hand I think about practicality, in which case the Evo X would probably be a great all around car for the price since it's AWD, 4 doors, quick, and better refined then before. On the other hand I think about the fun factor, and for me the Nismo Z would fill that void. Plus, if I get the Nismo, I would most likely keep the car for generations to come. It would be pretty sweet to be 60 years old and still have my Nismo Z from when I was 25.

 

Never knew this. Good info. I wonder which states permit this.

 

But he's thinking of giving up his Z to get another Z.

 

I'd only do this if you have the financial resources to personally absorb a total loss on the car.

 

Craving a manual I understand.

But the other bit simply isn't valid unless you're treating the car badly. Depreciation gets slower and slower the older a car gets, and at some point (not soon) will even stop.

 

I owe another 8-9k on my loan, if I can sell this car for 20-22k, or even get a good trade in value, then I feel like buying the Nismo really makes a lot of sense at this point. I won't be financing an awful lot, and I get a brand new limited edition Nismo with better handling that I can truly enjoy for years.