whitetrack

iTrader: (1)

My buddy bought a 2007 grand touring roadster from a dealer but I noticed it didn't have brembo brakes. Did grand tourings come without brembo brakes or does he just have a touring? I haven't said anything yet. I want to be sure before saying anything. The VIN is no help. How would I be able to verify what he has?

dcains

iTrader: (15)

No Brembos = No GT. There are a few other differences, too, most obviously the unique GT wheels.

Funny how every "Base" becomes an "Enthusiast" and every "Touring" becomes a "Grand Touring" once it hits the used dealer lot. Caveat Emptor.

whitetrack

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the reply. I was afraid of that. Now I gotta figure out the best way to break the news.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

email him the Top 100 FAQ:

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...questions.html

See post #11

samsniss350z

A prime example as to why you should do your research before you buy a car. A lot of dealers are full of BS, the others don't really know what they're talking about and they are all after your $$$$$$$'s

YardieXplorer

iTrader: (1)

this

WSchli1672

Yes, always have things checked out and don't go by what a salesman tells you. Additionally ask, where's the carfax. Pretty much gives you information that will help you with decision making on the car. Too bad your friend hadn't done those couple of things.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

I don't think the carfax indicates trim level on many cars, perhaps because trim isn't necessarily coded into the VIN. It didn't on my Z, nor on my wife's Acura TL-S.

It's funny that in this area of Florida, probably half the Z's you see listed for sale at dealers are advertised as "Track" versions, when they're clearly not, and even when that version wasn't offered during the car's model year.

whitetrack

iTrader: (1)

He did get a carfax and did some research but was drawn to this car and emotion took over logic. He did get a good price though. The carfax showed it was maintained well and did not have any damage. He had been looking for the past eight months and this was the one. He isn't in the know about cars so I can't fault him. He brought the car over after he bought it. It is a really clean car with low mileage. I looked at the wheels and held my tongue before saying anything as I didn't want to wreck his excitement. Now I have to break the news.

How would you tell him he doesn't have a GT? Over some drinks?

nextcore

iTrader: (8)

Agreed... when i bought my car, it was listed as an enthusiast model. Right when i sat in it i knew it wasn't. But that didnt deter me from buying it. i just found it funny how they would up the package to raise the price.

KornerCarver

iTrader: (2)

Why tell him anything? I'm sure he will eventually figure it out for himself.

whitetrack

iTrader: (1)

I feel I owe it to him to let him know. He may want to confront the dealer for false advertising.

dammitbryan

GT Roadsters don't have the unique GT rims, but no Brembos means no GT

Blu Hvn

iTrader: (1)

Touring models advertised as Grand Touring happens very often. I even saw a Nissan dealer make the mistake. Chances are in the fine print of the ad is a disclaimer that they are not liable for erroneous information.

This recently happened on this site. When the member was told his Grand Touring was actually a Touring, he loved his car so much he didn't care. I hope your friend has the same attitude.

zakmartin

Obvious ways to spot a GT are: front and rear spoilers, Brembo brakes, 19" rear wheels.

zswickliffe

iTrader: (2)

Lol my dealer tried to tell me my car was a 35th anniversary edition. It clearly wasn't.

Suwaidi

I do believe dealers can check their database for trim levels. When I went in for a recent checkup to a dealer I haven't been to previously, my make/model is listed as "350Z Touring" on the receipt which is accurate.

bloodwings19

I see this a lot. One of the first thing I check is for those Brembos than look at the wheels.