Hey guys, I recently found a 2008 350z - Touring 6mt with 12,000 miles on it. The car looks pristine and has been in a garage for the past 10 years.

Dealer has is listed online at $19,500 and said he would go down to $18,500. I am going to check it out tomorrow and I am really considering it if he will go to $17,000.

However KBB and NADA say its worth around $15,500 in great shape, am I crazy for even considering this?

 

You're crazy unless it comes with two extra sets of BBS or Volks.

 

No, no, not crazy!!

(We need people to buy them at crazy prices to help resale value! Think I'm crazy?? Psh, look at the SUDDEN increase in early Datsun values. It's because the market will bear....)

But yeah, it's a little high - up into 3-4 year old 370Z Sport territory - but again, 12k miles is barely broken in. So if you missed buying one new and you're willing to pay the price for one nearly new, than more power to ya.

My dos centavos.

 

 

The dealer is going to throw a hissy fit about KBB values, saying that they don't represent "reality" and then they'll show you a magical list of comps that work in their favor in an attempt to PROVE that they're offering the car at a fair price.

If the car is in great shape, realize it's still a 10-year old car and it's still going to have 10-year old car problems. I'd stick with the KBB price and not go a penny lower.

If you go in there licking your chops, letting them know that you're willing to pay more than the car's worth, then they're going to be all over you like MicVelo on a plate of Crab-Stuffed Lobster Tail. Tell them that you "like the car, but don't like the price." Stick with the KBB value, and remind them that for the amount they're asking, you could walk away with a new car with a full warranty.

Bring someone with you as well. Someone who's playing the role of a good friend trying to talk you out of buying the car. That usually puts dealers into panic mode and they're suddenly become more interested in making the deal work after "going to the back to talk with their manager." Remember that most of the dealership's money is made on selling trade-ins that don't go to auction and on maintenance work.

Try to have fun haggling and don't get discouraged. In the end, it's all a bit of a game. Think of it in that sense, and you'll always come out ahead. I used to work at an auto auction and know how these guys play ball. Hell, I bought my step kid a brand new Ford Focus last year for $11,500 (the asking price was $18,995) and I bought my 2008 350Z Touring MT brand new in 2009 for $26,500 (they were asking $38,000 for it.) It's all about standing your ground and knowing that you have the advantage. Cars like these tend to sit on the lot for a while, so dealerships are anxious to sell them. They're pretty and they bring in customers who want to have a look but walk out owning a "practical" SUV or sedan. Very few people are actually in the market for a 2-seater sports car and they know that.

Good luck and let us know how it pans out.

 

Cars that sit for years and years often have problems with seals and gaskets going bad and possibly even rodent damage. If its still got the original tires you will want to replace them even if they are still at 80% tread (think Paul Walker tragedy). That will likely be $600 minimum for W-Rated.

You can find a clean, low mileage (like <50,000) 350z that hasn't been modded at all for $12-$14k. Save that extra $$ for the upgrades.

 

I paid close to what you are looking at for my low-mileage, pristine '07 350Z which is what I had been looking for (found on craigslist).
It was located practically in my back-yard - so I did not have to travel around the country to find what I wanted. I was considering
an '04 Z06 Corvette for about the same price - but it was located in Florida.

 

Not worth it cars are so cheap nowadays that much for for an 08 not worth it even though the mileage are low remeber these motors burn oil oil.... if it was a supra or r32 ore even an r33 id say go for it but in the long run its not worth it my sc300 had 240k miles i could go 6 months wothout changeing the oil and only burn a quart now its a quart every other week i love my z its fun to drive but that vq is coming out in couple of months and a real motor is going in 1jz..2j bottom end... 1.5j

 

There's no telling where the false belief came from that all VQ engines burn oil. Only the '06 Rev-up VQs were known for increased oil consumption. The world class VQ35DE and VQ35HR have NEVER been known for this.

Wish people would check their facts before spreading false rumors. The VQ certainly doesn't deserve it.

 

He's a Toyota guy, DK. No problem with that except when it clouds ones judgement with a blanket condemnation.

 

If you have been shopping around for a while you will know what the values are and how difficult low mileage cars are to find. It took me a few years to locate my 2006 MT Roadster last year with 19k miles on it, and I didn't quibble about the price because it was exactly what I wanted. Go ask KBB to find you one at the value they publicize

 

I think he took your advice

 

Haha I for sure did, picked it up and haven't regretted it

 

In the end, having no regrets is really all that matters. Congratulations on the purchase