Try to buy the car at dealer's invoice. The most I've ever paid was $400 over invoice (Edit: which is what I paid for my ZR), and you can probably find a dealer that's willing to do this. They still make their holdback, which for Nissan is 2% of the total invoice price. If you start with the sales manager, you'll be talking to the horse's mouth, bypass all the crap from the salespeople, and it will save you a lot of time. You'll also find out right away if that dealer is willing to sell you the vehicle at or close to invoice. Do your research ahead of time (www.edmunds.com is a good source for msrp and invoice pricing), and take a copy of it to the dealer so he knows you know what you're talking about.

Invoice for a base 06 Enthusiast Roadster is $32,415 with an MSRP of $35,050. I'm sure you don't get a lot of snow in San Jose, but buying a convertible this time of year in winter climates generally gets you a better discount. Maybe you should come to Minnesota to buy your ZR!

I'd also recommend avoiding extended warranties, which are a huge profit margin for the dealer, and yet another way to jack the price up. Stick with the basics, and remember that you can get mats and sill plates on eBay for a lot less than what the dealer charges. Stick with the base vehicle, and if you end up having to negotiate an amount over invoice, get them to throw these items in for free.

 

So I pulled the trigger and drove home this evening in an '06 Silverstone Enthusiast. Paid $250 over invoice which seemed to be the sticking point around here. Could have gone to LA to get a car but the net in time and fuel would have been the same. After 10 years in a pickup it's great to be in a 6 speed convertible. Now, about the stereo........

sdl13
2006 Enthusiast Roadster 6MT - Silverstone

 

Congrats! I had 2 full-size pickups before my ZR so I know what you're talking about. I loved their big size, but always wanted a vert. Now let's see some pics!