New user here.
Stats:
19 yrs of age
Going to finance a 03+ or 04+ 350z.AT
Zero down, approved financing. (But, my Credit union approved me for 100%)
No co-signer

Questions for consideration, when arriving @ the dealers to maximize negotiation efforts:

1) Would a dealer go for 19k or 20k depending on the mileage?

2) Is it common for these models to have the Navigation system installed?

3) Could anyone experienced in car buying give me a high and absolute low (although reasonable) price for the models listed.

4) Any general beware tactics I should get acquainted with (besides maitenance report, crash report and owner history).

5) Any phrases, that let dealers know I'm not a uninformed buyer?

Thanks, Griff

 

A few things to note:

1. Go to NADA.com and Kelley Blue Book.com to see what the retail/trade in values of the vehicle are. This will give you some leverage in the event they try to rip you.

2. Definitely get an extended warranty. Your credit union probably has a better deal as well since they normally offer to allow your car to be serviced at any authorized mechanic as opposed to going back to the dealership.

3. Competitive pricing.....your credit union may match the interest rate you are offered....or as mine does beat it by one percent.

 

It says you're looking for a base 03 or 04 with AT. Base does not come with AT. The AT is only available on the Enthusiast or Touring. Just an FYI.

 

Thanks I was mis-informed.

Did the Blue book comparison thing...

So what so should I be looking for I don't want to race, just a small basic A/T in black or silver..?

 

Well if you're going for an automatic, then like I said your only options are Enthusiast or Touring. Between the 2, I would go Enthusiast, unless you want the extras like Bose, heated/power seats, and other amenities like that. The standard wheels on both models will the be same, which are the 17" wheels. Price-wise, Enthusiast is cheaper. Color-wise, it's up to you, of course. Good luck with your search!

 

Thanks.. could you answer some of the other questions..?

 

1) Depending on mileage, I think so.

2) Some Tourings come with navi, others don't. But I don't *think* the Enthusiast had the option for Navi, but I could be wrong. If you are set on getting the navi, and you want automatic, your only option is the Touring.

3) Can't say. Check your local papers or classfieds on the forum.

4) Just a thought, but I would try to stay away from 2003s since they are more likely to have issues.

5) Try to be informed about the car and it's options. Don't try and ask the dealer about any features or what's available. In fact, they're likely to give you some bogus answer. Know as much about the car as possible and don't be "awed" by any of it's features. You don't want to be too emotionally set

 

Questions for consideration, when arriving @ the dealers to maximize negotiation efforts:

1) Would a dealer go for 19k or 20k depending on the mileage?

Maybe. Make an offer.

3) Could anyone experienced in car buying give me a high and absolute low (although reasonable) price for the models listed.

Check KBB. When you visit the dealer, write your best offer on a piece of paper. Stick with it.

5) Any phrases, that let dealers know I'm not a uninformed buyer?

I can give you $$$ for this car. No more

 

Thanks, Im a good negotiator etc but the car realm is a little different.
whats an outrageous Apr and whats a normal..... APR.

Thanks in advance

 

Don't worry . . . we are ALL learning.

I suggest that first of all, do a Google search for "car buying tips" or "car buying advice". There are several free websites written about the entire car buying process, especially including financing options and tricks and traps to watch out for. One of my favorite sites is:

http://www.carbuyingtips.com


Read through this entire site. Take a day or two to do this. Also, read up as much as you can on the car(s) you are interested in. An educated buyer will be a happy buyer.

I am in the same boat as you are, and really want a new car, but a few weeks more or less is not going to matter as long as I get the car that's best for me. There are also a lots of experienced folks here who are experts on the "Z" car.

Good luck!

Joe

 

Regarding point 2, the warranty, I don't recommend it. On a used car it will be a little pricey and you are assuming that you will have a problem that will be covered. The more coverage you buy, the more it will cost. I've never bought a warranty on a car or anything for that matter and have had no regrets. Think of the thousands of dollars I would have wasted for that warranty "piece of mind."

IMO it is a waste of money. Stealers push it as it is hugely profitable for them. Why not take the few hundred bucks and save it? If the car breaks, you can spend it on the needed repair. If it doesn't, you still have the money.

Being a Japanese product that has solid reliability (according to Consumer Reports), a warranty is not needed.

....just some food for thought

 

Phonemonal site exactly what I was looking for, believe it or not I've done most of the things they say to do... and I knew nothing about the process..

You rock.. and so will the salesman when I go to get my Z!