It seems as though my day has finally come...

I found a used 03 perfomance Z (SB) at a local chevy lot and took it out for a test drive, everything seems to be in good order and well taken care of. I went back the next day and got the price down to $22k - I told them I wanted my mechanic to look over everything so they let me take it home for the night. So this is where I am at currently.

35xxx miles, vin # JN1AZ34D63T112977

I have an auto check report that says everything is in the clear so I think I am going to take it tomorrow.

What kind of price should I be shooting for? - they started at $26k and I got down to 22 - does this seem reasonable? or should I be going for lower?

any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated

 

i would pay 22k max for it. I think if you check around harder you can find a better deal. I payed 20k for my Touring with 18k miles, with everything on the car flawless. My buddy just payed 17k for a base with 20k miles.

 

nice sig too, WHITE RUSSIANS FTW!

 

I think that price is too high. Do a cars.com search in your area. You will find a better deal, even if you have to drive a bit. make sure they don't try to rape you on the Financing if you are financing. They may drop the price but add some points on the APR. Dealers get a cut of the APR. If you have decent credit and the APR is over 7% or so, tell them it's too high and you're going to wait. They might come back with a lower APR.

Don't buy impulsively

If I were selling my Z, I would sell my 03 Touring 6spd 33k Miles for 19k or so. Just to give you an idea of what you should be paying.

I would print out comparable Zs online and then go in and tell them you can only afford 19K. Most likley they raped someone on the trade and gave them 15K for that Z. I know because the tarde value on my Touring Z is around 17K and the MSRP in 03 was like 34K.

 

For current prices check KBB. Remember that you live in Wisconsin and it is December. The 350Z would bring a better price in the spring.

 

Thanks much for the help, I will look on-line for some other deals with comparable cars to get a refference point. I'll let you know what happens.

 

$20,000 should be the price! What ever you do...my advice is to not get caught up with the excitement of owning a Z....be patient. So far your doing the right thing about asking questions and shopping around.
December, January & February are the best month's to buy a Z. The dealers need to move cars in those bad weather month's especially in Wisconsin.
If you plan on driving the Z all year round than you better plan on buying premium snow tires for the winter. Good Luck!

 

thanks for all the help guys,

after spending a lot of the day at the dealership I decided to sleep on it tonight, but here is how the deal broke down...

I got the price down to $22k flat and got $1500 for my POS trade in, and I have $7500 to put down
-this brought the final loan amount to $14336 - which I feel is acceptable

 

FWIW I just purchased a 2003 performance with 44,000 miles for $16,500. It has a little light curb rash on two rims and some paint chips on the front bumper. I would try to get it lower than $22k.

 

Do you know about the fuel filler hose recall on '03 & '04's??
http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/.../NTB06-014.htm

 

Looks like you bought the 350Z. Congratulations.

 

just bought a 350z DB perf for 16500 in mint condition with 30k. Thats way too much!!!