elfnightz

Hey guys,

Im looking to buy a 350Z, here is some of the information on the car:

Year: 2004
mileage:48,000
Touring Edition
6-speed Manual
Leather seats

Some of the parts that i have to fix for the car are the following:
1. drivers side window motor
2. passenger side window motor
3. tires all around
4. front break pads

Cons:
small chip on the windshield
bose head unit died out and an JVC replacement HU was installed
I also believe that the rear bumper was in a minor accident that probably wont show up on carfax. The rear bumper is a little out of place, but it has been resprayed.

Pros:
1. Exterior of the car is in very good condition, seams are all in place except for the rear bumper.
2. Paint is in good condition
3. Interior has been maintained very well.
4. Drives and handles very solid

Most importantly, the seller is willing to let this car go for 15K firm...and i have to fix all the problems above of course (window motors, tires, etc...)

My question of course, IS THIS A GOOD BUY?

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Wonder why the owner failed to fix the window motors, get decent tires and front brakes? What else do he fail to maintain properly? This is not a good sign.

The Brickyard Rat

iTrader: (1)

Take it to a mechanic for a check.

elfnightz

everything else seems to be working fine, it seems as he just wanted to sell the car and save the hassle of fixing everything. I will take it to a mechanic if i decide to take it to the next step. But what do you guys think is it even worth it to look further into it?

Also he is the 2nd owner i will be the 3rd

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

I would keep looking for the reasons david mentioned. sounds like the owner didn't maintain the car..

elfnightz

got it imma look into other cars. Thanks!

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

right on. good luck with the search, you will find the right one. keep in mind those window motors can be 250-350$ each per repair at the stealership if you can't fix em on your own, and tires can easily be a grand or higher for all four, so it's not such a great deal.. and the bumper repair =/

OrleanZ33

I bought my 2004 350z base used with 31 k miles for 18,500. The only reason I jumped on it was because I saw the owner and knew she wouldnt of beaten on a car, she was a older lady that traded it in for SUV when I worked at the dealership. The car interior wise was brand new even the smell. The only problem with it that I had was the fact that the passanger side door someone keyed. Other than that I've had it for a year with no problems at all.

I wouldnt say just because the brakes, tires and window motors need to be replaced that the rest of the car wasnt maintained, those items being wear and tear items some people just decide to trade in a car when they get a estimate for the repair on such things. If someone were to neglect the car completely the interior, paint ect would also be bad.

Good luck with your purchase though. I love mine.

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

its a good indicator that if they've let all those parts run to crap without repair or replacement, that they very welll could have been too cheap, poor or lazy to do oil changes and regular maintenance as well.

elfnightz

Agreed guys...the buyer said he'll get back to me if he decides to lower the price even more....im looking at s2000's at the time as well...Ill keep you guys updated i appreciate the input!

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

s2k's are fun cars. I hear their transmissions are golden. they lack a little bit of power compared to the Z - but they handle just as well, and the power to weight ratio is good.

they are tiny little things, though!

Import1969

I have a 04 Base, Theft Title. 35k miles no problems with car. Has good tires. I would let it go for 15k

elfnightz

Hey Guys,

Update about the car i was looking at. So the seller came back to me because he couldnt sell the car as the economy is doing horrible....The KBB value of the car dropped about 1000 because of the year end i believe.... Initially i was going to buy the car for 14,500 but the seller was strong about selling it for 15,000 so i passed. His offer now 14,000 and i talked it down to about 12,500! What do you guys think? Obvisously it still needs the same repairs as before....

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

now it's starting to sound like a nice deal - however, please do yourself a favor and spend 100$ on your insurance.. pay a trusted mechanic to inspect the vehicle to the fullest, run a carfax and ask if he has maintenance records.

it would be a damn shame if this guy didn't take care of the car and you had issues down the road. if it checks out - thats a decent deal, after the repair costs you will be looking around 15k total which isn't a terrible price for that car.

dhays

iTrader: (10)

+1

Now it is worth looking at.

elfnightz

Agreed, my brother is a mechanic so he will check it out...thanks!

Chef-J

iTrader: (58)

If there was no serious accident, it's pretty good deal. I"m putting my 04 for 15k as well. But have more extra parts =)

mclovin.too

iTrader: (5)

Sounds like a steal at that price.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

What did you get?