Hey guys, this is my first post on here, though I've lurked for quite some time - so let me introduce myself. I'm from Houston, and I've been wanting to purchase a Z for a couple years now. I've finally managed to get enough moo-lah to get a note that will be manageable for me, so needless to say I'm pretty excited about being in the market - for real this time.

This forum has been incredibly informative, and I've learned a great deal from you guys, though I couldn't find the answer to this question via search - I've found a car @ a dealer in Dallas, that seems to be what I'm looking for, but I'd like to have it inspected before moving forward with any further decision making. How should I go about lining up a pre purchase inspection in Dallas? Does anybody have a shop recommendation, or should I just have them take it to a local Nissan dealership?

The car is a 2006 350Z Grand Touring with ~46,xxx miles. Asking price is just under 19k. It looks as though the [only] previous owner kept it clean, and at least very close to stock, but I'd like to have a tech eyeball it for all practical purposes.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I'm so close to owning my favorite car (I can afford) on the market - I'm more than a little pumped.

Thanks!!!

 

Welcome. Dealers may bulk at an inspection especially if you intend to take the car. Services such as http://www.autopi.com/ offer on-site inspections. This may be more suitable.

 

19k is too steep, dont rush i say keep searching

 

This. $19K is way too much for the '06 350z with 46K miles, you can get same year convertible with that price. If your willing to wait, you can find fantastic deals. If I was spending $19K, I'd get an '07. Good Luck!!!!

 

That is too high. I've found several 06's for 15-16k with under 50k miles.

 

I purchased an '07 6SPD Enthusiast for 17k 26K miles with Nismo Exhaust and a custom spoiler + new tires so you could DEFINITELY get a better deal. Stay away from stealerships, I saw 2 cars both 6SPD '07 with 40kish miles and Nissan was selling em for 23k/24k. .

 

I think you guys are forgetting that this is a grand touring. if it indeed has the GT wheels and brembos and all the other goodies intact, then I do not see it going for 15k. 17-18, imo.

 

KBB says a 2006 GT with 46k is worth just over $19k. Given that a Grand Touring comes with the Brembo's, the Track Rims, the Bose system, and everything else, the price is somewhat on the mark. However, I think you could offer $18k and get it.

If you want a better performing motor and no risk of oil burning, however, go for the 2007+.

 

I very much appreciate everybody's input, and fortunately buying the car isn't exactly an emergency for me - I have the luxury of a couple months before I'll *need* to have it purchased. That being said ...

... I believe the price is somewhat on the mark as well. Granted it's not a 'steal' I read about folks getting on these forums, but I've been shopping within 300ish miles of Houston - basically Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, and in this market, at least over the past month there are very few Grand Touring models available, much less for under 20k. If I could get this car for 19.5 OTD, I'd feel content.

I'm not hell-bent on a Grand Touring model or anything (though I do like them hehe). I'm looking for an Enthusiast+. If other variables were in order, like for example a clean '07 with 40k-ish miles, Enthusiast, for under 20k - I'd have a looksie and possibly try to work out a deal if I dig the car. The KBB on an '07 Enthusiast is $19,300 - and the Texas market seems to be floating around KBB prices lately, regardless of Private Party, Stealership, or reseller. Granted, these are asking prices. I don't mind the 06 oil risk as much as I mind the 03/04 feathering risk, but dodging both bullets with an '07 would be pretty cool.

So long story short, I know I want a Z, Enthusiast+. I have two months before I'll *need* to make a move, so if they'll work with me on the price of this one a bit, I may have it inspected, and if not, well ... I'll probably lean towards not, since I have some time.

davidv - Thank you for the inspection suggestion. That's a good idea, and handy to know about since I'm shopping a geographically large market.

 

FWIW, I paid $20k for a GT with 21k miles on it in Sept '08 from a private party. It now has about 33k miles and would be worth a LOT less.

 

Now I realize that KBB isn't the end-all of car values by any means. Obviously a lot of variables play into pricing and availability. Regional markets, economy, etc, but what makes you say your car is worth a "LOT less" than the 20k you paid for it?

It sounds like you got a killer deal on the car in 2008, because a 2006 Grand Touring rates at $20,045 in University Place, WA. right now, assuming private party & good condition. Is there something I don't understand about Z pricing/values?

 

it's just the economy/lowballers market effect. people are not paying what vehicles are actually worth, it's very detrimental to used vehicle value.

word of caution, if you are buying a GT make sure it has the GT wheels on them. they are rare and pretty sought after - the car would be worth a good chunk less without them.

 

Did you take the plunge or get a RSX?

 

Get the 07!!!

 

^^ lol OP hasn't posted for several months, davidv got two this time

How do you guys manage pulling prospective buyers threads with no real search value to them...

 

You are driving a 350Z 2008? Way to go.