Hey guys. I've wanted my own Z ever since my folks had an early 90's 300zx when I was a kid. Anyway, I'm heading to a car lot in Kansas City, Missouri tomorrow morning. If everything looks good, I'm going to make an offer on the following listing:

http://www.autofind.com//dealer/deta...Z34E33T018354/

It's a 2003 350Z Enthusiast, 65,000 miles. Asking price is $14,000. I'm thinking of offering $12,000 firm. Can you guys tell me what you think a fair price is to pay for this from a car dealership? Thanks for any help offered!

-Mike

 

i think you should be able to get it a lil under $12k.

anywho good luck and welcome to the very small "kansas city z scene"

 

Do you have cash in hand for it? I don't see anyone giving you a loan for an almost 10 year old car. You should be able to get it for under 14k, easily.

 

I'll have $5k cash in hand. My credit is spotless and I've been approved for up to $15k by my lender. I'm just wondering HOW much below $14k I can get it for. It's difficult to find good Z's in the $12-$15k range that I like in my area, and the cheapos on Craigslist look like I should lay a towel down before I sit so I don't contract STD's.

 

Thanks Jackson. I'm checking out the HOA Z Car Club right now. How do you like it?

 

Buy an 08 /thread

 

its cool, nice guys. bit of an older crowd. also check out kczclub.com if ur younger.

we got a dyno day/meet coming up in march I think. check "south central section for local updates"

 

I picked up my '03 Silver Touring AT a little under 2 months ago with 78,4k miles for $11,2 from a private seller.

Dealers are a little harder to crack, but considering the lower mileage offset by minor differences in features $12k should definitely be attainable.

Best of luck!

 

OP call your bank and ask them about the range of years tho.. i know most banks will limit you to 2003, but that was when i was calling a few months ago, its 2012 now. It may be 2004 now, ea lender is different.
It pays to be well informed.
Im doing the same as Im looking to buy a daily driver, Jaguar S Type R.. and they are basically the same all the way back to 2003... and diret cheap, so id like an older one, say, 2005....but again, then the miles and age limits may kick in. So ive been calling an asking.
It really does make a difference in your loan limits, mileage limits, and loan to value limits.



Back to your initial question tho... WHAT SHOUDL I EXPECT to pay at a dealership..
well, its a used car, so what they have into it can vary greatly.

You can ask to see the invoice or to know what they have in the car already BEFORE you start talking financing, trades, cash down..
write the # down.
The man selling you the car will not work for free, so dont expect invoice on a used car.
They may have zip into the car.. and most sellers make FAR FAR more selling a used car as thers way more room in the deal.. its just harder to get a buyer on the lot financed for a used car, so thats the trade off.. he may not be able to get you into a 2003 w 117k miles on it thru a bank, where he could get you a brand new 2012 car approved thru his finance place..

there jsut more than 1 way to make $ as a saleperson..

so you need to know what kind of deal the cars going to be. Its not jsut about blue book, or offering a hair less than the price.. they may have 13k into that car but it books at 13.5.. so they arent going to lose on your deal... but if its been sitting, maybe they need to move it..
you also have to expect them to come back after you shake on a prioce for the car and add ttl ( tax title and lic fees),and that is usually coming out of your cash down.. so you need to ask about out the door pricing including ttl.

all things to ASK and be prepared to say " awesome, well i surely apprecaite your time so thanks, i have your card, ill call you tomorrow with any more questions and Ill let you know later this week about my decision on the car.. "

when they tell you it may be gone, you can always reply " Thats ok, im sure we can find another"... its a non dik way of letting a salespeson know you can emotionaly let the car go if it doesnt make sense, but that youre still going to involve him in the deal so he can get a paycheck... even if you dont.

Its good karma.

Sorry for the rant, its just advice i sure as FAWK wish someone had told me before io paid almost 40 thousand for this dumb Z back in 05.


Good luck brotha!

 

The Z looks clean!
Bone stock.You sure it not a Touring?
I'd offer the 12K.
The 14k they are asking is a bit high.
Z prices are gonna differ by area.
The car from the pics looks well cared for!

Good luck.
Let us know how you come out!

 

Hey Mike
Every area is different when it comes to car pricing. I like to check out kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book) to get an idea of what range the price will start in. They factor in condition, miles, options, and your area. When working with dealers I approach it as if the car should be near perfect because they are going to be on the high end of the price you find on KBB. I take my time and make note of every little thing I find wrong with the car (interior, exterior, wheels, tires, engine noise, etc.). I then subtract from the price the dealer is trying to get including general labor charges as well as parts. Depending on how long the car has been at the dealer they will not only bend on price, but they will offer to make repairs to keep things closer to the asking price. Never be afraid to walk away and do more research.

I bought an 03 touring with 80k miles a few months ago for 10,500 down from 12,700. They replaced the wheels, tires, rotors, brakes, and front wheel hub assemblies.

Hope this helps!

 

I recommend that you do NOT offer round numbers like $14,000. Sounds like you pulled a number out your ***. The seller knows that you are ill prepared.

Offer $12,582.

 

Thanks for all your help. Thought I'd come back and report. The SECOND I got into the car I knew I had to have it. Dunno if it was the smartest thing to do showing up just after they opened on a Saturday. Gave them the whole day to try to jerk me around. I ended up giving in just a bit, and left with it after paying $12,300 out the door. This thing is in PERFECT condition, though. I'm very satisfied and will now scour the forum to make sure I take proper care of my new baby!

 

Congrats man!!

 

That’s the way to do it. Congratulations.