I'm looking to purchase a used 350 z with low miles soon. Locally I have two options and can't decide if I should pull the trigger. Thanks for any input you can provide.
Option 1
Year: 2004
Trim: Touring (leather, power seats, bose stereo)
Miles: 18,134
Color: White
Exterior: Excellent
Tires: Toyo (probably original, because a little bit of wear)
Wheels: Scuffed up a bit
Trans: Auto (would prefer a manual)
Carfax: +$190 Only 1 owner
List price: $18,997
Sale Price: $14,285
Tax + Regist: $15,662.59
Insurance: $65.66 a month

Year: 2007
Trim: Enthusiast (cloth, no power, no bose)
Miles: 62,170
Color: Black
Exterior: Excellent
Tires: Michilen (brand new)
Wheels: Scuffed a bit but not as bad as 04
Trans: Auto
Carfax: +700 Two Owners (both local)
List price: $15997
Sale price: $14999
Tax + Regist: $16,492.59 (Pretty sure I could get it $16,000 but not any lower than that)
Insurance: $71.59 a month

 

Damn both auto!? If you had to pick one of the two i'd go for the 04' because of the low mileage, one owner, and interior options.

 

How abt
05 redline touring convertible with hardtop
73k miles
A few scratches of front and rear bumper.
Stock.
5 speed.
15k negotiable.

 

Definitely get the 07 HR.

Why? Well first of all, it's an HR. When the opportunity's there then go for it.

You get all new updated interior/exterior in the 07 compared to the 04.

You get NEW tires on the 07. Come on, that's a plus.

Miles too high on the HR? Who cares, these motors will last you very long time... Just keep up with the maintenance.

Auto trans is great. Especially with the HR. No need to freak out.. ZOMG auto?!??!?




OP, the 07 is overall the better deal man. Go with that, I'm sure you won't regret it.

 

Thanks for the input so far. I've started e-mailing other dealers across California and it seems like the two offers I got locally are pretty good. Although, now i'm thinking that I might want a convertible w/ manual transmission. Whats the consensus on the convertible around here? I was looking at pics of a 07 online and the interior looked extremely worn out. Is that typical?

 

Keep doing your research man. Don't rush things. No need to buy a Z ASAP. There's plenty of great info on this site. Find what's best for you

 

If you prefer a manual, hold out for one, as well as any other option that is important to you. Color/trim/options/etc. . It willl for sure eat at you if you pay loads of money and are "content" with it. Keep checking autotrader as well as many other area craigslists. If you can afford 07or 08 I suggest going with the HR!

Good luck!

 

The reason I am looking to buy ASAP is I don't have a car. I was in an accident recently and the car was totaled. I'm currently cruising around on a bicycle. I would have bought the car today if they would have accepted my 15 k offer for the 07.

 

call around, rent the cheapest econobox POS car you can. These can often be had for just a few bucks a day if you take your time, search out deals on the internet, and really are flexible to take any car they have as a RENTAL.

THEN, you won't have to be rushed, and you can do some research, decide what is best for you, and take the time to find the RIGHT car. A manual is much more fun, don't settle for an auto.

Sure you might pay a few hundred for a rental for a few weeks, but if it gives you the time to search carefully, you can easily make that up by finding a good deal on a car you will have no regrets on.

Good luck!

Also, being in SanLuisObispo, you essentially have access to both the NorCal and SoCal markets, with a little driving. That gives you access to 2 of the largest metro areas in the country, and I have no doubt you can find a good deal on a nice manual trans Z if you spend a little time searching.