hi all...first post here after lurking for a few weeks. i've also been reading "that other popular z forum"...great info on both sites for newbs like me.

just sold my 05 acura TL 6spd about a month ago and finally found a replacement...a Z.

quick specs:

05 Z Touring (non-anniversary, non-nav)
17.8k miles
6spd
silverstone

i feel i got a decent deal on it...the warranty is just about out on it (due to time) so i got the dealer to include a 3yr/50k mile bumper-to-bumper warranty w/ a $100 deductible. also included are new rear tires (existing ones were almost completely bald). they wouldn't let me take delivery until the tires were installed, which will be tomorrow afternoon.

another bonus i found with the car is it has a complete clearbra wrap...entire front bumper, about 8-10 inches on the hood, side mirrors, and behind the wheels. i didn't notice any rock chips, so it seems to be doing its job.

only drawback is that a front plate is installed on it...and not the nice grill mounted ones...it's screwed right into the bumper. i'd much prefer to remove it, even though a front plate is required in my area.

once i give it a full detail, i'll post up before/after pics. woohoo!!!!

 

take pics when you get it and post them. congrats.

 

Aaah, you are well trained. Clean and picys.

 

indeed...i can't wait to pick it up!

found out a little service history on it...apparently it had an "engine crank sensor" replaced and also the catalytic converters @ 9k miles.

 

Congrats on your Z !

I think you have the dealership put Snow tires on for you since it's going to be winter up there soon.

 

no doubt...the evil snow is coming soon. that's what my 92 accord is for!

 

Today's the big day. What happened? Anxious people make me anxious.
Good news??
Oh, and welcome to the forum.

 

Sounds like you got a good deal. CongratZ.

 

GOT IT!!!!

quick summary of the experience:

--dealer portion sucked...had a 4pm appointment and ended up waiting almost 50 min for the finance guy. not his fault, but annoying (there was a customer freaking out in his office and they couldn't wrap it up)

--the new rear tires were installed today but i found a fairly deep, long scratch from the installer. sigh. i have pics i'll post later, but it looks like someone took a razor blade and scratched it around about 1/4 of the rim.

--driving home i started to hear a bunch of fairly significant creaks and wheel noise. the wheel noise was there during the initial test drive, but i attributed that to the bald rear tires. apparently not. i haven't searched on here yet to determine if that's normal...but i doubt it. i expect SOME noise, but it's pretty loud, especially at low speeds (<30MPH). the creaking comes from the driver's seat (going around corners or just moving in the seat).

--front plate holder. they screwed it into the bumper, but the screws that hold the plate on also dug into the bumper. the clearbra damage makes it look even worse. i doubt i'll be able to take the plate holder off due to the appearance without it...and i don't want four hole plugs there vs. two.

so, off to search about the creaking and wheel noise. any input is appreciated.

thanks!

 

Congratulations. I hate the time with the finance people. It's like going through a whole new sales, except this time they are selling you financing and insurance, extended warranty etc.

I'd have the dealer check out those two things right off. Although after the front plate ordeal, I don't know if I would trust them.
Good luck.

 

thanks for the info...i agree and will talk to the dealer about it tomorrow. i think the original dealership (from the first owner) installed the front plate. just sad that they ruined it in such a way.

here are pics of the front holes and a shot of the dealer installed rim scratch:

i took this before a quick wash of the car. it was extremely dirty because i specifically told the dealer to NOT wash it and add to the swirls. hehe



the pic doesn't do the scratch justice...it stands out a bit more in person.