Whats good?

I'm a 19 y.o. college sophomore and have been in and out of the market for cars. I currently drive a 2003 Celica GT and looking for something with better performance and stylish. My Celi has the looks, but it can't back itself up. I'm looking for something that will give a bit more of a "mature, but still fun" feeling. I really like the G35's and 350z's. I like the style, performance, and sound. I'm looking into the 350z because it's lower in price. I'm hoping to find one with lower mileage and still not paying outta my a**. I really like the Touring and Enthusiast models, but I would still be completly happy with the base. I'm not into the Roadster models. I hoping to spend no more than $17K and trying to stay under 50k miles. My favorite colors are black, white, or orange. Oh yeah, MUST BE 6 spd manual.

ANYWAYS...

as for the "is this one worth it"
I've found a 2005 35th anniversary 350z. It's black, with the Nismo front bumper and side skirts. This guy has invested into audio and video. 7" Alpine double din video screen, 10" Kicker sub in custom fitted box. Ipod charge/play hookups. 6 speed manual. 57k miles. 13,500
and here is the CON.
He says it has a salvage title, from a flood in his condo's parking basement Summer '08. He has pictures of the flood and the water stopped right under the center cap of his wheels. His insurance totaled it up because they were worried about the electronics messing up. I asked was anything wrong and he said it drove fine. He replaced a battery after the incident. I asked about the under body stuff and was anything rusted or corroded. He said he took it up to a professional garage and they said he should have nothing to worry about. I asked about the interior and the carpet was wet up to an inch but he got it wet vacuumed and shampoo'd and now it's fine.

Is this car worth buying 13,500?
Will this little flood incident definatly show in the future?
What usually goes wrong after flooding?

Thanks in advance guys

 

salvage?

you can get an 03-05 z for under $15 with no issues....or find a nismo for around $20k-25k

hell, just buy a 370z...new is always less trouble

 

lol, i wouldn't buy a damn flooded car for 4,000 dollars. The answer is hell no.....go find a clean car that doesn't have a salvage title are you crazy.

 

"you can get an 03-05 z for under $15 with no issues"

that part was decent advice.

the rest doesn't really apply to his budget or goal.

you can find an 03-06, maybe even an 07 with some high miles on it, for around 17 (pre ttl..)

the guy could be BSing you about the salvage title reasons. just avoid it, find a non salvage z.

 

Thanks guys
Of course with the way things are (economy) and I'm not getting too many hours with both of my jobs, I can't just buy and new car.. Although I would like a 370z.. But I'm trying to keep my head out of the clouds, and stay closer to my spending range.
I've also found 2003 Base model, orange, with only 10k miles, asking $17,500. Turns out suggestion value for KBB is 15,900.
And a white 04 Enthusiast with 58k miles asking 14,900. Also comes with RPS Clutch, Injen CAI, and Greddy SP exhaust. I like this one, but i'm really trying to stay under 50k for miles.

 

if you could talk the 03 base lemans sunset (you aren't allowed to call it orange) down to about 15 that would be pretty killer. 10k is hardly any miles. I would immediately look into adding an LSD, though.

 

My bust

Yeah, he's just been garaging it and filling it with 89 instead of 93.
and i'm pretty sure 10k of 89 would hurt much.
and gang, i've got a lotta questions.
Are there certain models that DO come with LSD?
and I haven't heard of any recalls, but are there any certain services that need to be made for the Z at certain mileage? Anything needing to be replaced?

 

shouldn't have asked that question put the flame suit on. Look at the top 100 questions and most of your answers can be found there.

 

Yeah,
I'm also a member of Newcelica.org (own 03 celica)
If were to ask ?'s like these, then they would probably say "Search"
I appreciate you guys responding quickly

 

^^the irony.. lol

 

lol I know right

 

Welcome to the forum. Plenty to chose from. I'd stay away from a salvage, think of resale value, will it be harder to move on in the future??? Even if the carpet has been shampooed etc, wouldn't be surprised if it's retained some damp odor, say in the roof lining etc.

 

+1

And here you go so there is no excuses. Top 100+ Questions Answered

 

Salvage title? $8,000 sounds good to me.

 

any trim that isn't base comes with an LSD. read that thread though.

 

keep looking. You're in North Carolina, look at Craigslist in DC. This where I'm located and there is a lot of good Z's for sale that is within your price rage. Never buy a salvage car... Can can foward you some listing. let me know.

 

Well in this economy should you be thinking about buying a car you cant really afford?

 

I can afford it as long as it's below 18,000

Trying to stay in the 16,000 area.
I've found a couple in that range with nice features.

 

check insurance before you do anything unless you dont pay for it. Dont buy a car with a salvage title. i see Z's go for 12-17k in georgia all the time. Look on craigslist in your area and autotrader theres a ton.

 

Oh yeah, I've been all over Autotrader looking within 300 miles. And now starting to look around neighborhood cities and states on craigslist.