Buying a Z in Three Days
05-15-2012, 04:25 PM
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Buying a Z in Three Days
Hey Everyone!
Just wanted to say I am buying a 2004 350z Performance on Friday. I haven't made the purchase, so if I am paying too much, maybe you guys can change my mind.
Brief history: I have owned a Ford Probe and a Ford SVT Contour at separate times, the Probe in high school and the Contour in college. Both cars were sitting broken in my driveway more than I actually drove them, and with some of the other cars I have owned, I am ready to pay a little bit more money for a car that is in really nice condition. I can do just about any maintenance myself, the problem is whether I actually want to or not. The Contour took a lot out of me, after doing an engine, trans, entire brake, and entire suspension swap, all at different times. I spent a stupid amount of money on that car, because I thought it was the right decision at the right time, but hindsight being 20/20, well, you know...
The Z is at a certified dealership (Tamaroff in Farmington Hills/Southfield), so it will be a certified pre-owned vehicle. It has 82K on the clock, but is very clean. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, and comes with ALL maintenance records from the previous owner, as well as a very clean Carfax. Previous owner had a clear bra installed from the start, so there aren't any real paint chips in the front. The dealership was asking $15,500, and weren't really wanting to negotiate because I was talking to them before the car was even ready to sell, and they sell Z's "like hotcakes." We agreed upon $15,000, and I am going to make the final decision Friday after the car has been completely detailed and inspected. And going through a dealership like Tamaroff might be my best bet because a bank nor a credit union can really finance me because I don't have any credit built up. I could have my parents co-sign, but that's a whole different story and I like doing things on my own.
I am using this car as a weekend/summer/track car. I have a "real cherry" 1997 Lexus ES300 that I picked up for $2000 back in August that I have been daily driving for school, and the car has actually lasted a while and shows no signs of any issues yet after I replaced struts, endlinks, and rear control arms last fall.
Sooooo: Should I or shouldn't I? I have seen a couple cars around here for a better price, they just weren't as clean as this car and didn't really have much backing them up.
SIDE NOTE: The car has a Borla exhaust, which I will hopefully be getting rid of soon, as I would really just like a stock exhaust for right now. Future mods are Motul Brake Fluid and a really nice set of brake pads (haven't decided which ones yet).
Thanks for listening, if you actually made it this far
Just wanted to say I am buying a 2004 350z Performance on Friday. I haven't made the purchase, so if I am paying too much, maybe you guys can change my mind.
Brief history: I have owned a Ford Probe and a Ford SVT Contour at separate times, the Probe in high school and the Contour in college. Both cars were sitting broken in my driveway more than I actually drove them, and with some of the other cars I have owned, I am ready to pay a little bit more money for a car that is in really nice condition. I can do just about any maintenance myself, the problem is whether I actually want to or not. The Contour took a lot out of me, after doing an engine, trans, entire brake, and entire suspension swap, all at different times. I spent a stupid amount of money on that car, because I thought it was the right decision at the right time, but hindsight being 20/20, well, you know...
The Z is at a certified dealership (Tamaroff in Farmington Hills/Southfield), so it will be a certified pre-owned vehicle. It has 82K on the clock, but is very clean. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, and comes with ALL maintenance records from the previous owner, as well as a very clean Carfax. Previous owner had a clear bra installed from the start, so there aren't any real paint chips in the front. The dealership was asking $15,500, and weren't really wanting to negotiate because I was talking to them before the car was even ready to sell, and they sell Z's "like hotcakes." We agreed upon $15,000, and I am going to make the final decision Friday after the car has been completely detailed and inspected. And going through a dealership like Tamaroff might be my best bet because a bank nor a credit union can really finance me because I don't have any credit built up. I could have my parents co-sign, but that's a whole different story and I like doing things on my own.
I am using this car as a weekend/summer/track car. I have a "real cherry" 1997 Lexus ES300 that I picked up for $2000 back in August that I have been daily driving for school, and the car has actually lasted a while and shows no signs of any issues yet after I replaced struts, endlinks, and rear control arms last fall.
Sooooo: Should I or shouldn't I? I have seen a couple cars around here for a better price, they just weren't as clean as this car and didn't really have much backing them up.
SIDE NOTE: The car has a Borla exhaust, which I will hopefully be getting rid of soon, as I would really just like a stock exhaust for right now. Future mods are Motul Brake Fluid and a really nice set of brake pads (haven't decided which ones yet).
Thanks for listening, if you actually made it this far
Last edited by Fairlady_Love; 05-15-2012 at 04:30 PM. Reason: grammar sucks... and yes, I had to look it up to see if grammar was spelled correctly...
05-15-2012, 05:09 PM
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I think it's a pretty decent deal...I actually work at a used car lot so I'm not sure about the prices in your state, but they probably got it for around 10k. I saw 2 similar cars go at the auction when I was looking for mine, they sold for 9 something. Although it could have been a trade in also, which case they probably paid the same as at auction or a bit less.
Would be nice if you could get them down a thousand or so of course but you aren't getting raped either. Plus you're financing so you can't really ask for much. Is that price after interest and tag transfer/dealer fees?
Would be nice if you could get them down a thousand or so of course but you aren't getting raped either. Plus you're financing so you can't really ask for much. Is that price after interest and tag transfer/dealer fees?
Last edited by ElderGooseYDG; 05-15-2012 at 05:11 PM.
05-15-2012, 05:36 PM
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Yeah, I do need to finance.
I have done the private owner buying experience time and time again, and while I have no problem with it, there is slmething attractive about a car that is certified by a reputable dealer saying its clean and good to go. There is a Z Touring for sale by me thats cheaper but its not nearly as clean.
I have done the private owner buying experience time and time again, and while I have no problem with it, there is slmething attractive about a car that is certified by a reputable dealer saying its clean and good to go. There is a Z Touring for sale by me thats cheaper but its not nearly as clean.
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05-15-2012, 06:02 PM
#9
Kelly Blue Book suggested retail in "Very Good" condition is $14,400. Move on or mak them lower the price.
http://i.kbb.com/UsedCar/2004/Nissan...on=Very%20Good
http://i.kbb.com/UsedCar/2004/Nissan...on=Very%20Good
05-15-2012, 06:52 PM
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The site is laid out a little different than what I am used to, but generally there isn't a new owners AND a new users forum, they are one in the same.
And the car is a certified pre-owned, so that increases the value a little bit. I just looked up kbb for the car in excellent condition, it was valued at 14,600. Paying $400 more dollars for a vehicle thats certified isn't a good deal?
05-15-2012, 08:51 PM
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Well, I just bought I 2004 roadster touring for 15.5k. with only 48k miles. Leather and bose. They wanted 20k for it lol. i did however purchase it here in Germany so the price difference may have affected the price here vs the states. Sounds to me like theyre hassling you a little. I would keep searching. Theres tons of them out there to buy just dont jump on the first one you see.
05-15-2012, 10:42 PM
#16
Maybe you could point me to the "potential owners" forum?
The site is laid out a little different than what I am used to, but generally there isn't a new owners AND a new users forum, they are one in the same.
And the car is a certified pre-owned, so that increases the value a little bit. I just looked up kbb for the car in excellent condition, it was valued at 14,600. Paying $400 more dollars for a vehicle thats certified isn't a good deal?
The site is laid out a little different than what I am used to, but generally there isn't a new owners AND a new users forum, they are one in the same.
And the car is a certified pre-owned, so that increases the value a little bit. I just looked up kbb for the car in excellent condition, it was valued at 14,600. Paying $400 more dollars for a vehicle thats certified isn't a good deal?
https://my350z.com/forum/buying-leasing-396/
but its bad karma. Maybe 1 in 20 dreamers who post here ever gets a 350Z.
05-16-2012, 01:34 AM
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I would look around a bit. I think you can do better. Or negotiate that price down a bit... or have them through in some goodies like free oil changes/car washes/service for a year on top of a warranty.
05-16-2012, 04:20 AM
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Bro I have been in the Z market for months... I am taking my time. This weekend I might be getting an 04 super clean Z for 12 to 12.5 grand with HALF the miles you stated...
I PERSONALLY wouldn't pay anything more than 13 for an 04 Z just because with that much money you could be getting a newer model with way less miles.
Personal advise, A Z is not something you buy everyday so it's worth taking your time and buying one that is perfect and a good price.
Good luck though.
I PERSONALLY wouldn't pay anything more than 13 for an 04 Z just because with that much money you could be getting a newer model with way less miles.
Personal advise, A Z is not something you buy everyday so it's worth taking your time and buying one that is perfect and a good price.
Good luck though.