Buying a 350z

Just looking for some opinions regarding buying a 350z.

Am 26 now, have a mortgage with 180k left to pay off and 40k in savings (30k in bank, 10k in Tesla @430.00 Each). Income is 94K PA located in SA.
Looking at buying a 350z because it's been my dream car since I was around 8. Would be my second car and not my daily driver.

Currently, my dad's best friend is willing to let his go for $15k (03, 204,000ks, Black) and is in amazing condition, has just been repainted and is entirely stock. In the 4 years he has had it, it has done basically only highway k's and was an older gentleman that he purchased it from.

The Redbook price for this car seems to be 8-10k however, but I feel like with availability of this car, as well as COVID this isn't accurate. I'm also not sure that this is going to return to normal however either. I could be wrong but this model car feels like it will remain iconic like Supra's too (But not to that extent).

The other ones on car sales from what I can see either seem to be thrashed/modded, or soft tops which I don't want.

Do you think the car is worth the money? Or is it worth me just waiting around around for a better deal?

Comments

  • +15

    Double the price for "high" KMS with a dodgy respray? No thanks.

    Get a 370 instead, thank me later.

    • I really don't like the 370 look wise, it's too bulgy. Respay looks fine to me I've seen it in person.

      • +4

        No respray is as good as factory paint. The 370 isn't the prettiest, but looks better than the 350, which looks extremely dated. The interior of the 350 is even more dated than the outside, and the 370z performance is much better than the 350.

        • No respray is as good as factory paint.

          Even if someone were to pay over $15k for a complete respray, dismantling everything down to bare metal and chassis to get to those tiny areas and crevices that would otherwise be blocked by something? What about 40k or 100k?

          Pretty sure at 100k, the respray can't be that dodgy for spending that much on paint and body fixes if there is anything that needs to be fixed to as perfect as can be….

        • +1

          No respray is as good as factory paint.

          That's simply not true. For repair jobs by the lowest bidder, sure, but you can certainly achieve vastly superior quality than factory paint. OEM paint is like every element of the vehicle, a series of compromises to meet a given standard within a set budget.

          • +1

            @apsilon: It's a 350z, it wasn't stripped down and done on a rotisserie. It probably had a closed door respray.

            • @brendanm:

              It probably had a closed door respray.

              Of course it did but you said no respray is as good as factory, not it's respray.

              • @apsilon: You are correct, I should have been more specific. The vast majority of resprays are not as good as a factory job.

      • +3

        You sound like you're going to buy it. Just go pay more than the Redbook value for a car with excessive km.

        Nobody cares if you don't care

        • +1

          Nah I think I'm gona buy one, but wait i'll around for a better deal.

      • +4

        has just been repainted

        why did it need to be repainted, a 03 car keep garaged and all, shouldn't need a repaint? something to hide?

  • I would get a 370 if I were you. Looks so much better. But yeah, they are cool cars.

    • +1

      Not a fan of the 370 tbh it's got too many angles.

      • enhance…..enhance……ENHANCE

  • +4

    RWD Nissan's aren't going to go down in price with the S-chassis getting pretty pricey and the Z's are the closest thing. Even the R33 whales boat have set sailing…

  • wait a few months for TSLA 10x

    sell TSLA buy Tesla for free

    • Haha Hoping to stay in tesla for a 10 year long game and make those sweet gains to pay off my house. Not buying a sports car would probably be better for it though ;)

      • +3

        Off topic and shares aren't my strongest point but if you have Tesla shares bought for $430 and they're currently $800+ I'd be looking to sell at least half. Tesla is massively over valued IMO and the odds are it's going to crash. Sell at least some now then buy them back after the crash.

        • Hmm good idea! I think capital gains only kicks in after I cash back to AUD right?

          • @Zondor: Income is income, regardless of currency.

          • @Zondor: Wrong, they kick in the moment you realise a gain, regardless of currency.

            If that was the case, you'd simply keep them in USD, then use that when you're on say an oversea trip, so technically one would never need to pay any tax.

        • Surely a company who builds 400k cars a year should be valued at more than all the leading manufacturers combined?

          • @brendanm: I think the individual share price is higher because they have less shares overall on the market.

            • @Zondor: Not the individual share price, the market cap. It's ludicrous (excuse the pun).

            • @Zondor: Brendanm is talking about their market capitalisation.

      • Nobody ever went broke taking profits

  • +2

    I think so. I'd pay more for a well loved car that I know the history of. Just set your expectation that it's almost 20 years old, and ongoing maintenance costs will reflect this particularly as rubber and plastic components perish.

    I don't think they will drop in value either. I say go for it and enjoy, I think they're neat cars :-)

  • +2

    What are you looking for in a car? I bought one when they were first released and it was one of the most disappointing cars I've ever owned, kept it less than a year IIRC. That was partially on me but it didn't live up to what it promised on paper IMO. If you're after a tourer then it could be a nice choice but if you're after a sports car, well it's not one.

    Why was your dad's mates' car repainted? A proper paint job isn't cheap so you don't do it just for fun. Also 200k km. That particular definitely doesn't sound like it's worth the money IMO, too many alarm bells, but I also haven't looked at the market so maybe that's what people think they're worth (they're not).

    • +2

      For me it's just the fact that I've loved the 350z for so long. Would be nice to have it to go out on weekends or driving into town etc, buying it for myself though not to impress others. If it's a bad car I can appreciate it from afar of when I see one though. I've done everything except drive one so I'll go for a spin this weekend.

      It was repainted because the clearcoat was fading in areas, makes sense for a 18yo car though that it would be starting to fade.

      From what I've seen in the market, the thrashed ones go for about 12k at the moment and all the others are convertibles which I really hate. It feels like it's worth the money a this point in time but I'm unsure if they will go down in price post-covid or continue to go up with supply vs demand.

      • +4

        It sounds like you have already made up your mind……

        • I'm really bad for talking myself out of every purchase tbh.

        • 300 will say no, 1 will say yes… its what hes waiting for :)

      • +2

        It's not that it's a bad car, it's just not a sports car which is what most people expect it to be. If you're happy with something to just cruise in then you'd probably be happy with it.

        Clear coat doesn't fade on it's own, if that's the real reason then wasn't looked after and it's still suss and worth less than the same car no repainted.

        As for where they'll go price wise, that I can't guess. Things have been crazy and any object is worth what people will pay. For me, no way I'd buy one today at $15k but others obviously see that value in them.

        • I drive a Rio so it's probably pretty fast compared to what I have haha. I think the previous owners must have daily driven it and kept it outside for it to happen. It's a second car in a Garage.

          I'll take it for a drive this weekend, but from what everyone is saying I think I should keep my eye out for a different one.

      • +3

        You’re asking the wrong crowd of people. If this truely is your dream car, then you should buy one. Whether or not you should buy your dads mates one is up to you but it doesn’t sound like the best deal to me. I would be posting on Nissan / 350z enthusiast forums or facebook groups to get an idea of what they are going for and perhaps find a specialist mechanic who can check it all over for you.

        Does the seller have all receipts etc from the prev owner.

        I’m personally not a fan of the 350z but I am a fan of buying your dream car.

        • I think after reading all this I'm gona wait around for a better deal but I'll still get one :)

  • +3

    $15,000 for 204,000kms….

    Online most are showing $15,000 for 140,000kms

    • Alot of em seem thrashed or convert able though.

      The ones that I'm seeing look all modded and I cant help but feel that they are thrashed.
      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-nissan-350z-to…
      - Air intake has been modded (neg)
      - Holes in dash etc (neg)

      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-nissan-350z-to…
      - 18k instead of 15 (Might be able to barter though) (Neg)
      - In the ACT which is abit harder to get to especially atm (Pos)
      - Am prepared to fly and drive back (Pos)
      - Easier color to maintain than black (Pos)
      - Unknown previous owner (Neg)

      • Yeah fair points. Only the 350z your looking at?

        • +1

          Yeah I don't really care about other sports cars ill just keep my Rio.

          Will message the 18k one and ask how flexible they are though considering it's a dealer. Will have to go to the ACT to test it though haha

      • +3

        and was an older gentleman that he purchased it from.

        and

        Alot of em seem thrashed

        By the way, old men (like myself) can and also do thrash their cars! I like to give it a bit more pedal when there's noone around. Being old is not a good indicator that they don't like to have fun with their toys.

        • Fair! My bad haha

  • +2

    Definitely wouldn't buy it of your dad's mate
    Emotional purchases never end well.
    The Covid tax is well and truly alive, give it another 6 months and the $5k mark up will evaporate. This could be the difference between a low kms and high kms

    • Think there will be plenty still hitting the market though?

      • +2

        There's one thing that'll be a guarantee in life and that's depreciating cars.

        The other guarantee is the stopping of jobkeeper/seeker will result in less money flowing through, reducing prices.

        Emotional purchases will always end up costing you the most

      • +1

        You could chance it that when JobKeeper/Seeker goes away, there's going to be some sort of fiscal cliff for some people forcing them to sell their toys?

  • +9

    Tell him he's dreaming and that 12K is all you're willing to spend. At 15k old mate doesn't sound like he is 'letting it go', rather he is getting a good deal.

  • +1

    bad deal

  • +2

    Near 20year old car for $15k and not even original owner…..$9k max.

  • +2

    Not a good deal, OP.

    Keep looking.

  • +1

    I'm an "older gent" and give my cars a hammering. Age of driver isn't an indicator of the car being babied

    • My bad!

  • Just do it. You only live once.

  • How about an infinity g35 or similar?

    • v35 is ugly from every angle except the side and the back, not really a fan.

      On paper I like them though, rear seats and basically the same motor.

  • +1

    I had a 300zx back in the day. It blew an inlet valve and the engine needed a rebuild which set me back about $12k which was the value of the car. I had trouble selling it after the engine rebuild because the car was in too good condition. It also had a re spray and I fixed everything inside including the leather seats. I would wait and look for something with much lower km on it. Also if it’s been garaged and kept clean it shouldn’t really need a re spray. If you find something with much lower km, 350z or 370z then sure pay $15k for it. To be honest there are probably much nicer cars you can spend $15k on. Earlier last year paid $18k for a VR6 2014 VW CC with 63,000km on the clock. I know it’s not a Z car but my point is take some time and look around. This was originally a $70k car. Wait until something special pops up. By the way Infiniti closing down in Australia so be careful there.

  • Why do we need all your financial details… when you are simply talking about relatively a cheap vehicle.

    What's the story? Bla bla bla I own this, I own that… then for some reason, a 15k old third hand vehicle seems to scare you.

    If they say 8-10k then that is all you should pay - even lass.

    Why the need for a paint job - get one that is in ORIGINAL condition. Possibly less mileage as well.

    Study Tube on How to Buy, what to look for etc.

    • Probably got inspired by the other fella trying to justify/trying to get OzB to talk him out of buying a CLA45.

  • +1

    If you know the history of the car then that's a major advantage but the the high kilometres it has to be very cheap. At that amount of KM it will start needing a bit of maintenance and things will break. I'd be looking at circa $12-$13k I reckon non-mates rates. If he wants to look after you and give you mates rates then $10k would be a good buy.

  • If you want it you get it and apologise to no one. Time will tell of you did the right thing. The worst that can happen is you might sell it because you built it up in your mind bigger than it was. But I don’t think so. It’s a classic.

  • 200,000 on the dial, too much. 350 was the first-gen with the 3.5 litre - made good specs over the 300 but seriously the 370 has a better chassis/engine/box and fewer bugs than the 350. Love Nissan sedans, had since skyline and 200sx days. My rule of thumb, don't buy over 120k, because every dollar in is lost on resale/value - value is only what someone is willing to pay for it. Just my 2c.

    • Yeah I'm waiting to hopefully get something else around 12-13. Not a fan of the 370 though so will wait for a 350.

  • car is not worth the money at all.

    I did a quick look and in SA there is a 350z with 204,000 on it, for $12,999 I really hope this isn't your dad's "mate" and he's adding on an extra grand for the privilege of you buying it from him.

    • It's convertible unfortunately, all the cheap ones seem to be. I think he's just looking to get back what he's spent on it as he brought it for 10 and has put 3k into respraying bits and pieces and 2k into new rims/tires. It's not publicly for sale it's more just a "If you want one this is what I'd sell mine for" kind of thing.

      I think I'm gona wait around for another one though, there's a silver 06 with 150k for 15 up in SA so I'll wait around for a different color one to pop up.

  • As a rule of thumb buying an old convertible car is a terrible decision from a value perspective. Convertibles cost more in maintenance when things go wrong. They depreciate heaps quick. Rarity of a model is fine but the trade off is parts cost more and mechanics cost more.

    From a $$$ perspective your fathers friend is hugely over priced. You have to consider what if you bought someone else's car and replace its engine. Would the friends car still be cheaper than you buying elsewhere and the money to replace what's needed.

    From personal experience most convertible buyers don't make car purchasing decisions rationally. Its more like … I MUST HAVE IT but I can't afford it. If this is your first convertible car my best advice is if you think you can afford to throw $13K away if the worst happens then go for it. Otherwise buy a cheaper first convertible who's cost you can write off with no consequences. That way it will be a cheaper learning lesson on what it really costs to maintain a sports car/convertible.

    • To clarify, I hate the convertible version if this makes a difference. I talk about the convertible earlier cause all the ones on the market are it, when I'm specifically wanting a hard top.

  • +3

    I bought a 2006 350z in 2010 when I was 19 for $28k. Sold it in 2017 for $14k. Had 100,000km when I sold it and was in perfect condition, black automatic. The purchaser was an 82 yr old, it had been his dream car since it was released. I loved it, never had any issues. I would recommend only buying 2006 and later. I did a lot of research when I purchased mine and found there were common issues in all of the year models prior to 06. The 06 also had quite a facelift, nicer tail lights and headlights, better rims, slightly improved interior. I wouldn’t buy at that price for an 03 with that amount of kms. Wait for a better one to come on the market.

  • +1

    Wait for the right one to come. A mate of mine hunted down one of the 90s Japanese sports car after checking Carsales everyday for a few years. And had to go interstate to pick one up.

    Best to join one of the forums and buy off one of the members that owned the car from new.

  • +1

    Its worth spending money on a good one, and while I wouldn't call it an investment, it will likely hold value as 90s Japanese cars become hard to come by.

  • Do they have to run on Premium 98? Or 95 is fine?

    I'm interested in getting either the G35 or the 350z Convertible. Opposite from OP lol.

    • +1

      98 Unfortunately for this engine.

  • If your want a 350Z look around, even if you have to go interstate for the price of a plane ticket you could save much money, do not pay too much at all, always be willing to haggle!!!!

  • UPDATE: Currently trying to get a dealer down from 12.9k to 12k for a scratch and dent one but in good mechanical. (04, 130k). Sat down to buy it on tues for 12.5 but they changed the deal and removed the warranty and fixing the tailgate struts when I sat down. TBH warranty means nothing and the struts are like $40 but I left because it was a pain in the ass. It's still for sale so gona offer 12k tomorrow.

    On reflection and now that I know the market better. For the condition it's in the price is actually ok at 15k. Not a bargain but not overpriced either.

    • I know you don't want to hear this but I'd strongly suggest you save up some extra money (you have a decent salary and some assets to protect you in the future) and buy yourself a car in better condition.

      Spending $12k on a used sports car with 130,000kms isn't really a great move. I'm always skeptical of cars at dealerships because you don't know the history and can't meet the original owner. People tend to offload problematic cars to dealers because they'll take anything.

      Honestly, the 370 is an all around much better car. Most people will tell you it looks better, the interior is updated, it has more features, and the performance is way better. It's also newer so less chance of problems.

      Borrow an extra $10k and get yourself a better car with less kms.

      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2010-nissan-370z-z3…

      Having owned a 370 for many years, it's a great car and definitely makes your life worth living some days. But even on the 370 the interior is slightly outdated and feels cheap. Cant imagine what it would feel like in a 350.

      EDIT - just read over your OP again. Dude you are in great financial shape for a 26 year old. I'm 30 and nowhere near your level. Not sure why you're trying to look for a bargain on an old car. Treat yourself to something nice.

      • Thanks for the compliments my dude!

        I'm not the biggest fan of the look of the 370 unfortunately it's abit curvy for me. I might wait around for a good one from a private sale rather than a dealer though like you've said.

        • +1

          Fair enough, you gotta buy a car that you personally love but the 370 ans 350 are very similar anyway. Like you said it's just slightly more curvy and refined. It's not a huge deviation.

          In terms of impression, I can definitely attest that the 370 turns heads. It's a great car to be seen in.

      • I'm always skeptical of cars at dealerships because you don't know the history and can't meet the original owner. People tend to offload problematic cars to dealers because they'll take anything.

        Dealerships can't sell you a lemon - if they sell you a lemon, you take it back to them for a refund or fix. Original owner? Yeah maybe if you're gonna be the 2nd owner but not if your the 3rd owner, 4th, 5th or even 6 and more when its passed so many hands….

        just read over your OP again. Dude you are in great financial shape for a 26 year old. I'm 30 and nowhere near your level. Not sure why you're trying to look for a bargain on an old car. Treat yourself to something nice.

        I thought mustang gts were expensive? which one you drive anyways?

        • Dealerships can't sell you a lemon - if they sell you a lemon, you take it back to them for a refund or fix. Original owner? Yeah maybe if you're gonna be the 2nd owner but not if your the 3rd owner, 4th, 5th or even 6 and more when its passed so many hands….

          I've found this true for company owned dealerships, but not gravel dealerships. They will just tell you to bog off and you have to drag them though small claims to get them to do anything.

          • @Zondor: gravel = independents not owned by a parent company on in some joint venture with another company?

        • +1

          Dealerships can't sell you a lemon - if they sell you a lemon, you take it back to them for a refund or fix.

          This is just not true. You've never been bitten so count yourself lucky. Many people get screwed over by dealerships. It may not be the dealer's intention to screw you over, but they're not a charity. If you buy a car you own all the problems - the dealer isn't going to help you out. Buying a car is caveat emptor.

          • @SlavOz: What about warranty? Surely if the car dies within warranty period, they are obliged to fix it themselves and not you? If the car is sold without any warranty then I guess its on you for fixing up any issues that it gets once it leaves the dealership. I guess it would be good to pay a mechanic to come with you to the dealership and check the car out with you to see if there would be any problems after you get it and drive out the dealership…

            • @Zachary: A lemon car is useless regardless of how long or generous the warranty is. Once it runs out, you're going to keep having problems at your own expense.

              Yes, the only way to really be sure that you're buying a good car is to pay an experienced mechanic (preferably one that you know personally) to run a full check on the car, as well as doing a REVS check. It's the best $500 you'll ever spend

  • -2

    🤣🤣🤣

  • +2

    Result:
    After 3 months of looking I ended up buying my dad's friends 350. Had sat down at 2 different dealers to buy other ones in the past before they started dicking me around and walked out. Went for 3 different ones in Vic (I'm in SA) and wasn't able to make the cut due to other buyers being faster even with cash sale and having a friend locally. There are currently no decent hard topped 350'z in SA for sale anyway and prices are surging still significantly.

    Got the car, happy with the purchase, drives like a dream.

    https://i.postimg.cc/bNcK16mC/IMG-20210502-170302.jpg

    • +1

      ooooooooooh shiny! No scratch, dents or chip marks on the paintjob? What about underneath the car or in the engine bay….?

      • +1

        A few small swirls but literally nothing else. Engine bay is immaculate too.

        • Are you going to mod it?

          • @Zachary: Nah keeping all stock. Turbo'ing em seems to make em pop cylendars and when it's got 200k on the clock I want to keep it stock for resale.

            Just before the 25 year mark for the 03's I'll have probably sold it and will then import one to do some goodies with.

    • +1

      Looks great!

    • +1

      Good looking Black Z!!

    • +1

      Nice! Looks clean AF

      I am a 370z fan myself though I wonder how long the next look is going to come out, 370z look been out for like 8+years?

      Though, as much as I have the money for a nice mid-range sports car, insurance is the worst!

      I had an Rx8 and that was just money down the drain.

      Edit: thanks now I'm car sales window shopping lol

      • The 400Z should hopefully be out by EOY. It's rumored to be a 4L twin turbo but I'm not sure as it would edge into the GTR territory.

        My Z costs me $900 a year for full 15k of fixed value insurance with RAA. If you're in VIC you seem to be able to get a 09 370 for 20k which will hold the most value if you decide to sell it later and get a 400.

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