hooray for first post. Looking to buy asap, a couple q's.
 

So i have been reading this board for a bit now, and feel that i have read a good amount to cover my noob questions. However, to get a good sense, hopefully i can get some help just before i go and buy a car this week or next.

(thanks in advance)

So for my main #1 question, then some others...

1. I still am debating between the 03, 04, 05. I understand the engine differences as far as the different hp's and torque, and its my understanding that the interior of the 05 is slightly different? So my question is this, is the 05 worth the extra couple thousand that the dealer will charge? Or should i just save the $ and get the 03, or even 04? Reliability seems to not be an issue with the 'first year' 03's...I am also keeping in mind that the 03 is already 3 years old, and when i sell it, it very well may be ''6 years old'' which sounds way worse than ''just 3 years old!'' with the 05. All this to say, i think i want the 05 but don't feel much justification myself other than 'its newer' ? Any thoughts/comments?
(the 06 obviously would be nice, but for another 10k more or less at a dealer? grrr).

2. Stereo question...
I am a big stereo person, the second day i had my A4, i literally tore out the entire bose system and replaced everything (2 grand later...grrrr.) I've read that the bose system in the g35 sucks more or less. I've seen the 'double din' conversion? Is that a factory piece? Am i understanding that wrong? (i've seen bascially a maybe 6'' screen in place of the usual head unit there...) That looks sweet, does it still work with the steering wheel controls? How much $$ does that run to do?

3. A 'dealing with the dealer' question...
When i checked out an 03 at the dealer the other day. It was listed at 28k'ish. I mentioned i've seen them for 24-26kish, and he said we could definitely do 25k'ish (note the 'ish, because i was really just there to drive the car, not really deal with money issues at the time). So onto my question, when dealing with used cars like that, at the dealer, how much can you use against them? I.e. This car had definite curb rash on the shiny rims, as well as some noticeable scratches to the paint (to someone looking i guess). So those small details, can you bring those up without getting laughed at and hope to get some money off for those small things?

4. I'm in socal, looking for an automatic (yes, L.A. traffic sucks, i'm done with my stick a4). I've read that the automatics in this car tend to sell for less cuz they flooded the market with them? Has anyone found this to be true or is it just hearsay? Is there anyway to use this to my advantage at a dealer?

5. Anybody's general thoughts on this specific car as far as buying from a dealer vs. buying from private party? Do you still pay taxes to the state if you buy private party?

6. Along with question 5, am i retarded to be looking for an 05 for 26-28k$ with decent miles?

Oh, i guess for everyone's reference...I'm looking for:
05 Automatic, G35 coupe, Blk/Blk

7. Just realized..i don't even understand the 'packages' available on this car. I would like everything that 'should' be on a nice car, power everything, don't care about nav, i think that this car doesn't have xenons? sport package has stiffer suspension? Is it noticeably stiff and annoying? or nice and stiff and drives like a dream? i'm planning on putting aftermarket 19" wheels anyway, so not in need of the sport package wheels...

So, i realize this is a lot, but like i said, i feel i've done most of my homework, and am just in need of some final input before i go and 'do the damn thing' aaaaight. Thanks in advance, for reading and answering. See you soon if you're in socal, i'll be rollin' the black/black.

-chris

1. You should go to the dealer and check out the differences btwn the interiors. Then judge and see if it's worth the extra $$$.

2. search for double din. there is a lot of info.

3. Check out the used car value at kelly's blue book value. kbb.com. Look at the value there. Email offers to dealers and let the outbid each other.

4. Autos do sell for less than manuals. When I was buying new, there's about a 500 difference.

5. I don't know about taxes. The dealer would probably give you an extended warranty.

6. It depends on what you consider decent.

7. Most cars come with a premium package. It has the bose, sunroof, homelink mirror. Test drive one with the sport suspension and one without. You can be the judge.

you should definitely look at a bunch of cars before deciding. good luck.

you do still have to pay tax on the car if buying PP but it's paid to the DMV upon registration

Get the premium pkg if possible, contrary to what may be said there is a discernable difference IMHO opinion regarding the stereo. Plus there are other goodies like dual zone heating/cooling and the controls that go along with that complete the look of the dash. The 05 is a major interior upgrade to the 04 and 03 and really eliminates to a great degree the cheapo plastic look of the 03 and 04 models.

You could probably answer all your questions with a few trips to the dealer. Check out all the options and see what you like, or don't like.