Hi guys, first post here and just wanted to say that I'm really loving the site. I just sold my 1983 Monte Carlo SS (if there are any muscle fans around here) and would like to pick up a G35 as I really like the look and they seem quite dependable, with a few hickups here and there.

Anyways, in my search so far, I've come upon a private seller who has his '05 5AT G35 priced at $12,400 with 56,000 miles on it. Now here is the catch...the owner bought it at auction 1.5 yrs ago and the car comes with a flood title. The owner obviously swears by the car, saying the flooding was with fresh water and it only came up to the carpets (which he subsequently took out, cleaned and dried). He also says that he has had no problems with the car in the time he has owned it and is selling it as he needs a car with AWD for school. I would also get it inspected by a mechanic of my choice if it comes to this.

While I have talked to the seller, I have not gone out to take a look at the car, but from pics it looks very clean and well maintained. KBB values the private sale at ~16k (with a clean title though), while Edmunds values it at 11k (assuming clean title as well). Quite a large discrepency, but okay. Now he sounds like a motivated seller from what I can tell, and I believe I can get this car in the range of 9.5-11k due to the title issue, but my question is, is it worth it??? If I can get it for 10k and my own mechanic, who works a lot with imports, clears it, should I pull the trigger?

Most people will never ever buy a flooded title, understandably, but if the guy is telling the truth (who knows) this could be a steal. Of course, it would be a PITA to ever resell, but I would plan on having the car for a long while and I'm not too worried about this factor. Opinions are really appreciated.

 

Cars with flood damage can be deceptive sometimes. They may seem like a good value but have all kinds of hidden annoyances...Get it extra cheap or pass I say
Josh@JGY

 

what he said^

 

How low do you think I should go? I don't mind passing, as I have all the time in the world to buy a car and find a really good deal, but definitely wouldn't mind picking something up.

 

I would shop around. For the same amount of money you can find a good shape one with no flood damage
Josh@JGY

 

Am I crazy to think that this is a pretty good deal, especially from a dealer, if the car checks out?

http://www.teamnj.com/newandusedcars...initi-G35.aspx

<100k miles and under 10k for an '03. The first question that poppped into my head is 'what is wrong with it'? If someone could run the VIN for me on carfax and autocheck, that would be amazing.

 

For 12.5k you can do better.

Keep looking & don't settle with a flood damaged vehicle unless you get it around 8-9k

 

Thanks, I'll be passing on the inital one. Any comments for my post above?

 

Carfax shows 2 owners..shows accident and structural damages being reported.

 

Thanks. Figured it was something along those lines. Still on the hunt.

 

be patient. you'll find a deal one day.

 

Would someone mind running the VIN below for me? Think it might be a salvage/rebuilt title, but not sure.

JNKCV54E25M409942