Hi Folks.. Need your help. I came across a low mileage US car that a colleague of mine is selling. Its one owner, purchased in 2006 and imported to Canada from California. Its in top condition and with only 40,000 kms (24,000 miles) on it. He is asking $16,0000 for it considering it is in top condition and very low mileage. He imported the car to Canada and has brought it up to CDN spec.
My Questions

1. Is 16K a good price for a 2006 Infiniti G35 sedan ? Do you feel its overpriced ? I checked VMR canada and the retail value comes to 15K. Do you feel that infiniti is a brand that can be resold easily if I decided to sell in a few years. I should be able to negotiate him down to 15K.
2. Do you feel that a RWD sedan will drive okay in snow ? I intend to buy snow tires but will the car be able to handle the snow ?
3. Any tips / recommendations for what I should look for when buying this car. He has all the maintanence etc. I intend to take it to Infiniti dealership and requesting an inspection.
4. Any alternative premium cars that you could suggest in the same price range ?

I asked this question in another automotive forum and they thought the car was overpriced for the year. Since this is an infiniti forum , I thought I better ask here since many of you have gone through the motions.

I would really appreciate your help

Thanks

 

1. At first glance it does seem a little high. But a quick check of craigslist in my area (Seattle) and I get quite a few in that price range with MUCH more miles on the clock. So 1 owner with that low of mileage actually looks pretty good for that price. Here's what I see in my area (dealer prices):

'06 Sport, Auto, Nav, Premium Package, black on black, 76k miles - $15,990
'06 Non-Sport, Auto, no nav or premium, white on black, 61k miles - $17,950
'06 Non-Sport, Auto, no nav or premium, graphite on black, 56k miles - $18,999
'06 Non-Sport, Auto, no nav or premium, silver on black, 78k miles - $17,491

2. Some others could speak better on this. I had all-seasons and pretty much parked it for the 7-10 days that there was snow/ice on the road.

3. With that kind of mileage, I would do a check, but I wouldn't pay for a very deep one. With only 24k on it I'd just cover the basics.

4. For RWD there are only a few. Lexus IS250/350, BMW 3 series, MB C Class. But most of those will cost more dough. Otherwise you're looking at FWD with the Acura TL. Lots of good options there, but I don't think any will be able to touch the value you'd be getting with the G35 even at that price.

 

^ Nice, well-reasoned post there.


OP, run a few online appraisal calculators (ie edmounds, kbb, nada) with the appropriate package type/condition/mileage options selected to get a general idea. Those values aren't set in stone. Then look at your local marketplaces to see what the going rates are there. Remember, most 06's will have way more mileage on them so make sure you account for that (add value to your pristine 06).


Everyone forgets that car sales are akin to real estate - it's local for the most part. What goes for x in anytown, CN may be way more/less than your own town and shouldn't have TOO much of a bearing into your own decision. In the end it's what an individual buyer/seller is comfortable in agreeing to as opposed to some rigid values assigned by x, y, and z.


Sounds like you uncovered a gem though IMO - 24k mi on a 6+ year old car is basically new. Get it checked out, search the forums and Infiniti TSB's for typical sedan/G35 issues (compression rods, leaking valve covers, if MT then oil consumption etc) and go from there. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys..really appreciate your help.

 

Jump on that deal quick! You will not find a cleaner lower mileage vehicle for that price. If it's in as good as shape as you say.

 

RWD can be a little tricky to get the car moving if you're starting on a hill even with snow tires. Once up to speed it's fine depending on driving habits. I live in the snow belt of Ontario and RWD has not been a problem, but I do prefer AWD in the winter. The mileage is nice, so it depends whether you want an older body style and barely driven car or something newer with 40,000-60,000km more, but same price range. The cars Codefy listed do come in AWD, but they're typcially $5,000 more than G's. Have you already ordered a Used Vehicle Information Package, they're only $20 in Canada. Why is your colleague selling the car? If you trust your colleague than it looks good on paper, perhaps just compare known 2006 G35 issues with some other years.