Hey guys, so I am looking to buy a G35 coupe for my wife and found this car on craigslist and wondering what everyone thinks about this?
First of all, yes, the car does have a reconstructed title, but I am totally ok with it. If the car was fixed well, that is something I can live with.

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/2227464513.html

Also what are things I need to look out for in an 03 auto model?

I have personally owned an 04 auto and an 06 6MT...

 

Here are some pictures:

 

Id have a trusty mechanic check it out first but thats a good deal. Also I would be a bit weary based on this persons' spelling ability. Just a comment but gl!

 

A few things...

They didn't blend the paint. You can tell the front end has been resprayed - both front fenders for sure. See how it just doesn't quite match? I'd be leary only because the ad says just the bumper was repainted.

Take it to a body shop AND check the alignment. If you can't align the car don't bother with it. The G already has some inherent issues with the tire feathering and this will compound that problem.

If you can steal it I'd buy it. And I do mean steal. There are plenty of clean examples running around that aren't wrecked. 11.5K? maybe if you can score it for 9.5k. Unless your wife is accident prone, I would keep looking around.

 

Yeah idk if i could own a marked title car but that's just a personal preference. It does seem a little on the pricey side for a marked title though. And just make sure it was put together well and no corners were cut.

 

Just came back from checking it out. Here are some things I found out:
passenger seat butt warmers do not work.
front right tire needs to be replace (bounces while driving, creates a noise)
back bumper is cracked.
He said he could let it go for $10.5k but I dunno, seems like alot of little issues.
I might pick it up if he lets it go for $10k...

 

Isn't tire bouncing a sign of worn shocks?

Cracked bumper? From an accident? How's the metal bracing behind the bumper?

It's your call, but you seem focused on this a bit too much. There are better out there, even if it costs a tad more.

Honestly, a 3.5% loan is worth getting a quality car.

 

Got a call from him, saying he would let it go for $10k...I am going to take it to my mechanic and have him take a look at it...

 

I would say that's too many issues.

Considering he indicated it was a front end collision, the bouncing in front is probably related to that and not just the tire...

Seems like more trouble that it's worth.

 

he said he went drifting (oh crap) and after that the tire started doing that...
Yea it seems like the car might have too much issues, sigh, so hard to find a good G these days...

 

Don't show your cards man. Let him want to sell it to you. Don't settle on 10k. What if you have to spend another 1-2k in the next month or so on suspension, brakes and maintenance he never got done.

If you have 10k cash-spend another 4-5k and finance!

A bank isn't going to loan money on a rebuilt car.

 

Im the kinda of person that hates to finance. Im already borrowing $2k (from a family member) so taking another 4-5k at the bank just doesnt work for me.
I just picked up an 06 350z, straight cash...now the wife wants a new car...hehe

 

Honestly I would pass. Front end collision which obviously by the photos more than the front bumper was replaced. The fenders look repainted, the front bumper is a different lighter shade. In 2003 you were unable to get the car without brembo's that I know of, so were are the brembo's. The gas door looks like it was repainted since it is too dark. There should also be a clear plastic thingy in front of the rear tires unless he removed it, or the body shop did more work that the front bumper. The exhaust does not look straight either. I would say pass 10k reconstructed title no good. According to KBB for 14k you can get that same G in fair condition.

 

unfortunately, most 03 and 04 coupes sell for around $16k - $18k here in Oregon

 

No offense, man.... but make your money work for you. 6% match on 401k's, large cap stocks are pushing 6-7% as well, etc.

3.5% car loans are being given away for credit scores over 740, so if that's you... don't bust up your savings.

I can't stress enough the need for a back-up load of funds as we're still not out of this yet.

Anyway, it's your call, but I wouldn't buy that car for $8k. Hell, I wouldn't buy that car period.