Hey guys,

I'm fairly new to the forums (and G35s, and buying used cars) and would like some advice before I buy a car.

I'm looking at a 2004 G35 6MT coupe with 62,650 miles on it, in red (laser red, is that the official term?). It's got the brembo brakes (premium package, right?) but no spoiler. It looks pretty clean, and comes with winter tires (he didn't specify what brand). The current tires have been run for ~15,000 miles, though it sounds like he has all-seasons or other tires that don't wear out very quickly. He said it's been "well maintained" and the only additional thing he did was replace the clutch "last year".

The guy has been very good about responding to my Emails and seems like a good guy (for what it's worth). Unfortunately, he's asking $15,200. I know sites like Edmunds don't really mean that much, but according to Edmunds it should be worth like $13,500.

Do you guys think I could try to talk down the price a bit? I'd much prefer to pay like $14k or less, as opposed to a little over $15k, but I have never bought a used car before and I'm not sure how to go about haggling on the price. How do you guys do it?

Thanks

 

Brembo brakes were standard on all '03-'04 6MT coupes. The premium package was a separate option that included things like power moonroof, auto on headlights, Bose stereo, etc. If it has no spoiler, then likely it doesn't have the "Aero" package but it might.

As far as value is concerned, everything is negotiable with a used car. Keep in mind that KBB may also not be that accurate depending on how well maintained the car really is, but you could certainly come back and say that you really like the car, but that KBB says it's worth a bit less and that you can't spend more than $14k. At worst he can say no and then you know where you stand.

 

Ahh okay, it has a moonroof so I think it has the "premium package" then. No spoiler and no front lip, so I'm assuming it doesn't have the aero package.

Thanks for the info though. I'll just try talking to him and letting him know that I think it's worth more like $14k and going from there.

Also, another quick question. Since the car is ~3 hours from me, I can't just drop by to check it out. If I drive 3 hours to look at it, I'll be bringing cash with me with intentions to drive the car home. So would you guys suggest a PPI before I go? Also, how much do PPIs usually run for, and is there anything specific I should ask the dealer to look for/check when doing a PPI?

 

I paid 13,500 for an 04 auto with every option. It had 80k though. I think KBB said it was worth 15k-15.5 or something.

 

Hmm.... That is an auto though. Aren't the 6MTs usually a little pricier?

 

I thought it was the other way around? Nonetheless, it shouldn't be that much of a difference.

 

That's usually the case. Its a supply and demand thing, and keep in mind your location will also vary (ie. New York has a ton of cars so the market is much more competitive whereas a state such as North Dakota does not). In 2/2010, I paid $16k including tax and registration for my fully loaded (nav, premium, you name it, everything except sport) G35, auto in LR with 81k. I know there are much better deals out there, but it was at a used car dealer and came with a short warranty. Plus, it was love at first sight.

In regards to your specific example, I don't think he'd budge at $14k. That's a $1,200 drop from his asking price. When selling used, people price their cars with a "leeway"; for example, let's say this guy wants to sell it for $15k but lists it for $15.2k because he knows people will try to negotiate with him. If someone comes along and pays the full amount, then great, he earned an extra $200 on top of what he wanted. If someone else comes along and asks if he's flexible, he can tell them and sell it for $15k. So in a way, he's not "losing" any money for the amount his goal is set at.

With that being said, $14.5k is already a tough call. It has low mileage, configured well (premium with manual transmission, and Laser Red is more on the rare side), and probably maintained well (enthusiasts prefer manual transmissions, and enthusiasts will take care of their cars). Do keep in mind its better to pay slightly more for a sample that's better taken care of than purchase a cheaper one which has been neglected; repairs alone down the road will probably override the amount you saved.

In the end, $14k is worth a shot, but I'd highly doubt he'd budge. Though if your primary goal is to buy this car as cheap as humanly possible, I'd suggest starting from $14k and working your way up.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the advice! I'm really not looking for a "cheap car", and I like the lower mileage (many of the other cars I've been seeing in my general area have been like 80k-100k miles). I think I'll see if he would considering doing $14.5k, but if he won't budge from like $15k I'm not just going to walk away. It sounds like it's been well maintained, and that's a big plus for me.

Anyways, thanks again for the input everybody. But can anyone give me some quick feedback on a PPI? How much do they usually cost, and are they really worth it?

 

Where is the car located? In Cali, that price is a steal. I'd say his asking price is pretty fair, especially if it's in good condition. $14k is probably a little low. He might budge at 14.5k depending on how desperate he really wants to sell it.

 

It's located in Ohio near Columbus (I'm in SE Michigan).

Also, not sure what happened to the last post I tried to make, but felixsc300, thanks for the help. I'll probably see if he'll do $14.5k, but if not I'm not going to walk away.

Oh, and what do you guys think about PPIs? How much do they usually cost, and, in general, are they worth it?

 

I have an 04 auto with 43k on it for 15.5 if your interested. I live in CT though. And this has everything except the brembos and spoiler.

 

Sorry, only looking for 6MT's.

Anybody have any input on PPIs (see previous post)?

 

i'd probably try to get him at like around 13.5-14 flat.. i got mine with 78k miles same 04 with aero, premium packages for 12.9

 

i am looking to sell mines, 2003.5 fresh tires on the g37 19s, bluetooth, 2 kickers L7 , 05-06 braking (stops better than the brembos,)


so far the dealer replaces and fixed most tsb (have receipt to prove it)
just some of the thing fixed replaced
1)bose head unit twice
2)motor mounts
3)compression rods
4)entire fuel tank
5)suspension in the back
6)axle clicking
7)ac compressor
8)tranny fluid chage
9)other suspension parts
10)heated switch
11)both driver window motor and the door locks
12)some other bushing and and suspenstion parts
13)engine belts
14)oil pressure o-ring
15) ..........there is more just can't remember

OH AND 1 YEAR LEFT OF WARRANTY

 

Where are you located and how much would you want for it? Also, pictures? PM me if you're serious about selling.