This is my first post so hopefully some of the more experienced members can help me out. I'm in the process of selling my Honda S2000 and have already found two 2003 G35 Coupes, one of which I will most likely buy in a week or so. Out of these two deals I have found which one seems to be the best choice?

Car #1 (Private Seller)
2003.5 Ivory Pearl with Graphite interior $29,000
-26,000 miles
-Premium and sport package
-Navigation
Bad: Small dent below gas door on rear fender. Multiple scratches throughout the car [below sideskirts near front tire, near rear license plate frame, and some on the front bumper]

Car #2 (Small dealership)
2003 Ivory Pearl with Graphite interior Possibly $27,500..but I got them to $28,000 already
-19,000 miles
-Premium and sport package
-Rear spoiler
-No navigation
Bad: Drivers window didn't work, headlights seem to be hazey on the outside, while in neutral the clutch makes a humming/spinning noise and then when I push on the clutch it goes away, but comes back once I'm in neutral and have my foot off the clutch. The car will be taken to the dealershio and hopefully have these problems looked at and replaced/repaired.

I really like the 2003.5 model with the navigation, but it just seems like there are a lot of little scratches and dings on the exterior and he will not budge lower then $29,000. The 2003 model at $27,500-$28,00 seems like a good deal if they can fix those problems for me, but I really wanted the navigation.

Out of the two G35's listed above which one would you choose and why? And can someone please explain to me what other changed they did on the 2003.5 models other than just the new center console.

Thanks

 

i would get a 05

 

I agree. If cost is the issue, just get a base model. I'd rather have a new one with 0 options then a used one with used problems. Invoice on a base model is just above what you are trying to spend with either of these you've listed. My $.02.

 

I got to agree with the other two. I would also get a new 05 base modle other then a 03 with more options. Why chance future problems. But thats just my opinion.

Good Luck

p.s Even tho. It may seem like you are spending more on a new car at first. Look tt the possible coast later down the road. IE: tires,breaks,maintaince, and other problems that may occure.

 

I'd wait for a used G35 without the drawbacks of the two cars you detailed, or go for an '05 if you can swing it. The right car will come along.

 

I wouldn't get either one... there are better deals for less money to be found. Be patient and get one with no problems that is what you want.
Just for comparison... in September 04 I bought a 2003 6mt w/premium package and 5050 miles on it. Perfect condition. No problems whatsoever. 27,000. Got it on ebay... had to drive five hours away to pick it up but that is no biggie to get the right car at the right price. I haven't seen very many other ones go at the price I got mine for, but 29k with that many miles AND a dent? No way...

 

I sold my S2000 and got an 05. I miss my S2K but I love my G35.

I'd get the 05 if I were you.

My sn on S2Ki is XbusinessX.

 

well neither imo sounds like a great deal

If I had to choose between those two I would get the 03.5 just because of the fixes they made mid model year.

However, if possible if I were you I would keep looking. Your porblem is that you're in CA where they sell well. Here in MI there are a bunch of new 04s still on the lots and they are starting to discount them like crazy.

my advice: keep shopping and look further away if you can.

 

I have to agree with Sun35,

I'm a MI resident also, and as an example, there was a used 2003 with 19K miles on it for $24K in the local paper (private seller). I'm not saying you need to come ALL the way to the midwest, but I think that there are better deals to be had in other states.

Supply and demand will dictate local prices.

Heck, for $24-$25k used in another state, you could fly out, drive it back, and still save like $3k (for mods perhaps???).

Just my $0.02

 

I say try to swing an 04 with some decent miles on it due to the bugs that were straightened out, plus it might be in better condition....and hell who knows, you might find a private seller getting rid of it for 30-32K.

In 03, I had a friend by a used 03 (same year) from an old man who got sick of the car after 2000 miles in Newport Beach (OC) CA. He paid 32K for it and it was loaded with all but NAV. Needless to say the old man ended up gettin a Ferarri or something...beats me.

 

This sounds like the best option. Don't get a base coupe! You will regret not having the creatue comforts. I regret not getting NAV, but I've had my car since December 2002 and there weren't many coupes around at the time. You should be able to get an '03 with decent miles (less than 25k) for $24k. Anyway, air fare is cheap and the owner can take as many pics as necessary or even post video. Don't let these guys scare you. These cars are pretty reliable. After you buy, drive the car for awhile and make a list of problems. You have until 60k miles on the basic warranty and 70k miles on the power train.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. The reason I'm looking at used models is because I really want the Ivory Pearl with graphite interior, it's pretty much I get that combo or I don't want the car. I will be mad everytime I see someone else with IP/Graphite if I settle for a different color.

Here im Cali I don't think I have seen any go for less than $27k, but I might try looking in a few surrounding states to see if they have any good deals.

-xbusinessx: I remember you from that Todai run, I had the Black S2K with Mugen wheels.

 

I wish I had nav too, but if it were me, I would go with #2 (assuming no major problems after it's checkup).

You will be happier in the long run as it has a nicer exterior (don't you want a nice looking car for 27 grand??), and has lower mileage (more on the warranty, and better resale in the long run).

So yeah, I say buy #2, the updated center console, and a map

 

I've been trying to search the site but keep up coming up empty. Exactly what else did they change in the later model '03 coupes besides the center console?

 

+1. A loan for $7000 more will only be like $80 more a month. Also, you can probably get a better interest rate on a brand new car so it will probably work out to be very close.