Another "What's it worth" thread.. almost

[Todd157k]

Hi all. My first post here. I've been reading and searching threads here for a week or so looking at typical problems with the G35's. I don't see much. lol. Although I did read several times, "get the newest model year you can". Well, my criteria is a little different than most of yours.This G35 I'm looking at will be a daily driver. I have my vette for "go fast days", a truck for utility days, and a 944 for track days.I'm looking at a 2003 with a salvage title. They want $12,500. I plan on inspecting the car on Saturday and would like any input on things to look for. Obviously frame damage... but if you have anything to add, I'd appreciate it.

[Sentientbydesign]

Is it a coupe or a sedan?

When I started shopping for my car, I treated the 2003s like the plague. I eventually settled on an 05 or newer do to the redesigned interior and not having to worry about having VLSD (all 6mt coupes after 05 came with it standard).

To be quite honest, if you don't plan on having the G35 for it's sportiness, I would suggest getting an M instead. The G traded off a lot of comfort and luxury for sportiness.

[rn79870]

Welcome to NICO. I would avoid a salvage car for my DD at any price. If it was a toy for the track, maybe. $12,500 for a 2003 DD with salvaged title is too steep IMO. I looked at KBB, a 2003 Coupe in good shape has a trade in value of about 16k, a 2003 Sedan has a trade in value of 13.5k.So 12.5 k is probably too much. IMO

[spacy9]

How many miles on it? Where was it damaged?

[chad1200]

my dad owned a company that fixed salvage cars. be warned!

was it a flood car? those usually have less problems than full rebuilds.

for 12.5K it's almost worth the risk. as long as the engine wasn't damaged you should be ok. there are a lot of electronics, though. it's a risk.

[Todd157k]

Oh, sorry.. forgot some of that important stuff..lol Thanks for the welcomes. Here's the other facts:

1. It's a coupe. 2. No idea on original damage as the car was traded into this dealership with the crap title. 3. What the heck is VLSD? 4. I kinda like sporty ride. We also have a Lexus IS which is pretty firm compared to our old Lexus GS430. I've been using the 944 as a DD for several months now. If you want to know FIRM ride, take that over some L.A. crappy freeways.

Looks like the general consensus here is PASS. Here's the link if ya want to see the car: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...h=018

[tollboothwilley]

Well, we need more info on the car before we would really "pass"

To be honest, i think the general consensus here is a "fail"

The price is high for a 2003 with a salvaged title unless it has very low miles.

If it has low miles, then it may be worthwhile, but spend the $100 at a good mechanic to have him check it out for you before you buy!!

WELCOME TO NICO

[Todd157k]

Thanks. Ya, that's what I meant... Pass on the car. I was trying to keep the "value" down so it could be a DD. If I ran out and spent $20 g's (+) I wouldn't want to chaulk up that kind of miles on it.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

it has 70k miles... Some one probably had the extended warranty and now that is about up so they got rid of the G!



DJ

[Sentientbydesign]

I know of an auction dealer out here in CA that can get an 04 coupe for around 18k with moderate mileage (around 50k).

And what do you mean "What the heck is VSLD?"

Viscous Limited Slip Differential. Means you'll be less likely to get stuck in snow, mud, puddles, and unintentional doughnuts.

The rear wheels will get more equality in torque if one starts slipping.

[BrandAidDesignG35]

I think you'd be better with a clean title, although I saw some tempting steals myself... but more to the tune of 8K Canadian lol...

I'd keep searching, cause the second you buy it, They'll be cheaper at the next dealership in a week or so... Trust me, I just paid 21500, and yesterday saw one at 16000, 03, but that's canadian!

Anyway, Good luck, welcome, and G's are nice Daily Drivers, I feel like a king among peasants on my daily commute through the city, and love speeding on the onramps

[BrandAidDesignG35]

he he...

funny thing to add... tonight I was at a light, a young boy looks over at me and smiles, nods, and appreciated my ride... I was just in fight with the GF and it made me cheer up...

[Todd157k]

I searched on VLSD after I posted that and found it. I know "LSD" rear ends, just hadn't heard of the VLSD... but thanks just the same. Not as much of an issue for me though. I won't be tracking it or taking it to the snow. (I'm in CA... snow?? lol) I guess it's good to have though for resale. Donuts are NEVER unintentional...

I think ya'll are right though. I'll keep looking. Auctions are good, but I need to find one in the low teens though. With the current economy, and the introduction of the G37, I think I may be able to do it soon. Until then, I'll keep reading posts here and try to learn more about the car/years/options/uglies.

Thanks

Modified by Todd157k at 8:51 PM 1/30/2008

Modified by Todd157k at 8:52 PM 1/30/2008

Modified by Todd157k at 8:53 PM 1/30/2008
Modified by Todd157k at 8:53 PM 1/30/2008

[Sentientbydesign]

Anyway, Good luck, welcome, and G's are nice Daily Drivers, I feel like a king among peasants on my daily commute through the city, and love speeding on the onramps

You've got an auto sedan. That's not a fair comparison. If I wanted a comfortable daily driver, I would have definately gone for an M. Sports tuned suspension, 19" rims with low profile tires, and a 6 speed transmission with a light single mass flywheel don't = Comfortable DD.

[03gz]

make sure when u take it for a drive it doesnt go to either side..if it does there could be internal frame damage..and that is unrepairable..