Purchase Advice Please

[Sentientbydesign]

Hey Guys.

Some of you may have seen me poking around in this forum lately. I'm about to purchase a 6MT coupe, but I need some quick advice.

I found a private party who will sell me an '05 black coupe with 43,000 miles, 19" factory rims and sports package for $21,000 (down from $24,000).

The only drawbacks are a golf ball size dent (fairly deep) on the driver's side door, needs new tires (about 30% tread left) and both bumpers have road chips and a scratch.

Everything except the clutch and rear view mirror are stock. The guy put a stupid rectangular mirror on and an after market flywheel with oem clutch. It's a little hard and touchy by comparison to the dealer 05 that I drove.

Anyways, I need to make a decision in the next couple of hours. Any advice?

Also, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

[SVTCOBRA]

a new clutch at 43K would scare me off.Good Luck!Happy Holidays back at ya!!!

[W661335PF]

Run away as far as you can!!! A car with this low mileage and a new clutch usually indicates that the car has been heavily used or used hard (as in raced). If the clutch was replaced b/c of this, I imagine that other drivetrain components and suspensions pieces have also seen driven hard and this could spell $$$$$$$, time and energy on your part. Personally, if I really need to buy it, I'd offer 8-10K max knowing that repairs would be coming soon.

I used to race bikes (the pedaling kind) and would see other racers sell their used bikes for top $$$$$. The bikes were clean and had few nicks and cuts. however, typically, the components, which can cost >$2,000 were worn down (and you can't tell unless you inspect the bike closely) and the frame was severely fatigued. Much easier to buy a new bike or one that hasn't been driven hard as opposed to a beautiful one that's been driven to the ground.

caveat emptor--- LET THE BUYER BEWARE!!!

[Sentientbydesign]

Although this definately wasn't the advice I was wanted to hear, thank you both.

I think the clutch was replaced when the lightened flywheel was because this guy does a lot of engine braking.

He's supposedly still on the original set of brakes.

I'll do a careful inspection later today.

[Kendahl]

I would be cautious about buying a modified car for several reasons.

If the warranty has not expired, it may be compromised by the modifications.

Someone who made engine modifications to increase power probably put a lot of wear on the car using that extra power.

The modifications may result in a poorer, not better car. I've come to the conclusion that, if you're not satisfied with a car in stock form, it's better to keep looking than to try "improving" the unsatisfactory one.

[SVTCOBRA]

Although this definately wasn't the advice I was wanted to hear, thank you both.

I think the clutch was replaced when the lightened flywheel was because this guy does a lot of engine braking.

He's supposedly still on the original set of brakes.

I'll do a careful inspection later today.

Engine braking = spirited driving imho.brake pads are much easier & cheaper to replace than clutch/transmission.I rarely downshift in the cobra unless I'm being Even less in my auto G's.

If you're in the market, I would also get a carfax subscription.

[telcoman]

Hey Guys.

Some of you may have seen me poking around in this forum lately. I'm about to purchase a 6MT coupe, but I need some quick advice.

I found a private party who will sell me an '05 black coupe with 43,000 miles, 19" factory rims and sports package for $21,000 (down from $24,000).

The only drawbacks are a golf ball size dent (fairly deep) on the driver's side door, needs new tires (about 30% tread left) and both bumpers have road chips and a scratch.

Everything except the clutch and rear view mirror are stock. The guy put a stupid rectangular mirror on and an after market flywheel with oem clutch. It's a little hard and touchy by comparison to the dealer 05 that I drove.

Anyways, I need to make a decision in the next couple of hours. Any advice?

Also, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Go for a new one. I purchased mine on 12/31/05 & got a great deal.If you take the additional cost of a new one and divide that additional cost by the 10 years you'll keep the car, it is not such a big number. Why purchase someone else's bucket of problems?

Telcoman

[W661335PF]

Gi

Although this definately wasn't the advice I was wanted to hear, thank you both.

I think the clutch was replaced when the lightened flywheel was because this guy does a lot of engine braking.

He's supposedly still on the original set of brakes.

I'll do a careful inspection later today.

The fact that you asked this question suggests that you may not be entirely very car savvy (no disrespect intended). An inspection by you, an emotionally involved and not car savvy buyer, could spell trouble, especially since despite what you now may know, you're still fairly interested. Best advice, take it to a very trusted and excellent mechanic and have them check it out, down to the compression in each chamber. Good luck-- hope this helps!!!

[hughey]

You asked for advice and you got some really good feedback. I have had lots of experience buy cars, I'm on # 23, and you should NEVER buy a used car without having it thoroughly inspected by a competent mechanic. It is worth 100 times the money you will spend on hidden repairs down the road. As to buying new versus used, the jury is still out for me. I've had about an equal number of new and used, and have been burned about as many times as not on the used cars, hence my advice to follow the advice of others here and get the car inspected. You can get a good deal on an '07 coupe if you can find the one you are looking for in a dealer's stock. They really want to get rid of those now. I called dealers in a 200 miles when I got my coupe, and got a much better deal on the phone with an out of town dealer than from my local dealer. The biggest thing to consider is that there are lots of cars out there, and you don't need to settle on the first one you look at. If you are going to buy used, take the time to find the best stock car you can, and then do what you want with it after it's yours. You will save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run. Buying one that has mods to make it go faster means that it's been driven hard, and you will have to pay for that, probably sooner than later.

Good luck, you will love your G when you get it.

[Sentientbydesign]

I have to disagree with the downshifting statement.

I know quite a few people who drive stick who downshift and none of them are "spirited drivers". If you were in an auto, the engine would be assisting your braking, so why not in a manual?

As far as not being car savy. I won't even go there.

I found out the truth about the clutch yesterday. Some friends of his "stole" his car after a night on the town. The next morning he found out and also found out that his friends couldn't drive stick for $#IT and basically burned through the clutch.

I don't really consider a lightened flywheel and an after market rear view mirror to be power mods for racing. I'll admit that the flywheel is in that direction, but intake, exhaust, plenum spacers etc. would indicate a racer. The car was very stock.

My reasoning for not buying a brand new one is cost. I can't afford an extra $15,000 for the car. I also realize that I've had my car for 3 years. I'm the third owner. I bought it with 200,xxx miles and my only maintenance were expected items: struts, brakes, radiator, tires.

I do appreciate all of your advice (though some is unfounded). I decided not to buy the car last night when I found out that I'd have to wait until Wednesday or Thursday to take delivery of the car. Though I completely understand the seller's perspective, I wanted the car yesterday and waiting until Thursday makes the vehicle less appealing for personal reasons.

Thank you all again! And Merry Christmas.

[adren77]

I would keep looking.

[SVTCOBRA]

Sounds like you have the answers.Good Luck!!!Please post pics when you find your G!!

[W661335PF]

I have to disagree with the downshifting statement.

I know quite a few people who drive stick who downshift and none of them are "spirited drivers". If you were in an auto, the engine would be assisting your braking, so why not in a manual?

As far as not being car savy. I won't even go there.

I found out the truth about the clutch yesterday. Some friends of his "stole" his car after a night on the town. The next morning he found out and also found out that his friends couldn't drive stick for $#IT and basically burned through the clutch.

I don't really consider a lightened flywheel and an after market rear view mirror to be power mods for racing. I'll admit that the flywheel is in that direction, but intake, exhaust, plenum spacers etc. would indicate a racer. The car was very stock.

My reasoning for not buying a brand new one is cost. I can't afford an extra $15,000 for the car. I also realize that I've had my car for 3 years. I'm the third owner. I bought it with 200,xxx miles and my only maintenance were expected items: struts, brakes, radiator, tires.

I do appreciate all of your advice (though some is unfounded). I decided not to buy the car last night when I found out that I'd have to wait until Wednesday or Thursday to take delivery of the car. Though I completely understand the seller's perspective, I wanted the car yesterday and waiting until Thursday makes the vehicle less appealing for personal reasons.

Thank you all again! And Merry Christmas.

Just an observation here (again, no disrespect intended but it's glaring). Friends "stole" his car after a night out on the town? As an objective observer, that would be a real red flag to me-- few, very few, of us have friends that would steal our car and then destroy it. This, of course, goes to his judgment about relationships. I smell a fish now, the story is far too convenient based on how it's unraveling (crazy friends = crazy car owner who keeps such friends around== what type of car owner would he be, especially to have put in a new clutch and now wants to sell it?????). Friends did the damage, he didn't??? He's breaking it in???? Far too may red flags.

As I get older I'm less trusting from much experience. You made a good decision, there are many to buy. Beware of deals.
Modified by W661335PF at 2:23 AM 12/26/2007

[NelsonBlas]

I have a g35 coupe 2004 with 9,000 miles on it selling for $16,500 interested? black on black only thing its a auto. everything [email protected]

[ArEs23x]

U got a whole variety of answers and most of them said you shouldnt do it.. I would listen to what they have to say cuz remember we know ours cars the best cuz we do drive "G".. just keep looking until u find the right now

[Cali 2 Balti G]

I have to disagree with the downshifting statement.

I know quite a few people who drive stick who downshift and none of them are "spirited drivers". If you were in an auto, the engine would be assisting your braking, so why not in a manual?

As far as not being car savy. I won't even go there.

I found out the truth about the clutch yesterday. Some friends of his "stole" his car after a night on the town. The next morning he found out and also found out that his friends couldn't drive stick for $#IT and basically burned through the clutch.

I don't really consider a lightened flywheel and an after market rear view mirror to be power mods for racing. I'll admit that the flywheel is in that direction, but intake, exhaust, plenum spacers etc. would indicate a racer. The car was very stock.

My reasoning for not buying a brand new one is cost. I can't afford an extra $15,000 for the car. I also realize that I've had my car for 3 years. I'm the third owner. I bought it with 200,xxx miles and my only maintenance were expected items: struts, brakes, radiator, tires.

I do appreciate all of your advice (though some is unfounded). I decided not to buy the car last night when I found out that I'd have to wait until Wednesday or Thursday to take delivery of the car. Though I completely understand the seller's perspective, I wanted the car yesterday and waiting until Thursday makes the vehicle less appealing for personal reasons.

Thank you all again! And Merry Christmas.

One thing to look into with this car or any other is the repair history. Assuming service was done by Infiiniti the owner or dealer should be able to produce the service records. If you can do this -you may even be able to speak to the person who serviced the car and let them know your concerns.

Good Luck on the search. I've been there and Back.

My Screename is Cali 2 Balti G.

This past May I travelled to Cali (from Baltimore) to buy a creampuff 2003 Coupe sight unseen. Middle Aged Private seller for owner who passed away unexpectedly - this car was the original owners baby - it had a touch under 8,000 miles when I got it. I put 2,600 miles on it driving it back to the east coast. Talk about a test drive

During my research I was able to talk to the service advisor to confirm what was printed on the service record was true. Seller had car inspected - and the inspection receipted stated Car Still New. My car may not be typical of what's available but I think you can probably do as good.

How long have you been looking and when do you need to make a move.I would think that in Cali you would have one of the biggest g35 markets. Good Luck - but it sounds like you are no rookie at this so just make the move that you KNOW is right.

[telcoman]

You asked for advice and you got some really good feedback. I have had lots of experience buy cars, I'm on # 23, and you should NEVER buy a used car without having it thoroughly inspected by a competent mechanic. It is worth 100 times the money you will spend on hidden repairs down the road. As to buying new versus used, the jury is still out for me. I've had about an equal number of new and used, and have been burned about as many times as not on the used cars, hence my advice to follow the advice of others here and get the car inspected. You can get a good deal on an '07 coupe if you can find the one you are looking for in a dealer's stock. They really want to get rid of those now. I called dealers in a 200 miles when I got my coupe, and got a much better deal on the phone with an out of town dealer than from my local dealer. The biggest thing to consider is that there are lots of cars out there, and you don't need to settle on the first one you look at. If you are going to buy used, take the time to find the best stock car you can, and then do what you want with it after it's yours. You will save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run. Buying one that has mods to make it go faster means that it's been driven hard, and you will have to pay for that, probably sooner than later.

Good luck, you will love your G when you get it.

Going outside your zip code can sometimes save a bundle of $$$

Telcoman

[Sentientbydesign]

Thank you for the offer Nelson, but I'm deadset on a 6mt. Preferably a 2005 6mt so I don't have to worry about the sports suspension, vlsd...etc.

The two autos that I drove just didn't have the pick-up I want. They actually felt lighter off the line than my auto I30.

I did pass on the vehicle.

I'm trying to buy it before this weekend. Monday is my last day off, then I go back to my 7 days/week work schedule, so I'd like a couple of days to play and get used to the car.