Thinking about buying a rebuilt 350Z... Advice Please

[ForcePhed]

Its an 03 with 32k on it, 6 speed, cloth, blue with cruise and VDC so its not a base, might be a performance, I dont know.

I took if for a drive, tracks straight and brakes straight, no odd sounds, vibrations, feels solid. The frame was not bend. It was a side impact, (not sure if it was another car or a post or something) the drivers door was replaced, and so was the windshield. He informed me the dash had been removed also. The only sign the car was in an accident is evidenced by the "Z" kick plate, the metal is dented in about half an inch, it hasnt been replaced. He said the entire rocker pannel had been replaced also.

The car looks great on the outside, the entire drivers side was repainted and blended, you can only tell by the trunk lid and its barely noticeable. Seats are a little worn but not too bad, dash is in good shape and everything works fine.

Ive been wanting a Z since they came out and I think this is a good opportunity but I wanted your feed back. I know some 99% of the population would not buy a rebuild, but its in good condition in my mind, they did good work fixing her up. Im picky as hell when it comes to my cars. The miles are awesome, starts right up, shifts good. Would be a project car down the road, turbo stuff and what not.

I need to check with my insurance company to make sure they will insure a rebuilt car also.

books at 15k, hes selling it for 10.2

So what do you guys think? I had a 240 with an SR, fully built, stand alone EMS and all that, would love to get a Zeee to play with. I think the price is fair.

[aris_unlimited]

I tend to avoid totalled then rebuilt cars. Even though the car may act great, and drive like stock, there is no telling what kind of problems you will have down the road that are hidden now.

[evildky]

you cna get a non salvaged 03 for 10k, look around, I'd pass on a rebuilt, they are nearly impossible to sell

[Isr]

I'd stay away for that price, got my '03 for 10k. Its in good condition just high mileage 87,000 mi, and had to replace the window motors.

[RCAnismo]

I would pass. In your OP you said you were picky, The trunk thing and kick plate would already be buggin the crap outta me.

[dusred]

The only reason you can ever justify a rebuild is if it's a damn good deal. . . good enough that if something went wrong you could part it out and still come out good.

[rmezz13]

The only reason you can ever justify a rebuild is if it's a damn good deal. . . good enough that if something went wrong you could part it out and still come out good.

+1Give him no more than $8500 and if he says "no" then walk away... If some idiot doesnt buy it then he will call you.... Don't be that idiot paying $10k+ for it... One with under 100k miles not wrecked or rebuilt could be had for $12k these days....

[CrimsonRockett]

I personally will never buy a salvage titled car ever again.

With S-chassis, it's fairly common considering they're over 18 years old at this point, but even then, I refuse to buy salvage titled or modified cars because of the nasty surprises you may find out in the future.

Wait it out. Another deal will pop up for a better, crashed-free car.

Miles may be slightly higher, but it's a price i'm willing to pay for a guaranteed body-work free chassis.

[Don Nguyen]

Depends on how bad it is. I've bough damaged cars before, and it has worked out for me. Maybe I just got lucky?