03 Nissan 350z Buy or not?

Underpaid Mike

Ive had a good look around and havent seen anything anyway recently so was just looking for peoples opinion on the following.
I have been offered a 03 350z with low milage by a friend of mine.
It a black manual with a nismo body kit, jap import.
New clutch fitted in 2010 and he has barely driven it since then
It sits outside his house and hasnt even been taxed in 18 months

Now he is telling me I can have it for €2500 and after a tiny bit of digging these seems like tiny tiny money.
It needs a battery/service/tyres but outside of that he say its perfect.

Is this the deal of the century or is it fair priced.
Im not a huge fan but if I can get a cheap V6 for a few months and flip it in the new year for a tidy profit then im interested.

Appreciate anyones thoughts on the car/price/running costs etc
Thanks

Supergurrier

If its as described it sounds like a no brainer

Atomic Pineapple

Seems like great value, if it checks out OK and its what your after go for it, tax is expensive and I believe running costs are high enough but that servicing is OK, as with any car like this you just have to make sure you have the budget to keep it on the road.

bazz26

You might want to check out insurance costs, could well be expensive to insurance being a Jap import, they tend not be liked by insurance companies because car security is not a major problem in Japan.

mickdw

I wouldnt fancy buying one of those in the hope of selling it on.
At that end of the market, the 1809 tax yearly is a major stumbling block for buyers. I realise that is part of the reason for the general low purchase cost but still.

Underpaid Mike

My insurance comes in at 890 which is pretty cheap. 31 year old with 6 years NCB though thankfully.
Ill probably get it closer to 2200 and im really struggling how this isnt a good deal despite probably needing new bushings due to being idle, new tyres and a service. Car will be on the road for 3500

Ed Winchester

Sounds great. Serious motor to go.
Go for it.

BMJD

I'll give him 2k for it if you don't buy it

Rowley Birkin QC

No, sounds like a terrible deal.

Now, send me your mate's number so I can tell him myself! :P

Anan1

I wouldn't lose the run of yourself here - cheap cars are almost always cheap for a reason. If it's tatty then it'll be hard to get €3500 back when there are really nice ones going for only a couple of grand more. If you're really interested then have someone who knows what they're doing give it a good once-over, see what they say.

CianRyan

Have a mechanic looks over it, if it in good shape absolutely jump on it.

Any pics?

veetwin

Underpaid Mike wrote: »

My insurance comes in at 890 which is pretty cheap. 31 year old with 6 years NCB though thankfully.
Ill probably get it closer to 2200 and im really struggling how this isnt a good deal despite probably needing new bushings due to being idle, new tyres and a service. Car will be on the road for 3500

Ok you might just get the bushings replaced, full service for a 6 cylinder 3.5 and four good tyres supplied and fitted for €1300.

Insurance sounds expensive at €890.

Aren't you forgetting the small matter of €1800 for a tax disc?

Add in €2200 for the purchase and it looks like €6280 to put it on the road.

Absolutely go for it if it's the car you want. I just wouldn't be expecting to turn a profit on it in the near future.

kona

Sell it into the uk after a few months tax and fun.

CianRyan

Hold onto it for 20-30 years and I suspect you may turn a decent profit.

Moneymaker

Do it.

Underpaid Mike

- Update -
Right so mid December after weighing up all the pros and cons and after listening to friends who said it would most likely end up being a money pit and cars are that price for a reason etc etc I decided to ignore them all and buy the car.
I had budgeted 2500 plus 2000 to get it on the road as it had exhaust problems assumed new tyres etc. Turns out the exhaust could be welded and is good as new, there is 5mm left on the tyres so they dont need to be replaced and yesterday it passed the NCT. So in total car need the exhaust welded (€80), NCT (€55), bumper spray and full car buff (€150) new battery (€120) and a service (€250). Car on the road for €3200 and driving like a dream.
Getting around 28mpg driving from limerick to Dublin yesterday and closer to 20mpg through town. Tax is a pain but a necessary evil and 100% worth it as I have a smile on my face every minute im driving.
Thanks for the advice and allowing me a little bit of a gloat. Anyone ever in 2 minds about getting one of these then ignore everyone and the practicalities and just drive it for 15 minutes, if that doesnt make your mind up nothing will.

kaimera

Well wear dude.

Fine bus.

pics please!

Ed Winchester

Well done! Best of luck with it.

djimi

Fair play. If I could afford the running costs Id be all over a 350Z!

Chris_Heilong

Great purchase, we need pictures....

Alanstrainor

Legend! Pics!

Cee-Jay-Cee

Seems like you got yourself a real bargain there! Well wear, they're a beautiful looking car!

Mister Man

Lovely cars. Fair play for diving into it!
Get some pictures up!

Taylor365

How many 'EMPUGUHS' does it get? :P

Say it sounds like a cold beer opening on a hot day.

CianRyan

Fair play, man. It's always great I hear some one's gone through with the purchase and is looking after it.

Now, pictures please!

Underpaid Mike

Getting a full valet Saturday so will post pics after that I promise.
Anyone need anything picked up in Letterkenny or Dingle and willing to pay for petrol PLEASE give me a shout.
Thanks