A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Print a few threads of the people here going crazy with their transmition and tire problems, then tell the guy you want the car but you won't pay a cent over invoice and get some stuff thrown in for free. THAT will be a good deal.
Diego Perri
A:
I agree with Diego. The dealer still has the "holdback" behind the invoice so they are still making money.
2003 Performance - Silverstone
Previously owned: '84 300ZX
A:
Invoice prices are somewhat confidential. Sometimes a dealer will show you the invoice, normally when you head for the door on your way to the competition. If the dealer is willing to show you the invoice, great, they must need to sell cars; mores the better for you. I think you can expect for a 350Z with a sticker price (less options) of say $29,000, the invoice price will be about $27,000.
Important point, all dealers’ pay holdbacks on all their cars. Holdbacks are 2-5 % of the invoice price that is returned to the dealer upon the sale of a car. That is extra profit that you should subtract from what you offer! Holdbacks for 350Z’s are about 3%.
So to me, the better deal would be invoice price – holdback + $500. And if the dealer says no, offer them invoice price -$500 + holdback. If they still say no, head for the door. Showing them you will walk out will probably call their bluff.
Happy shopping and, may the Force be with you.
A:
thanks guys.
What's a destination fee?
A:
Destination fee is what the dealer pays to recieve the car. You will not avoid paying this cost.
A:
I wouldn't buy the car unless you get it in writing from the dealer that they will guarantee the car is free of tire feathering. Guarantee means replace tires as needed as defined by you. DO NOT believe in Nissan's warranty! Otherwise look for something else.
A:
For what it’s worth, the tire problem does not affect every Z car. My 2005 car has logged 8,000 miles in almost 4 months and there is no hint of a tire problem. Also, for what it’s worth, Nissan says the problem is only 2003-2004 cars, and is not related to a design flaw. You be the judge.
A:
If that is true (which I don't believe) then the dealer wont have a problem with the guarantee.
A:
No dealer will sell a car and not turn a buck, if they do, they will not be in business for long. On the other hand, all dealers will sell cars for the maximum amount possible. As a buyer, you should be more concerned about what makes you happy not the dealer, namely a good price.
A buyer who has a good grasp of what the real value of a car is and is prepared to deal in a straightforward and pleasant manner will find a good deal. That could mean using one dealer against another.
You can always increase your offer as you work a deal; if you can’t make a deal, move on. Come on, I have never seen a car dealer cry because you don’t cave in to their pressure to close a deal on their terms, they are the ones who normally have the advantage, after all, they sell cars all day. Who wants to pay for this guy’s next vacation to Hawaii??