I decided to look at this from a different angle. I'm buying the z for fun not to make money on it, as all cars are depreciating, but my personality won't allow me to dismiss the financial factor. Also, I am not modifying the car much and I don't race.
...I assumed today that I bought the car 3 years ago. If I bought a 3 year old z it would have been the 2006 350z, touring, wheels, etc the retail value today would be around $15,300 and if I bought a new 2009 then the retail value today would be around 27,100. Both assuming 36,000 miles. If I paid 30,000 for the 2006 then I would have lost 14,700 and if I paid $43,000 for the 2009 then I would have lost 15,900...a difference of $1,200. The $1,200 easily accounts for the nav, oil cooler, other small features and the peace of mind about the new car.
I know that this isn't an apples for apples comparison, but it's as close as I can get to a comparison. Also, it is using Edmunds numbers which I don't think are perfect, but are a good guide.
FYI - If I buy the 2009 z I would pay cash. If I buy the 2012 z I would put some down and finance the rest at 0% (why not, free money!!). The above scenario does not even consider the interest (as small as it would be) on keeping the 30k cash, that I would have paid outright for the used vehicle, in the bank and making payments out of it.
...Just a thought.
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