Buy Used or New?

Snoopdork34 · 08-06-2012, 03:05 PM

Hey everyone - my first post. I do not own but I have been shopping for a 370Z for quite some time and really want to get an opinion from you all on something.

I know that typically people who purchase cars like these do so with the intention of driving them pretty hard (I know I will). Do you guys have any experience with buying a used Z only to have it fall apart from the previous owner riding it too hard? Are the Carfax reports all that reliable for determining the current state of the vehicle?

Any particular model year best for used versions? I.e. - would a 2009 with 8K miles be better than a 2011 with 30K miles?

I know the advantages of buying them new from a quality perspective, but want to get my hands on one of these for as little as possible.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks so much!

shadoquad · 08-06-2012, 03:16 PM

Buying used is buying someone else's problems. If you have two vehicles sitting next to one another, same year, same mileage, it may not be obvious which one has been lovingly maintained and babied, versus which one was driven like a bat out of hell and never even given an oil change.

Carfax reports can be fudged.

For all of these reasons, I put out the extra dough and bought new. Plus, every year has brought small improvements.

Just my two pennies.

b1adesofcha0s · 08-06-2012, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Buying used is buying someone else's problems. If you have two vehicles sitting next to one another, same year, same mileage, it may not be obvious which one has been lovingly maintained and babied, versus which one was driven like a bat out of hell and never even given an oil change.

Carfax reports can be fudged.

For all of these reasons, I put out the extra dough and bought new. Plus, every year has brought small improvements.

Just my two pennies.

I bought my Z certified pre owned a year and a half ago. It was a 2009 with 15k miles and was in perfect showroom condition. I have driven the hell out of my car and haven't had any major issues after driving it over 30k miles. The only issue I just ran into was the door lock actuator failed recently, but that has nothing to do with the previous owner. Ordered a new one for like $200 and everything should be good after I install it

christian370z · 08-06-2012, 03:22 PM

I personally will only buy used, so much more value for the money. The 370Z has proven to be a very reliable car for the most part, and stands up well to wear and tear. If you do your research, have a PPI done, and just be aware to look for any signs of neglect, abuse, paint work, maintenance history, and try to get an idea of who the owner is (enthusiast, perfectionist, honest, etc), you should not hestitate to buy a used Z.

Also, don't think that buying new will save you from everything. There are many new cars that had been in accidents or were damaged during shipping/handling/delivery that were fixed, never reported and sold "as new".

shadoquad · 08-06-2012, 03:27 PM

It is simply much less likely that the car has seen abuse if the odometer is 4 miles.

And signs of "abuse" can be very easily hidden. And any past owner can play like a meek and honest person for the sake of a sale.

Basically, buying used is taking all of the possible issues of buying new and adding years of use to it.

kenchan · 08-06-2012, 03:59 PM

yah, that's the same issue im having with checking out used STI-hatches as my dd. i dont know how much it was raped...

Mt Tam I am · 08-06-2012, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

It is simply much less likely that the car has seen abuse if the odometer is 4 miles.

And signs of "abuse" can be very easily hidden. And any past owner can play like a meek and honest person for the sake of a sale.

Basically, buying used is taking all of the possible issues of buying new and adding years of use to it.

I could easily be this person too. I am the last person people think would be a "speeder" or drive aggressively. No not him, he's too melow. It pisses me off and makes me laugh at the same time.

OP: I like to buy new as I've gotten older but buying a three year old Z car should handle the abuse better than some, while saving a few bucks.

whoady4shoady · 08-06-2012, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christian370z

I personally will only buy used, so much more value for the money. The 370Z has proven to be a very reliable car for the most part, and stands up well to wear and tear. If you do your research, have a PPI done, and just be aware to look for any signs of neglect, abuse, paint work, maintenance history, and try to get an idea of who the owner is (enthusiast, perfectionist, honest, etc), you should not hestitate to buy a used Z.

Also, don't think that buying new will save you from everything. There are many new cars that had been in accidents or were damaged during shipping/handling/delivery that were fixed, never reported and sold "as new".

I got my 09 Nismo 6 months after it came out with only 5k on the odo for only 32,500 and I couldnt be happier. I cannot stand the thought of buying a vehicle only to drive it off the lot and instantly lose around 5k or more depending on the vehicle.

Snoopdork34 · 08-06-2012, 04:36 PM

Thanks for the replies! All very helpful.

Another question - have you guys ever done any tests for HP degradation on used Z's compared to new ones? Is there a significant drop in the performance of the engine over a timeline of just a few years?

Thanks!

whoady4shoady · 08-06-2012, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopdork34

Thanks for the replies! All very helpful.

Another question - have you guys ever done any tests for HP degradation on used Z's compared to new ones? Is there a significant drop in the performance of the engine over a timeline of just a few years?

Thanks!

Actually mine got better after about 9k. My mpg increased, and the car felt slightly peppier.

b1adesofcha0s · 08-06-2012, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopdork34

Thanks for the replies! All very helpful.

Another question - have you guys ever done any tests for HP degradation on used Z's compared to new ones? Is there a significant drop in the performance of the engine over a timeline of just a few years?

Thanks!

My Z set the 2nd fastest stock 1/4 mile time 3 months after I got it, so nope!

Davey · 08-06-2012, 05:05 PM

Buy used for savings if you need/want it rather than peace-of-mind.

If you're buying something to mod and you're expecting to tear into it quite a bit you might as well go used, but if you want something stock, with a warranty, that you just plan to drive and you would worry less IMO it's better to go new.

I'm in the 2nd group, by the way. Anyone who has ever bought any of my cars used has gotten a great car, but I had a car one time and knew the guy who bought it after me, who did some really stupid mods and then parted out/sold it a year later still looking great with fairly low mileage. I wouldn't have bought that car back for $10,000 and it was selling for almost 3x that.

gbrettin · 08-06-2012, 05:34 PM

You might want to consider buying your car used on this forum. You could possible get an idea on how the person treated your car too.

ayrton88 · 08-06-2012, 05:54 PM

I used to always buy new, but never again. That money you lose just driving off the lot is ridiculous. Late model used with low miles is the way to go for me. I bought my last car (a BMW) new and it was problem after problem from day one. Lost my *** when I finally traded it. My girlfriend bought a 2 year old Miata and the thing has been perfect. You are taking a chance new or used, but I'll save that initial hit you take when buying new.

shadoquad · 08-06-2012, 05:59 PM

I see a lot of used pricing that is on par with or the same as new models, and used cars already are less valuable, merely by an extra owner being on the title, extra years since new. I don't think the depreciation loss on a new car is too tall a price, but it differs for everybody.

08-06-2012, 03:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
Snoopdork34 Base Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 8 Drives: 2012 370Z Base 7AT Rep Power: 13	Buy Used or New? Hey everyone - my first post. I do not own but I have been shopping for a 370Z for quite some time and really want to get an opinion from you all on something. I know that typically people who purchase cars like these do so with the intention of driving them pretty hard (I know I will). Do you guys have any experience with buying a used Z only to have it fall apart from the previous owner riding it too hard? Are the Carfax reports all that reliable for determining the current state of the vehicle? Any particular model year best for used versions? I.e. - would a 2009 with 8K miles be better than a 2011 with 30K miles? I know the advantages of buying them new from a quality perspective, but want to get my hands on one of these for as little as possible. Any input is appreciated. Thanks so much!

08-06-2012, 03:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
christian370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 3,900 Drives: 2010 370Z/Saab 900se Rep Power: 432	I personally will only buy used, so much more value for the money. The 370Z has proven to be a very reliable car for the most part, and stands up well to wear and tear. If you do your research, have a PPI done, and just be aware to look for any signs of neglect, abuse, paint work, maintenance history, and try to get an idea of who the owner is (enthusiast, perfectionist, honest, etc), you should not hestitate to buy a used Z. Also, don't think that buying new will save you from everything. There are many new cars that had been in accidents or were damaged during shipping/handling/delivery that were fixed, never reported and sold "as new". __________________ -320whp / 259wftlbs- SP Rays -- RE-11s -- SpecialtyZ Tune -- Swift Springs -- Stillen 25R Oil Cooler -- Stillen G3 Intakes -- Berk HFCs -- F.I. 12" CBE -- Stillen Sway Bars -- Es14 Spring -- INGS+1 lip -- CF Spoiler -- GTR Start Button -- VLED Parking Lights -- PWJDM V2 shift knob

08-06-2012, 03:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3886	Buying used is buying someone else's problems. If you have two vehicles sitting next to one another, same year, same mileage, it may not be obvious which one has been lovingly maintained and babied, versus which one was driven like a bat out of hell and never even given an oil change. Carfax reports can be fudged. For all of these reasons, I put out the extra dough and bought new. Plus, every year has brought small improvements. Just my two pennies.

08-06-2012, 03:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3886	It is simply much less likely that the car has seen abuse if the odometer is 4 miles. And signs of "abuse" can be very easily hidden. And any past owner can play like a meek and honest person for the sake of a sale. Basically, buying used is taking all of the possible issues of buying new and adding years of use to it.

08-06-2012, 03:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	yah, that's the same issue im having with checking out used STI-hatches as my dd. i dont know how much it was raped...

08-06-2012, 04:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
Snoopdork34 Base Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 8 Drives: 2012 370Z Base 7AT Rep Power: 13	Thanks for the replies! All very helpful. Another question - have you guys ever done any tests for HP degradation on used Z's compared to new ones? Is there a significant drop in the performance of the engine over a timeline of just a few years? Thanks!

08-06-2012, 05:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
Davey A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 3,766 Drives: '15 NISMO 6MT Rep Power: 117171	Buy used for savings if you need/want it rather than peace-of-mind. If you're buying something to mod and you're expecting to tear into it quite a bit you might as well go used, but if you want something stock, with a warranty, that you just plan to drive and you would worry less IMO it's better to go new. I'm in the 2nd group, by the way. Anyone who has ever bought any of my cars used has gotten a great car, but I had a car one time and knew the guy who bought it after me, who did some really stupid mods and then parted out/sold it a year later still looking great with fairly low mileage. I wouldn't have bought that car back for $10,000 and it was selling for almost 3x that.

08-06-2012, 05:34 PM	#13 (permalink)
gbrettin A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Portage, MI Posts: 2,281 Drives: Tricycle Rep Power: 589151	You might want to consider buying your car used on this forum. You could possible get an idea on how the person treated your car too.

08-06-2012, 05:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
ayrton88 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chicago Posts: 397 Drives: 2010 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 14	I used to always buy new, but never again. That money you lose just driving off the lot is ridiculous. Late model used with low miles is the way to go for me. I bought my last car (a BMW) new and it was problem after problem from day one. Lost my *** when I finally traded it. My girlfriend bought a 2 year old Miata and the thing has been perfect. You are taking a chance new or used, but I'll save that initial hit you take when buying new.

08-06-2012, 05:59 PM	#15 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3886	I see a lot of used pricing that is on par with or the same as new models, and used cars already are less valuable, merely by an extra owner being on the title, extra years since new. I don't think the depreciation loss on a new car is too tall a price, but it differs for everybody.