Trouble finding what I want
 

So I've been looking in the DC area the past couple of weeks for a gray base + sport with MT, and there's nothing. Not a single 2010 in MD, VA, southern PA or WV that matches the description. I found 1 2009 by Philly in this exact trim and color, but they want a little under invoice for it. So I said no thinking why do that when I can just get 2010 for invoice. Now I'm not even sure I can do that. There's nothing out there matching my requirements, and the dealers seem to know it. I went through a friend of a friend who is a salesman and he quoted me 32200 for the 2010. Plus, I was hoping to test drive the car first to make sure there's no ECU noise, but that looks to be a pipe dream at this point.

What the hell should I do? I could just get a hold of a bunch of dealerships near me and see who's willing to order one from Nissan for me for invoice + TTL. But then I could get one with the ECU noise. Or I could wait (perhaps indefinitely, I've already been waiting almost a year saving up cash) until a dealer near me gets what I want in stock. I'm approved through PenFed and everything at this point, just need the right car at the right price. IDK I'm just getting frustrated here, because for all the talk of buying at or below invoice on this forum, it definitely doesn't look like a buyer's market out there to me.

Search dealer inventory via Edmunds, you might find one that way.

The base + sport + MT package was hard to find for me as well at the start of 09. However the 2010 models are still rolling in so you might see some more start to appear as Spring approaches. They will likely be snatched up fairly quickly though.

The 2010 coupes haven't really started to hit in the Northeast, but should only be a few weeks away! Wait 2-3 weeks, don't settle for something you won't be happy with!

Yeah that's what I was thinking too. Thanks.

alternative method
 

If you're intent on finding it yourself, recommend you use the Nissan USA site (which you prolly already...) to search dealer inventories. You might want to increase the distance from home to 100 miles or so.

Would you consider buying one from a considerable distance away, and either paying to have it shipped, or letting them put a couple-hundred miles on it to bring it in?

Highly recommend you consider dropping $40 for a Fighting Chance package. I did, and got my exact model for $1,700 under invoice. (Or use the carbargains service out of D.C.). It may sound like a cliche, but when dealers compete, you win. The techniques in the package address most of your concerns. The package is worth easily more than $40.

Give it some time. A lot of the 2010's are not out yet.

Agreed. It will take awhile for these to roll out in all locations...especially the ones that are in the middle of winter right now. Seeing how this is not a high volume car, you just have to have a little patience. I'd ask a few dealers if they know what they are getting in. Some may know what is on the way.

By the way, what do you guys think is a good price before TTL for an 09 base MT + sport?

I would say atleast Invoice - 500 below invoice. Some where in that range. That would be a fair price.

Well, that's the price that the cars have been going for all year. You can probably get another $500 off if a dealer is trying to clear inventory for 2010's on their way in.

So 30k flat + a couple hundred is a good deal considering the depreciation?

From a depreciation standpoint your better off waiting for the 2010's. They're not going to give you enough of a discount to write off a whole year's worth of depreciation.

Fontana Nissan has about (19) 2009's in stock. I am sure they are willing to move a couple at a reduced price. One would think.

So you're saying that if two people are selling used Z's with the same options and the same mileage, but one is an 09 and the other is a 2010 the going price is going to differ by more than $1000? Seems kind of dubious.