Test Drives!

[Gopherhog]

sup guys,

I'm still looking at 240's (since my first introduction thread http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37779 ). I go to school down in Manhattan KS so i can only look at cars on the weekends i come back. Sooooo, i went out test driving today.

There was a Red 97 5 speed SE for sale up at the Nissan Dealership. They wanted 8995 for it. Get this, only 33k miles. I drove out there as soon as i could, but they sold it just as i drove into the lot. Suck.

I had a backup plan though. I talked to this lady on the phone. She has a Black 97 5 Speed SE for sale. It's got quite a bit more miles on it (108k) but it is listed in 'excellent condition' She is asking a ton for the car though. listed at $8500. We shall see about that...

So i go out there to check it out, she's very cool and lets me take it out w/ my friend for a test drive. Everything seemed alright except for a few minor things.

-windshield is cracked, will need to be replaced
-heatshield on the exhaust rattles at 3000 rpms, easy fix though
-seatbelt light does not go off, even if seatbelt is buckled

She's the only owner, very clean interior, exterior is very nice. Paint is in wonderful condition, it's got your standard array of small door dings though. And apparently the front end got hit while it was in a parking lot last year. Her insurance took care of it and replaced the front bumper, but apparently no frame damage.

Here's a picture of the car from the ad:
http://cars0.ipixmedia.com/abc/cars/_CARS_cbf48a9359dfc49fbbfe110dd7811475/i-1.JPG

Any recommendations on a price i should offer her? I was thinking not more than $6600 due to the miles/windshield

[russian]

tell her 6500$. flat. cash. and you take it today.

[CoasTek240]

you cant drop the price $2000 like that.. you gotta show her u like the car and are willing to negotiate. express ur concerns to her, wait till after that to ask $6500 fro it.

good luck
make sure ur getting a good deal here

[TUnity2]

Cash talks alot though.

The guy wanted $2,700 for my 90 coupe w/ 111,000miles and excelent condition. I walked up w/ $2,000 cash, i drove away in my 240 :D

[Gopherhog]

By 'cash' Do you mean walk up there with a stack of 100's or do you mean a cashier's check? I suppose i could do the old briefcase full of ones :) :)

[s13andy]

cold hard cash

[GreyFox]

Show ur interested... nothings worse than a buyer who's wasting the sellers time...

Then take it for a test drive WITH HER! look and listen to squeaks or any wierd noises and Point Them Out To Her.

Also be sure to point out any trouble spots.

Use those as a arguing point.

Don't seem too interested, and approach the vehicle cautiously at first...

also ask her questions regarding service periods and if she had to do any major work...

It also helps if u show up to her door holding a carfax if she doesn't have any historical documentation on her.

LOOK BEYOND THE PAINT when u buy a car...

good luck

;)

[SR240SXT]

I think you're lucky as hell to even come in contact with 2 97 5spds while in this process. Down in florida they are so rare to find. Goodluck with your purchase.

[blxmjx]

$8500 seems a tad high to me, considering the mileage and the flaws. Especially considering the other one was going for $8900 with a grip less miles.

[Gopherhog]

Thanks for your advice guys.

I left a message for her on her phone. I basically just said i wanted to run a carfax and would need the VIN number (forgot to write it down the first time i was out there) and that i wanted to see the car again.

I plan on going out there sometime tomorrow morning if she ever answers her phone. The banks are closed right now, but i have a close friend that has a large lump of cash out right now for this very purpose. I can't write a cashiers check to wave in front of her face, but i can show her $6500 in cash :) I go back to manhattan on sunday night, and she said she'd be out of town for a while next week. That's kinda why i'm rushing through this.

Any thoughts on the seatbelt light that won't shut off? i can ignore it, but any clue as to what might cause that? I found out the car does have ABS (and therefore) VLSD. Which is good. I'll crawl around under the car tomorrow and look for any leaks/frame damage. Hopefully she isn't too turned off by my offer. *shrug*

Personally i can't justify spending 2000 above the kbb (which i have printed out) on a 7 year old car, with over 100,000. Unless it's a TT supra :D :p

We'll see how it goes

[misnomer]

ABS and VLSD are not mutually inclusive. . . They are very comonly paired, but you may want to confirm it anyhow.

[Brian]

seatbelt fix - simply disconnect the plug under the seat.
its probably a messed up sensor or something stupid like that that is causing the problem

[Red]

I paid alot more then KBB said the car was...

It all depends on how much its worth to you... ( I calld a few dealers and told them to find me a 240sx of any year ) Thats how I got my 95...

I'd offer her like 1k less...

And if I had this car paid off (almost done) I would snatch up another 240 in a heart beat. ( So I can gut my 95 for a track car )