I picked up a 2012 Z Sports for $30,400 last week with 0%. I would say go with 2012's before the deal ends...

Placing a value on what's worth it between both these cars is subjectivity on its most extreme value. You are saying that powdercoating the car and adding tidbits will make it equal to the 2013 but remember. Once you start adding your own to a car. It begins losing value. Like powdercoating original wheels is a quick way to lose an extra $3grand in value. So what you saved in money by DIYing this stuff. You also lost money in its original value.

In the end...

Does the nismo look better to you in its 2013 Nismo guise?
Do you want to effect your cars value by powdercoating and painting OEM parts?
Is better brake safety and pedal feel negligible when considering its factory OG?


My advice would be... configure the Nismo of your dreams. If it turns out to be a 2013? Make an offer on it that you think is fair, considering . Then compare your accepted offer to a potential deal on the 12.

My guess is the 12 will be $40k with 0% vs around 41k with 3.9% from a bank on a 13. You. save about $1000 over the set years of financing + 1600 cash sticking with the 12.
Throw in powdercoating your12 nismo. You lose $3000 altering the cars OEM appearance. So after saving 2k; now you're down a 1k in value from altering the car. Now factor in your car is a year older off the bat, so you can strike off another $1500 in natural depreciation. So with your investment

2012
$40k x 0% + ($3000+$1500 dep val from being older model) (-$3000 in dep val powdercoating.)

You're instant 12 Nismo value =$32,500 after first mods to look like a 13.

2013
$41k x3.9% (-3000 instant dep) (+$1600 in interest)
Your 2013 NISMO value is $35000 plus a stronger appreciation over time for not disturbing the OEM look..

The only way to really save money is to buy the 12 and leave it stock. And just the fact your buying a 12 in a 13 model year cycle makes your 12 instantly worth less in resale. So either way you cut it... your gonna spend the cash.

Buy what you like.

Much of this argument is balanced with finance charges included in the equation vs outright purchase. Fair. Yet some may be struggling in their heads about this, mixed with current value and resale in the future.

I keep thinking how long do you (OP) plan on owning it. So many factors. Good luck.

Just remember, you can not track either safely, without some modification first.

Lots of fuzzy math there. First this $3000 depreciation you pulled out your *** - nope. If the OP changed it only to the smoked color of the 2013, which will be highly desirable, he could actually see the value go slightly up. If he takes a major hit because of changing the rim color then he changed it to something that no one wants.

Also, you better check that math on what 3.9% costs over 5 years on $40k. You are a million miles off. $40,000 at 3.9% for 5 years is $4091 in interest. How does that work into your calculation?

Maybe the math isn't perfect. I'm not going to back track a math error right now since you seem to have that shyt in a smash. But, you're telling me, I can improve the value on my car by altering its OEM state if I powedercoat to an unoriginal color "if" that rim color is in fashion??? That's a first.

Sketchy math or not. The reality is you lose some value buying the 12. There's no way around that. And I stick by buying with what you want because you pay out somewhere regardless when you buy on the cusp of 2 model years. The best deal is the one you can make on the car you really want. Cuz if you regret later? You will lose regardless... that was my real point in the math.

Probably best not to use math to prove a sentimental point. :icon17:

I agree he should get what he wants. OP's the one that's going to be stuck with the car for X amount of years he might as well like. You can't really put a price on buyer's remorse. Be honest with yourself and know what you're willing to live with and give up on vs. the cost saving benefits.

3 weeks ago i bought a 2012 sport with touring and nav for $43,000 and dumped almost $20k on the engine.

Why not have your current calipers painted $50 for paint. Wheels Powdercoated, get the gtr brake lines or similar ss break lines, and if you feel the need to buy a new stereo, speakers, amp, sub. All this could be had for well under the difference in price from the 12-13

That was my thinking, initially. However, valid points have been made about the depreciation hit for the '12 and the desirability for the '13's. I normally don't keep cars longer than 2 years, so I think it will be easier to get out of a '13 versus the '12.

??? Troll much??