New member, ready to buy, some questions.
 

Hi guys and gals of the forums,

OK, so I'll cut to the chase, I'm a deployed military member who is looking to internet purchase a Z without driving one and need some questions answered.

1. 2010, Roadster, 21k miles, touring, sport, nav OTD $35,500 which includes the tax and shipping across the country. I tried to find one closer, but none had everything I wanted as far as options. Even as it is, I'm considering waiting for a 2011 to get the back up camera. But is the price good if I do pull the trigger? It's CPO and I'm trying to get them to throw in an extended warranty, waiting to hear.

2. Paint and top issues. Seems to be a few threads on problems. I won't be able to see the car before buying, but is it REALLY a problem? I mean when a company sells thousands of vehicles, some have problems, but is the Z paint going to crap out on me? The top tearing/creaking? I'm getting an almost 2 year old one, so would the problems have shown up by now?

3. I'm 6'3" but my legs are short and my torso is long. This results in my head touching the top of many roadsters and my eyesight being at the top of the windshield. I currently have a 2003 Z4 which is fine, but the seat can lower a lot and also lean back a lot. I do not fit in a TT, S2000 or Z3 very well. Does anyone have a link to a picture that shows the cut away and measurements of the seat? I'm also not clear if the touring's seats will lower much since they have the A/C seat thing built in, nor lean back since they have that super tall headrest area.

4. My Z4 is a daily driver and is perfectly fine, but although it is tiny as a car goes, the trunk is 10 cubic feet. I notice the 370 is only 4, WTH! Is this even doable as a DD?

5. I know the nav unit went through a major upgrade from 2009 to 2010. The car I'm looking at was built early 2009, although a 2010 model year (I don't even think there were roadsters in 2009, right?), will it be the 2010 nav or the 2009?

6. Three of the four sports package rims are curbed. The dealer says they have a rim guy who can make them look good again. Is this even possible with these types of rims? The car was a lease, but still, sheesh, you think whoever owned it would have been more careful with these beautiful rims...

I think this is all the questions I have right now. I appreciate all and any help you can provide. I'm a little nervous dropping this kind of coin sight unseen for a car, but I've always wanted a Z.

Sight unseen on a lease return? If it were me, no way. Why not just buy new for that kind of money?

that's a pretty good deal... how many miles?

i'm also 6'3 - and I fit. (where I don't fit in lots of other verts)

the trunk is small - but ok for me as a DD...

the top is good - but you will be really safe with the warranty

good luck!

If you can show me where I can get a 2012 (or even a 2011 new) with all the features for 35k, I'll buy two of them.

Thanks for the input, especially about the height, that's what I'm worried about the most. I may slow roll the deal as I'll be back in the US on Wed and may be able to find one to test drive. It has 21k miles, not bad for a normal car, but about normal for a lease.

Maybe the price reflects the true condition of the car? Like I said, I would never buy a car sight unseen for a lease return. But it is your money. Good luck.

Well, before I hand the money over, I could fly out there and look at it, then drive it home I suppose. My question then would be, what is there to look at for a relatively new car, still under warranty? I mean other than checking out the paint, wouldn't the engine still be covered in case something is wrong down the road? What should I be checking out?

The 2010 roadster can be retrofitted with the backup camera and it displays through the NAV, I did this with mine. There is a guy that sells the whole kit in the Audio section of the forum, you just have to run the wires. hour and a half job.

I have 21K on mine as of today so milage is ok.

The only really bad bugs in the car got worked out in the 2010 model year (I have not heard of any 2010 models with the steering lockout, dead fob starter issue problems)

I would also get it on a lift and check for overspray and other signs of crash damage.

Other than that it should be an Ok deal. Just work them on the price some more, you should be able to do 33~34K...

I bought my 2011 Touring Roadster in May for $35,992 including tax, tag, title. I agree, never buy ANY car sight unseen. ALWAYS test drive before agreeing to anything.

^^I agree. You have to be comfortable with what your paying is most important. Everyone does not get the same deal. Just because I pay x amount for a car doesn't mean you could do exactly the same. Get a price that you want to pay, shop it, negotiate, get your car. Dealers seem to be desperate to get rid of the ZR's. When I was shopping about a month ago they kept offering me ZR's when I didn't even want one lol.

1) I have a 2010 ZR with 22k miles so mileage sounds good, but I'm shopping tires right now as I'm down to the wear bars. You may be looking at $800-$1000 in tires soon.

2) Most people's tops have been fine, only a few problems but it is a big problem if you are one of the unlucky ones. Paint does seem to chip easily from road debris, not worth passing on the car though, just get some matching touch up paint.

3) I don't have measurements but the seat does have height adjustment and will lean back some. Can't really offer any more advice, I'm 5'5" :)

4) I use mine as a daily driver as well. The trunk it wide enough but a bit shallow. If your car does not have a spare (most don't) there is a large styrofoam spacer where the spare would be. I removed this and replaced it with 2" of styrofoam insulation from Home Depot to flatten the bottom of the trunk. This gave me about 6" more depth and really makes the trunk more useful.

5) All 2010 models have the new stereo HU even if they were built in '09.

6) I curbed one of my rims about 2 months after getting the car. I had a local company come out and fix the rim at my home. 30 minutes and $75 later and you can't tell. I mean really can't tell, even up close.

I'm 6'2" & #230 & thought I was ok in the convertible, but the couple is really more comfortable. The new Z4's are great alternatives. Also, the 135. I saw a tall guy remove the wiplash restraint on the seat & was able to move the seat back further. The plastic roll cage was his new headrest.

Wow that's a great price. With Touring, nav and sports? I'm registering in NC (yay low sales tax!) but I can't find anything remotely close to that. Can you share where/from who you bought?

To everyone else, thanks a ton for the advice. The dealer says they can double the warranty for another $800, but I'm hesitant now. I may wait for a 2011 at this rate.

Snipping your questions a bit.

Price seems decent given the tax and shipping. I would be a bit concerned about the curb damage. yes they can be fixed but will it be to your satisfaction? The rims are not cheap to replace...you can find used sport wheels for 1200-1500 typically on the forum but helps to get them locally as shipping is expensive (and people seem hesitant to use escrow or other services to share risk)

We got our used 2010 in May but it only had 3K on the ticker. The camera feature was a 'meh' to me, not enough to warrant going with a new model year. I didn't realize the retro was possible...that is interesting :)

Top issues: there is an obvious pinch point IMHO. I see it on my car and have reported it to the dealer. one service manager was set to replace my top, but the new one does not agree. So I am just going to keep an eye on it, all I can do. Unlike my previous miata...I leave this top up when not in use as I think that is contributing to the pinching.

Trunk to me is not horrible, I have stuffed plenty into it. Space behind seats is usable for small bags and such as well.

Its not an insignificant purchase: there are cars out there for you so I suggest given some of the 'damage' on this one that you can't inspect prior to receipt, you wait until state side.

- b

First - Thank you for your service to our country!

BTW, extended warranties are a classic rip-off. Save your money.

I bought from Wilkes Nissan in Wilkesboro. Everyone there has been great. One of the best dealerships I've ever been to from the sale to service. I highly recommend them.