2011 Roadster Checkered Past
 

I am a new member here and would like to hear some opinions on this car.

2011 Roadster Touring, Sport, Nav, Auto, Carpeted mats, and 7300 miles.
13 months still on factory warranty per Nissan

Does not have splash guards or lighted sills.

2 Owner car.

Original owner bought the car in Oct 2011. Had numerous issues with the top all documented under warranty. Owner not happy and Nissan buys the car back, I assume under the lemon law. Complete new top installed. Fabric and operating mechanism at around 500 miles. Car is sold at Dealer auction January 2012. Owner number 2 buys it and has no problems with the top or anything else.

I ran a VIN check and it comes back as having a branded title (buyback). The car is like brand new in every way. The only documented warranty is on the top all within the first 500 miles. The top operates perfectly and the fabric shows no signs of wear anywhere.

I think owner 2 bought the car at a very good price kept it a while and is now selling to make some profit, which is fine.

My question is how much should the branded title affect the value of the car?

Based upon a quick scan of worldimportsusa.com the second owner should have been able to get it for from 1/3 to 1/2 off. An '11 Roadster as you describe but with a clean title, without Nav, and with 30k miles was very recently valued by Geico at $34k. (Don't ask how I know this.) So, what, $17k to 23k? $25k and he's being a bit greedy? It still has a buyback title, after all. He got a deal, so why shouldn't you?

The law requires that the vehicle be fixed before it's sold, and it would seem the second owner put 6800 trouble free miles on it (which suggests to me that he didn't drive it much).

A '13 with the manual, Touring, Sport, Nav, carpeted mats, splash guards, and lighted sills will set you back around $50k out the door - 53 with the extended Nissan warranty and tire/wheel insurance.

If you use the paddle shifters and rev it to 5k or more on shifts in the summer time (which the engine won't mind, rev wise) you'll need an oil cooler - that's $600 if you do it yourself. More if you hire someone to put it on. If you don't you'll see the oil temps get close to the "limp home" point. Mine never quite got there, but it came within a few degrees when it was being worked in the twisties. The newer ones come with an oil cooler.

I don't buy things as investments, I buy things because I want 'em. Life's not a dress rehearsal and all that. I'd look at the car, consider the price, factor in an oil cooler, and if it all looked within my acceptable range I'd buy it. Your mileage may vary (so to speak) based upon you.

Hope all this helps. Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

I love my roadster...looks everywhere...ur will deff be diff! coupes are beautiful but driving at night as seeing the stars is more worth it!

Thanks Bummer for your reply. I didn't completely finish the post earlier as the wife was rushing me out the door to watch our granddaughter play soccer.

I do own the car and am owner number three. Under the circumstances the branded title doesn't bother me. Like you I don't purchase vehicles as investments. I keep cars on average of 10 years or more. My wife and I are finally at the age where we can enjoy some extras and with the youngest with one year left of college looking to enjoy some fun with the two of us.

Based on your numbers, I payed more than I should have, but I am comfortable with the purchase and very happy with the car. It is a beautiful car and every bit as clean inside and out as a new one.

Thanks for the reply.

Wimmen, gotta love 'em. ;) Of course the granddaughter's soccer game does have some serious priority.

I understand. I retired, then went back to work since retirement turned out to be boring, fattening, and doesn't pay as well as I'd like. Since the kids range in age from 26 to 43 I asked my wife if I really needed to buy a family car. She told me to buy whatever I wanted. I love that woman - gotta keep her! I got a shiny new 11 Roadster in Solid Red. Hands down one of the most beautiful cars on the road. My first new car was a '76 280 Z. I do love these cars.

I note that you're in Tennessee. If you can, be sure to drive US 129 (aka Tail Of The Dragon) from 411 outside Maryville to at least 28 (74 would be better) then go to Killboy.com and look for your pictures. These cars absolutely shine there! I suggest mid-week mid-day. Weekends tend to be packed. The Cherohala Skyway is also nice but it's not as interesting driving. The Z will also handle crossing Tellico Mountain, though the road is gravel.

Don't take my numbers overly seriously. I was winging it based upon what I could find in one Google. Since I tend to run mine until they're dust I'm not all that good with the numbers game. If you're happy, and you seem to be, that's all that counts.

You're quite welcome. I'm always happy to chat.

I get a lot of attention with mine. The first time someone paced me and stared it was a little creepy, but I got over it when I realized they were wishing they had one.

I much prefer the Roadster to the Coupe. I love the way it looks, and with the top down it's almost as in-the-wind as my bike.

That's all that really matters. :tup:

I also love my roadster. You are either a roadster person, or you aren't. I drive a car with a roof on crappy days. On nice days I want the sky above me.