baron

I currently have a 98 C43 with 49k miles. I saw the new Nissan 350Z today and is tempted to make a switch. The Nissan dealer said they will have a new car in October. I have a few questions and hopefully you can answer some of them:

1) How will the power of the 350Z compare to the C43? Since the C43 has more HP and TQ, has a V8, and about the same weight as the 350Z, I think the edge will go to the C43.

2) Handling: I assume the 350Z will be better, esp with the track package, which I am interested in getting.

3) How will the value of the 350Z hold up after 1 year? I may get a more powerful car after 1 year (M3?) whether or not I keep my C43 or the 350Z. Will the depreciation of a 350Z be similar to my C43 in 1 year's time? If so, I assume that trading my C43 for the 350Z will be worthwhile financially.

4) How much is my C43 worth now? Trade in? My car has 49k miles, black/white interior and black exterior, and in fairly good condition. It also has an extended Platinum warranty (100k miles and 7yrs). Is the warranty transferrable so that my car can command a higher premium?

5) Plus I really want something with a manual transmission.

So which choice should I go for given my situation? I aplogize for all the questions. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Baron

Faheem Daddy

I'd stick with the C43 if I were you. Think about it, you'd be going from an AMG-Mercedes, with a hand-built motor from Germany, to a Japanese-made Nissan? Sure, the 350Z is a good looking car, but you've got to think about the current trends of cars. A lot of car makers will be making sporty 2-door coupes that will compete with the 350Z, and in addition, will look VERY similar. Engine wise, the 350Z comes with a 3.5L 6-cylinder, while the C43 has a 4.3L V8, made by AMG. Plus, you can fit more people in your C43, and your C43 would be able to beat a lot of cars on the road, and with a few mods, your C43 could push well over 400 hp. And remember, you'd be sacrificing European craftsmanship, quality, and refinement...But, if you're looking for a change, go for it. This advice is just coming from a European-car enthusiast, and its just my 2 cents...

-Faheem

Lynn

You will have to pay a large premium to get a 350z in October. By the next year, there will be enough of them around that they will be selling at or below MSRP. You will take a bath, financially.

baron

Thanks for your responses.

Faheem: I agree that the AMG is about class and craftsmanship. But if it makes sense financially then it might be great to have a more exciting package in the short term. Will see.

Lynn: I live in a small town in upstate NY and their allocation for 350Z has not all been sold. The one coming in Oct is not spoken for yet and it looks like they will sell it at MSRP.

I just checked the blue book value of my C43 and trade in value is only $21,000! The private party sale is about $26,000. Can it really be this low?

Baron

Faheem Daddy

I don't think your C43 should blue book that low...my C230K's blue book value is higher than that. Your C43 should be worth at least in the $30k range. Good luck on deciding what you're going to do...keep us "posted!"

revstriker

I just checked kellybluebook using the a local zip. For a 98 C43 with 49k miles in good condition, I got a trade in of 22,265, a private sale value of 27,695, and a retail value (if you were to buy from a dealer) of 34,735.

revstriker

Kellybluebook has the 2000 C230 with 36,000 miles in good condition listed as 19,400 for a trade in (local zip).

baron

Thanks for checking the kbb values. I think if I can sell the C43 on my own the resale value is reasonable. But unfortunately it is not that easy to sell a car, esp at where I live.

Does anyone else have any impressions on the 350Z?

Baron

vinmanc32

Not to take anything away from the new Z, but the C43 is another class of car. If you dont want the 4 door funtionality and that absolutely beast of an engine, then give it up. Im sure you will get a few takers. There is no way I would tell anyone to make that trade but everyone has their own reasons for what ever, whenever. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Remember trade in values are the price the dealer will give you. They then have to dust it up, change the tires, etc before they can sell it. That costs money and then they have to make.... profit! So sell it privately if you can. Shouldnt be too hard.