Looking for a new Z and have questions on selling my current 350Z

[FSUZ33]

Planning a private sale for my current 350Z. Typically, you’ll get a little more out of it, and because Z prices aren’t what dealerships want at this point, I’m sure they’ll offer an insultingly low amount for a trade-in. That said, I need some advice.

Quick background:
Bought a 2003 SB 6MT Track Z33 back in June of ‘03

In 2016 someone pulled out of a convenience store as I was going by and destroyed the left side. From just behind the front wheel to just in front of the rear wheel. Still drove fine, and I held onto hope, but their insurance called a week later and said it was being totaled.

A family member had a babied 2005 Touring Roadster with 32K miles. Knowing how well it was taken care of and the price, it was a quick and easy decision. Only thing was it was (is) sort of the opposite of what I prefer. No harm/foul to anyone, but…I like black and it’s white, I prefer MT and it’s AT, and I’ve never been drawn to convertibles.

-> Cheers to those who've made it this far!

So leaping forward to today…although it’s an AT, I’m really drawn to the new black NISMO. Since the car market has tapered a bit and Z prices have gone down, over the last couple of months I’ve really been focused on a new one, and the black NISMO is THE ONE I can’t get out of my head.

But here’s the meat in this overstuffed sandwich. I recently got a set of Z1 wheels for my Z33. I added TPMS and took them and had tires mounted. They’re not installed, just stacked in the garage. I got a new convertible top months ago that I haven’t installed yet. I convinced myself not to change the wheels until that was done (an inner-motivational thing)

Z1 ZM-23, Gunmetal, 19x9.5 & 19x10.5
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, 255/35 & 275/35

I’m thinking I should reshoe the stock wheels and sell the new wheels/tires separately. I realize I won’t get out of them what I put in, but I feel like I’d get less overall selling them on the car. But there’s also the extra $ spent to reshoe the stock wheels. Although the Z1's aren't expensive wheels, they’re probably worth 1/3 to ½ of what the whole car’s worth. I have no idea. A new car wasn't in my brain when I sprung for the Z1's/Michelins.

-> 2003 Touring Roadster, 103K miles, runs and drives great.
I don’t baby it like the previous owner, but I take really good care of it. Only known issue is the constantly blinking airbag light. No clue what’s going on there. Maybe a dumb thing to do (or not do) but I’ve never had it looked at.

Any advice/info is helpful. Where to sell. Where to buy. Getting the most out of either. Whatever…

I appreciate everyone, in advance!

 

[ZillaZ]

I have seen people say selling / trading in at Carmax / Carvana is good for them but I am sure you can get more doing private party. I would recommend doing AutoTrader private party to sell. They can do lots of verification so you don't get screwed over and you don't HAVE to give out personal info like address / phone number... etc. until you are comfortable with the person you are messaging.


For buying I would say hit cars.com and search "new (and used if you want)" and put in all the options. If you are willing to pay $1-$2k in shipping deals can be found all over if it is a place not close to you.


There is a new 24' black Nismo at the same place I got mine for $56.5k (*MSRP for $66.8k) they have had it on their lot since about June of 2024.

 

[Z_x3]

You can def go the Autotrader route and potentially make a few more bucks but a no hassle process that can save effort and time is priceless! I’ve used Carvana in the past and prices are pretty competitive right now. Cant beat a quick quote, pickup and deposit all in a few clicks from the couch.

You might have some issues going with them or even carmax due to the quirks but it’s all about what you want and willing to deal with.

Not knowing what is in-store for Zs future I’m glad I pulled the trigger on my Nismo…right at 60k was my sweet spot considering my 2016 Nismo trade that pulled me 26k.