Hey guys, like the topic description says, I currently have a 2003 Nissan 350Z.

I'm supposed to trade it on the 3rd, straight up no cash for a 2003 Escalade. Now on the table is the offer of a local trade, a 2004 S2K.

Looks good, has some groundwork done, coilovers, strut bars, and all that jazz.
One thing that has me just a little bit wary is the fact it has a rebuilt title from Florida. I know rebuilt titles are done by the state DMV, and they're rather stringent, so that is a plus I suppose.
Seems to be in good shape, bumpers and hood line up (replaced with a carbon fiber hood, but I know thats cheaper than replacing with an OEM usually).
If it checks out mechanically, and by check out I mean me halfassedly looking at it, the only thing that would deter me would be the affected value of the car, because I would keep it for a few months probably, most likely through the summer, and then sell because I really do need a bigger vehicle than a 350Z/S2000 for work, but its not a terrible rush.

Its got 72,000 I think, and seems like a fair trade for both of us. What do you guys think about a state-issued rebuilt title

Thanks!

 

if you plan on getting rid of it soon, dont trade, as they are dropping in value fast. take the escalade if you need a big vehicle.

 

yeah ive noticed that over the last few months, since the summer, that S2Ks have been bombing in value whereas 350Z, while hurt by the economy, have held their value much better. The thing is, I noticed the dip in value of S2Ks, before the serious economic downturn.

Thanks for the insight JiNSOKU
I've never owned a salvaged or rebuilt car, but my brother has had 2 or 3 with one salvage motorcycle, without any problems.
I know the concept, that the wreck it was in was bad enough that the damage would cost more than the car is worth to fix, but if everything was replaced properly, and the frame straightened (or never bent), is there really a big disadvantage other than resale value to a 'rebuilt' title car?

Keep the insight rolling, because if I do this trade its going to be within 48 hours.

 

personally i wouldnt go for it
you might get all sorts of niggling problems because it wasnt put together from someone who knows the car well
the s2k is a VERY reliable car, but i know a friend who had some work done on the clutch and the sensors, and he now gets all sorts of engine lights.
i would recommend trading your Z for the Escalade, save up while driving the caddy, and then later, maybe next year you could afford a better s2000 they are getting
cheap!

 

It depends why it was rebuilt and the damage it had in the past. I wouldn't buy anything unless I drove it a few times and saw pictures of the damage and the repair work. s2000's are so common now you don't need to buy a rebuilt one, you can find a mint one for a good price if you look.

 

I wouldn't say that....with the downturn of the economy any sports car/pleasure car seems to have lost a good $2k-$3k of their value and since its the winter the s2k isn't holding well on that end either...so if you're going to trade for it now is a good time but I'd recommend you getting the escalade so you don't trade twice and take depreciation hits both times.

 

It makes more sense for you to trade for the Escalade. That way you don't have to trade twice. As another poster above said, it'll be easier then to save up for a better S2k.

 

try to find a stock one... is more reliable in the future.