Hello everybody. New member here, and quite possibly a new owner. I have had my eye on a Red/Red+Black GT for quite some time, but yesterday I came across a used '05 Shinka with less than 5k miles. It was purchased about 5 months ago, the owner drove it a bout two months, then parked it for the winter in November until now. I have seen this car, it is immaculate. KBB lists the "excellent" price at $27,530. The owner is asking $22,500. I submitted my application to the bank this morning, and approval was granted this afternoon. Here are my questions:

1) I really love the Red/Red combo. Will I be happy with the Shinka's color? I know this is subjective, I am just looking for other opinions.

2) Is the price right, or should I just wait for the right '05 to come along? '05 GT's are going for around 28k around here.

I have been checking out this site for about a week and am very impressed with the knowlege and willingness to help one another out. Very cool. Thanks for the help.

 

1) well, the shinka leather is beige so iono if you like that. I didn't so I just got the black leather (black on black). I love the exterior color of the shinka though.

2) 22500 isn't a bad price for a slightly used shinka. I'd say it is slightly less than what a dealer would sell an 05 GT for. But if you can dish out a few more grand, a new 8 wouldn't be so bad either. You can probably haggle down another grand or so off a new 05 GT. It is your choice ultimately your choice though. how much do you really want a red with red/black leather and what do you like about the shinka.

 

I just think red is what a sports car should be. But on the other hand, I am a little older than most of the people on this forum, and I do not want a flashy car per se, although I know that whatever color I get, it will garner attention. I also like the uniqueness of the Shinka's color.

 

I love the Shinka color, but it just isn't for me. Attracts way too much "unnecessary" attention (Po-Po).
However, I do love the interior.

NgoRX8 is right....it wouldn't be so bad to get 05 GT instead. There are many advantages to getting new cars and that is the route that I want to take.

 

Of course, whether or not the Shinka color combos are right for you, only you can answer that question. Color preferences are totally subjective judgments.

Make sure you run a CarFAX on the car before you plunk your money down. And also call your insurance agent and ask him/her to do a VIN check in the Katrina salvage-car database. Above all, don't go by what the owner tells you about the car. Do your own due diligence.

 

Buy it.

 

Me, I love the Shinka black cherry, and the leather, and those were the biggest reasons I picked that one. And zero regrets.

 

Definitely Carfax the vin. Sounds like a sweet deal tho. I personally like a unique car that grabs attention. Color is subjective. I already had a red car, and as long as you take care of the paint, it will look great 10 years down the road....

 

This car was bought here in my home town in Washington State, so I know it was never in Louisiana, but still a good idea for the CarFAX. I am meeting the owner today to get go over the car and get some paperwork from him. I will update tonight. Thanks for all of the input.

 

When I test drove the 8, I absolutely fell in love w/ the two-toned leather interior, and I had to have it. That and the navigation system were must-have's for me.

It's up to you what you must have and/or can live with. I wanted an exact combination of options, so I decided to order mine.

 

Well, I did it. I just shook hands with the current owner, and at 1130 tomorrow after I get off of work, I will be picking up my new baby.'05 Shinka in flawless condition with a factory car cover, and it only has 3027 miles. That is just about as close to new as you can get. Oh yeah, I paid the guys asking price, but at 22,500, I feel like I got a great deal. No Sleep tonight!!!

 

You know you will get up early tomorrow (if you fall asleep) and you will crash when you get to the place to pick it up and then be wide awake when you see the car, hand over the check and then drive away.....spend a whole tank of gas.....fill her up.....and then repeat.
Hope you don't have a whole lot planned for tomorrow during the day.

Congratulations.

 

My schedule is clear! HA HA

 

Enjoy your new (to you) car! You're going to love it.