Buying a new car. Does this sound like a good deal?

[Entity]

I'm researching what a used car should cost, and am trying to find the most accurate estimates. I've been taking info from Edmunds, KBB, and NADA so far; does anyone know which of these is usually most accurate? It seems to me that KBB is highest, and Edmunds is significantly lower, in almost all aspects.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
Rob

Edit: Read last message for details of car.

 

[NetworkDad]

Well, i know KBB.com is most widely used, but i've read that edmunds is a more accurate pricing scheme.

Let me see if i have some documentation somewhere..

I would reccommend that your purchase price should be lower than whatever book has the lowest price.

 

[RossMAN]

You can get a pretty good gauge for what people are paying by checking your local classifieds section.

What year/make/model/mileage is it?

 

[Entity]

Ross,

I'm checking about 30 cars. Doing quite a bit of research. What I'm trying to find it how much I should be able to bargain down with a dealer, and the same with a private party.

For example: A couple is asking $14.9k for a 1997 Subaru Outback Wagon with 59k miles, and the standard package. I figure I should be able to get them down below $12.5k, but I don't know for sure - so I'm trying to get a measure of what is fair and what isn't, pricewise.

Rob

 

[RossMAN]

Then I would agree with NccOps, KBB is more widely used and has that brand recognition (everyone knows KELLEY BLUE BOOK) but I'd have to agree that Edmunds has more realistic prices.

 

[Maetryx]

You might check eBay Motors. If its like the rest of eBay, you can actually search for completed items, which would indicate the actual closing bid.

Make sure when you use Kelly Blue Book that you understand the three different prices that they give for each car. You probably know this, so I'm saying for those that don't

HIGH: What you would pay for this USED car at a NEW dealers lot
MIDDLE: What you would pay for this same car from a private party
LOW: What a dealer would pay YOU for this same car when you trade it in.

 

[Entity]

<< You might check eBay Motors. If its like the rest of eBay, you can actually search for completed items, which would indicate the actual closing bid.

Make sure when you use Kelly Blue Book that you understand the three different prices that they give for each car. You probably know this, so I'm saying for those that don't

HIGH: What you would pay for this USED car at a NEW dealers lot
MIDDLE: What you would pay for this same car from a private party
LOW: What a dealer would pay YOU for this same car when you trade it in. >>



Yeah, I am checking out all the different options and trying to set the max price I will pay for each car accordingly.

Also - anyone know how much of an appreciable difference there is between a 2.2l engine and a 2.5l engine?

Rob

 

[RossMAN]

Also - anyone know how much of an appreciable difference there is between a 2.2l engine and a 2.5l engine?

I've seen a few discussions about this in the UseNet NewsGroup alt.autos.subaru.

 

[BoberFett]

I believe most dealers use NADA pricing. That said, a car is worth exactly what you pay for it. Car prices fluctuate based on time of year, fads, location, and other unctrollable things that car pricing guides can't take into consideration. Basically if you think a car is worth the sticker price (plus finance charges if applicable) then go for it. Every dealer I know, and I know people in the used car biz, isn't going to give you what the book says for trade-in or charge you what the book says for purchase. They'll give you a huge trade-in then jack the car price, or lower the price and jack you on your trade-in.

So to sum up, my rule of thumb is "If you buy a used car from a dealer, you're getting shafted." So if you're going to get shafted anyway, at least make sure it's with something you like.

And as far as 2.2 vs 2.5, is that the only difference? It may not be a straight 15% more power. You have to take into account other changes to the engine. Check the specs up on Carpoint or somewhere.

 

[yellowvespa]

The Post by Ross hits it on the head. Recent sales from the classifieds are the best indicator and then take 10% off for the final haggled price, give or take (5% to 15%). The price guides KBB, NADA etc are a general area price for that model. They are not gospel and I have found them to be high, sometimes very high .. use them as a starting point only .. be ready to buy and close fast to get the best price and always have a shop/tech oncall knowing that you might drive up to give it a once over before you buy.

 

[Jfur]

Edmunds - Kelly BB is known to be super-inflated

 

[Entity]

Got a dealer down to $13k for a '99 model today. Hoping to have even better luck with a private owner tomorrow.

Rob

 

[Entity]

How's this sound for a deal?

1997 Subaru Legacy Outback. Standard options, Automatic Transmission. 60k miles; all maintenance records available. One owner, excellent condition. Small crack in bottom of windshield, out of visibility range.

$13.3k.

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=79043280

I'm debating over the price right now. They won't go any lower (claim that a dealer has offered them a trade-in at $13.2k, which I don't doubt).

Aaaaaaaaaah! Tough decisions.

Rob

 

[TuffGuy]

i'd call their bluff. tell them to go to the dealer.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

The dealer would NEVER give 13k for a car that sells used @ 13k, especially with that whole 9% financing thing. (Although its mostly over now though) If they're lucky the dealer would give them around 7-8.

 

[TuffGuy]

yeah, leave them your phone number, and tell them to call you when they decide to sell it for $11k-$12k.

 

[Entity]

Ok, I just called back and told them if they can cough up the car for $13k, then I'll take it. It's what I'm willing to pay, and is $1000 less than I've been able to find for a similar setup around here. It is in great condition, fortunately.

If they balk at $13k, then I'm headed to the dealership for a Legacy Brighton. I don't like 'em quite as much, and I'd rather buy from a family, but money is money...

Rob

 

[StageLeft]

If the thing drives excellently chances are that it is quite sound if you check it out...but if you don't want to get some repairs upon buying it have a subaru mechanic check it out first. I bought a 93 sentra in great condition a few weeks ago and due to lack of time I didn't get a mechanic check it out. Upon a general inspection there was $350 worth of repairs (things you could never tell from a test drive). I'm not mad because I know with any used car you'll have these and bringing it up to spec for $350 was great to me. I would have had no negotiating room anyway but with a $13k car if there are $500-1000 worth of repairs that need to be done it could help your room to lower it.