How much to pay for a 2006 Nissan Sentra with 145K miles?

[Dear Summer]

I'm looking for a cheap car that I can pay with cash. I saw the car today and I'm wondering how much I should be willing to pay. His asking price was $4,500. I checked KBB and it shows that Good should be $3,600 and Fair should be $2,800. I'm thinking about offering $3,200 or nothing.

The car has some cosmetic issues in all four corners but especially the rear end where some shop did a horrible job trying to fix a dent so the right bumper side is covered in white smears or something. I will probably need to replace the tires and the battery as well.

Also, anyone know where I can look up a VIN for free? (3N1CB51D06L559259)

 

[satyajitmenon]

Err, with that kind of work, you'd be better off offering 2800 or less.

Even if you plan on keeping it till it dies, you'll want to start replacing stuff in it simply cos of the miles.

 

[Dear Summer]

it's just cosmetic work on the outside. The car runs fine but the battery and tires appear to be worn a bit so I want to replace them to be safe.

 

[NutBucket]

Cosmetic issues are the most costly to repair. Your description + high mileage puts that car in fair condition at best.

 

[WilliamM2]

If it needs new tires and a battery, probably would offer about $2500. From his ridiculous asking price though, I doubt he will come down to what the car is actually worth.

 

[NutBucket]

If its on CL I too go with ridiculous asking prices knowing I'll be lowballed.

 

[Greenman]

Get an estimate on the bodywork, and deduct that, plus the tires and battery, from the good condition price.

 

[power_hour]

$2500 sounds about right. Those cars were ok but nothing great. Only way I would pay over $3000 is if it was 1 owner, original receipts and it had its timing belt service done recently.

Make sure it has the 1.8 or 2.0 engine. The 2.5 was not a reliable choice during those years.

 

[phucheneh]

Body damage + needs immediate repair/maintenance = 'fair' at best. 'Good' is out the window, IMO.

'Good' basically means 'not mint, but largely undamaged.' As in, it has signs of being driven. Carpet could be worn a little thin, mats a little stained. Worn leather ('worn cloth' is rare; usually either 'okay' or 'shit'). Some scratches on interior parts. A few door dings.

But you should be able to walk around it without being able to point out anything of substance. Minor collisions, bald tires, ect.

With those KBB values, and a general guess based upon make/model, age, and mileage, I'd say the others are in the ballpark. 2500-3000. No more.