What is a Realistic Used Price?

[Best4x4xFAR]

Originally Posted by Werewolf

Friend,

Given the economic meltdown, you hold all the cards. if you know what you want, deal directly with the used car sales manager and shop a bit.

Other thought is to get a buyer for yourself at the local auto auction (should save you the dealer markup)

One would think. We made an initial offer of $26K (and ultimately offered up $27K before leaving) on the '05 Highland Green Sports Package 4.4i. We thought that was a more than fair offer, especially given it did not have the sunroof, rear window shades, NAV, Premium Audio or much else (it was basically a 4.4i sports and cold weather package only). Its front tires were a bit thin as well, surprising to me that they made CPO.

They pretty much laughed us out of the showroom, claiming they had paid $27,600 for it at auction, and blatantly stating that the downturn in the economy is not affecting sales of 'premium' automobiles. I find it really hard to believe that they paid that much at auction for it, and that they would list it for sale at $29,995 if they had, used car profit margins are usually much wider than that. I guess I will see in 30 days or so if I am right, or the dealership is.


The Silver one was pretty banged up, had alot of wear on the interior, and didn't drive very well, validating my wife's fear that the CPO program is fairly bogus, and highly dealer dependant...

Originally Posted by JustinR

The problem I found is that since the 4.4's get basically the same fuel mileage everyone wants one over the 3.0's. I searched all of the dealerships within 200 miles of us and the couple that were available one day were gone later that day or the very next day. They basically can't keep the 4.4's in stock around here. That makes it a lot harder to do any serious negotiating, despite what the economy is doing.

The dealer we visited was pretty arrogant in their feelings that they could sell it all day long at $29,995, and were not willing to budge. But we are finding even 3.0i's seem seriously overpriced in our area..