What is a Realistic Used Price?

Best4x4xFAR · #1 10-06-2008, 12:43 PM

Okay,

Hello All. Hope this is not too abrasive for a first post. My wife has decided she wants an X5 (E53) for an everyday driver. Though we'd prefer to have a manual 3.0i, it seems like it will be too much hassel (long travels) to get a manual transmission X5.

As such I have encouraged her to consider the 4.4i as well as the 3.0i (the EPA numbers for fuel economy are nearly identical, so it seems dumb not to consider it, unless I am missing something). Wow, are prices all over the place! We are looking primarily at dealerships, with the hopes of picking up a CPO for a good price, but what is a good price?

We drove a '05 CPO (bought at auction, still had the grease pencil writing on the windows) auto, premium, cold weather, no NAV, no Premium sound, 34K miles, advertised at $34,999 (seems high based on the two that follow). Dealer has indicate not much room to move on the price.

Found an '05 4.4i CPO, 40K miles, sports package, cold weather, no NAV or Premium sound advertised at $29,992. Haven't spoke to the dealer about pricing yet.

or

?

Found an '04 '04 4.4i CPO, 51K miles, premium, cold weather, non NAV or Premium sound advertised at $25,992. Haven't spoke to the dealer about pricing yet.

I don't want to go older than '04 because of the myrid of changes made in '04, she would prefer NAV, but not a deal breaker. It seems like the 3.0i and 4.4i prices are only slightly different, often with the 4.4i's being less?!? Is everyone just assume the V8 is a gas hog, inflating the 3.0i values?

I'm not trying to deny fair profits, but I don't want to get ripped either. Help! Thanks in advance..

youry · #2 10-06-2008, 12:56 PM

I would offer 30% below the Kelly Blue Book value and start from there the negotiations. If the economy doesn't turn around soon (and I doubt it will), in the near future dealers will be forced to cut 40-50% just to get rid of them. Another idea would be to look on Ebay for closed auctions. You'll see how much people are willing to pay right now.

ZsX5o3 · #3 10-06-2008, 01:03 PM

I think the gas prices have a lot to do with it, but also the 3.0 engine is a great one. I've had it in a 3 series and X, and my dad in his e39 5 series. It is slower, but it's also quieter, smoother, and more reliable. (Hope the 4.4 crowd doesn't mind me saying that

)

Weasel · #4 10-06-2008, 01:18 PM

No, I agree that it is a great and relaible engine, but most of us V8 crowd would rather the power and torque gains from the V8. I guess it all boils down to what you intend to use the vehicle for, and how heavy your right foot is.

fs_wheel · #5 10-06-2008, 01:19 PM

Don't think you are missing anything concerning mileage difference between 3.0 v. 4.4. 3.0 has to work harder to move a 6000 # vehicle. Personally, I think the 4.4 is more fun and moves the X5 when necessary. I did a calc last week since my old daily driver was a Expedition and was at least 5 mpg worse than the X5. It burned regurlar v. premium and I still save +20% in fuel costs driving the X.

To your specific question on prices - sounds like first one is overpriced and since it just got to the lot, they are being pretty firm. #2 & 3, are a bit on the high side to give negotiation room. Whatever you do, run a Carfax and ask the dealer for the service records - should be in BMW's system - who knows were the vehicles came from and what they have been exposed to. Good luck.

Bill

ZsX5o3 · #6 10-06-2008, 01:22 PM

I agree, when I got my 3.0 I didn't expect to be driving it so spiritedly, now I just want moar power///

Quicksilver · #7 10-06-2008, 01:23 PM

This might help with the decision.
http://www.xoutpost.com/lounge/47321-...?highlight=KBB

andrewgrhogg · #8 10-06-2008, 04:16 PM

I got an 03 with some warranty remaining and 75k, loaded with everything, cherry condition, but with a lemon title, for $16999 last month if that gives you something to go on. Buy a 4.4. - minimal real-world fuel difference and more low-end torque. And the key with any SUV today is to wait the dealer out and trade them off against each other. These guys have loans to pay for every car that sits on their lot, and those loans get onerous (worse terms) as the car sits for more than 30 days. So if you are willing to be patient, and can find a car at a dealer and then sit and wait, you will be able to get a much better deal.

Werewolf · #9 10-06-2008, 09:34 PM

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)

JustinR · #10 10-07-2008, 08:20 AM

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.