At Carmax...

31k miles for 17k

Anything in particular I should look for? Ask about?

Thanks in advance. I'm almost there.

 

What options are on it? What mileage? That price seems high.

 

What options does it have? Check kelly blue book (www.kbb.com), edmunds (www.edmunds.com), and NADA (www.nada.com) for their prices with the given mileage and options. If it's below book value, it's a good price.

Make sure you test drive it, and try EVERY SINGLE option in the car (i.e. windows, locks, mirrors, stereo, heated seats (if it has them), etc etc) to make sure they all work. Do a VERY close exterior inspection to make sure there aren't any rust spots/paint chips/scratches and such. Just don't rush when you look at the car, and take your time inspecting it.

Good luck!

 

Just thought of one more idea... The prices on new 2003 SE's are ridiculously low right now. You can pick up a base SE for around $21K. That's $4K more than the 2000 you are looking at, but it's a brand new car, more power, more options (even the base), and you get a warranty. Unless that SE is fully loaded and in really good condition, I would consider trying to shell out another $4K to get a brand new one. My $.02.

 

ditto.

 

Ditto. And that's why the resale on our Max's suck right now.

 

Yeh, the resale sucks, but the used market is pretty bad right now for ANY car. I'm selling a 95 Accord V6 for below NADA value, and I haven't had anyone call about it for 2 weeks already, and the Accords (Honduhs in general) have the best resale value.

On another note, I just bought my Max, so I'm not planning on thinking about the resale value for a LONG time--I TOTALLY enjoy my car, and even if I had a better salary right now, I still don't think I'd buy anything else under $40K.

Bottom line--try to get a new one, you won't regret it.

 

Thanks guys. I checked this thread right before I left work and you changed my mind. You're right, the new SEs are damn cheap. I'm going to shop around and see what I can find.

 

i looked at Carmax when i started shopping. I found their prices to be a little high (even though they usually are under Kelly Blue Book value). Go for the 2003 option!!