ok, lemme know what y'all think.

dealer offers loaded auto merlot 2k3 with black leather, bose, navi...... for 32k retail. tells me that the invoice is 29k and to make him an offer. he's expecting to dump this car for below invoice, but i don't know how far below invoice these cars are going for right now. loaded up as it is, i don't see how he'd have a hard time selling it. the big sticking point is my trade-in. he'd only offer me ~9000 to 10000 due to my high miles.

 

Is it a GLE? The price sounds a little bit high.

A good 'ball park' price range would be around $27k.

 

gle i believe. 27k retail?? invoice??

 

I'm not sure how much this will help you...it might be apples and oranges but here we go. I paid $24,500 for mine out the door about 2 months ago (right as the 2k4s were starting to hit the lot). The sticker on it was 30k and change.

2k3 SE - Glacier Pearl
Automatic
Frost leather
Titanium package
5 miles on it

 

I say $25k out the door

 

Here's a question. What do you plan on doing with it and how long do you plan on keeping it? If you plan on trading again in 2-3 years, this might not be a great idea...a double hit on depreciation in 5-6 years (your old Max, then this new one).

I have toyed with going 2k3 but this issue always prevents me from doing so. I have resigned myself to heep the AE until at least the 2005 models come out and then look elsewhere.

Your choice, but think about it.

 

 

Here's a couple of thoughts to help you out;

1. Got to www.edmunds.com, build your 2K3 Max and include all of the options and see what their TMV price indicates - this'll give you a guide as to what they're selling for (looks like about $1500 back of cost).

2. Offer to split the holdback with the dealer - this'll depend on how good your dealer is and how upfront they are in showing you their holdback info, but it's reasonable to expect them to make a little $ on your car, and splitting the holdback will get you a deal under invoice and might be another simple way to come up with a justifiable number, since that's what they want you to do.

3. Just be nice. This is the easiest and best way to get what you want in the car biz. If they try to beat you up over the price, you may want to reconsider doing biz with them. Trust me - I'm in the biz and the days of slick pinky-ring wearing guys with gold chains selling cars are waaaaay over.

If you're in SoCal, I'd be happy to refer you to a friend who will take care of you.

 

Yep!!! Now they use attractive women or friendly 'let's grab a beer' type of guys, both of which will smile as they stab you in the back!!!


j/k...well kind of...

 

How many miles on the 2K? any problems with it?

 

I got a fully loaded 2k3 SE with Navi back at the beginning of Feb for $27,500. That should help you a little. Like others have said since the 2k4 is out you should be able to get it cheaper. I would probably go $25,500 with tax, tages, title, and fees.

 

my car's got 90k now so that explains the hit on my resale. seeing as how i still owe 9000, it'll be a wash on my car's trade in. but i've been very **** about keeping it up. i've got receipts for every oil change, fluid flush, alignment, tires......

i initially was planning on keeping my car for ~5-6 yrs, but that's before they put the 3.5 in. now i really want the new engine. but i'll prolly keep in for 4-5 years. the double whammy on resale is what's holding me back.

stang guy: what's a holdback? and how do they make money on a below-invoice sale?

also, they're offering me 1.9% financing for 3,4, or 5 years which is very tempting.

man, still tempted..

 

If you want the new engine so badly, why not get it in a more performance oriented car (i.e. RWD)? I would look at a G35 for the RWD, the supposed bump in HP, the customer service and since it is a brand new style, hopefully it won't take a hit nearly as much as a 2k3 would since it is already an extinct bodystyle.

 

def tempted to get a g35, but i'm considering the 2k3 max cuz i still like the style, plus they're selling for so cheap. if it wasn't for the 2k4 pushing the 2k3 price down, i wouldn't even think about it.

i can't fathom the thought of the hit i'd take on a trade-in with retail value car.

 

ok, your call...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jjs
[B]

Yep!!! Now they use attractive women or friendly 'let's grab a beer' type of guys, both of which will smile as they stab you in the back!!!


j/k...well kind of...

Sounds like you might want to reconsider who you're doing biz with

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stang Guy
[B]Hey man, just saying 'back then' at least you could see the scuz a mile away...today they are better camouflaged.

 

def prefer the straight shooter type..... with nice receptionists

 

I can't believe a fully loaded 04 is as much as a G35c

On the 03 I'd start at 24k and go to 25k.

Also why don't you try selling the 00 outright. You should be able to get 12-14k for it. You could use the extra cash to buy down the payment or for mod money.