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I'm about to purchase a 2000 Nissan Xterra XE with 136k miles, 3.3L engine and 2WD used from a Honda dealership. I don't know much about vehicles, I dont have a husband or a dad so I just wanted to get some opinions from people on this forum to see what someone more experienced might have to say.
The sticker price is $5,000 and about $6500 after dealer fees, taxes, etc. CarFax shows its been in one recent accident, front end damage, but they've had it repaired and to the untrained eye, I don't really see any damage.
I was just doing some research and was wondering if this is a good price? KBB says $2400-3900 is the high 'fair market' from a dealer, anything above that is 'red zone' (whatever that means). I checked TrueCar.com and AutoTrader and most are selling for anywhere from $3400-$6900; Craigslist has the better prices from dealers and private sellers from $2500-4000.
I've read reviews on Edmunds and CarComplaints and it sounds like most people love this vehicle and they seem to hold their value really well. I noticed also they seem to fly off the lots quick.
$1500 in dealer fees and taxes? That seems extremely high. For comparison, we bought a car for my sister in law to drive for $6k, the total for tax, title, and registration was $600.
$1500 is way to high for dealer fees. I would offer them $4000 out the door. That means total price with fees. If they do not agree then walk away and keep looking.
Seriously? That is way too much money for that thing. They do not hold any sort of value or are in high demand, a 4 runner does that. Xterras are small and gas hogs, they use gas like it is a Tahoe or something, actually, even worse than a Tahoe but half the size.
I would pass on this thing; what do you want it for?
Too much money, you'd have better luck buying a used vehicle from a private seller and having a mechanic look at it first before you purchased it, based on the mechanics inspection you will have the upper hand in negotiation. Skip the dealership altogether for that price range, good luck.
For a 2WD model, the price seems too high. I'd negotiate lower. That or find a 4WD SUV.
Quote:
Originally Posted by k350
Seriously? That is way too much money for that thing. They do not hold any sort of value or are in high demand, a 4 runner does that. Xterras are small and gas hogs, they use gas like it is a Tahoe or something, actually, even worse than a Tahoe but half the size.
Half the size of a Tahoe is just a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think?
An Xterra is no worse in terms of miles per gallon than any other comparable SUV (Pathfinder, 4Runner).
XTerra's are capable off-road cars but you are buying a 2WD which means it has a very limited market come re-sale time. I would avoid it especially at the price it's offered at. If you want an SUV get a 4Runner, you'll pay more but especially of that vintage they were decent, reliable, cars and not too complex, and it will lose very little when you go to sell it.
Half the size of a Tahoe is just a bit of an exaggeration, don't you think?
An Xterra is no worse in terms of miles per gallon than any other comparable SUV (Pathfinder, 4Runner).
Yes, a bit of an exaggeration, but just a bit, they are small inside, I owned one for a while.
The Xterra gets horrible mpg given its lack of power and lack of size. Now I did have the 4x4 version, but it, and numerous people, never got the claimed mpg (just go on the Xterra forums and read the complaints). A Tahoe, which I also owned at the same time, got just the same mpg, yet was bigger and had more power, and all around was nicer.
The Xterra would be great for a trail toy due to its size, but they suck for daily driving, this is because there are better values out there. Nissan made improvements to the Xterra for the next model that addressed a lot of the shortcomings.
But for the deal the OP is talking about, I do not think the OP wants a trail toy or anything, seems like the OP wants some small suv. It seems like the OP is buying from a buy-here-pay-here car lot.
I would agree with the $4,000 amount as a MAX to offer. Start at $3,500 and see what they say. 2wd SUV's are not high in demand at all, especially in the Fall. Plus, that amount for taxes and "dealer fees" is outrageous. Something isn't right, there.
14 year old car? That has nothing SOECISL about it? For 6500? Way too much. I seriously wouldn't offer over 3k. 4 if its just immaculate low miles.
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, but just a bit, they are small inside, I owned one for a while. 
