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I am looking to buy a used car, preferably a small SUV.
I have narrowed it down to 2 RAV4s that I like.
#1 is a 2002 with 84,147 miles, priced at $10,095.
#2 is a 2005 with 81,844 miles, priced at $12,997.
Let's hypothetically place everything else equal (driving, aesthetics, etc), is it better to go with a slightly older car with a lower miles per year average, or a later model with higher miles per year - yet still relatively good average?
I personally would go with the 05. Toyota made minor changes the truck over the years but they did fix a few issues along the way. I'm not sure an 05 with 81K is worth 12 grand though. I'd beat them down on the price but go with the newer truck.
We have cash and definitely think we would use that. But I definitely don't know anything about cars. My father always handled this in the past (passed away).
I am very much afraid that I will be "taken" by the dealership. In other words, you think the '05 is definitely not worth it regardless?
I will look into "CarMax".
Any other feedback that you think would be useful would be GREATLY appreciated.
Also, I'm confused a little. Should I not go by what KBB says for suggested prices?
KBB is (at best) a reflection of what buyers are reported to have paid at various times in various circumstances for various reasons in various places.
That has nothing to do with the "worth" of the car.
KBB is (at best) a reflection of what buyers are reported to have paid at various times in various circumstances for various reasons in various places.
That has nothing to do with the "worth" of the car.
Got it.
Thank you!
Also just came across Edmund's TMV report.
Says the 2005's TMV is $11,505!!! Much lower than the listed $12,997.
This is stressful. Would it be bad if I walked into the dealership with stuff printed out?
Sorry to turn to an anonymous internet forum for advice, but when you have no one else to ask...
This is stressful. Would it be bad if I walked into the dealership with stuff printed out?
It's the best thing you can do Be educated, be persistent, be confident and know what you want. If you don't, they'll see your instability and capitalize on it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ocsanders
Sorry to turn to an anonymous internet forum for advice, but when you have no one else to ask...
That's what this place is here for, and its quite wonderful. I should ask that you come and inquire more often
Also just came across Edmund's TMV report.
Says the 2005's TMV is $11,505!!! Much lower than the listed $12,997.
This is stressful. Would it be bad if I walked into the dealership with stuff printed out?
Sorry to turn to an anonymous internet forum for advice, but when you have no one else to ask...
TMV is a decent tools, but it's not entirely accurate.
A very well kept vehicle will sell for more, a poor one for less, TMV gives you the average for your area.
That said, it is useful (I used it when I bought my car).
Never just agree to the price they give you, never "need/want" a car more than the seller needs to sell it.
It took me over a month and an ice storm (aka. no business for the dealership for 4 days) to secure my last car for the price I wanted.
They originally had it advertised for a ridiculous $14.999 (4-5 year old Impreza, new ones go for $18k or so plus tax.), once they dropped it to $11.995 I went to look at it, other than a small scratch (repaired, but the paint don't match 100%) and worn tires, it was in very good condition, brand new battery, no sign of damage (there's not even scrape marks on anything underneath it, which is pretty rare.), I offered them $10.000 out the door, aka incl. tax, title etc. They laughed at me and we said goodbye. Later that night they called and countered with $11.500 out the door.
After going back and forth a while I figured they wanted to keep the thing, so I left it alone until it had sat on their lot for another two weeks, and through 4 days with no business, called up, offered $10.250 out the door, this time they went with it. Kicker is that I got a check when I picked up the plates, because I overpaid on registration.
Moral of that story: Never take their final word as a final word, realize they're simply doing their job, trying to net a profit on a merchandise, that doesn't mean you should pay too much for that merchandise though.
Take your time, don't fall in love with any one car, and if you do, don't let it overpower you.
And lastly, trust your gut. If it doesn't feel right, it won't be.
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Be educated, be persistent, be confident and know what you want. If you don't, they'll see your instability and capitalize on it.
