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I'm interested in a car (a Mazda3) that a local dealer is selling for less than KBB value (the price has been reduced). I've been browsing cars for a couple of months and this dealer has had this car for sale since April. The car is a 2008 and has a clean Carfax report but had two previous owners (a rental company for a year and a half and then a 2nd personal owner for like 5 months. I'm also wondering if it's red flag that the previous owner had the car for such a short time. I'm planning to get the car checked out by a mechanic before buying but I'd like to know your thoughts on this situation before I spend the money for the inspection and worse yet, spend the money for a car that might have hidden problems.
If you can get the last owners name from the carfax (NOT the dealer!!!!!)and call them to inquire about their experience with the car. it could be something as a bad fit for that owner but it could be bad news too. I know I had a car or two that turned into bad fits for me and they went bye bye quick. My only cases of buyers remorse.
Either way IMO this is a red flag so proceed with care.
Thanks, I've heard people say that but I've also read in my research (on sites like Edmunds.com) that rental car abuse is a misconception and that most people actually take decent care of them. My husband's car that he's had for 10 yrs and no problems (except things unique to the make and model) was a rental car.
a guy at enterprise told me he would sell me a car for the same price he would sell it to dealer. That would be below KBB I think. I could in turn trade it for a brand new car. That could be the same scenario? I'v rented maybe a hundred times and I would never dog a rental. Why would I want to break down on the way to the air port or with my family hundreds of miles from home?
Thanks, I've heard people say that but I've also read in my research (on sites like Edmunds.com) that rental car abuse is a misconception and that most people actually take decent care of them. My husband's car that he's had for 10 yrs and no problems (except things unique to the make and model) was a rental car.
I had a Mustang convertible for 8 weeks on a insurance repair for my van.
I burned one up in a few weeks, they gave me another one for the balance.
Thanks everyone, I ran this by my dad and the first thing that stuck out is the car having two previous owners (plus the current dealership) and advised that I pass on it. So the search continues...
Are you talking about KBB retail value or KBB trade in value? If the dealer is asking less than KBB retail, then no problem, this is a common occurence. Below KBB trade in value, that would likely be a red flag, but good luck figuring out what the flaw is.
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I'm planning to get the car checked out by a mechanic before buying but I'd like to know your thoughts on this situation before I spend the money for the inspection and worse yet, spend the money for a car that might have hidden problems.
