Anyone else think used car prices are outrageous

[Ah Pook]

as has been said.

cash for clunkers.

Unintended consequences.

I don't think it was unintended.

Take a chunk of the used car market out of circulation.
Used car prices go up closer to new pricing.
Consumer spends the extra for new.

Same thing for parts.


I've been looking for a used commuter and can't find anything "realistic".

[Irving]

I want to sell my Amigo, and now is the time, but I want another truck to replace it. Woe is

[buckshotbarlow]

hell, i looked at the dealer auction with my neighber (dealer) and frigg'n new expeditions are a better deal then wholesale...

2012 expedition limited 4x4 wholesale with 20k miles = 38k
2012 expedition on lot, with for discounts = 45k

wtf?

[Great-Kazoo]

hell, i looked at the dealer auction with my neighber (dealer) and frigg'n new expeditions are a better deal then wholesale...

2012 expedition limited 4x4 wholesale with 20k miles = 38k
2012 expedition on lot, with for discounts = 45k

wtf?

Check to see if they are an in state or out of state unit. If in state how long? There have always been vehicles from flood area that make their way across the country to some unsuspecting "new" owner.

[Fromk]

I'd be curious to see if anyone else experienced this. I got a '94 4Runner last year. It was in this strange window where it was above blue book but below $5000. I could NOT get an auto loan from my bank to buy it. I know if I wanted to spend a lot more I could have gotten one very easily. I'm curious if other banks/credit unions/whatevers encourage people to spend more money and therefor allows used cars to go for more money.

I wound up getting a non-descript personal line of credit for it but I still felt like I was being punished for trying to live within my means.

[porfiriozg]

Car prices went way up after obamas cash for clunkers

[Great-Kazoo]

The other part of the equation is you the consumer. If you allow the sales dept to get you in a corner you loose. Go in ,tell them after browsing and they have said "my sales mgr said this is the lowest we can go" You will think about it and walk out.
They will either follow you to the door or mgr will intervene. let them know if you wanted to play games with price and monthly payment you would have purchased at dealer x this morning.
Then tell them this is where you want to be price wise and a monthly payment no more than $XX.xx

After that keep quiet. The first person who talks next looses.
read the fine print, finance paperwork and remember you don't need or want the stain resistant coating the put on the interior for $400!

[Rooskibar03]

Or you can take advice from someone who's been selling for a long time and not be a douche towards your sale guy. Customers make buying a car much more difficult on themselves then they need to by following your advice.

Do some research on the car you want to buy and know the market. If your budget is 10k then look at car at or near 10k. Don't shop for 18k cars and expect us to come down just because that's all you can afford.

Average return on a used car is under 2 grand after the car has been reconditioned and made fit for sale. Car is priced more so there is "wiggle room" cheaper cars will have less margin.

Know that older cars (ie 06 and older in the eyes of the banks) will not offer financing more then 48 months and the rate willbe higher than what you want to hear. If you belong to a credit union it's better for older cars.

Unless you are writing a check the whole "don't discuss payment" thought process towards car buying is stupid. FACT-99% of the people I talk to have no idea how much a car payment is. No, you cannot buy a 50k car for 400 per month.

Cheap math for a 60 month car purchase.
200 per month = 10k financed
300 per month = 15k financed
400 per month = 20k financed

Best advice. Start with Internet department. Typically people there are more seasoned and work under a different set of standards. This gives you a chance to develope a relationship with someone before you go into the store. If you dont click with the sales person, call back and ask to speak with the used car manager. Shop the person as much as you shop the car. I sell 6 figure vehicles sight unseen over the phone because I take the time to develope a relationship with my clients.

Best advice if your treat me decent I'll return the favor. Treat me like a lesser human being and we are both going to dislike the process.

The other part of the equation is you the consumer. If you allow the sales dept to get you in a corner you loose. Go in ,tell them after browsing and they have said "my sales mgr said this is the lowest we can go" You will think about it and walk out.
They will either follow you to the door or mgr will intervene. let them know if you wanted to play games with price and monthly payment you would have purchased at dealer x this morning.
Then tell them this is where you want to be price wise and a monthly payment no more than $XX.xx

After that keep quiet. The first person who talks next looses.
read the fine print, finance paperwork and remember you don't need or want the stain resistant coating the put on the interior for $400!

[Great-Kazoo]

Or you can take advice from someone who's been selling for a long time and not be a douche towards your sale guy. Customers make buying a car much more difficult on themselves then they need to by following your advice.

Do some research on the car you want to buy and know the market. If your budget is 10k then look at car at or near 10k. Don't shop for 18k cars and expect us to come down just because that's all you can afford.

Average return on a used car is under 2 grand after the car has been reconditioned and made fit for sale. Car is priced more so there is "wiggle room" cheaper cars will have less margin.

Know that older cars (ie 06 and older in the eyes of the banks) will not offer financing more then 48 months and the rate willbe higher than what you want to hear. If you belong to a credit union it's better for older cars.

Unless you are writing a check the whole "don't discuss payment" thought process towards car buying is stupid. FACT-99% of the people I talk to have no idea how much a car payment is. No, you cannot buy a 50k car for 400 per month.

Cheap math for a 60 month car purchase.
200 per month = 10k financed
300 per month = 15k financed
400 per month = 20k financed

Best advice. Start with Internet department. Typically people there are more seasoned and work under a different set of standards. This gives you a chance to develope a relationship with someone before you go into the store. If you dont click with the sales person, call back and ask to speak with the used car manager. Shop the person as much as you shop the car. I sell 6 figure vehicles sight unseen over the phone because I take the time to develope a relationship with my clients.

Best advice if your treat me decent I'll return the favor. Treat me like a lesser human being and we are both going to dislike the process.

That's you this is me. I know what i want, how much monthly and what my down stroke
When i go in and look at vehicle x with these options don't steer me in to a vehicle with $5k more in acc that i have no need for, DVD for kids etc, Wheel package because ordering one without will take a few weeks to get in, OR tell me with my credit i can afford to upgrade to a loaded package for only $250 more per month.
AND when i tell you for the 3rd time I'M JUST LOOKING TODAY, you lost the sale.
Some don't, some do and loose customers.

ETA: I'v already been on line and know what i am looking for, is on your lot as well as 3 other dealers along the front range.

[jerrymrc]

A year and a half ago I spent 2 months looking for a clean 00-03 Grand Prix for the wife. I found one but it took a little luck to get it @ $5K.

I'd be curious to see if anyone else experienced this. I got a '94 4Runner last year. It was in this strange window where it was above blue book but below $5000. I could NOT get an auto loan from my bank to buy it. I know if I wanted to spend a lot more I could have gotten one very easily. I'm curious if other banks/credit unions/whatevers encourage people to spend more money and therefor allows used cars to go for more money.

I wound up getting a non-descript personal line of credit for it but I still felt like I was being punished for trying to live within my means.

Better to just get a sig loan for that amount. To much hassle with appraisal and transfer of the title etc....

Then tell them this is where you want to be price wise and and the payment will take care of itself

FIFY