Based on recommendations (I couldn't afford the Subaru) I got:
2003 Mazda Protege5
Body Style Hatchback
28,261 miles
White
5sp manual
4yr/50k mile factory warranty
Asking price at dealer: $14,999
Asking price at AutoTrader: $12,999
I traded in my 2000 Grand Prix which had 49,964 miles on it. It was worth $4500 at best (paint chip in front, bad rattle in exhaust, idled funny, dash rattle, 19mpg with lots of hwy driving); and I owed $2300 on it. I went in last night to look at the car, test drove it and I really liked it so I talked with the guy.
He wasn't budging past $12,700 because "kbb says it's worth $14,700;" Edmonds True Market Value was at $12,524. I told him I had a trade in and I was offered $5500 at a previous dealership. He said we'll give you $5600 (sight unseen) for it. The manager/closer and I haggled a bit and I managed to get the car down to $12,200 - the guy calculated it and after tax, title, license, fees, amount owed on my other car, etc, it came out to $10,257.15. I said no - the car doesn't even have a roof rack - the only reason I am buying a wagon, and I do not want to spend that much. He said if he can find a roof rack he will split the cost. I said, "Lower it $267.15. $10k out the door is my final offer and I want a factory roof rack installed on it, too." The manager came BACK over and said he would do the $10k but no roof rack because he wouldn't be making any money. I got up and said, "sorry for your time, I have another dealership to visit." He jumped and said, "ok, fine. I'll put a roof rack on it, do we have a deal?" Yes, and the car is mine.
Why am I excited? I got ~$1,067 off the asking price, a free roof rack, and $1100 on my trade-in MORE than it is worth (really happy about that). I guess it helps to buy the car 2 days before the end of the month on a stickshift mazda wagon...
pics:
So, what should I name her? I prefer something sexy/classy or sexy/raunchy
2003 Mazda Protege5
Body Style Hatchback
28,261 miles
White
5sp manual
4yr/50k mile factory warranty
Asking price at dealer: $14,999
Asking price at AutoTrader: $12,999
I traded in my 2000 Grand Prix which had 49,964 miles on it. It was worth $4500 at best (paint chip in front, bad rattle in exhaust, idled funny, dash rattle, 19mpg with lots of hwy driving); and I owed $2300 on it. I went in last night to look at the car, test drove it and I really liked it so I talked with the guy.
He wasn't budging past $12,700 because "kbb says it's worth $14,700;" Edmonds True Market Value was at $12,524. I told him I had a trade in and I was offered $5500 at a previous dealership. He said we'll give you $5600 (sight unseen) for it. The manager/closer and I haggled a bit and I managed to get the car down to $12,200 - the guy calculated it and after tax, title, license, fees, amount owed on my other car, etc, it came out to $10,257.15. I said no - the car doesn't even have a roof rack - the only reason I am buying a wagon, and I do not want to spend that much. He said if he can find a roof rack he will split the cost. I said, "Lower it $267.15. $10k out the door is my final offer and I want a factory roof rack installed on it, too." The manager came BACK over and said he would do the $10k but no roof rack because he wouldn't be making any money. I got up and said, "sorry for your time, I have another dealership to visit." He jumped and said, "ok, fine. I'll put a roof rack on it, do we have a deal?" Yes, and the car is mine.
Why am I excited? I got ~$1,067 off the asking price, a free roof rack, and $1100 on my trade-in MORE than it is worth (really happy about that). I guess it helps to buy the car 2 days before the end of the month on a stickshift mazda wagon...
pics:
So, what should I name her? I prefer something sexy/classy or sexy/raunchy
type stuff..