I'm considering a 2005 RL with 5K miles for $37K. Its in mint condition and more in my price range than a new RL for 8-10K higher. Given the experiences of those RL owners here, is this a good deal or should I wait a bit longer and grab a pre-owned 2006 in about 6 months? If the 2005 and 2006 are close enough, its probably not worth waiting.

Opinions?

 

I can't see paying $37K for an '05 when the '06's are selling for $42.5K. But of course, if your dealer is selling the new ones for $45-47K....

There's very little difference between the cars. The 06 has some bugs ironed out of it that the 05 had, but they're pretty minor. You can't get the iPod link or rear-camera on the '05.

Other than that, they're exactly the same car. Make the dealer throw in the navi DVD update disc, though, or you'll be eating off the '04 Zagat guide.

 

I am happy with my 05. I also have the iPod adaptor and have not had any problems. Even if the 06 is $42.5k (which I would consider a great deal) you are paying over $1 per mile for the 06 vs. just buying the 05. That is a lot for the benefit of having a new vs. used car. You could also have the dealer pull up the service history to make sure the 05 wasn't one of the few that have had some issues. It would seem to me that after 5k miles, if nothing has been an issue, you are probably not going to have any.

Now if the 05 isn't quite like new or the color combination you like or the back-up cam is a must have, then jumping to the 06 might be worth it. That is one of the nice things with the RL, you really don't have to worry about whether a used one has the options you want, since they all come fully loaded. Now if you want the tech package with the 06 then that will be the only option, but you will pay a lot more than $42.5k.

 

Also, don't forget to chech the VIN on the 2005 to make sure it is one of the more recent units. That effects how many defects or TSBs need to be taken care of.

 

the VIN im looking at is about the 14800 car. Is that late enough.

 

How do you know what DVD is the latest? Is there a version number or something I should refer to?

 

Prices for the 06 seem to really vary regionally. the price in my region is around 45,000 as far as I can tell from talking to other owners and what the dealer tells me. I am envious of the people saying they paid 42-43, but here that would only be for a demo. The local dealer is a monopoly (not other dealer is within easy driving distance), but at least they provide free loaner cars for as long as you own your vehicle (even after the warranty). All I am saying is that, depending on your region, the price you have for a used 05 may actually be quite cheaper than a new 06.

 

37K for a used '05 sounds a little high IMHO. Realizing there are certainly regional price differences, you have people who purchased a new '05 for as low as $39.9K at the end of the model year. You have 5000 miles of wear and tear and do not know how this car has been driven during that time. Not a problem until the warranty expires, but if you're looking to keep this long-term, I'd personally attach a higher price to those 5K miles.

Is this purchase being contemplated from a dealer or private party? What part of the country are you in? Just throwing it out, but without knowing more I'd be thinking something in the $33-$35 range. Not happy with that as I have an '05, but have to be realistic regarding the resale market in light of the deals on the new cars.

 

my VIN is in the mid 20's (car purchased late November) and I've had pretty much no problems.

-josh

 

Found another 2005 RL .. one owner lease, sold July 2005, VIN in 15000 range, carbon grey, 17,000 miles, mint condition, drives perfect, has wood steering wheel, rear assist, spoiler and dark tints.

What would be your private party or dealer estimate for fair value for this car?

Thanks.

 

I wouldn't base the price of the used 05 on the absolute lowest amount someone paid to get one of the 05's out of inventory. I would consider what a 06 will cost you and see if the miles on the 05 and the condition of the 05 justify the difference. If a car is just like new with only 5k or 10k miles on it, I always compute what you are paying for those miles. If the condition of the car is not to your liking or you just want a new car, go for the 06. I believe that most people were paying around $43k toward the end of the 05 model year and all the way up to MSRP prior to that.

Kris