Looking for some advice Yes again...


I test drove an 05 WDP 6MT this evening. It has 20 miles recorded+ my test drive.

They are willing to sell it for 200.00 under invoice as it is the 05 model. (is this a decent discount given the 05?)

Everything seemed on the up and up though I could have sworn that the leather was not pulled as tightly as the 06's I have seen, and the engine seemed to be a little rough vs the 06 I test drove at another , closer dealer.

(Could have been the Bridgestones vs. the Mich's?)

The dealer is out in the country, and claims that they only get a small number of people asking for 6mt's in a given year.

I am a little concerned that the car has apparently sat without even a test drive for so long? (could be the reason for the slight roughness in the drive?) Anything to be worried about here? Anything I can do to ensure I am not somehow getting the bad end of the stick if I take this deal?

Any real good reasons (TPS sounds neat but not this neat) to spend 1-3k more for the 06?


Thanks again-

 

Lack of use is not a problem and should not cause you any worries, but it could contribute to a slight amount of roughness due to condensation in the tank if it was not full or deteriation in the gas if it was sitting for 3-4 months.

Keep in mind that the discounted price lowers your payment now, but also lowers your resale value in 2 to 3 years, e.g. an '06 being resold in January 2008 will attract a higher price than an '05, even with the same mileage. Check the used car ads to see the type of price difference.

If you are a gambler wait till January 30 or 31 and offer them $500 under invoice. By that time they may be desparate to get rid of it.

 

The only thing I would worry about on the csr is the battery. They can go bad from sitting, the rest of the car should be fine.

As far as the price goes, I would try to work a better deal, or at least swap out the crappy bridgstone tires.

Getting the mud flaps and trunk liner?
How about body side moldings?
Maybe get that stuff thrown in, I got that with m car at no extra cost because the dealer that had the car put it on, and the dealer where I got the car was not going to take it off...

I am sure if you looked at the book value for a 2005 car, its $3000.00 or more less than invoice.
That is not a problem if you keep the car for 8 years, but sell it in 2 and you are out that $3000.00.

Brett

 

Also remember the changes for 06' including the tire pressure monitoring and raised powertrain warranty (now 6 year/70,000 miles).

Maybe that will make a difference for you.

 

Thanks for the notes--

New updates from today's activities...

Returned to the dealer with the '05- They dropped the price to 1250 below invoice. They are going to charge me 'cost' for winter mats and music link. I assume I can get an 06 at 500-1000 over invoice - or- about 1500 to 2000 above the '05...

At 200 below invoice the '06 looked like a better value based on TPS and '06 resale... at 1250 below it is looking much more interesting.

In other news another local dealer is sending me a supposed 'best price' offer on an '06 with navi 6mt that has been sitting since November...

I also have to mix in selling my 01 Prelude- (anyone in the midwest looking for a clean 'lude?)

Thanks again-