How Much Should I Pay: 2004 Nissan Maxima & 2005 Saab 9-5 (Updated)
Question From Nidhi: Hi,
I am looking at two cars and would like to know the wholesale values for these:
1) How much should I pay for a 2004 Nissan Maxima SE in good condition with 54000 miles? This car has leather seats, heated seats and bose stereo as options and tires have around 60% tread left. The dealer is asking for 11995 plus TTL.
2) 2005 Saab 9-5 2.3t in good condition with 46k miles. The car is automatic transmission, has leather seats, 6-cd changer and is overall clean. The tires are almost new too.
I have run Carfax report on both vehicles and they both are carfax certified 1-owner cars and before buying I will have them checked out by independent mechanic.
Thanks.
Hiten
Queen of the Road: Hi again, Nidhi! Welcome back. Sounds like you’re taking all the right steps to making your car buying experience a successful one.
1) $12,000 is a little bit high, but you can just talk it down $1,000. For a 2004 Nissan Maxima SE with 54,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $10,500 (being in above average condition) to $9,100 (being in average condition) and $7,700 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $8,700 to $11,800.
2) For a 2005 SAAB 9-5 Sedan ARC with 46,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $9,400 (being in above average condition) to $7,800 (being in average condition) and $6,150 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $7,100 to $10,600.
Let me know if you need anything else.
