How Much Should I Pay: 2006 Pontiac Torrent & 2006 Pontiac Vibe & 2006 Saturn Vue
Question: Hi there. I saw your post about new cars obviously. Allow me to give you some background, as I feel being as detailed as possible will be most helpful.
My I am a 24yr old male who has been driving a ’99 Durango for the past 8+ years. I bought it used at 75,000 miles for $15,000. Needless to say, the 12MPG in addition to it being old and falling apart is catching up. Within the past 3 months, I have dropped just over $5,000 in to repairs for it, including but not limited to A/C, new brakes, new rebuilt transmission, alignments and more. I’m still have a ton of issues with it wobbling all over the highway and such. I am due for another appointment this week to see what else is going on now…possible U-joint issue, powertrain, or 4×4 issue is now going on. I think I’m to the point where it’s time to call it quits. The problem now is that I have put a good chunk of a down payment in to repairs…that could have gone elsewhere obviously. The other bad news is that I am just now rebuilding my credit and financial systems. That is not to say that I have bad credit. in fact, it’s “good,” but I’m pinching pennies to ensure I will be debt free within another 6-12months. Having said that, my credit is *mostly* saturated and my disposable income is under $1,000 on any given week. I can pull a few hundred extra in income every week if totally necessary however that my compromise other financial matters. I originally chose a Durango purely for it’s size. Cargo space has always been my sell point. 4×4 was probably the next sales point. Living in SouthWest Michigan, it sometimes seems to be a necessary feature. However, now I wonder if I use it often purely because it’s awkward to control since it’s RWD. When gas was $1.10/gallon, I wasn’t concerned with MPG. The sheer size and openness of the vehicle was what I wanted as I was always moving back and forth to college on my own, carrying around 6 fraternity brothers and so on. Now, I’m not sure that is the best choice, however literally downsizing makes me nervous.
Having said that, allow me to tell you what I THINK I am looking for. Since they came out, I have researched and wanted a Pontiac Torrent. I like the look of them, the size/space is decent, and the MPG is *ok*. I was convinced for some time that it was the vehicle for me. Recently, I have started looking more closely at it’s competitors and thought of the Saturn Vue. I’m less impressed with the “look” I think, and the space seems significantly smaller, and I thought the MPG was slightly better…but that has put me at a loss. If I had to choose today what my next car would be, I’d still probably say the Torrent.
At this point, I feel that if it were a question of MPG only, or Insurance rates, I’d get the Vue, but I think for the other range of things like look, cargo, and interior features, I’d go with a Torrent. Do you have any thoughts on this matter. Any suggestions, criticisms, or recommendations?
Being at the awkward, trying to get your life out of college together stage of my life, my options are somewhat limited. According to my wallet, this isn’t the time to buy any kind of vehicle. According to the market, it seems that this would be a good time to consider one. According to the current condition and costliness of the Durango that I have, the time to get a new vehicle was yesterday. Having said that, I don’t need a *new* vehicle, mostly because I’m poor-ish. However, I also realize that in the end, sometimes it’s cheaper to get a new vehicle. At this point in my life, I think I’d have to opt for the quickest, cheapest, dirtiest way to get a vehicle that can last me a couple of years.
Again, I feel my search has come down to a used Pontiac Torrent, or a Saturn Vue. (I’ve driven a few competitors like the Chevy Equinox and wasn’t impressed.) I’m not too particular with current mileage or year only because I don’t find much value in it. I simply want something in good condition that isn’t just bare-bones. Ideally, my Torrent would be black. Outside of that, I wouldn’t ask much else…the more the better though.
One thing I am completely undecided on is AWD vs 2WD vs 4WD etc. Actually I know little to nothing about vehicles. I am open to your suggestions. However, I feel that I will end up going 2WD for MPG and availability purposes. I would also like your opinion about Hybrid technology and if I should get a car now with it or wait until the next round.
Referencing your list, in summary:
Year: Doesn’t Matter (2006+)
Make: Pontiac
Model: Torrent
Trim: As outfitted as possible.
Mileage: Doesn’t matter, probably under 50-60k
Buying or Selling? Buying
From Private Party or From A Dealership? Doesn’t Matter.
Thank you for your thoughts in advance. I am anxiously awaiting your response.
P.S. I’m looking for all the sources and tricks you’ve got. I was planning on $10,000 but realistically have to be less…unless what we find is *new-ish.*
On a similar note, I was looking in to the Pontiac Vibe for purposes of price and MPG. Might you have any suggestions on a Pontiac Vibe (Black) where mileage is at 65,000 miles at most. The year is somewhat flexible but I’d prefer no earlier than 04-05. What’s the lowest you feel I could get price-wise? Thank you.
Queen of the Road: Welcome to AutoBragBlog! I recommend getting a pre-owned car in your situation. Unless you find a new car deal that’s so great, you should buy pre-owned because people are selling their extra cars more than ever now.
Since you live in a state where it snows, I’d assume AWD is mandatory or just easier to get around. I would wait on the Hybrids. There will be a growing variety of Hybrids to come. There’s no rush, but you can opt for a pre-owned hybrid.
I’ll list all the cars you mentioned…
For a 2006 Pontiac Torrent FWD V6 with 50,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $9,800 (being in above average condition) to $8,300 (being in average condition) and $6,900 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $8,000 to $11,100. A private seller will usually aim to sell it for 5%-10%.
For a 2006 Pontiac Vibe FWD with 50,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $10,000 (being in above average condition) to $8,100 (being in average condition) and $6,100 (being in below average condition). 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 $11,300. A private seller will usually aim to sell it for 5%-10%.
For a 2006 Saturn Vue 2WD V6 with 45,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $10,600 (being in above average condition) to $9,000 (being in average condition) and $7,500 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $8,600 to $11,900. A private seller will usually aim to sell it for 5%-10%.
Check the carfax and do plenty of research on the history of the vehicle. Ask for their maintenance records. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection. Here‘s a good article to read before continuing: Car Buying Tips From An Insider.
There are a few cars you can buy for under $10,000.
1. Go to www.AutoBrag.com
2. Click the tab “Search Prices”
3. Just click the circle in the right column that says “Lowest Price” and Search.
These cars are mainly small sedans, but they’re new and under $10,000.
April 19th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
If your still looking for a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. I have one for sale in very good condition, it is loaded and ready to go. Please email me directly. Asking what we owe only, for more information email me.