Question From Jonny: I am also interested in a similar car:

Year: 2008-2009
Make: Honda
Model: Accord COUPE
Trim: EX-L (the one with the v6 engine)
Mileage: New
Buying or Selling: Buying
Private Party or Dealership: Dealership
Zip Code: 57101 or 55401

Queen of the Road:  Hi Jonny. Welcome to our blog! I have a few deals listed below, but the host of the deals are not located in South Dakota or Minnesota.

For a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 5A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $30,134.00
MSRP: $33,707.00
ePrice: $30,134.00
Savings: $3,573.00
% OFF MSRP: 10.60%
This deal was rated a Thumbs Up by AutoBrag.

2nd Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $28,765.00
MSRP: $31,145.00
ePrice: $28,765.00
Savings: $2,380.00
% OFF MSRP: 7.64%
This deal is rated Fair.

The Lowest Internet Price: $26,777.00
MSRP: $28,945.00
ePrice: $26,777.00
Savings: $2,168.00
% OFF MSRP: 7.49%

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

So now what? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. If you want to research more new car prices, poke around on www.AutoBrag.com.

Follow Up Comment:  Thanks! I will check the cars out. -jonny

Question From Mistjust:  I found a 2007 KIA spectra EX (might be SX I don’t remember), w/ 14000 miles on it. It is being advertised on the website for $13,900. It is an automatic transmission. Any idea for what I could/should get it for?

Queen of the Road: Hi Mistjust. You came to the right place to determine if it’s a good deal or bad deal. Let’s see what Kia wholesale prices we’ve got for that car…

For a 2007 Kia Spectra EX with 14,000 miles, prices range from $10,500 (being in above average condition) to $9,900 (being in average condition) and $9,300 (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 $10.5k to $11.8k.

Is the advertisement from a dealership or a private seller? Is the $13.9k an OTD price? If not, then it’s a BAD DEAL. Talk it down to the wholesale prices as much as possible. If they don’t budge, then just walk away. Let me know otherwise if it’s a trim besides EX.

This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Question: Thanks for your help!

I ran across two other 2007 Tahoes on craigslist that I am considering. Expert opinions on these “deals” would also be greatly appreceiated. And I plan to pay cash, in case that can be used as leverage for a lower offer(?).

Year: 2007
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Tahoe 4WD
Trim: LT
VIN: 1GNFK13007R271773 (carfax: clean title, 1 owner)
Miles: 14,811
Notable Options: navigation system, 2nd row bucket seats, security system, leather seats, 3rd row seats
Buying or Selling: Buying
Private Party or Dealership: Dealership
Dealer’s Asking Price: $28,888 (assuming tax and tags not included)
Dealer Zip Code: 94014
My Zip Code: 93611

Year: 2007
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Tahoe 2WD
Trim: LTZ
VIN: 1GNFC13027R121659 (carfax: clean title, used car certified)
Miles: 12,254
Notable Options: navigation system, 2nd row bucket seats, DVD player, leather seats, 20″+ wheels, 3rd row seats
Buying or Selling: Buying
Private Party or Dealership: Dealership
Dealer’s Asking Price: $34,999 (not including tax and tags)
Dealer Zip Code: 94577
My Zip Code: 93611

I would love to know if these are good deals, and if so, what a lowball offer and target price should be.
Thanks in advance!

Queen of the Road: Let’s see… You’re in Fresno and the dealer is in Daly City. That’s quite a commute. The deal better be fantastic in order to have to travel that far. The San Leandro deal is pathetic. You’d have a long way to go with bargaining. Below are Chevy wholesale prices.

For a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD 3.5L LT with 14,800 miles, prices range from $27,300 (being in above average condition) to $24,700 (being in average condition) and $22,100 (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 $24.1k to $29.8k.

$28.8k is too high. Use the “I’m paying with cash” reason to pay wholesale prices. Go as low as possible and if the dealer won’t budge from the $28.8k, then leave. They don’t deserve your business.

For a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD 5.3L LTZ with 12,250 miles, prices range from $28,100 (being in above average condition) to $25,400 (being in average condition) and $22,800 (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 $24.9k to $30.7k.

$35k is beyond ridiculous. That’s approximately a 30% mark up from wholesale prices. Goodluck talking that one down. Have you considered other trucks besides Chevy Tahoes? The 2007 Toyota Tacomas are a grand or two less than the Tahoes.

My advice is if the dealers won’t go lower, then keep looking. Have you tried looking at private seller ads? Private sellers are usually less and many truck/SUV owners are trying to sell their gas guzzlers.

The market for sport utility vehicles is starting to look a lot like the housing market, spreading pain to consumers, automakers and dealers. Just like hapless homeowners, countless car owners are now “underwater,” driving vehicles that are worth less than the balance on their car loans. And just like desperate homeowners, the sellers of S.U.V.’s are having to painfully cut asking prices.

Dealers normally spend this time of year raking in some of their biggest profits and breathlessly promoting Detroit’s newest models. Instead, they almost cannot give S.U.V.’s away.

Automakers are offering discounts of $10,000 or more on some S.U.V.’s just to get rid of them, so dealers have space to stock more of the fuel-efficient cars consumers are clamoring for. On average, new sport utility vehicles sold for 20% below sticker price in July.

Question: You are a true saint to your fellow man for the help you provide here.
I’m looking at this possible car now-

Year: 2004
Make: Audi
Model: A4 1.8 TURBO 4D sedan
Trim: silver with very little extra
Mileage: 52,889
VIN: WAUJC68E14A115508
Buying or Selling? Buying
From Private Party or From A Dealership?: Dealership. If it helps they told me they got it from an auction.

Their price for it is $12,900 at the moment and the zip is 22046.

Queen of the Road: Who me? Aww Shucks! Thank you for your kind words. It’s always a pleasure to help save someone time and money.

For a 2004 Audi A4 Sedan 1.8T with 52,900 miles, prices range from $13,000 (being in above average condition) to $11,700 (being in average condition) and $10,400 (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 $11.7k to $14.5k.

What condition would you say the car is in? I can’t determine if $12.9k is good yet unless I know the car’s condition. I was unable to find the auction results for the car. Have you done a CarFax yet?

Question: Hi -  I am looking for pricing of new 2008 honda CRV EX AWD in the region of columbus, oh (43213) area. The best i have got till now is 23500(w/o tax & tags). Let me know if this price is OK or should be negotiated more.

MSRP is $24,820. I was looking for price below invoice but none of the dealers are able to match invoice at all. So, was not sure whether i am paying too much or not. Please advice.

Thanks

Queen of the Road: Hello there! Booooo! 5% savings is weak. The average discount is 7% off and the maximum is 10.25%. I would aim at $22,338 (10% off the $24,820 MSRP/savings = $2,482) or a figure around there.

5% off is considered a good deal for the dealership. That is an extra $1,200 that the dealer is making off you.

Here’s one example of a 9.7% discount…

For a 2008 Honda CR-V EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $23,848.00
MSRP: $26,414.00
ePrice: $23,848.00
Savings: $2,566.00
% OFF MSRP: 9.71%

I have confidence that you can get a deal close to 10% off. Have you spoken with that dealership’s Internet Sales Manager? You might want to try other Honda dealerships in your area or in another city close by, but always call first to save yourself time. Always ask to speak with the Internet Sales Manager/Internet Fleet Manager instead of a floor salesman.

Question From Joy: I’m intereseted in any of the following:
Toyota RAV4 Base
Tuscon Hyundai SE
Subaru Forester (base)
Subaru Legacy w/esc
Honda CR-V

Yes, all 2008.
Yes AWD
4C preferred when available for improved gas mileage
ESC is electronic stability control — a must for us. It can be called dynamic stability control.
The musts include electronic stability control, curtain and front airbags and fog lights. Extras that add to the costs are not desired. The car is for my recent college graduate daughter who is moving to upstate NY and will be traveling back to PA frequently. Safety is BIG, fuel economy 2nd in importance and last is avoiding spending more than we must. Some dealers offer college discounts, I understand. We are open to other car suggestions.Thanks for your help.

Queen of the Road: Hi Joy. Just to get the ball rolling, I researched each car to find our best deals so that you can get an idea of the how large a discount you can obtain from MSRPs. What style of the Honda CR-V and Subaru Legacy are you looking for?

For a 2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $20,843.00
MSRP: $24,234.00
ePrice: $20,843.00
Savings: $3,391.00
% OFF MSRP: 13.99%
This deal was rated a Thumbs Up.

For a 2008 Hyundai Tucson SE 4dr SUV 4WD
(2.7L 6cyl 4A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $20,001.00
MSRP: $23,960.00
ePrice: $20,001.00
Savings: $3,959.00
% OFF MSRP: 16.52%
Another Thumbs Up deal.

Financial Incentive$: A Cash Back Incentive of $1,000-$1,500 is being offered to the Consumer upon purchase. Offer Expires: 7/31/2008

For a 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition 4dr Wagon AWD (2.5L 4cyl 4A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $24,998.00
MSRP: $27,340.00
ePrice: $24,998.00
Savings: $2,342.00
% OFF MSRP: 8.57%

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

So now what? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up a dealership’s website and checking their inventory. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. This car in New York should cost the same in Las Vegas. The taxes vary by state. Keep us posted with how everything goes.

Question: 2006 BMW 330i
4 door Sedan
Manual transmission
Options: sports package, premium package.
Mileage:25,853
Buying

Dealership asking for $28000, certified pre-owned

Queen of the Road: Hello! Welcome to AutoBragBlog!

For a 2006 BMW 330i with 25,850 miles, prices range from $27,800 (being in above average condition) to $25,500 (being in average condition) and $23,200 (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 $25,500 to $30,500.

$28k is an ok price. Not a “deal“, but it’s the expected price from a dealership. I would try and bargain down to wholesale prices otherwise I would never pay retail price. If they won’t budge with prices, just walk away. Have you tried looking online for private sellers? Majority of the time, they offer their cars at better prices. Try Craigslist or AutoTrader.

If you do end up buying from that dealer, be sure to do plenty of research on the car if you do decide to purchase it. Don’t hesitate to bring a trusted mechanic with you.  Let us know if you have any further questions.

Good luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes. If you need help with any other cars, come back and ask. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

Question From Mumu:  HOW MUCH WOULD YOU SAY IS A GOOD PRICE FOR A 2008 HONDA ACC. SEDAN? IM GOING IN TOMORROW TO GET A CAR IF IM LUCKY. PLEASE HELP ME OUT.

Queen of the Road: Hi Mumu. We’d love to help you get prices before visiting the dealership, but I’ll need more info about the type of Accord you want before I can begin researching.

Are you looking for a: EX, EX-L or LX? 4Cyl or V6?

Question:  Could you tell me what is a good price for the following? Thanks in advance!

Year: 2004
Make: Mazda
Model: 3 5-door automatic
Trim: s grand touring with navigation
Mileage: 35000
Buying or Selling? Buying
From Private Party or From A Dealership? Private Party

Queen of the Road: Hi there! Welcome to our blog. I’ve got wholesale prices for that model, but it doesn’t include the navigation prices.

For a 2004 Mazda3 5D Sedan GT with 35,000 miles, prices range from $12,400 (being in above average condition) to $10,300 (being in average condition) and $8,200 (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 $9,200 to $13,800.

Purchasing pre-owned cars is the way to go. Especially now. Make sure to check 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. Good luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.