This Is An Update To A Previous Question

CONGRATULATIONS, Guna! The entire AutoBrag team is very happy for you. We always get excited when we hear back from people who have saved money by using our prices. Enjoy your new car. Let us know if you have friends or family that need car prices/advice. More power to the car consumers!!

Question:  2005 Acura TL with Navigation, Manual 45,000k miles

They are asking $19,500 but Im guessing I could get it for $18,500

THANKS ALOT.

Queen of the Road: Hi there! Welcome to our blog! You’ve got the right idea. Depending in the car’s condition, you could lower it another grand.

For a 2005 Acura TL w/ Navi. with 45,000 miles, prices range from $19,300 (being in above average condition) to $17,400 (being in average condition) and $15,500 (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 $17,200 to $21,300.

Be sure to do plenty of research on the car. If you are buying from a private party, you should expect to pay from 5% to 10% over wholesale market. Let us know if you have any further question. Crash Test and Rollover Ratings for the 2005 Acura TL. Good Luck!!!

Question From Chao: I am looking for a RAV4 base v4 and 2w. Thanks.

Queen of the Road:  Hi Chao! Welcome to our blog. Let’s save you some $$$!

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

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $26,088.00
MSRP: $28,774.00
ePrice: $26,088.00
Savings: $2,686.00
% OFF MSRP: 9.33%

2nd Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $26,472.00
MSRP: $29,190.00
ePrice: $26,472.00
Savings: $2,718.00
% OFF MSRP: 9.31%

The Lowest Internet Price:  $20,915.00
MSRP: $22,654.00
ePrice: $20,915.00
Savings: $1,739.00
% OFF MSRP: 7.68%

Two out of the three deals were given a thumbs up by our team of experts. As for the 2009s, we should have some 2009 Rav4 deals in the near future. I’ll explain why I gave you links to dealerships in other cities below. But first…

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 Toyota 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 Toyota 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.  If you want to research more new car prices, poke around on www.autobrag.com. Keep us posted with how everything goes.

Let us know if you or your friends/family need any advice or have any further questions. Goodluck!

Question:  I can’t decide between a new car and a used car. I will be driving 92.44 km (57.94mi) 5 days a week to work. For a new car I would be looking at entry level vehicles only (such as Chevy Aveo, Pontiac Wave, Kia Rio, etc). A new car is enticing because I can have a full warranty and not worry about the car.

Used car - I don’t know what to look for. I need good gas mileage because of the amount of driving each week. I will have this job from July 2, 2008 until the end of August 2009, and then I will be in teacher’s college. I need to decide soon so I can go and wrangle the dealers. Thanks!

Queen of the Road: Hi there. Buying new is a REALLY bad investment but if you have a business and can use a lease as a write off that’s not a bad deal. There is nothing wrong with buying new and not everyone cares about doing whats best for their pocket books long term. Short term, many new cars offer zero percent financing and other ways to lower that monthly payment. For many people the payment is the most important thing rather than the total price of the vehicle. We used to be new car snobs but have converted. Buying something 90% new for 75% of the price is a good value in my humble opinion. The only time I buy new is when its a family discount with Toyota/Lexus.

Purchasing pre-owned cars is the way to go. Especially now. New cars are the 2nd fastest depreciating possessions. Homes rank #1. The second you drive that new car off the lot, it tanks quite a bit. Look for a used car that’s no older than a decade, so at most, 1998. I recommend the Japanese cars for reliability.  My 1992 Honda Accord has over 200,000 miles and only needs regular maintenance once a year.

This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Follow Up Comment: Hi, thanks for your info. It’s really helpful.

I added a comment on it with another one, since, well, the one I listed previously was already gone. It seems the price they are listing is a bit on higher end, but sort of within the range.

Queen of the Road: Hi M.Y. Have you tried negotiating with them? They won’t budge on their prices unless you seem adamant about paying XYZ price. Take a look through Craigslist and AutoTrader in your area/county. Regarding your comment, we always keep comments posted. Was it through email or through AutoBragBlog.com?

This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Question From M.Y.: How about 2006 Mazda3?

Miles: 36,864
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Engine: 4-Cyl. 2.3 Liter
Exterior: Silver
Interior: Graphite
Certified: yes

Thanks for help!

Queen of the Road: Hi M.Y.  I’m assuming it’s the Madza 3 I.

For a 2006 Madza3 4dr. Sedan I with 36,900 miles, wholesale prices range from $12,000 (being in above average condition) to $10,450 (being in average condition) and $8,900 (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 $10,150 to $13,500.

For a 2006 Madza3 5dr. Sedan I with 36,900 miles, wholesale prices range from $13,200 (being in above average condition) to $11,900 (being in average condition) and $10,600 (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 $11,900 to $14,800.

Did you find this car through a private seller or a dealership? What is their current offer?

This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Question: Hi! Thanks for your time.
Year: 2005-2008
Make: Mazda
Model Mazda3 i Sport 2.0L w/ Automatic Transmission
Mileage: less than 30,000
Zip: 18011

Actually I could go either way. I believe 5dr only comes with 2.3L engine while 4dr comes with both 2.0 and 2.3.

I had a quick glance at local used Mazda3, and it sounds like both 4 and 5dr versions are probably within our ball game, as long as they are few years old.

Queen of the Road: Hi there! Below is each year with both 4D and 5D figures. I set the 2005 and 2007 mileage at 30,000 so you’ll know the maximum price you should pay. Once you find a specific Mazda3, then just let us know the exact mileage and we’ll narrow the price down for you.

For a 2005 Mazda3 4D I with 30,000 miles, prices range from $13,300 (being in above average condition) to $11,600 (being in average condition) and $9,800 (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 $11,000 to $14,800.

For a 2005 Mazda3 5D I with 30,000 miles, prices range from $11,400 (being in above average condition) to $10,600 (being in average condition) and $9,700 (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 $11,000 to $12,800.

For a 2006 Mazda3 4D I with 30,000 miles, prices range from $12,600 (being in above average condition) to $11,000 (being in average condition) and $9,400 (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 $10,700 to $14,100.

For a 2006 Mazda3 5D I with 30,000 miles, prices range from $13,600 (being in above average condition) to $12,100 (being in average condition) and $10,700 (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 $12,100 to $15,100.

For a 2007 Mazda3 4D I with 30,000 miles, prices range from $13,000 (being in above average condition) to $12,300 (being in average condition) and $11,500 (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 $13,000 to $14,600.

For a 2007 Mazda3 5D I with 30,000 miles, prices range from $14,200 (being in above average condition) to $13,200 (being in average condition) and $12,200 (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 $13,700 to $15,800.

For a 2008 Mazda3 4D I with 15,000 miles, prices range from $13,500 (being in above average condition) to $13,800 (being in average condition) and $12,100 (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 $13,600 to $15,100.

Once you find a Mazda3 I that you want, 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. Best of luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

Question:
Year: 2002
Make: Pontiac Trans Am
Model: Trans Am - Firebird - 2 door - automatic
Trim: Convertible - White body - black top -
Interior: Black leather bucket seats - center console - power windows - manual seats
Mileage: 44k

Selling
Private Party - Michigan

This is our ‘fun’ ride - thinking about selling.

Thanks in advance!

Queen of the Road: Hello there! Welcome to our blog. Before I begin researching Firebird prices, I just need to know if your firebird is a V6 or V8?

This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Question From Mary Ann: Hi again! I’m planning on buying out my dad’s lease on his 2007 Honda Pilot EX-L (no nav or DVD) in December. By then, it will have 50,000 miles on it (YES). It currently has around 34,000 miles on it. Just wondering what the pricing on it would be now (or if you can also foresee into the future) to see if the buyout price is good.

Also, I’ve never dealt with a lease before, is there room for negotiation in a lease buyout? I’m thinking with car sales down nationally (especially SUVs) the leasing company will be happy to have me purchase this high-mileage SUV and get it off their hands.

Oh, also, my dad will be leasing again come December. Do you have any information on residual values and money factors on the 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limiteds? Don’t need pricing, because you guys have already done that for me!

Thanks again!

Queen of the Road: Welcome back, Mary Ann! Wow, 50,000 miles?! I’ll give you the wholesale prices for both 34,000 miles and 50,000 miles. In regards to the leasing questions, I’ll let another car expert, CarFinanceGuru, answer your questions.

Is his Pilot a 2WD or 4WD?

Follow Up Comment: It’s 4WD, sorry, I though I included everything, but I forgot about the 2WD vs 4WD!

I apologize for posting the same thing twice, but I thought that maybe I had forgotten to submit the first time and that’s why you guys hadn’t answered! Just answer when you can, no hurry!

Thanks so much for all of your help!

Mary Ann

Queen of the Road: Hi Mary Ann. Below is the wholesale prices. CarFinanceGuru will take over from here. Thanks for your patience.

For a 2007 Honda Pilot 4WD EX-L with 34,000 miles, prices range from $23,100 (being in above average condition) to $21,700 (being in average condition) and $20,300 (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 $22,500 to $25,500.

For a 2007 Honda Pilot 4WD EX-L with 50,000 miles, prices range from $21,700 (being in above average condition) to $20,300 (being in average condition) and $19,000 (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 $21,200 to $24,200.

Question From Mary Ann:  Hi again! I’m planning on buying out my dad’s lease on his 2007 Honda Pilot EX-L (no nav or DVD) in December. By then, it will have 50,000 miles on it (YES). It currently has around 34,000 miles on it. Just wondering what the pricing on it would be now (or if you can also foresee into the future) to see if the buyout price is good.

Also, I’ve never dealt with a lease before, is there room for negotiation in a lease buyout? I’m thinking with car sales down nationally (especially SUVs) the leasing company will be happy to have me purchase this high-mileage SUV and get it off their hands.

Oh, also, my dad will be leasing again come December. Do you have any information on residual values and money factors on the 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limiteds? Don’t need pricing, because you guys have already done that for me!

Thanks again!

Queen of the Road: Welcome back, Mary Ann! Wow, 50,000 miles?! I’ll give you the wholesale prices for both 34,000 miles and 50,000 miles. In regards to the leasing questions, I’ll let another car expert, CarFinanceGuru, answer your questions.

Is his Pilot a 2WD or 4WD?