I have three cars I'm looking at:

All 3 are '09 Fit Sports. 2 have 4,000 miles, and 1 has 38,000 miles.

My question: it seems the blue book value is relatively close, despite having 34,000 miles for the 3rd car. How much does everyone think I should expect that dealer to drop down his price? Right now, he wants the SAME amount as the 2 cars that have 4,000 miles.

And I would just go with one of the other 2, but the one with 38k is my fiancee's favorite color...and..well, you guys with a lady of your own knows what that means when it comes to decision making.

In case anyone is curious, the lowest drive-off quote for the 4k mile one is $18,600, including tax.

 

I just went through a similar thing. It basically comes down to what it's worth to you. For me, 25k miles extra would have had to be quite a bit less expensive for me to buy it. To me it was personally worth $1,000+ to have the 25k less milage car.

 

Everthing else being equal, edmunds.com shows about a $1,100 difference for 30,000 miles.

 

Does that seem accurate?

I guess my "gut" just felt that seemed strange...only a roughly 6% discount for having an extra 34,000 miles.

But is that reasonable? Is it likely that all things being equal, 5 years down the road both would still be only about $1,000 apart?

I.e., 50k miles vs. 84k miles

 

Look at 07 Sports with 50k and compare to 07 Sports with 84k. From what I've been looking at, it's more than $1,000 difference.

 

Checking edmunds on an 07 fit. Today one with 80K would be about $1400 less than one with 50K. So $1100 on an 09 with 30K vs one with 4K sounds about right.

It's only as accurate as what someone is willing to pay, though...

 

I'd go with at least $1,000. Particularly, as the extra mileage means the major service points will come up quite a bit earlier in your ownership.

Btw, 18,600 for an 09 w/4k? Ack, here in Illinois, I just got a new 11 sport for 19500 w/tax, title, license included (auto, no nav). What's an 11 sport run there in Texas?

 

$18,600 OTD for used 09 is too high in my opinion. Due to market conditions, many used Fits are selling for more than new ones currently. At that price, you may as well get a new Fit, at least you will have VSA and the warranty will last just that bit longer. If not, go for the 30K one if you can get a good deal. These cars will last an additional 200K anyways if you take care of it.

 

18,600 is way too expensive for a used fit. I bought my 2010 sport in January for 16,400 and it was brand new.

Find a different dealer.

 

What, $18.6K? I paid $19,200 all-in (including tax, title...) for a new 2009 Fit Sport in April of 2009.

 

The other dealer that has a 4k mileage fit wants 18,900 minimum.

The new ones all look to be about 20-21k around here after tax.

Why am I getting screwed down here so bad?

 

Go to truecar.com and just buy it new from the lowest cost dealer in your area.

 

That is weird, I bought mine in California near San Fran. I don't understand why it would more expensive for you.

 

According to that, I'd be paying $20,305 after tax for the cheapest car in the city.

That's $1,715 more just for 4,000 less miles and the new model as opposed to the '09, which I understand are pretty much the same in every way, right?

Am I missing anything? It's starting to look like I might just have to overpay for the used '09...

 

Texas doesn't have an income tax, so they make up for it with a crushing sales tax and other taxes. And I imagine Houston being a huge sprawling commuter city doesn't help much...

 

its crazy that used Fits are going for sop much. Id say if you dont need to do any financing through the dealer you probable have some room for bargaining. Make a offer to get the car that day and if they say no walk away.

 

Any negotiating techniques? I didn't realize having my own financing would have an effect on the total price. Should I state this up-front?

I'm pretty familiar with negotiating techniques in other areas (legal background) but sadly enough, this is the first time I'll ever be purchasing a car! So, I'm not quite familiar with how the industry handles these things, and what methods are most effective at securing a lower cost.

Thanks everyone for being so helpful so far! Me and the future Mrs. appreciate it!

 

I'd check with dealers in smaller towns where the majority of the population drives pickups and SUVs.. Cars in general sell for less and they might be willing to deal some on a small car to avoid trading it off to another dealer where there's a larger market for them..

 

actually I really dont, not sure if it would even work. I just would think if you walked in with say $16K cash and said ill take the Fit you would have a better chance then trying to get it for $16K with financing. Does that make any sense?

 

Cars dealers make more money selling loans than they do cars in a lot of cases. Don't tell them you won't finance with them; say you'll finance with them if the rate is competitive. After you sign the sales agreement then you sit with the finance guy who tries to sell you a loan, service agreements, and extended warranties. That's where a lot if not most of their profits are made. You don't have to buy anything from that guy.