Hey guys, long-time lurker here. I got a 2012 silver Fit in September 2012 as a gift from my now-late grandmother when my old car was rusted out due to too many Northeast winters. I fell in love with that car. I promptly took it on a road trip from Maine to New York City... and then shortly thereafter, I moved across the country to Portland, Oregon in it. It kind of unofficially became my road trip car as of last summer because I took it on a couple more long-ass road trips.

Sadly, a week ago, I made a REALLY STUPID MISTAKE while trying to exit the freeway and rear-ended someone. Not a high speed collision, and both I and the other driver were unharmed, but my insurance company deemed it a total loss.

So now I'm shopping for a new car with the check I was given from the loss. I'd love to have another Fit, but finding one within my budget (I am on disability income currently so my ability to finance is somewhat low) is proving difficult, even used. Buuuut, I did find this one: Kuni Lexus of Portland

I went to the dealership to check it out today. It seems to be in good shape. Some scrapes and dings along the body, and part of the wheel (I'm not super car-literate, heh) looks a bit rusty, but nothing I can't cope with... but I feel like their asking price is too high (not to mention it goes over what they refunded me for my much newer, much lower mileage 2012 base model).

Should I haggle a bit? I looked up the Edmunds True Market Value price for a comparable vehicle and they listed it at around $10,900 for my area. I would be very pleased with that amount or even slightly higher, and I do so love the Fits, but am researching other cheaper options.

Would you guys take this '09 Fit?

 

Not for $12,900 it's a five year old car. If you are willing to pay $10,900 make a out the door offer in writing. Make sure they have your phone number. When they start trying to get you to up the offer, tell them your offer is all you will pay, start leaving and tell them to call you if they want to sell it for your price.


That may work, just be firm. You will probably get the car, remember money talks.


Good luck,


Clifton

 

It looks like there's room for negotiation.

KBB estimates an 09 Sport Auto with those miles in that region to be $11,200 to $12,500.

I'd offer $10,500 and settle for $11,500 if you like the car. And walk out if they don't come down a lot on the price.

Check auto trader and other ads. If you have the cash, a private sale will save you a bunch. Here's a 2010 Base with 30,000 miles for $10,300 in Vancouver. And he's willing to negotiate (pay for a pre-purchase inspection to check for accident repair).

Here's what the kbb estimate looks like for your area, that car and a dealer sale: