[soah187]

Mod edit - merged threads.

[soah187]

(I don't know if this is in the right place or not so feel free to move it if you must).

Alright, as some of you may know, I'm going to be "in the market" for an '05 STi come late May-early June. I want one in Aspen White or Platinum Silver Metallic. I currently own this car:2005 Blacked Out Ion Redline Feeler (ny) - Saturn ION RedLine Forums

If I sell privately I hope to get $15k. I know that is very unlikely 'cause just about everything including resale value on my car sucks so here's my current "plan."

In researching intensively about STi's and scoping some out at dealers, I found this one (the color I want and everything): 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi - Ask for Michael 888-726-5905

Now that price-tag seems a bit high, so here's my plan of attack:

I figure the dealer must sell a certain amount of cars to meet a goal by Memorial Day if not, the end of the month. With that being said, I plan to take a trip to this dealer just before either of those two dates before a weekend (some say odds in getting a better deal are higher due to the fact that dealers don't want to hold off until the next day or week), shortly before they close (just enough time to scope out the car, test drive, play hardball; etc.).

I plan to take myself and my dad in my car for the trade and my two other friends in his '07 STi. Then we will together ask for a dealer and scope out the car. The reason I'd like my friend to pull up in his STi is to let the dealer know we have somewhat of an idea what we're talking about. The reason for the other friend is that he works at MSPT in Huntington and works on these cars all day and all night. He is the one that pretty much knows these cars inside and out. If he gives me the OK after scoping out the car and after a nice test drive, it's time to play hardball.

If this car is still for sale by Memorial Day or later on in the month I'm going to try to argue that I've been watching this car for months (which I have) and it hasn't gone anywhere. Also, the miles are higher than my car (which I know 50,000 miles are nothing on an STi, but maybe the dealer won't know that). Also, I obviously plan to point out every imperfection in the car even if they're minimal.

I'm going to also try to make an argument saying that the KBB value is even lower than what they're asking for and since the car hasn't moved in months it's time to make a deal. I'd like the difference to be like $5k after a trade (which I know is unlikely but somewhere around there). I'll put a down payment in cash then make the rest of the payments shortly after (is that probable?).

I've been working like a dog for this past month and work will continue very heavily once summer comes so if I'm allowed to make payments, they shouldn't be an issue. If you're still reading, I guess I want to know if this is a good way to approach a dealer. Will I come off too ****y or stuck up? Am I under-estimating dealers' knowledge? Am I just totally in over my head with this "plan"? I'd appreciate comments and tips or techniques to help me out. I'd really like an STi for the spring/summer or at least by graduation! Please help me out! Thanks! Sorry for the long post guys, I appreciate it though!

[chargedvette02]

Originally Posted by soah187

(I don't know if this is in the right place or not so feel free to move it if you must).

Alright, as some of you may know, I'm going to be "in the market" for an '05 STi come late May-early June. I want one in Aspen White or Platinum Silver Metallic. I currently own this car:2005 Blacked Out Ion Redline Feeler (ny) - Saturn ION RedLine Forums

If I sell privately I hope to get $15k. I know that is very unlikely 'cause just about everything including resale value on my car sucks so here's my current "plan."

In researching intensively about STi's and scoping some out at dealers, I found this one (the color I want an everything): 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi - Ask for Michael 888-726-5905

Now that price-tag seems a bit high, so here's my plan of attack:

I figure the dealer must sell a certain amount of cars to meet a goal by Memorial Day if not, the end of the month. With that being said, I plan to take a trip to this dealer just before either of those two dates before a weekend (some say odds in getting a better deal are higher due to the fact that dealers don't want to hold off until the next day or week), shortly before they close (just enough time to scope out the car, test drive, play hardball; etc.).

I plan to take myself and my dad in my car for the trade and my two other friends in his '07 STi. Then we will together ask for a dealer and scope out the car. The reason I'd like my friend to pull up in his STi is to let the dealer know we have somewhat of an idea what we're talking about. The reason for the other friend is that he works at MSPT in Huntington and works on these cars all day and all night. He is the one that pretty much knows these cars inside and out. If he gives me the OK after scoping out the car and after a nice test drive, it's time to play hardball.

If this car is still for sale by Memorial Day or later on in the month I'm going to try to argue that I've been watching this car for months (which I have) and it hasn't gone anywhere. Also, the miles are higher than my car (which I know 50,000 miles are nothing on an STi, but maybe the dealer won't know that). Also, I obviously plan to point out every imperfection in the car even if they're minimal.

I'm going to also try to make an argument saying that the KBB value is even lower than what they're asking for and since the car hasn't moved in months it's time to make a deal. I'd like the difference to be like $5k after a trade (which I know is unlikely but somewhere around there). I'll put a down payment in cash then make the rest of the payments shortly after (is that probable?).

I've been working like a dog for this past month and work will continue very heavily once summer comes so if I'm allowed to make payments, they shouldn't be an issue. If you're still reading, I guess I want to know if this is a good way to approach a dealer. Will I come off too ****y or stuck up? Am I underestimating dealers' knowledge? Am I just totally in over my head with this "plan"? I'd appreciate comments and tips or techniques to help me out. I'd really like an STi for the spring/summer as some of you may know. Please help me out! Thanks! Sorry for the long post guys, I appreciate it though!

The price seems WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY high. I got my 05 STI for a tad under $22k with 41,XXX miles on it. Your approach seems ok, i went to the dealer and said I want this much for my vette and I won't pay more than this for the STI. It also helps that the sales guy is a pretty good friend of mine though. I still can't believe that price though, $27k with like 46k miles on it.

[tdiesel]

Well i just got my 06 for about 25k with 20k miles and the key for me was finding little things wrong with the car (dings, scratches) which lowered my final price about 2k... just tell em body work is not cheap!

[Hirogen]

A few of my friends have done sales, I can tell you they don't care about blue book value. Has nothing to do with them and they go off "black book" value or the current auction prices. That price is pretty jacked if your friend doesn't come down a lot walk away. It's amazing how far some of them will chase you if they need a sale, especially an STi.

[Nick_GDB]

My '05 costed 25k and had 103xx miles. That deal you came across is a ripoff for sure.

[BobDigi5060]

MY04 with 32k cost $24k but it was certified. The car was on the lot for a few months though.

[soah187]

What should I offer for that car if say it were in near perfect mechanical and cosmetic condition.

[WRBSTI]

One thing to always remember is never be afraid to walk away. I understand that in the end maybe you guys will be 1000 dollars apart, but if thats the case walk away. There will awlays be another STi down the line and if they dealer needs to sell it they either wont let you walk, or call you later.

[ConradSTI]

Well to be honest you sound young (high school?). Be honest with yourself, do you really want to waste one of your best summers working your ass off for a car? Do yourself a favor and put off the purchase until after college. Trust me your friends and all the girls will not care what kind of car you have if you're working all the time. You be better off chillin at the beach with some cash in you pocket. At this point in your life focus on having fun, going to school, and working as little as possible. Don't get into debt however small.



Now, knowing that you won't take that advice (sadly) here is the answer to your question:
Offer $20K. Send them an email inquiry first. Debate the price initially with emails. When the price gets better you can go down there and show them that you are in fact for real. Haggle the price down more there, point out some flaws and walk away. The key is to walk away no matter what. They will come after you with an even better offer. If not don't stress, there are better deals out there.

[spaztwelve]

Originally Posted by Hirogen

A few of my friends have done sales, I can tell you they don't care about blue book value. Has nothing to do with them and they go off "black book" value or the current auction prices. That price is pretty jacked if your friend doesn't come down a lot walk away. It's amazing how far some of them will chase you if they need a sale, especially an STi.

+1 Also, buy a car at 'end of quarter'. Q1 Jan - Mar / Q2 April - Jun etc.

This is when sales mean something to the rep.

[OBPSTIinmyeye]

I was looking at a 05 STI at a dealership by my house, I came in looked at it test drove it and told them I needed to talk it over with my dad and he will come back and look at it. The asking price was around 27.5. The salesperson called me a week later and I said I was looking around at private sellers and if nothing shows up ill come in and look at the car again. Literally 2 days later the salesperson called again, I told them I found a 06 for 24, and he offered me the 05 STI for 22.5 haha. So if you get the right person they will give you a deal for sure!

[soah187]

Originally Posted by Lurker

Well to be honest you sound young (high school?). Be honest with yourself, do you really want to waste one of your best summers working your ass off for a car? Do yourself a favor and put off the purchase until after college. Trust me your friends and all the girls will not care what kind of car you have if you're working all the time. You be better off chillin at the beach with some cash in you pocket. At this point in your life focus on having fun, going to school, and working as little as possible. Don't get into debt however small.



Now, knowing that you won't take that advice (sadly) here is the answer to your question:
Offer $20K. Send them an email inquiry first. Debate the price initially with emails. When the price gets better you can go down there and show them that you are in fact for real. Haggle the price down more there, point out some flaws and walk away. The key is to walk away no matter what. They will come after you with an even better offer. If not don't stress, there are better deals out there.

I appreciate the advice and I understand my priorities and the importance of time in my life right now. I plan to make this a memorable summer and feel an STi would be a nice touch, although I plan on working a bit... I've figured a "rough" schedule for play. If it's not working out, something whether it be a job or a car or what ever will have to go. I don't want to grow up just yet.

With that being said, I'll take pieces of your advice. I appreciate the tips on what to do as far as approaching the dealer also, thanks for the help man!

Also thanks everyone who's helping me out, keep it coming and I'll let you know how it goes!

[BobDigi5060]

I'd look for a 07.. I regret buying a used one six months before I could have afforded a new one.

[Nachos Libres]

Geez, resale values on those Redlines suck. If I were you I'd just pay it off and enjoy it and then get a newer car later.

If you do get a STI make sure to swap seats with the Redline as those are much nicer.