Show me the Carfax

[Big Papa Zone 93]

OK, so our eldest just totaled 'er indoors' car the other day, and as such, it needs to be replaced. Now she's found a suitable replacement, but obviously with it being used, we need to do the whole history thing to make sure it's not been involved in any prangs and the like.

After doing the Kelly Blue Book thing (which showed that the vehicle is $1,200 dollars overpriced, btw) we entered the VIN number, and it came back that there were 3 "reports" on file pertaining to this particular vehicle. Naturally, any further, more substantial information on said reports, will set you back $29.99.

Now here's the thing: I think that, if the dealer really wants to close the deal, he should take care of the $30 report thing, but when the wife enquired about this, she was told that she'd have to take care of that herself.

Is this the norm with used car dealers over here? Or is this guy a tightwad?

Secondly, let's talk about the price of the thing. It's a 2002 Ford Taurus SE, 4 door sedan, with 105,000 on the clock. The dealer is asking $5,999. According to KBB, he should be asking $4,800. So the first thing I was gonna do, is print out the KBB report and show it to him. That should tell him that he can shove his wholly unrealistic asking price square up his rectum. It's a buyer's market right now, but how low do reckon I could beat him down to? I was thinking probably about $4,500, but what say you?

Speaketh to me, used car buyers of America.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Why would you trust a used car dealer to get that info for you?

[Niels Bohr 72]

If they're aggressive dealership, usually they'd get that carfax for you. If they really want a deal, they'll do what you ask and prevent you from leaving without a sale.

Mention that the value he wants to sell that car is higher than the blue book. And, the cost of getting a report is minimal compared to his margin. If he has one, the next customer wouldn't need him to do it again. He can just give them a copy. Saves him the hassle. Maybe this will persuade him.

Edited October 2, 2009 by Niels Bohr

[Darnell 8,480]

ON a different note - since yer in 'car buying mode' - I suggest you buy a month of unlimited access at the Carfax web portal. It's just a little bit more, but if you are car shopping, IMO, it's worth it - you can view as many as you need to, during your search for a replacement car.

Good Luck !! (Personally, I'm a fan of old Volvo Wagons - 740 series, as long as you can review the total maintenance records from the car's maintenance book, I'm a happy camper ).

[Heracles 417]

They get a cheaper deal, so that is why they want to retrieve it themselves.

[^KK^ 3]

don't tell me it's a car dealership market now...or seller's market.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

Why would you trust a used car dealer to get that info for you?

Good point - he could tell us any old #######.

If they really want a deal, they'll do what you ask and prevent you from leaving without a sale.

That's what I thought

Mention that the value he wants to sell that car is higher than the blue book.

Oh I intend to, don't worry about that.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I'd pay it myself (unlimited month of use) and check any car I was interested in.

[Otto 83]

I'd pay it myself (unlimited month of use) and check any car I was interested in.

Yup - best deal out there - get the month-use deal and check any car you're interested in yourself.

[Empress of Groovy 373]

Personally, I'd never buy a car from a dealer, esp. a used car dealer. You'll never get the best price, and the experience is almost always a headache. Some dealers around here have carfax reports for every car on the lot. Insisting that you take care of your own research isn't unusual.

I've bought a few used cars over the years and have had good luck buying from private parties. Take the car to your mechanic for a "pre-buy": nearly all mechanics offer this service and typically charge an hour's worth of labor. If the seller has a problem w/ this (most won't), move on. And driving it to the mechanic can serve as a test drive. I'd also recommend this if you're buying from a dealer.

Re: carfax, paying for the subscription is definitely the better deal.

I also wouldn't buy a Ford, but that's just me.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

This is great information, people - thank you. I shall text 'er indoors with the URL and let her peruse it herself.

[NickD 203]

Same dealer would use Kelly for the average trade in value for your vehicle, deducting everything he thinks is wrong with your vehicle, you may end up owing him money on your trade in.

What about warranty? As is, or a 30 days 50-50, that is also a joke, have to pay the dealer you purchased that vehicle, he will fix it just enough to get buy and more than double the price, so you are paying more for it.

Do not feel it's a buyers market now, 8 million less new vehicles were made this last year and used car prices are skyrocketing, even our new car dealers in town are scrambling around trying to find used cars for sale hitting the rentals, leasers, auctions, and wrecking yards. Clunkers were successful in cleaning out the remaining new inventory except for a few huge pickup trucks and SUV's that get 2 mpg.

Carfax can only report what was reported to them, still have to inspect the vehicle or pay to have it done, this is at your expense. Yet another obstacle is replacement parts are at an all time high, if there is a way to screw people, they will find it.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Haggling car prices is a sport.

When I bought my last used car (back in 2004), I found a nice 1997 Ford Taurus GL with 70,000 miles on it. Carfax confirmed it was a single owner car and I loved it.

My Minivan was on it's last legs and I'm surprised it made it to the dealership. I had $5,000 cash in my pocket and the dealership was asking $4,995 for the car. I had already decided that I would pay no more than $3,500 and had that amount separated.

The salesman dropped $500 immediately when I told him I thought the price was too high.

I kept the banter friendly and told him that I just couldn't afford that as I've been a divorced single Dad for a few years now and was still recovering financially from the divorce. I explained that I just need something safe for my daughters (then 9 & 12) but there is no way I could afford $4,500. I then reminded him that my older daughter would begin driving in a few years at which time I should be able to afford a new car for myself hinting that good will now would make me a loyal customer not only for servicing of the vehicle but also that future purchase.

Now he proposed $4,000 out the door (which included taxes, title & all dealer fees)! In 15 minutes I'd got the price reduced by $1,000.

Then I informed him that the max I could afford was $3,500 out the door, he looked like I'd just shot his grandma. The salesman disappeared for a few minutes and when her returned he told me that the lowest he could go was $3,750 out the door.

I asked him if they accept $3,500 cash & give me $250 trade-in for my 1991 Minivan. After a momentary pause he asked me if it still runs. I replied, "It got me here didn't it?"

The deal was struck!

5 years later my daughter drives that 1997 Taurus which still runs great.

[SMOKE 1,426]

offer them $4,500. when they say no. tell them 'gimme a call when you're ready to take $4,000'

if they have it on the lot for $5999.....they have approx $2500-3000 tied up in it.

[Dave and Helena 0]

Personally, I'd never buy a car from a dealer, esp. a used car dealer. You'll never get the best price, and the experience is almost always a headache. Some dealers around here have carfax reports for every car on the lot. Insisting that you take care of your own research isn't unusual.

I've bought a few used cars over the years and have had good luck buying from private parties. Take the car to your mechanic for a "pre-buy": nearly all mechanics offer this service and typically charge an hour's worth of labor. If the seller has a problem w/ this (most won't), move on. And driving it to the mechanic can serve as a test drive. I'd also recommend this if you're buying from a dealer.

Re: carfax, paying for the subscription is definitely the better deal.

I also wouldn't buy a Ford, but that's just me.

I totally agree. Dave found my car on Craigslist. You have to be alert and check often because the good ones go FAST. We bought a 1999 Miata in perfect condition which had gone 30 000 miles for less than we'd found at any dealership for cars which had a lot more miles on them.

Definitely get the carfax subscription for a month.

You can check out Consumer Reports to get some good advice on which models are the best and most reliable. Some information is for subscribers only but some of it is free. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/used-cars/index.htm