Help! New to forum.

[Mantis806]

hey everyone,
i'm new to the forum and pretty new to buying cars in general. i've been going around PA, trying to find 2004 325xi. i've found a coupe in silver w/black leather. i need some help on how much i should be paying. as of now, the dealers say that the last few '04 models they have are selling quick. i want to trade my current honda accord and i got a few estimates today. here are the 2 cars that i'm looking at and what they're offering for my accord.

1) 325xi (demo: 200miles)
silver w/black leatherette
automatic trans
premium package
heated front seats
MSRP: $35,895 + tax
Dealer Price: $34,695 + tax
Accord: ($11,000)

2) 325xi (brand new)
silver w/ black letherette
automatic trans
power front seats w/ memory
glass moonroof
MSRP: $34,340
Dealer Price: $33,540
Accord: ($12,000)

do these deals look fair? should i be asking for bigger discounts? would it be reasonable to ask for $34k on the first car or $33k on the second car? and suggestions would be great. thanks.

[dojdave]

My recommendation, keep looking or ask for a better deal. Oh, and I would consider looking at a 2003 if you want to save even a few more bucks.

Here was my deal. You can use it to help you find a better deal:

2003 Alpine White 325i. 9,000k

Premium, Sport and Cold weather package. It's an auto, with step.

It basically has everything you can get except Nav and that rear parking adjust. function.( I forgot what it is called).

I paid $29,250.

:thumbup:

[Dave 330i]

hey everyone,
i'm new to the forum and pretty new to buying cars in general. i've been going around PA, trying to find 2004 325xi. i've found a coupe in silver w/black leather. i need some help on how much i should be paying. as of now, the dealers say that the last few '04 models they have are selling quick. i want to trade my current honda accord and i got a few estimates today. here are the 2 cars that i'm looking at and what they're offering for my accord.

1) 325xi (demo: 200miles)
silver w/black leatherette
automatic trans
premium package
heated front seats
MSRP: $35,895 + tax
Dealer Price: $34,695 + tax
Accord: ($11,000)

2) 325xi (brand new)
silver w/ black letherette
automatic trans
power front seats w/ memory
glass moonroof
MSRP: $34,340
Dealer Price: $33,540
Accord: ($12,000)

do these deals look fair? should i be asking for bigger discounts? would it be reasonable to ask for $34k on the first car or $33k on the second car? and suggestions would be great. thanks.

Educate yourself at edmunds.com
Look for any current incentives to the dealers
Negotiate up from the invoice, not from the MSRP down
Have a lender's commitment to a loan or lease agreement before purchase
Avoid using dealer's lender
Avoid getting conned into paying dealer's overhead cost after negotiation on the price of the car, ie, advertisements, car detail preparation, document preparation, etc...
Look at the purchase as a business, not an emotional decision because paying for the car last longer than loving it.

[DN328]

I agree with Dave, take some time and "arm" yourself with information...Edmunds.com is a helpful site...

...well, wait, I agree with everything, except the statement, "paying for the car last longer than loving it..." :D

Educate yourself at edmunds.com
Look for any current incentives to the dealers
Negotiate up from the invoice, not from the MSRP down
Have a lender's commitment to a loan or lease agreement before purchase
Avoid using dealer's lender
Avoid getting conned into paying dealer's overhead cost after negotiation on the price of the car, ie, advertisements, car detail preparation, document preparation, etc...
Look at the purchase as a business, not an emotional decision because paying for the car last longer than loving it.

[Spiderm0n]

Have you driven the 325xi with auto trans? It's not very quick. I would strongly consider going with a 330xi and skipping the premium package.