Price for a WRX
 

I found a private owner selling a 2002 Manual WRX w/ 22000 miles on it for $17,500. The car has all factory options, carbon fiber interior, keyless entry and 6 disc cd changer.
I don't really know how to find if this is a great price on the car or what and would appreciate any input. The seller is selling it b/c he's leaving for the army.
Also, any information on if the warranty would be transferrable would help.
Thanks in advance

He's apparently done his homework enough to know what his car is worth. I'd offer about 15k and leave a name/number if I were you.

This is what I use: http://edmunds.com/used/2002/subaru/...num2.1.subaru*

It's usually pretty close to NADA, blackbook/bluebook prices.

Thanks a bunch, that site seems kind of useful. All that bluebook crap is sort of useless though b/c it's made by auto dealers, obviously they're going to publish what they want to charge.
So you really think an offer of 15k might get it?
I've been talking to him already about how I'd pick it up (it's in FL. I'm near Chicago, however I have to drop my dad's car off in Fl this summer which makes it perfect) I've also inquired about any scratches or stuff like that and am waiting on a reply. Here's a link to the original auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ESUS%3AIT&rd=1

The good thing is no one bought it for 17,500 which means I know I can get it for a bit less.
Thanks again

As for dents and scratches, here's what I can see:

It looks like there's a scuff on the lower right corner of the rear bumper, a ding on the top of the rear bumper, a scrath (or maybe bird shit) on the middle of the hood halfway between the front and the scoop, and possibly a shopping car-inflicted dent on bottom half the right rear door, 3 inches from the front edge and 8-10 inches from the bottom.

Bluebook lists wholesale, or what they should pay at the dealer auction. They mark it up like 150% from there.

15k might get it off the bat, what you're doing is waiting for him to get frustrated trying to sell it and give up. If someone else comes by with 17k though, you're boned.

An appraiser would adjust the price for that stuff at about 1-2k off the top value. When I started my business I had a guy I know teaching me what to look for when appraising a car, he did this thing where he felt the paint, was totally wacky.

Anyways, this is the kind of thing you want to point out to the guy. Tell him "I'm going to offer you this much, and I'll tell you why..." this usually keeps people from being offended and actually keeping your card. This guy is going off to the army, I have little doubt he'll take your offer.

Go to kbb.com which is kelley blue book they have a private party value, you have to rate the condition and option package.
I have found this site to be pretty accurate in pricing.

Here's the last email I sent him and his reply:
Thanks Ron, I really like the car a lot, are there any visual imperfections? It’s very hard to buy a car over the internet, the pictures I see help but are there any marks on the bumpers or anything else? I’d much rather know about that kind of stuff. It certainly won’t rule out me buying the car but those types of things I would see if I were to look at the car in the person. Also, what is the exact mileage?

Thanks a bunch

His reply:
The mileage is 22,100. To me, the body and bumpers are about new. Its a 2 year old car , with one years use. Its not NEW however. Its about as close to new as you can find, though. If you can find a person who checks out cars, maybe in the yellow pages,etc. That would help you. When I sold my BMW, M5, to a lady MD in Arizona, she found a car evaluator?? And he gave her a report on the car. Its not free, but maybe worth your peace of mind. I am a Physician, and not looking to take advantage of you. Its a great car, and we would keep it if my son would have a use for it, but he thinks he won't for at least a year. So we are selling it. Good luck, Ron



Any suggestions on how to bring up an offer of 15k and actually pull it off would be greatly appreciated. Phae and MrSelf, thanks so much so far. I found this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2467140461 and was thinking of suggesting to him that this car, with after market rims is being offered for 15k and seeing his opinion.
Thanks for all the help.

For comparison, I would try to find a vehicle that's listed with a non-salvage title. Despite the grammar, I think what the guy is saying is that this car was in an accident and the front end was replaced

That's a two year old car with two years use, the average miles you put on it per year is 13-15k, for all a dealer cares. He is a little under so there is no reason to reduce the price for wear and tear.

All an appraisor would do (and it isn't really that hard to appraise a car) is check the wholesale, check for damages and check the paint. Mostly, here's what I look for when buying:

Year, Make and Model
Mileage
Retail price
Wholesale Price
Possible Sale Price
Deductions for work to be performed

Then just for basic damage or overspray/tapping. I know how to thoroughly look for something but I don't typically have the time, and you really can't do it over the internet.

I don't really know much about cars outside of buying/selling either, but I learned how to appraise in like 30 minutes just watching dealers and asking them questions at the auctions along with a little help from an actual appraisor. You can hire one if you want, have him call you from there and then offer a healthy amount (enough to negotiate with, not too much that you offend him) under the price he gives you, or you can go down there and do it yourself. Though that may be a problem since you're so far away.

If it's in the kind of condition he says it is (and it's starting to sound like no, it's not worth the whole 17k) then 15k would be a decent offer. If not, then I suggest hiring someone to check it out and make sure before you go down there and realise you paid too much for a damaged car.