Hi, been looking to get into a Durango. Came across a 2011 demo citadel with 5k mi, in addition to any incentives, what discount do you think is appropriate for the 5k mi, including wear on brakes, tires, reduction in mileage portion of warranty, etc. The vehicle would be titled as new, though its used in my eyes.

true car and edmunds are saying around 38+k for the car as new, how much further would you expect to get off for the 5k mi?

 

I only paid 39 for a 2012 Citidel new. 38 is way high, I'd pay no more than 35.

 

Well if you look at it this way 14% of your 36k mile warranty is gone which is about $5,320 of the $38K you stated. And I’ll bet it’s over due an oil change based on time alone (6 months).

 

Even 35K is too high....this is a "used" vehicle in my eyes

 

Oil change is every 8k miles.

 

The oil starts to brake down over time once used, even if the vehicle is only driven 1,000 miles per year you should change the oil every 6-9 months. The owners manual also says 8,000 miles or 6 months, which ever comes first.

 

all demos will still sell for "something" in excess of holdback. whether it's $1 or $1500 more, it's not worth it. good negotiating and you should be able to get BRAND NEW for same price as a demo. the first 5k miles of a cars life can never be had again. especially demos. i made that mistake twice. first was a lease in '04, glad it was a lease. within the first month i found scratches, small chips in lower panels, stains under the mats, you name it, after time you too will find them. it's frustrating because when you buy a NEW vehicle, you should get a NEW vehicle.

Enough time went by (5 years) and the second time i did it, i thought it was smarter to go with a higher line Tahoe (LTZ in '09) then the NEW LT i was looking at because it was "the same price" until i did, then went on a forum and found guys paid the same for the NEW LTZ that i did for a Demo (with much wear. that demo was driven buy the GM of the dealer. the problems with Demos are you won't see the wear until you own it for a bit then one day you'll be cleaning it, or looking it over and it will stand out and you will have great remorse. I got rid of that LTZ and picked my NEW Yukon Denali, best move because it showed me that NEw is NEW. and when i dumped that a year later with 7k miles on it, it still looked new in and out. Demos don't end up that way.

go to bank of americas car buying center and punch up a similarly equipped Citadel and only pay what that says to pay, there will be links to dealers that will honor that price.

 

Clean, no issues and full warranty should be at $31k as a good price if it hasn't been titled and is just a dealer demo. Any less and you are getting a really good deal.

If it has been titled and is technically a used vehicle, drop to $26k and buy it as a steal. Since as a used car it should (doesn't mean it will) exceed in the devaluation and depreciation, don't spend a dime over $28. If it is used then that is what it is worth. Doesn't mean they (the dealer) will sell it to you for that. They will likely hold out for another buyer who is less educated.

Good luck on the purchase!

IndyDurango

 

Thanks for the replies. Its a 2011 citadel with rear DVD, never been titled, 5600 mi.
I understand Tony's comments about demos, but with two toddlers at home its going to see some abuse whether its a demo or brand new, I'm not too worried about any small blemishes. I'd rather save money than fret over a few chips, etc

Indy, how did you arrive at 31k? I read a few 'articles' online, some said take off $3000 and 0.15 a mile, or 20% off MSRP as a first approach to pricing a demo.

Regarding Tonys comments about selling in excess of holdback, I priced a 2012 Crew using TrueCar/Zag and some prices are less than holdback and incentives combined. Do these dealers really honor these Truecar prices or is it just to get you in the door and then they make up some excuse like we don't have that exact model, etc?

Has anyone used Truecar successfully?

 

Yeah, same as above. I don't know how many other options it has besides the DVD but we bought a fully loaded Citadel V6 AWD (minus the block heater) for $3000 more then then what they want to sell you this "used" vehicle for.

Seems like it should be in the mid 30k range depending on the options. On the flip side, even if everyone here says you are paying too much, someone that is not educated on the prices will pay that much and you lost out on "your" vehicle.