Is this a good deal? (I'm about ready to go get this beast...I think...)

[zathrak]

For a very short description of what I was trying to accomplish: 2009 Vibe GT, fwd, black on black, fully loaded head to toe with sun/sound, preferred package etc, with a few thousand miles on it gently used. A dealership located this for me from the GMAC auction. In general, and reflecting what I was looking for, do you feel this is a good deal? Decent deal? AMAZING DEAL? This will be my first vehicle on my own...don't have any idea how to judge this in reference to anything...Miles: 8300 (Asking) Price: $17,500 plus sales tax, fee and doc prepPictures: See AttachedVEHICLE BUILDMerchandising Model: 2SN26-2009VIBE GTGross Vehicle Weight Rating: N/AOrder Number: MSDQ4SBuild Date: 0slt2/2008Build Plant:59ZSGMVfS is not the definitive sourceof GM Vehicle RPO informationand is intendedfor service reference only. Should there be any questions about the vehicle's original build or RPOinformation please refer to the original vehicle invoice or window sticker.OPTION CODESALO - SENSOR INDICATOR INFLATABLEAE4 - LEATHER ACCENTED SEATING SURFACESRESTRAINT, FRT PASS/CHILD PRESENCE DETECTORAT8 - RESTRAINT PROVISIONS CHILD, RR SEAT, RRAUO- REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY FACINGAYO- AIRBAGS,FRONT,SIDETHORAX& PELVIC,AU4 - POWER DOORLOCKS,PROGRAMMABLE W PASSENGER SENSING;FRTHEAD CURTAIN SIDEAIRBAGA3I -POWERWINDOWSB58- CARPETED FLOORMATSC13- FRONT& REARVARIABLEINTERMITTENTCF5- POWERSUNROOFWIPERSC2H - FREMONTPORTOF ENTRYC35- HEATERDUCT,RR PASSC6O AIR CONDITIONING REARAIR DUCTSw/ DG7 - DUAL OUTSIDE POWERMIRRORS DG9 - ISRV MIRROR, COMMUMICATION SYSD42 - REAR CARGO COVERFE3 - SUSPENSIONSYSTEM, SPORTFE9- 5O-STATE EMISSIONsFO7 3.39AXLE RATIOJL9 - ANTILOCKBRAKE SYSTEM,4WHEELDISCK34 - CRUISECONTROLLAX - 2.4LDOHCVVT-I ENGINEMXO- TRANSMISSION,5 SPEED AUTOMATICWITHMVD - TRANSMISSIONAUTO 5 SPD DRIVER TAP SHIFTCONTROLNK4 - LEATHER WRAP STEERINGWHEELNT7 - FED EMIS SYS,TIER2NW2 - I8'' ALUMINUM WHEELS,ULTRA BRIGHTQTI -P215145R18 SEASONALLTIRESMACHINEDFACEDRAE - REAR CARGO STORAGE SYSTEMR6J - CUSTOMER DIALOG NETWORK313112009https://www.autopartners.net/a...ed:EN...-GM VehicleInquiry System VehicleBuildPage2 of2CODE- SEATR9N. PROCESSINGSLM - SALESSTOCKORDERST96 - FOGLAMPS,FRONT,INTEGRALUA6 - THEFT-DETERRENTALARMSYSTEMUEl - I YR ONSTARSERVICESAFE& SOLINDPLANUK3 - STEERINGWHEEL WRADIO CONTROLS-ULA - AIWFM STEREOCD PLAYER W MP3 FORMAT U2K - XM SATELLITERADIO SERVICEFEEEXTRA& AUX INPUT REPLACES STD/OPTRADIO)1ST3 MONTHSINCL.U65 - AUDIO SYSTEM, SPEAKER7MONSOONVK3 - FRONTLICENSEPLATE BRACKETPREMIUM SOTIND-V73 - VEHICLE CERTIFICATION U.S.ZO5- POWERPACKAGEACCESSORYISA - OPTIONPACKAGElSAISZ - TOTAL PACKAGESAVINGSI4I. EBONYI42 - EBONYI9U - JETBLACK METALLICA 1998-2005General Motors Corporation. All Rights Resewed.

Attached files J'sVibePix.zip (423.9 KB) 

[jake75]

http://www.carmax.comCarMax Columbus, OH White 09 Vibe GT 3,000 miles $16,599CarMax - Indianapois Blue 09 Vibe GT 6,000 miles $16,998I do not think CarMax is known for being particularly cheap. I would be surprised if the auction price of any of these Vibe GT's is over $15,000.I do not claim to be an expert but I think the '09 you are looking at with 8,300 miles is fully priced at $17,500.

[zathrak]

So what exactly are you saying? Just so I'm clear, are you thinking that 17.5k is overpriced? What would you settle for or negotiate to?I want to be sure I understand correctly...What would anyone else pay for this deal?

[michaelgt]

I am guessing that this was a GM product evaluation program vehicle. These are driven by managers for 4-6 months. GM then allows employees to purchase at a discount, and if not purchased, they are sent to GMAC auctions. All GM dealers can purchase from the auction.GM employees would have received approximately 20% off MSRP less rebates for this vehicle. You did not specify actual MSRP for the vehicle. You will not be eligible for any GM incentives related to the Vibe. Therefore, the price should reflect any eligible incentives that are lost (lease loyalty, competitive vehicle, college grad, etc.)Hope this helps!

[zathrak]

I too am guessing that. Should I be asking for MSRP? Am I correct in understanding that since there is a 0% or $1,500 off normal '09 purchases that this should be deducted from the price pre-haggle?

[renate]

I think its a good deal.I have my 2008 which will be a year old in 2 weeks with 7300 miles on it.It still loike new.You have a 5 year warranty on your engine and tranny(or 100,000 miles) and you still have alot left on your 3 yr/36.Plus getting all those options I would say that car retailed for 24,000 when it was new.

[michaelgt]

I would ask for the MSRP on that vehicle. They should be able to show the original window sticker. For it to be a good deal, I would consider 20% off MSRP less an additional $1500 to be a starting price. I am guessing it went for much less at auction.

[zathrak]

Beautiful. This gives me a good/reasonable starting point. :-DAny other thoughts?

[michaelgt]

After a quick look at my favorite dealer in Center Line, MI, the window sticker was probably $23,260, with an employee price of $21,373. Less the $1500 rebate would make it $19,873. Therefore, they are deducting about $2375 for the 8k miles. Hope this helps with your decision. Your 36 month warranty will be from the time the vehicle was in service, not your purchase date. If you drive many miles, the 6 months may not matter.

[zathrak]

Is that a reasonable deduction for those miles?

[djkeev]

Hi,I see you are still tormented by this decision!My experience on the last used car I purchased was this.I knew what I wantedI knew what shaped it had to be inI knew what it was worthI knew what I wanted to payI waited and I watched for this carIt took 9 months but now its sitting in my garage.There was no stress, no 2nd guessing, no angst at all about this car. As soon as I saw it I knew this was to be my car. Paid for it and took it home. No regrets, no 2nd guesses.I guess what I'm saying is that this Vibe isn't the only one in the world. You haven't yet educated yourself about values and such. You are emotionally attached to this one car right now thinking that there will never be another one like it for this price.You cannot purchase a car for a great price if your mindset is one of "I want THAT car". Then again, if you must have this car, stop the agony and go get it. The price isn't that bad all things considered and you know you WANT it. Just make sure you can live with the decision happily and not 2nd guess the decision.Dave

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »Hi,I see you are still tormented by this decision!My experience on the last used car I purchased was this.I knew what I wantedI knew what shaped it had to be inI knew what it was worthI knew what I wanted to payI waited and I watched for this carIt took 9 months but now its sitting in my garage.There was no stress, no 2nd guessing, no angst at all about this car. As soon as I saw it I knew this was to be my car. Paid for it and took it home. No regrets, no 2nd guesses.I guess what I'm saying is that this Vibe isn't the only one in the world. You haven't yet educated yourself about values and such. You are emotionally attached to this one car right now thinking that there will never be another one like it for this price.You cannot purchase a car for a great price if your mindset is one of "I want THAT car". Then again, if you must have this car, stop the agony and go get it. The price isn't that bad all things considered and you know you WANT it. Just make sure you can live with the decision happily and not 2nd guess the decision.DaveDitto Ditto Ditto - but show them the CarMax listings and offer $16,750.

[Southpaw]

Hi zathrak,If you haven't already bought, I'd recommend consulting http://www.edmunds.com Go to the new car section, select 2009 and go to the Pontiac Vibe. It will give you an option to appraise your car and in that menu you can add all the options and the miles. It will give you a fair market value idea about the car you're interested in. I've found this to be a good judge on the deal I'm getting. I usually ask the salesman if he has access to the internet, go to Edmunds on his computer and compare the price he's offered to what it says. If he's near or under, then we're in business. Knowledge is power and I've found edmunds to be a great research site. Your millage may vary, of course. Just a thought. Good luck on your '09: I'm sure enjoying my '08!

[zathrak]

What on edmunds do you recommend doing? I've looked at the 09 Vibe on there...but all of the things you have recommended I'm not sure I'm finding. It's a very large site...do you have links?

[ehoff121]

I would use the used car appraiser: http://www.edmunds.com/tmv/used/index.html Use the private sale price as a target, but know that if this is certified used, it will be more expensive.Is it certified used? f so, you get a 3/36 warranty from the day you buy the vehicle.You could always buy the GM extended warranty anytime before the 3/36 expires if you're worried about it, but most would say it's not necessary.

[jake75]

Well those numbers should convince Zathrack to buy that '09 GT - but I put more faith in the CarMax comparisons than I do those Edmonds numbers. I am reasonably certain that there is no line of people in Kalamazoo waiting to buy that GT for $17,500 and that a reasonable offer of $16,750 (using the CarMax data as a reason) will not insult them and is likely to elicit a counter of perhaps $17,000 which will provide a lot more profit to the dealer than any new car they sell. As I said earlier - CarMax prices are supposedly no haggle but are not any lower than other dealers. When I sold my 2004 T&C I got a buy quote from CarMax. It was $8,000. but nearly identical T&C's were priced at $`13,000 on their lots. The guy at CarMax apologized for that low offer but said he could buy all he wants at auction for less than that. I sold it privately for $11,500.If anyone here has a 2009 Vibe GT and has the time and inclination, go to CarMax and see what they will offer you for it. I predict your eyes will be opened.

[lowincash]

i have a black 09 vibe gt with almost 9000 miles on it. i checked kbb and still valed about $21,000'ish for excellent condition and about $20,000 for good condition.

[zathrak]

I think I'm too that point now where I wonder if I should consider a new 09 GT vibe over a used one...I keep hearing the rumors how "it's sometimes cheaper to get a new car than a used one" and also the whole picture can sometimes be better...insurance...financing..."customer confidence"...things to the nature. I don't mind spending a grand or two more on these "benefits" but I'm curious...with the fully loaded GT i'm looking for...are talking 24,000 or am I missing something?

[lowincash]

i bought mine back in september with the employee discount thing or something plus some other incentives. i forgot the details but the sticker price was $21,645 for my GT with sunroof and 5sp automatic. with the other discount and stuff i ended up paying about $19,800'ish plus tax and other fees.oh yeah, i think for an 09 you should just get a new one. this is my first new car that i'm getting myself and it just feels better knowing it's new and you're the first owner. i don't know how to explain it but i have more respect for this new car than my other used ones that i've had lol

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by zathrak »I don't mind spending a grand or two more on these "benefits" but I'm curious...with the fully loaded GT i'm looking for...are talking 24,000 or am I missing something? I think you need to get your bxxt out from behind your computer and go visit a few area Pontiac dealers to actually see what a GT equipped the way you want it would cost - maybe you will even decide that you don't need the GT - a normal 2.4L might do. If you don't need the trade-in for your down payment I'd bet you could get significantly more selling it yourself than the dealer will give you in trade - especially since they will probably deal the new '09 to the point they are making very little (the 10's are out you know). If you can wait, in a few months I expect the 2010's will have the same rebates the '09's have now. Starting MSRP's on the 2010's appear to be same as the ending 2009's.

[zathrak]

I have already gotten my "bxxt" out from behind the computer 6 or 7 times and visited pontiac dealerships. In fact, when you made your post, I was at yet another dealership from which I am just returning from. The problem is they only tell you what you want to hear, which is why I post in here...so yeah thanks.Secondly, I've been able to rule out the non GT's on several accounts, which is why I made this post. I am looking for the most accessories I can get, including the leather interior, sun and sound, preferred package, theft deterrent etc...as I already mentioned. I feel it's safe to say GT is the way to go. Selling the 99 Durango would surely be ideal, having just dumped $5,000 in to it, but I'm not sure the market is looking for a 12mpg 1999 SUV :-/ I'm finding the best I am getting as a trade is around $1500-$2500.Regarding the '10, when is the expected release date? I am nervous about waiting because I need to take advantage of the 0% 60 month financing which ends April 31st 2009. While GM is no stranger to offering the 0% from time to time, I'm under the impression and have been told that the Vibe is not one to be incentivized on the account of the move so well out of the dealership. I'm still not sure why they incentivized it now aside from the poor economy. What does history show on the Vibe GT incentives? Should I expect there be another one around the fourth of July?

[jake75]

The GT you want with Sunroof, AT, anti-theft has MSRP of 23,555.[GT Base 20,875, Sunroof 700, AT 1,050, Anti-theft 295, Destination 635] I assume your trips to dealers verify that. There might be a few additional options you can add but not many. My best guess is that the invoice on that MSRP 23,555 including the add ons such as regional adv fee is about 22,400. Assuming no hidden dealer incentives* what would be typical is a maximum $1,000 discount on a 2010 and maybe up to 1,200 on a 2009.. There is, I think, a $1500 rebate on the 2009.Bob Daniels in Columbus has a new 2010 Ebony GT with MSRP of $23,555 so the 2010's are here now.Frankly, for that kind of money and mpg my list of alternatives grows but I am not you and you are not me.Back to the 2009 with 8,300 miles - a new 2009 would cost you about 21,000. At $17,000 that is a 4,000 savings - worth it?. Only you can decide. I think the financing deal is only on the 2009's and is in lieu of part or all of the rebate. To qualify for 0% your credit score has to be sterling. Whatever the dealer gives you on your Durango is probably at least $1,000 to $1,500 less than what you could get if your sold it yourself but if it would hurt your conscience to sell it to someone just trade it in.The above is my best shot. I don't know everything. Perhaps others can add somethinG of substance but that is all I have.[* the deal I got on my 1.8L was $2,000 under invoice that had to be due to some limited dealer incentive - it was limited to 4 or 5 specific identical -except for color- Vibes in their inventory. Maybe GM had some inventory they wanted to dump. On top of that GM had increased my GM Card earnings from about $1,850 to $3,000 if I bought a car by 1-31-09. My bottom line was that I didn't really need to upgrade my 2003 to a 2009 but the deal was too good to pass up. And THAT is how I buy cars - even a $4,000 diff between the above GT and my 1.8L with at, ac and power package just is not worth that much to me.]