2005 Vibe at Dealer - New or Used?

[chefkitchen]

Hello Genvibe, I saw a new 2005 (2WD, AT, fully loaded) Vibe at a New York Metro area dealership. Not a typo in the model year. I asked to take a test drive. The rep indicated the vehicle was involved in an accident and asked whether I was still interested. I took a test drive (accelerate, decelerate, hands off the steering wheel) and did not notice any stability issues. I however heard a noticeable puttering sound from the front driver side (as if a pinhole leak in the exhaust). Drove a 2006 immediately afterwards and did not hear this sound. Rep indicated 2005 vehicle was hit while parked overnight but everything is okay now because repairs were completed "to factory specifications". Vehicle appears new every other way. Carfax returns 0 records for the VIN. There is about 80 miles on the odometer. Sticker price says $22,900 (did I say loaded?) and dealer offers $17,900 "no pressure" price. Based on paperwork shown me I suspect this vehicle has been in the lot in excess of 18 months. My question is whether this is a good offer that I should take/leave, can I negotiate lower due to a branded title and putter sound, or should I avoid altogether because the car is damaged goods? An online appraisal web site indicates used with clean title $15,700 via private party for outstanding condition.Thanks to all for your help,chefkitchen

[Mrizzle05]

welcome...That seems ok for a 05, just make sure its noted on paper about the noise so if anything is wrong they fix it.did you talk to them about the noise and why isnt it fixed?My fiance got a new 06 with lots of goodies for about 19K before taxes.good luck on your decision and hope you stay

[tnpartsguy]

I'd ask to see the pictures of the damage and the repair bills. If you get a branded title, that drops the value in most states 25~50%,.....IMHO they are asking way too much for this car. I'd point out that the car is priced way over book still, especially with the damage history, and being a 2 year old model.If they do offer a better deal, remember 2 other items. The battery has sat for a LONG time, and probably has been damaged due to deep discharge. Also the tires have probably taken a set (flat-spotted), also due to sitting. (Trust me, I just bought a 2006 Colorado that had been sitting only 11 months...sitting takes a toll on a car, even a new one!)

[Katscan]

Well, seeing how you could easily get a 2006 loaded vibe for almost the same price as that (previously damaged)2005 I would have to say that they could def go lower on that price. Esp with 2007 models comming out that '05 is getting close to 2 years old and it has been repaired.I got my fully loaded 2006 for around 17.

[ColonelPanic]

As somebody who once bought a car that was new but technically two years old ('98 Malibu in '99 when the '00 models were coming out) when I signed on the dotted line, let me just say there's probably a reason it is still on the lot. I don't care if someone wants to give me $10K off, I'm never doing that again.. Even if the car is in perfect shape, you're going to take a MASSIVE hit in depreciation. Your loan is going to be for roughly what you could have bought one that was 1-2 years newer, but your car will be older. If something turns out to be wrong with that car, you're gonna have a heck of a time trying to get rid of it because you'll be so far upside down (like meeee! )I'd be concerned about the prior damage --- and they're really not giving you much at all off considering that fact. I'd REALLY stay away from this one.Methinks you'd be better off trying to find a leftover '06 or just going for an '07 model.Good luck with whatever you decide though! Welcome aboard, btw.

[djb383]

Pass on the '05.

[2002sportside]

I'd pass too. I didn't pay that for my '05 back in '05...

[chefkitchen]

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback. It was very helpful to us.We made an offer taking everything in consideration... the dealer said no so we moved on.We solicited quotes from 16 dealers within 60 miles of us and we received responses from 9 of them. We took delivery of a new 2006 yesterday. Pics to follow...

[tnpartsguy]

Congradulations!! Seems like yesterday Was a Good Day to Buy.........

[new05vibeowner]

Glad to hear you didn't buy the '05. I paid less than that for my '05 when it wsstill in the same model year. And, I agree with Colonel Panic...the depreciation would have sunk you. Best to pick up an '07.