What do you think?

[Magma]

I didnt wanna tottally hijack another thread so figured I'd ask in a new one. Anywhoo, I just want to get your opinions on the car I'll be looking at tonight:

2005 Dodge Magnum SXT
31,000 kms
$19,500 (is as low as he'll go)

It is from a dealership, but was picked up at an auction yesterday, which I beleive was for Chrysler dealerships only. I'm sure some of you know of that huge auction in Milton. I personally dont know how they work, so am somewhat (I guess) nervous, with getting a car that was from an auction.

With that being said, is there anything in particular I should be looking at? Should be concerned about? Should stay away from?

Its out in Scarborough, so hopefully I'll be able to make it there after work tonight before they close (Im in Oakville).

Thanks in advance!
Adam

[NC-SXT]

Options?

[wheelife]

1. you are going to pay, I assume between 5-7% interest if you purchase/lease a used car combined with your payment, your actual cash costs will probably be similar to a new one
i.e. Chrysler will probably do 0%-0.8 finance on a lease or purchase ,I suggest a lease specifically a 2005 model year

2.Unknown history of car (why would someone trade in a good car)

3. This is a major purchase is this exactly what you want i.e. maybe an R/T would be better in the long run probably more usable and more saleable at the end of the term.

That new car smell (lol)
Many dealers still have 2005s on the lot and are very motivated to get rid of these model year.

I am sure many people will chime in her before this evening, I to will watch this thread and try to answer your questions.

Magma needa magna dada
cheers.

[wheelife]

check this thread out

05 vs 06 magnum RT is there a difference?

[boggart]

Why does everyone assume that an R/T is more desired on the used car market? I mean, I'm sure it is for the majority of this forum, but is there any factual basis to believe this in the real world?

Why would someone trade in a good car? Lieu910 is on his 3rd Magnum and all were good cars. Many others have traded as well. It's certainly something to think about, but people trade good cars in all the time.

Are those dollars CDN or US? If US, I'd say get a new one for a couple grand more. If CDN, I'd say jump on it as thats about 15500 US right?

[wheelife]

Ya its got a hemi!

[ACE]

Make sure car not from hurricane.

[Magma]

NC-SXT - Left him a message as to all the options on the car. Also asked for the VIN so I can do a history check on the vehicle.

wheelife -
1. Got a lil bonus from work, and the money from insurance (van write off), along with my folks lending me $5K (interest free), and me putting in some of my own money, I'll be putting $15000 down on the car, and finaincing the rest.

2. I'm iffy on the history of the car as well. Most likely though it was a rental, and with 31000 kms, would probably be all highway driven. There is the remainder of the warrenty plus I would get it exteneded. That should put my mind at ease with the unknown history.

3. As nice as an R/T would be, its not really needed. It would be more of a statement than practial for me. Also I am stretching my budget to get a used '05, let alone a new '05 or '06. Just getting married and moving out has shown me the way of the "real world", and have bills and other crap to pay. I dont get rid of my vehicles either, I keep them as long as they'll let me, so reselling isnt an issue.

Oh yeah.... the new car smell is amazing and would love to have it, but I can do without (maybe!.. haha!). I'm only 26 and havnt had many cars in the past, and none even close to new. My first car was a 1990 Z24 (www.z24.org), and had an '87 Dodge Aries for a winter beater. After the Aires I bought my parents '94 Dodge Caravan (RIP) as my daily driver. I'm just trying to say, ANYTHING really will be a step up for me.

I know a few dealerships still have some new '05's on the lot, but like I said, I'm alredy stretching my budget to get this. I could get it proabbly for a few grand more, bu then theres the freight, pdi, and all thatother crap on top of it.

MagnumSXT - Ya.. thats in Canadian funds.

Ace - Whats Hurricane?

Thanks everyone!
Adam

[ACE]

Cars from hurricane area in New Oreans not good.

[Magma]

Cars from hurricane area in New Oreans not good.

Gotcha!

[NC-SXT]

Sounds good, If the vin check goes well go for it. You WIll love it. Keep us informed. Sounds like an R/T would be a overkill. You have thought out this well.

[Magma]

An R/T may be overkill..... but would definietley kick ass!!! :D Its ok... I'm friends with AmbeR/T, so if I need to get an R/T fix, I'm sure they'll let me take it for a spin. :D

I'm guessing I can get VIN info from the government kiosks in the mall. Anywhere else (preferably for free!)

I phoned a few more dealers this afternoon, and those with used SXT's tend to all have milage around the 31-34000km mark. They are all asking $22,000+ . THats the only reason I am semi-wery in getting it from this guy for $19,500. It is from a 5-Star Dodge dealership though, so I'm sure they wouldnt screw me over, and possibly jepordize thier reputation.

[Blue Mag One]

MagMa , check out your private messages . I went down this exact same road ( maybe even the same dealership ) .

[Magma]

Well I just heard back from the dealership. Its actually not 31xxxkms, apparently that one had hail damage. This one is 34,875kms, but he said with the milage difference, it wouldnt change the price of the car.

I do have the VIN now, and am going to get it checked somehow.

Unfortunalty with the lack of a car, and finishing work at 6pm, and trying to get through rush hour traffic to Scarborough (from Oakville), I wont go to look at the car until Saturday. If for some reason I check it out before then, I'll be sure to keep everyone updated (for those who care!)

I found another used '05 in blue for $22888 with only 25,000kms. I really wanted silver or black, but if this one dosnt work out, I may look into that one.

Adam

[Magma]

Had the VIN checked and everything seems to be .

Not branded, no loss from insurance, no leins. Was indeed a rental for about 8 months or so. Possibly a demo vehicle for about 6000kms after that.

Well... all seems ok (hope that dosnt come back to bite me in the hiney!)... so with my fingers crossed I should have one just before Christmas! HOHOHO!