Guys, I need help. I'm looking at a used car from a Lexus dealership. Here are some basic info on the car:

Year: 2004
Make: Lexus
Model: ES330
Mileage: 71,000 miles
Ext/Int: Black/Black
Asking price $14,993


Suggested Retail Value:
Excellent
$17,115

Private Party Value:
Excellent
$14,515
Good
$13,565
Fair
$12,365

Trade-In Value:
Excellent
$12,300
Good
$11,500
Fair
$10,100

What kind of offer should I make on this car? Cars in CA tend to cost more than in other state so I'm not expecting to get thousands of dollars off, but at the same time, we're in a recession so this could be a whole different ballgame. I'm looking to spend at most $15k out the door (after tax, registration, etc). Is this even obtainable or should I look elsewhere? If it helps, I'm going to pay cash so there is no financing involved.

Thanks guys

 

Generally speaking, when you trade a car to the dealer, the trade value is a literal slap in the face. They'll usually offer a number well below wholesale blue book. That would be the lowest number on your list. With that in mind, they'll try to sell it for the highest number on your list, or even higher. That price difference is what you can negotiate with. While they're asking only 15k, my guess is that they took it in for a lot less than 10k. It's also possible that the car is aged (been on the lot a long time) and they're just trying to get rid of it. I would offer them 10k, and negotiate from there.