I bought the New Hampshire SSEi - Buy boost or die!
 

2003 SSEi's.

I desperately want to trade in my Chrysler ASAP. I'm driving the Sebring for the moment and I'm bored with it, as I was the last time i drove it over a year ago.

So here are two options as of now. I found a couple 2002s, but they have more than 20,000 to 30,000+ more miles and are only $1000 less.

2003 SSEi w/ 47,000 miles for $12,999. This car is 175 miles away, in NJ.

2003 SSEI with 52,xxx miles for $13,999. This car is 125 miles away, in NY.

I already know I would talk the second one down since it's $1000 over the other and has more miles. I still have to see the physical and mechanical conditions in person. I checked the retail value and at 47,000 miles they should be around $16,000.

So at $13,000 how much room do I have to negotiate? I COMPLETELY think that $13,000 for either car is worth it if there are no issues, but if I can get a lower price or a more reasonable trade-in, I would be happy.

I also need to worry about my trade-in because I still owe on the Sebring, less than $8500, but still more than a typical trade-in value (which will be in the 7000s). I know I'm already going to have a higher payment, but to have a car I like, and that I trust 100x more would be totally worth it.

My Sebring is in excellent shape, and is newer than the Bonnes I would be trading for. Should I try to get them to totally cover the payoff on it?

What advice do you guys/gals have for me?

Thanks!

EDIT: Would anyone in NJ or NY be willing to look these cars over for me?

If I did decide on a 2003 at this point I would be selling the 94.

Right now I am looking at all my options I can take at the moment.

I would certainly try for it, but I wouldn't hold my breath. With all of the fancy number playing they do you'll probably not really get it paid off anyway. I certainly hope you end up with a good deal, let us know how you make out.

I thought it would be best, or at least I've heard, to get the price of the car figured out before the value of the trade-in. I don't know exactly why. I know they'd be making out well even though the 2003 is low at $13,000. But if I'm willing to drive 175 miles one way to get a car they would know that I am interested, and probably wouldn't drive back WITHOUT a car, so I think I am at a disadvantage in any negotiations.

I don't do well bargaining, and would like to NOT finance a total any more than $15,000 MAX. I'd love to keep the total at $13,000 or less actually. This doesn't include any downpayment I would have. If I sold the 94 that's where the downpayment would come in.

Pete....can i see the links of the cars that you found??

I'd prefer the first one (white) but it's $1,000 more than the other which has LESS miles. I would NEED to get them to budge on it, otherwise it would be too much for me.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=226081229&

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=213680386&

Holy long links!

Just delete the rest after the car's id.

Example

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=213680386&

And I vote for the silver one

ok the First one....

NO Moonroof
NO HUD,
NO XM
NO CD changer (prolly)

Has the Heated Seats and the Chrome Wheels as options to the car

Second one

NO HUD
NO CD Changer (prolly)

Has the Heated Seats, Chrome Wheels, XM Radio added to the Sticker Price...


Honestly i dont like either of the combos :?

Crap...I didn't even notice they had no HUD. I didn't even look for it since I assumed they should have them. :oops: Back to check them out again. :?

I don't care about XM or a CD changer. The HUD would be nice. If I had to choose between the two it would definitely be the silver, hands down, and it's already cheaper. Maybe I can live without HUD, maybe not. Maybe I should keep looking. The price is good though.

This has HUD, but the price is high IMO. It is my favorite color though for that body style.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=225797719&

I like that one. Not sure about price, but it's a nice looking ride.

I like it, I have a car EXACTLY like that at my local dealer, with the same options, miles and rims for about hte same price.

But hassle and negotiate with him...

Well I've found the one I will pursue for now. I'll do some research on the price.

Keep us posted.

If it doesn't have a HUD, can't it be added after? I mean its been done right? You shouldnt be discouraged to much by that factor alone.

Then again, I've never been a big fan of the HUD in the first place.

Pete...I'd get the car with the options you want. If it's important..make sure it's included. There's no replacement for not having to add something afterwards.

Jim.. you are simply weird buddy. :lol:

I preferred the 03 for the seats mainly, and just to have one of the last SSEis ever made. But I cannot live without HUD in a Bonneville, or a moonroof. Adding a HUD later is possible but it would involve finding one in a junkyard which would be nearly impossible, and I'd need a whole new dash if it's anything like the 92-99s.

The 2002 is looking reeeeally good right now as it has everything. I'm not sure about heated seats but I don't need those. Having them would be a perk though.

Anyone near Medway, MA want to check it out for me in person?? :)

PMs sent.

Not sure if you'd be interested in this one or not:

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ight=2001+ssei

He has since traded the car in, but when I talked to him a week ago, they still had the car at the dealership. There is an extended warranty still available through 75k if I recall. I've seen it personally and it is a very nice car. Just a though. located near syracuse

there are a couple here in binghamton as well. if you find one, I can check it out. there is a white or silver one on autotrader I think. zip code is 13901

Thanks Geoff. Do you know how much the dealer is asking?

If you have two cars, I would try and sell the Chrysler outright first. You'll get more money than if you trade it in.

Not off the top of my head. I know around what he got on trade in, which is under his asking price, and he at the moment still has the 2nd set of rims. I will see if i can talk to him tonight and get the information on the dealer for you.

I've been trying to sell the Sebring for over a year. I sent it to a dealer last Spring, and am currently suing him. Long story, but it's been a long thread in Lounge since January. Trading in the Sebring is my best bet. And selling the 94 will be easier than selling the Sebring.

If this 02 looks good (Toasty is checking it out for me) the 94 will most likely be put up in FOR SALE, so if you're interested LMK.

I'm going to have to disagree with you pete. (well most likely) What are the details on the sebring miles/year and what is your asking price right now?

Well you CAN'T disagree with me that it's been a royal PITA trying to sell this Sebring. I don't disagree that it would be better financially if I did sell it, I'm just saying that I'm looking at a great car right now, and I have a SMALL chance of selling this while it is still in stock. My quickest and easiest way of getting rid of this car is by trading it. If I have to take a hit I will, it'll only be $1000 or so.

I've advertised it on Bargain News here in CT, did craigslist several times (currently on there as well), tried eBay TWICE, had a for sale sign in my window while driving it all around CT. I've had several people look at it but say they can only do payments (I'm not taking payments on a $9000 car).

This car is in near mint condition, 44,800 miles, 2004, full 10-years left/100,000 mile warranty. I'd take $8500 for it. Find me a buyer, I challenge you. :lol:

If someone were to buy my 94 it would make up for what I lost on the trade-in.

Check it out Bonnie94 The white 2003 SSEI
has been in an accident the silver one hasn't
Give me some more VINs before you buy.

Report Generated for vincent czyzewski
For Personal Use Only


2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI
1G2HZ541834130697
SEDAN 4 DR
3.8L V6 FI OHV / FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
Standard Equipment | Safety Options
CARFAX Safety & Reliability Report
Hi-I'm the CARFAX Xpert™. I'm here to help you better understand the data in this CARFAX Report. Did you know...
We checked over 4 billion records from thousands of data sources for this vehicle
This vehicle qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee
The last reported odometer reading was 47,503







A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car.

The number of owners is estimated by CARFAX
Year purchased 2002 2004
Type of owner Corporate fleet lease Personal
Estimated length of ownership 1 yr. 4 mo. 3 yrs. 1 mo.
Owned in the following states/provinces Michigan New York
Estimated miles driven per year --- 12,775/yr
Last reported odometer reading 15,720 47,503




CARFAX guarantees the information in this section
Salvage | Junk | Rebuilt Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Fire/Flood | Hail Damage | Buyback/Lemon
Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Not Actual Mileage | Exceeds Mechanical Limits Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
GUARANTEED - None of these major title problems were reported by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you find that any of these title problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.
Register | View Terms





Not all accidents or other issues are reported to CARFAX
Total Loss Check

No total loss reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Frame Damage Check

No frame damage reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Airbag Deployment Check

No airbag deployment reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Odometer Rollback Check

No indication of an odometer rollback. No Issues Indicated
No Issues Indicated

Accident Check

Accident reported on 07/25/2006. No Issues Reported
Accident Indicator

Manufacturer Recall Check

Check with an authorized Pontiac dealer for any open recalls. No Recalls Reported
No Recalls Reported


Basic Warranty Check

Original warranty estimated to have expired. View Info
Interested in an extended warranty?
Warranty Active
Warranty Expired



Tell us what you know about this vehicle





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A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. CARFAX checked over 4 billion vehicle history events and found 21 record(s) for this 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI (1G2HZ541834130697).




Purchased: 2002
Type: Corporate fleet lease
Where: Michigan
Est. miles/year: ---
Est. length owned: 9/15/02 - 1/17/04
(1 yr. 4 mo.)



Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
09/15/2002 Michigan
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Ypsilanti, MI Registered as
corporate fleet vehicle
10/08/2002 Michigan
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Ypsilanti, MI
Title #807N2810006 Title or registration issued
First owner reported
12/29/2003 15,689 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
01/17/2004 15,692 Dealer Inventory
Amsterdam, NY Vehicle offered for sale
04/30/2004 15,720 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
Vehicle sold





Purchased: 2004
Type: Personal
Where: New York
Est. miles/year: 12,775/yr
Est. length owned: 4/30/04 - 6/8/07
(3 yrs. 1 mo.)




Good News - Low mileage! This owner drove an estimated 12,775 miles per year, lower than industry average of 15,000 miles. These vehicles can be a better value.
Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
04/30/2004 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Amsterdam, NY Title issued or updated
New owner reported
Loan or lien reported
07/28/2004 18,731 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
08/11/2004 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept. Title issued or updated
10/12/2004 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Amsterdam, NY Registration issued or renewed
Registered as
personal vehicle
Passed safety inspection
10/22/2004 21,738 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
02/21/2005 25,111 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
05/19/2005 27,763 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
07/23/2005 31,218 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
10/14/2005 34,280 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
01/16/2006 38,329 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
05/27/2006 42,939 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
05/27/2006 42,940 New York
Inspection Station Passed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection
View what was inspected

07/25/2006 New York
Police Report
Case #31899190 Accident Reported
Vehicle involved in crash
in Saratoga County
with another motor vehicle
10/05/2006 New York
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Amsterdam, NY Registration issued or renewed
Registered as
personal vehicle
Passed safety inspection
10/26/2006 47,503 Fuccillo Pontiac Buick Jeep
Amsterdam, NY
518-842-4220
www.fuccilloautoplaza.com Vehicle serviced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
06/08/2007 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale

Report Generated for vincent czyzewski
For Personal Use Only


2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI
1G2HZ541634144274
SEDAN 4 DR
3.8L V6 FI OHV / FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
Standard Equipment | Safety Options
CARFAX Safety & Reliability Report
Hi-I'm the CARFAX Xpert™. I'm here to help you better understand the data in this CARFAX Report. Did you know...
We checked over 4 billion records from thousands of data sources for this vehicle
This vehicle qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee
The last reported odometer reading was 41,634







A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car.

The number of owners is estimated by CARFAX
Year purchased 2003 2006
Type of owner Personal ---
Estimated length of ownership 3 yrs. 5 mo. 6 months
Owned in the following states/provinces New Jersey New Jersey
Estimated miles driven per year 13,505/yr ---
Last reported odometer reading 41,634




CARFAX guarantees the information in this section
Salvage | Junk | Rebuilt Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Fire/Flood | Hail Damage | Buyback/Lemon
Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Not Actual Mileage | Exceeds Mechanical Limits Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
GUARANTEED - None of these major title problems were reported by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you find that any of these title problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.
Register | View Terms





Not all accidents or other issues are reported to CARFAX
Total Loss Check

No total loss reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Frame Damage Check

No frame damage reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Airbag Deployment Check

No airbag deployment reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Odometer Rollback Check

No indication of an odometer rollback. No Issues Indicated
No Issues Indicated

Accident Check

No accidents reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Manufacturer Recall Check

Check with an authorized Pontiac dealer for any open recalls. No Recalls Reported
No Recalls Reported


Basic Warranty Check

Original warranty estimated to have expired. View Info
Interested in an extended warranty?
Warranty Expired
Warranty Expired



Tell us what you know about this vehicle





Looking for other 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE vehicles like this one in your area?
Search CARFAX Hot Listings for an up-to-date list of vehicles in your area, all with the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee!








A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. CARFAX checked over 4 billion vehicle history events and found 8 record(s) for this 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI (1G2HZ541634144274).




Purchased: 2003
Type: Personal
Where: New Jersey
Est. miles/year: 13,505/yr
Est. length owned: 6/15/03 - 11/17/06
(3 yrs. 5 mo.)




Good News - Low mileage! This owner drove an estimated 13,505 miles per year, lower than industry average of 15,000 miles. These vehicles can be a better value.
Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
06/15/2003 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Kearny, NJ Registered as
personal vehicle
06/24/2003 10 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Kearny, NJ
Title #GD20031750106 Title issued or updated
First owner reported
11/19/2003 4,886 Service Facility Vehicle serviced
12/15/2004 18,418 Service Facility
201-991-4222
Vehicle serviced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Maintenance inspection completed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Drivability/performance checked
Tires balanced
Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
01/04/2005 18,999 Service Facility Vehicle serviced
06/22/2006 41,634 Service Facility
201-991-4222
Vehicle serviced
Maintenance inspection completed
Front brake rotors resurfaced/turned
Rear brake rotors resurfaced/turned
Fuel filter replaced
Air filter checked
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
11/17/2006 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale





Purchased: 2006
Where: New Jersey
Est. miles/year: ---
Est. length owned: 12/13/06 - present
(6 months)



Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
12/13/2006 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Riverton, NJ
Title #ME20063470133 Title issued or updated
New owner reported

That white one is looking worse and worse. I already e-mailed them back saying I was not interested. :lol:

Vince, please check this:

1G2HZ541924235358

THANKS!

Here's the carfax on the 2002 I am most interested in. What are people's opinions?

10/18/2004 16,503 Massachusetts
Inspection Station
Upton, MA Failed safety or emissions inspection
View what was inspected

10/22/2004 17,208 Massachusetts
Inspection Station
Upton, MA Passed safety or emissions inspection
View what was inspected


That would worry me a bit as you pointed out. 4 days later it was resolved.

Well I see it failed emission/safety once. Could be simple O2 sensor?

But I saw this:
So every 2 months or less it was somewhere to be serviced. Then it says "suspension system serviced." Why would suspension need servicing at 16,000 miles? :?

No accidents were reported but that doesn't mean it wasn't in one. Of course, I don't want to pass on something that could be just fine, because it was serviced a lot, or failed an inspection once.

Your write that brings up a red flag too.

Maybe "suspension" could be "suspension/steering"? Because the intermediate shaft may have been replaced...

Don't get so locked up in a car that you start skipping things those services one right after another would scare me. But it has happened to me where I bought the GXP to the dealership every week for like 5 weeks. And the strut mount finally was fixed correctly after the whole thing came apart.

After a close look and a good test-drive, I'd hope Toasty and myself can tell if the car is good. :? Aaron is going to check it out for me this week.

I'll keep my options wide open if something isn't right.

Look into it further. The car was serviced multiple times then up for sale 2 months later and then sent roughly 20 days to an auction? Sometime is up right there. Not to mention it was then bought and failed emissions right after that. I would definitely look it over REALLY good.

If everything looks to be good when I look at it and drive it, at least that history will be more than enough for some bargaining room. At least I would think so. The ad says their cars are "priced right from the start to take the mystery out of buying a car." So I'm hoping that doesn't mean they will not budge on the price. If they won't, then I may look further.

Yea use it against them :D

The last owner says Vendetti Motors in Hopedale, MA. So it seems this car was owned by a dealer for the last 3 years....that alone worries me. I wonder if they were trying to sell it for 3 years. :lol: And there's nothing reported on how this new dealer got it.

I have a lot of questions to ask.

I have narrowed it down for now to 4 cars. One being the one we have been discussing above. (2002 w/ 65,000)

The other 3 are:

WHITE 2003 with 45,000 for $15,000 CARFAX IS CLEAN - all options I want

BLACK 2002 with 38,000 for $14000 CARFAX IS CLEAN - all options I want

SILVER 2002 with 27,000 for $15000 Checking CARFAX soon - all options and then some

Right now if all went well with carfax, I'd pick the last one. The second one is a close second. But I'd love either one honestly. The 03 seats rule all so I'd be happy with 18,000 more miles if I went with the 03.

Is there any member close to BATAVIA, NY that would check one out in person for me?

Pete, Batavia is the first exit off the I90 after going thru Buffalo, so anyone in the Buffalo area is close to Batavia.

Yeah, I PM'd Badnit and Tracy for now. Batavia looks to be halfway between Tracy and Badnit.