Ok, I'm sick of looking for cars. I really assessed my goals, and I think I need a fuel efficient, simple car that'* newer than what I usually look for. I've been looking at 2000+ Bonnevilles, but nothing really caught my eye until I saw this Impala. It'* an LS (L36, for those who don't know) that has 73k miles on it, it looks awesome, I'm not sure of the date on the UIM but I'll check that. It has bucket seats, tinted windows, and a factory spoiler. The paint is in GREAT shape (a nice dark blue), everything is in good working order, and the engine runs DAMN smooth. The only problem is that it'* 9k bucks. This is about 800 bucks more than KBB Retail price. I'm worried that I'll get ripped off, as I have before. I don't know if everyone knows this, but I ended up paying 3200 for my '92 SSEi with 118k miles on it, and that was on top of the problems it'* been having. I got ripped off, and I know it. So, I guess what I'm trying to ask is: How do I talk dealers down? You know, I've tried before and failed miserably, and I realize this might seem like a dumb question, but I think I need to know what to do before I get it. Oh yeah, btw, I am, of course, aware of the UIM issues, and will have that taken care of within 6 months with the APN kit.


OH, and another thing, can I still post in the 2000-2005 mechanical section?

Awesome. Hope everything goes well for you.

you could check out www.naioa.com

Thanks for that link!

Yeah, I've gotten the green light for this, so cross your fingers.

Have you looked at the new ones? A new LS lists for about $22,000 but there'* up to $4,500 in rebates. Years ago you always got a better interest rate new vs used. Payment may not be much different on a new car.

Very happy for you. Sounds like a good find. Keep us posted.
ANd, you know we'll need pics ASAP.

Working with the dealers comes down to research.

Know what the vehicle is actually worth from a couple different sites. Don't use dealer pricing as your basis..go with used or private party pricing.

Be willing to walk away from a bad deal. There are more deals out there and each dealer will want you to think you must act immediately or lose out. Fact is.. nearly every car (unless the oddball rarity) was made in the 10'* or 100'* of thousands. Don't allow a fiancing or trade in talk until you have the price on the car nailed down. Simply don't answer and ask about something else if needed.

Let them know you know about the car by asking certain in depth questions....on the L36 you could ask...what is the production date on the intake manifold, has it been updated and were the new aluminum style gaskets used when taht was done. All these questions are easily answered by their mechanic or yourself by looking under the hood. The sales person will frequently give you information to appease you.. wait.. get back to the car and say "You said this manifold was recently replaced...but it'* dated 2001 when the car was made????????"

You aren't trying to be a jerk..you are trying to get honest pricing, honest answers and the best car for your money.

ALRIGHT!!!!!

I BOUGHT IT!!!!

And she'* a beaut! I talked him down to 7500, because the CD player didn't work, and there were some rust spots (not bad, but they were there). Also, the Intake Manifold was dated in the year 2000, so at least it has the "somewhat' improved mani. I think I got a pretty good deal out of it. It ended up being around 8500 after tax, title, and G.A.P. insurance (through my bank). I'll have to wash and wax here, and then I'll post pics

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And get over the rust, you live in Ohio, can't stop it.

Congrats. Hope you are happy with your purchase.
Now, bring on the pics!!!