Here are the facts. I have always driven Toyotas, have owned 3. I need a car to tow my horse trailer and would like one to represent my business (travel medicine), Also have 2 kids and a husband.

The Disco I have found:

2004 SE7
40,000 miles
Black inside and out (not my first color choice, but it looks sharp)
well maintained 1 owner car

asking $14,900 at independent "import/speciality" dealer
I just got the PPI back:
Needs new brakes
New tires
Oil change
and there is a "power steering leak coming from one of the lines"

Estimate for all repairs (not including fixing the leak, just determining the reason is $2542.

What should I do now? I have never bought a used car, only new so I am not sure where I stand in negotiating. These sell fast around here for some reason. In the week I have been looking hard, I have lost 2 before I ever got to the lot.

WHat do ya'll think?
Thanks!

 

I don't know where you live but that sounds expensive! You could fly to TN buy one for 6-8K, leave the rest for the drive back and the repairs all rovers need when you first get them.

 

Do a search for my thread "what to look for when buying a Discovery"

As for negotiating the price, you negotiate used cars just like new ones.
Do your research before you head out, know what the truck is actually worth.
www.edmunds.com
www.nada.com
www.kbb.com
Act like a cash customer even if you are not, NEVER tell them that you have a trade, just say that your car was stolen or that you want a second/third car, only AFTER you both agree on a buying price to you mention the trade.
And then you still need to do your homework and know what your trade in is worth.
Take the price from all three of those sites and then average them out, that will give you a good idea of what the car you are buying/selling is worth/what you can expect to pay/get.
The pricing on these varies widely from market to market.
You will not negotiate repairs, either they fix it before you buy it or they drop the price enough so that you can get it fixed.
So if you agree on $15,000 and the repairs are $5000 then you pay $10,000 for the car.
Oil changes do not count, they should have already changed the oil, but it is a good idea for you to do it since you dont know if they just put a new sticker in the window or actually changed the oil.
Take your time, find a good one, do not go over your budget or overpay for the truck or buy the first one that you drive.

 

I read your thread. This seems like an otherwise good truck.. The inspector said it is the best Disco he has ever seen.

So, do I factor in the repairs with my offer? ie $14,900-2500 in repairs his starting point should be more like 12, 400? Or subtrac the repair cost from what I find in edmunds and KBB?

Sorry for the silly questions

 

If you start doing a 4 to 6 state search you'll find 04 Discos from $8000 to $12,000, if work is needed, take it off their best price and see what happens.
By the way, an 04 will make a good tow rig.

 

If you're anywhere near Colorado check in Denver and Colorado Springs. Discoveries out here are all over the place and you can usually find good deals. Just be patient and shop around before you commit to buy. Make sure that any repairs are done before you buy or the cost deducted from the purchase price.

 

i just bought my 04 in november from a INDY luxe car dealer.

i paid about 13k OTD and that was with a fluids change and new tires as i demanded.

wheel and deal with em a bit.

 

No such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers.
Negotiate the price like there is nothing wrong with the truck, THEN subtract the cost of the repairs AFTER YOU have it inspected by a independent shop.
These guys prob are not trying to screw you over, but then who knows?
If you abosutly love this truck and must have this one then negotiate your price, deduct the repairs and then drive her home.