QuestionQUESTION: Thanks for taking this question. I am a first time buyer (second car - this is the first that will be on my credit) in the market for a used car. I am close to buying an 06 CTS with 45,000 miles on it. I am worried that this mileage is too high and I may suffer expensive repairs sooner rather than later. I want to upgrade from the 4cyl compact I've had for the past 7 years though. Do you know anything about this particular vehicle when it reaches high mileage? Also, any advise on alternatives, if this isn't wise? Finally, any advise on financing and negotiating a price? Thanks a lot. FYI $4500 down/60 months w. overpaying is what I'm looking at - price ODO is 17500 right now
ANSWER: Hi Mike
Buying an 06 CTS with 45K don't worry me as I have come across several with much higher miles and still in excellent condition, however there are many other factors that come into play,,, history and current condition for starters.
You're asking questions about negotiating / financing, these are questions that can branch out with many answers, sure I could give you short answers, but with you being a first time buyer I would not consider benefit on your part, let's start with you having a visit to my website http://www.usedcartips.org/
Pick up some pointers, ask me further questions about issues you don't fully understand, if possible send me a link for the CTS, and I will check it out for red flags.
PS,,, The # 1 factor why buyers end up with a lemon in their driveway is because they never could find the time in this fast paced world we live in to study the process how to buy a car,,, have you got the time ?
Ray
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QUESTION: Ray,
The following is the dealer's site - I am looking at the STS now with 33,000 on it (black) http://www.fantasyautoinc.com/ ; the are a no name shady dealer which worries me a bit - let me know your thoughts - carfax is clean I purchased it
Thanks for the help
ANSWER: Hey, Mike
I think I did not read your follow up question right the first time and therefore been taking my time answering your question, When I saw the words I purchased it, I thought you meant the caddy, But after re- reading I think you meant the Carfax ?
Before I go further, have you purchased the vehicle ? if not give me an update, I promise to get in a more speedy time frame.
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QUESTION: I have not purchased yet (carfax is what I meant) - I have test driven and am working on financing right now - As I mentioned, I am now looking at an STS with 33,000 miles on it (see the link I sent earlier) - What really concerns me is the dealer I am getting it from - they are not a franchise well known direct retailer - the sales guy did offer to let me take it to my mechanic before buying though
AnswerThe car checks out good from this end, negotiations becomes another step. Clean carfax another positive along with seller having no problem with an independent inspection, yes I would have preferred a purchase from a franchise dealer also but if you get a green light from your inspection then you have covered the bases.
Did you cover all the pointers on my website about the test drive to make sure you did not miss any, along with a read up about the mechanical inspection ?
The dealer most likely will try to sell you an extended warranty, if it's not a direct warranty from GM ' don't purchase "
