Looking for a cheap vehicle for my 16-year old step-daughter, and came across a 1999 Vitara 2-door convertible 4x4 that's part of an estate that's being settled. They've had it on craigslist for ~$230o and had no interest, so now they're searching for offers.
It's a one owner with 92kmi, no rust through anywhere(especially underneath), and only a tiny spot by the rear wheel…but that's about the extent of the "good".
The top is shot, both front an rear fascias have damage, the tires are dry rotted and almost bald, and the front passenger's CV boot is leaking. The oil on the dipstick was a bit below the "add" mark and is in need of changing. So I'm looking at almost a grand in parts just for her to be able to drive it. Oh, it also has crappy flame decals that are cracked and flaking off both sides.
KBB lists private-party "fair" condition at $2350, and trade-in at $1460, which I know is typically high. Ebay and craigslist weren't much help either, as there's only one crappy 2wd model listed now with no bids at $1800, and no recent history. All I found on c-list were dealer ads starting at $2500 and up.
So what should I offer for this thing? I'm thinking if I can drive it(not sure if the plates and insurance are current), and the heat, A/C, windows, radio, etc. work fine, and there's no weird sounds from the drivetrain, $1000 is a fair offer. If I can't drive it, I'll start at $500 but stop at $800.
What do you guys think - am I being too cheap, or not cheap enough?
Are you price comparing Chevy Trackers? They are the same car.
http://chambana.craigslist.org/cto/4208204609.html
In reply to JohnRW1621:
Yes, but the 4-door/hardtop ones seem to bring a bit more than 2-door/soft-top. Good reference point, none the less. Thanks!
Man, I LOVE Vitaras/Trackers/Sidekicks, they are great little 4x4's. BUT, fwiw, they are not great in the handling or crashworthiness fields.
IIHS Crash Test
EDIT: Obviously it's not terrible, but just figured I'd mention it.
I wouldn't put any child of mine in one of those rolling deathtraps, and I hate children and think safety or lack thereof is often blown out of proportion.
A Pinto crashes better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f22MAEUOr4A
i think the answer is P71...not grand vitara roll-over buggy...
i want my kids in a big car, when the time comes. no hondas, no geos, and no 2500 dodges either. their conscience can't handle vehicular manslaughter at 16 years old. nah, a big panther or the like is perfect. cheap maintenance, good ride, lotsa room, no surprises, and in 85% of all accidents, she comes home, and doesnt go to jail.
-J0N
In reply to jmthunderbirdturbo:
The 98-02 Prizm/Corolla Crashes EXTREMELY well for a compact. I had the privilege of helping scrap one once, it got hit by a Pontiac G6 at highway speeds after it went near perpendicular onto a highway overcooking a on ramp corner. The driver survived with minor injuries, sill was only smashed in maybe 10 inches. I once found another in the yard that went head on with something hard enough that the engine was on it back, head jammed into the firewall, the footwells were still intact.
Also, the way I see it, with that part of my life still somewhat fresh in my mind, you don't wan't your kid being the one with the bigass car that is best at carrying all of his/her jackass friends.
Kenny_McCormic wrote:
I wouldn't put any child of mine in one of those rolling deathtraps, and I hate children and think safety or lack thereof is often blown out of proportion.
A Pinto crashes better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f22MAEUOr4A
The Pinto crash test is a full wall type barrier not an offset frontal crash test. Totally different and much gentler crash. Comparing the two is not reasonable.
Can I buy it? I miss our old GV.
In reply to Bobzilla:
If I don't get it I'll send you the details.
In reply to dculberson:
My bad, didn't click the link and just assumed that was a wall in the above pic.
An escort crashes better!
For the record, I don't think the Vitara or its siblings are bad cars, or even all that unsafe, I just figured it was worth a mention given the intended driver.
There are plenty of bigger cars that arguably do worse:
Chevy Blazer
Dodge Ram 1500
Chrysler LHS
Bottom line is, just because it looks like a truck, or just because it's heavy, doesn't mean it's safe.
Called and made an offer last night. The person I'm in contact with is local to the vehicle, while the owner/executor is across the country. I made what I feel is a fair offer based on what I do - and don't - know about it, explained why, and added that if I could take it for a test drive, and everything checks out, I may be willing to offer more.
We'll see if they respond...
How to ensure you get a good deal on something you don't need:
Ask yourself, "Self, at what price will I be embarrassed to tell my friends how little I paid for this car?"
If it's something I don't want goes like:
"Self, at what price will I brag to my friends how little I paid for this car?"
I realize that's not the exact situation you're in...but still...slightly modified versions of the above can be made to work.
