rage793

I plan on purchasing in spring time and have seen threads giving advice on what cars are worth. I would really like some input from the forum. Right now I am leaning toward a 2010 because of the launch control. But I would also like opinions on 2011, 2009, 2008 cars as well in regard to price.

Thanks in adavance.

Random84

Well, the market could look totally different in 4 months depending on the economy, interest rates and warmer weather - the last two being the most likely to increase your costs IMHO. Since we're still in the 2012 model year, the 2011's and 2010 owners will NOT want to mess with a private sale unless you're paying at least a few grand over dealer trade-in to make it worth their while; most will have a low tolerance for tire-kickers at this price range and probably be of the "if I can't get my price, I'll just keep it!" mentality.

You can use NADA values as a ballpark, combined with a thorough search of AutoTrader.com to get a feeler for values. Obviously, the older the car the more room you're going to have to negotiate and the more variable asking prices based on options, mileage, and the mindset of the seller. Since the 2010/11 cars will all have pretty low miles, the pricing swings will be based on trim/option packages (Centennial, Carbon, etc) and can go from mid-$70's to $90+ thousand depending on the car (!). So when you're searching, keep these things in mind.

Ballparks for non-specialty packages (ie no Carbon's):
used 2012s going for ~$5 grand off "new" prices (low 70's)
used 2011's high $60's
used 2010's high $50's to low $60's
used 2009's low to mid $50's - with some into the $40's
used 2008's mid $40's


I'd expect prices to go up slightly once spring is in full swing.

rage793

I might buy as soon as April maybe end of March. Thanks for the info.

Random84

One more thing - if you're financing any part of the purchase price, I would get that lined up at least 2 weeks prior to you making offers: this will not only mean you have funds "in hand" but you'll have a better idea on your limits. Nothing like reaching a deal only to find out you didn't borrow enough, etc*.

I would strongly recommend you focus on the oldest model year that has the options you want: there's not a ton of variation in these cars, so let someone else take the depreciation hit. You can tell by my pricing structure above that you can lose 15-30% of your resale value in just a year or two - and that's a hard thing to accept for many private sellers (which accounts for their insane pricing structure).

I've seen guys with 2007's asking $50+ thousand, running adds right next to a 2009 with the same miles, options, and asking price. Don't be that guy.



*does not apply for CF Ballers, who only pay in cash.

bullitt4110

saleentim

launch the car on your own.. forget launch control.

saleentim

65vetteC6

Here are recent manheim prices that dealers are getting, not private party but it should give you an idea.

Above Average Below
06
Sale Price $37,736 $34,575 $31,414
Odometer 20,259 40,134 60,009

07
Sale Price $42,948 $37,400 $31,852
Odometer 12,574 25,148 37,722

08
Sale Price $47,481 $44,117 $40,753
Odometer 11,990 23,979 35,969

09
Sale Price $53,336 $49,363 $45,390
Odometer 6,042 12,083 18,125

10
Sale Price $53,750 $53,750 $53,750
Odometer 3,805 3,805 3,805

Random84

I don't feel so bad now...

rage793

I would like a 3LZ car with nab and blue tooth, was the first year of blue tooth 09?

rage793

nav...

Mookster

I just picked up a 2009, 2LZ, Nav, 3700 miles for $51k from a GM dealer.

Tim@Broadwalk here on the forum has a brand new 2011 2LZ for $65k...So i were you i would either go for a 2008/2009 model and save or just buy left over 2011 and still save

HighPro

Paid $50k for a 3LZ with 32k miles, new tires (unfortunately GY RFT). The guy had it on the lot for two days - Cyber-metallic Gray and with everything I would have ordered, as new. I paid a fair price and I'm happy.

Random84

that's a good price for a 2009 3LZ!

Random84

This is a GREAT price for a 2009 with those miles...

3LZZ06

I would be looking for at least an '09 mainly because:

1. larger 10.5 qt oil capacity (seems to staved off the LS7 reliability issues)
2. bluetooth
3. hatch pull down assist
4. steering refinement
5. TR6060 tranny '08+
6. heavier axles

and a few other minor decorative bits...



I would also "have to have" the 3LZ leather wrap option. If it were never offered I wouldn't miss it but it just makes the plastic dash look ridiculous IMO.