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Kia Rondo Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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Comments
I think low 16's is a great price for a 09 if you are getting what you want. I paid a little over 18 for my 08 EX V6 7, fully loaded. While I did get them to give me a little more for my battered Honda Odyssey than they originally offered, I did not really negotiate on price. After I got the car, I told my husband I probably could have gotten it cheaper and he pointed out to me that it was less than any of our previous 3 cars, and was exactly what I wanted. I've had it since early April and thus far, couldn't be happier.
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying don't but used Rondo. I am only pointing out the factors you should considerate when you are looking at the price of a used one. Indeed, the lower resell value of Rondo makes it a good choice as its reliability is above average (just outside of top 10).
If one buys a (18500msrp) 09 Mazda3 sedan for 15300, and it has a kbb 08 trade in of about 13000, one has eaten $2300 or so to drive it the 1st 12 months. $3000 off msrp represents a good deal.
If one buys a (24000msrp) 09 Chevy impala for 17500, and it has a 08 used kbb trade in of 10000, one has eaten 7500 to drive this (average) sedan the 1st 12 months. $7500 off msrp not so great a deal in this case.
If you financed it, you get to pay finance charges on the 2300 or 7500 for the loan term. Great if the Impala is a super hot contemporary car with backorder and in great demand, but as an average rental car in the worst recession in 20 years, not so great.
You eat this money to drive the 1st 12 months whether you own the car 1yr or 20 years. Depreciation is much less and surprisingly similar with most vehicles after the 1st 12 months or so..
Extreme example- the mazda and civic are amongst the best in this respect, and the Impala the worst, but illustrative.
Personally, I wouldn't get a ticket getting to the dealer to pay $16000 for a 09 Rondo with an 08 used trade in value of $9000. Or exhaust myself finding an 08 leftover new for $13000.
Good luck
--jjf
If trade in values are important to you, the previous post is relevant. Some of us drive our cars for 200,000 plus miles and don't worry about trade in values.
If your point is that you shouldn't buy a car at all because of the high first year depreciation, even if you plan on keeping the car until it dies, I'm not sure I follow. Why is what my car is worth one year after I buy it relevant to me if I have no intention of selling it for a very long time?
In your example of the Impala, a buyer has "eaten" $7500 in the first year. I agree, if they sell the car. Or if the choice is between buying new or buying one year old. If the buyer wants the car new for other reasons and is keeping it, I just don't see that it's a deal breaker. It's like my friends who say they "lost" $300,000 in their 401k's last year. I say yeah, if you sell or need that money now. Otherwise, it's all on paper. If your not retiring for 20 years, why does it matter?
Don't forget the $4000 incentives for 08 models and discounted dealer pricing (at near invoice price before incentive) has already covered most of the first year depreciation in resell value. Honestly, if one is trying to maximize their car value, trading in is not the way to go. If you check the kbb price for a used 08 model with 13500 miles from dealer, it is only a couple thousand dollars cheaper than a brand new one (or $3000-$4000 cheaper if you buy the used one from private party). Now you have to justify the $2000-$4000 saving versus the extra 5 years power train warranty, lemon protection, 13,500 miles wearing and warranty, and uncertain previous history. If you need to finance it, the better interest rate for new car should be factored in too. There is no absolute answer to this as different people may have different justification. These are just points worth to consider.
Again, this is about buying a 08 Rondo used or new right now.
Again, this is about buying a 08 Rondo used or new right now."
I agree with tourist1292, lots of talk about depreciation (especially irrelevant 1 yr depreciation) but not nearly as much about all the other factors. 0% financing on a new vehicle is a huge deal, nothing comparable for a used vehicle. EZ to do internet search for a new vehicle and know all details of the vehicle (color, options, condition "new"), with a used vehicle, dealers and private parties are very inconsistent in listing features and conditions which means more phone work, footwork, travel to distant towns and arranging independant vehicle inspections. A great price on the wrong car is not a good deal.
Sure, somebody will negotiate a better deal somewhere, but your cost looks fine to me.
Again, by comparison, my 2007 LX I-4 (no cargo tray) cost me $16,800 20 months ago. So you get a new 2008 with a bigger engine, 20 months later, for $1400 less than what I thought was a very good deal for mine? That's terrific!
I live in the mid-west and I only use AC a few days every year. In addition, I have the windows tinted last week. Even in the last couple days above 80F, it wasn't too bad even without turning on AC.
Howz the window tint applied? Thinking about doing that -- I noticed the moonroof was tinted...Did you get it done at KIA or outside place?
peace
trdsdd