Help Buying A 2004 Toyota Corolla CE (and a VIN check please)

[bluejays]

Hey everyone, I've been trying to make a deal with a Toyota dealership on a 2004 Corolla with the "C" package. Here are the specifics:

-about 37,000KMS
-Auto Transmission
-Air Conditioning
-AM-FM Stereo
-Compact Disc
-Power Windows
-Power Locks
-Bucket Seats
-Cruise Control
-Tilt Wheel
-Drivers Air Bag
-Passenger Air Bag
-Anti-Theft
-Keyless Entry
-Power Mirrors
-NO rust proofing

Anyway, the listed price was about $17,500, but after haggling, got him to drop it to about $15,000. I don't think that's the end, but what would be a realistic price to buy this thing at? What would the dealer be making on a car like this (in profit)? Has anybody had bad experiences with this car? Some quick info would be appreciated. I want to run this car into the ground too, so rustproofing would be necessary to get done ASAP (or should I walk away because there is no rustproofing done)?

Secondly, if somebody with the ability to check VIN numbers could please PM me to get the VIN that would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

[alltherage]

Sounds like a pretty fair deal in my mind. Toyotas are one of the most reliable cars on the road. My only concern would be regarding the rust proofing... Why in God's name would anyone order a vehicle without rust proofing? If there was a cancer vaccine, you'd have to be a complete moron not to get it.

Sounds like a nice ride man, I would say that if this was a lease or something, they are probably marking it up about 50%. (meaning they probably bought it for or gave it a trade value of around $8,000 - 10,000). I know that 50% is generally the markup, mind you they usually do some work on it when they get it back, with regards to detailing, and other minor maintainance.

In the end I would say their cost is close to around the $10,000 - $12,000 mark for cost.

[burnin_vernon]

i have a carfax subscription for a couple more weeks. pm me the vin and i can send you a report. Looks like a pretty solid purchase though; it probably has some warranty left too

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by alltherage

Sounds like a pretty fair deal in my mind. Toyotas are one of the most reliable cars on the road. My only concern would be regarding the rust proofing... Why in God's name would anyone order a vehicle without rust proofing? If there was a cancer vaccine, you'd have to be a complete moron not to get it.

Sounds like a nice ride man, I would say that if this was a lease or something, they are probably marking it up about 50%. (meaning they probably bought it for or gave it a trade value of around $8,000 - 10,000). I know that 50% is generally the markup, mind you they usually do some work on it when they get it back, with regards to detailing, and other minor maintainance.

In the end I would say their cost is close to around the $10,000 - $12,000 mark for cost.

Wow. I didn't realize the markup was that much. As for the rustproofing thing, I guess it's pointless to anyone if they're leasing the thing to get it rustproofed. I'll have to get it rustproofed as part of the deal or on my own, but it'll be done for sure. I'm just curious though, how sure are you % wise, that the cost would be between the $10K-$12K? Also, in ontario we have to pay GST and PST on used cars from dealers...what other costs would I have incur?

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by burnin_vernon

i have a carfax subscription for a couple more weeks. pm me the vin and i can send you a report. Looks like a pretty solid purchase though; it probably has some warranty left too

PM sent. Thanks a lot!

[alltherage]

Originally Posted by fleury

Wow. I didn't realize the markup was that much. As for the rustproofing thing, I guess it's pointless to anyone if they're leasing the thing to get it rustproofed. I'll have to get it rustproofed as part of the deal or on my own, but it'll be done for sure. I'm just curious though, how sure are you % wise, that the cost would be between the $10K-$12K? Also, in ontario we have to pay GST and PST on used cars from dealers...what other costs would I have incur?

I'm pretty sure about the cost thing. My grandma called me a few years ago asking if I wanted to but her car for $3000 because the dealer appraised it at $6000 and would only give her 50%. Like I said though, part of what you are paying for in the markup is any maintainance, detailing, inspections, and the sales person's commission, so when you factor in all those things, you wont get much better than $15,000.

What you have to keep in mind is, they wont sell it to you for less than someone else might pay. $15k sounds pretty good.

[BlackArcher101]

Carfax is nearly useless for Canadian vehicles (I found out the hard way).

Use carproof instead for canadian registered vehicles. https://www.carproof.com/default.asp

[iggypop]

Yeah dealers usually mark up cars about $4000 on used vechiles. Thing is they usually don't make more than about $1500 on new vechiles

[TimSJ]

I wish we could mark up cars by 50%... not a chance unless we absolutly steal a car from someone.
Knowing they premium that Toyotas get i would say that your deal is ok.. You are paying a bit of a premium for the low mileage.

My guess would be that they are likly making about $2k off of you..

[Alana Flames]

If you're still looking for a decent VIN report, title search, or whatev, I can get the version that banks pull before giving a car loan....but not till next week as I'm out of the office this week. PM me if you're interested

[Fuzzy McGillicuddy]

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Carfax is nearly useless for Canadian vehicles (I found out the hard way).

Use carproof instead for canadian registered vehicles. https://www.carproof.com/default.asp

I heard Lemon Aid author Phil Edmonston say the same thing about Car Proof. He also recommends the site.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

I don't know much about the dealings of cars, but I'm a big fan of Corolla's. A friend of mine has a 2000 standard and loves it. The family used to have the 2002 CE until a certain "adventure" last winter. Let's just say that if you flip them twice (once vertical once horizontal) as long as you're wearing your seat belt you can walk away. Now we have a 2006, the newer models are bigger than the older ones. I'm not sure if the 04s would be like the 02s or 06s but either way it's a great car.

Good choice IMO.