Going price for a 2010 9-3 Aero sports sedan in Nashville area?

[jack_w]

The folks at Crest Cadillac notified me they had just gotten a 2010 grey 9-3 sports sedan with 35,145 miles; automatic 5-speed, 2.0T. Carfax reports one-owner, bought new in December, 2014 here in Nashville. Pristine records. Only service reports are three visits for Valvoline Instant Oil change. Haven't gotten a price for it yet. Said they just got it in after I queried about end of lease returns. What would you think a purchase price would be?

[nordwulf]

Asking price around $16 - $17K.

[jack_w]

That seems realistic, although I was hoping for something between 14K and 15K around here. A state and count sales taxes will be slightly over $1000 for a 15K car, then add license plate ($91) & insurance. Thanks

[jack_w]

Got a price from the Cadillac dealer: $16,991 yesterday (Thursday). An odd number. Wonder how that was arrived at. Going to look at it at noon. I am going to ask about: No 30,000 mile check up/maintenance reported by Carfax and the 2011 fuel pump recall, Recall ID: 11V015000 ("The fuel pump may fail and cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.") Besides the usual "kick the tires" inspection, anything else about the 2010 9-3 Aero Sports Sedan?

[nordwulf]

There is this service bulletin for the 2007-2011 B207 engine: http://saabworld.net/f146/hard-start...-3-b207-28085/

I wouldn't be too worried about any service that was not reported to Carfax. At least it shows frequent oil changes near the end so the previous owner probably took good care of it. And usually, the first 20K miles service is not really that extensive. Basically check and adjust if needed and change oil and filters.

http://saabworld.net/f146/saab-9-3-m...chedule-28302/


CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this 2010 SAAB 9-3 AERO

[jack_w]

Looked at the car and drove it during today during my noon lunch break. Really looks like a good deal. Talked with the salesman who leased the car to his customer originally. Good condition. obviously garage-kept. Showed me work done to it since it was turned in. Fluids added, oil changed, etc. Tires rotated, brake rotors replaced, and more I can't remember. The manager said the previous owner brought in the car religiously for maintenance and I can see the records. The company doesn't share that info with Carfax, he said. Comes with a warranty, but the nature of which, the salesman didn't know. Had a thumping, though, when driving and applying the breaks. Sounded like from the right front. Salesman said he would have it looked at. The dealership has mechanic who knows the Saab and a body shop that does Saab repair. I had to get back to work and said I would come back Monday.

Although the price ($16,991) is a couple thousand more than I wanted to buy a car for, the deal seems so good. I'll get pictures Monday if you all would like.

Fred, I can't believe how prescient you were on the price, between $16,000 and $17,000 you wrote. From my research on Kelly and Consumer Reports, the estimated "fair purchase" prices were higher:

Kelly Blue Book purchase price from a dealer (but not certified, i.e., inspected and warrantee)
between $16,704 & $18,367: with $17,536 labeled a “fair purchase price"
or between $18,446 to $19,335: with $18,886 for certified car
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles are high-quality, low-mileage used cars that have been thoroughly inspected and backed by an extended manufacturer’s warranty. Adds about a $1,000 to the estimate.

Using Consumer Report calculations: $17,325. with Carfax price adjustment: $17,795

[nordwulf]

They say the price difference will be forgotten after a few months but the car will stay with you for a long time. I go for the better, nicer and slightly more expensive car all the time.

I probably spend too much time on cars.com and eBay which gives you a feel for real market prices. Regular 2010 9-3 are in the $13K-$15K range and this one is an Aero, has navigation and low miles so that's what I based my estimate on. I imagine you should be able to get for around $16K if it has been on their lot for a while.

I also learned that when you see a car you really like for a fair price within your budget, don't hesitate too long because other buyers may think the same.

[jack_w]

From what I was told the Saab just came into the dealership on an early lease turn-in. The owners were offered a deal on a new Cadillac. So it has been there for maybe a week. Not long enough for the dealership to become discouraged and disparate enough to cut their price.

[jack_w]

Pulled the trigger today on the 2010 grey Aero Sports Sedan. Paid a lot more than I expected (about a thousand). But came with new front wheel discs and three new Michelin tires. Never have I ever spent on a car. But kept thinking about what Frank had to say about looking back at not spending something more and wondering why not? Pictures to come.

[nordwulf]

Awesome!

Looking forward to see pictures and hearing your experiences with your new Swedish ride.