Purchase advice requested

[Chris11]

Thanks. I really appreciate everyone’s advice. Just want to find the right deal on a vehicle that will last. I miss not having a convertible. Had one from 1992 through most of 2016. Ready for the sun around here. Global cooling...?

[AZTB]

... Global cooling...?

Not here in Phoenix!

[007Cruiser]

Not here in Phoenix!

Perhaps we should join you.

[2K2BIRD]

If you are planning on selling, I would stay away from a rebuilt title car. If you want to enjoy a car and have fun at a good price, then this is the one.

Agree with Ron, if your the kind of person that's worried about what the car is going to be "worth" when you are finished with it, then a rebuilt title might not be the way to go. However, if your looking for a good value for today's enjoyment, it could be a great deal.

[Vantbird]

I wonder why you would have to pay more buying it from a dealer than from a private party? The car should be what it is worth private party or dealer. In most of my car purchasing the dealers are bottom feeders.

[AZTB]

Perhaps we should join you.

You all are always welcome, Gene...but just know that come June-Sept, you've chosen to visit the "oven"...

[wcoates]

I wonder why you would have to pay more buying it from a dealer than from a private party? The car should be what it is worth private party or dealer. In most of my car purchasing the dealers are bottom feeders.

There are bottom feeders in all professions. Most dealers are trying to cover overhead and expenses that owners don’t have. Salesmen at dealers are not emotionally attached like the owner who just wants it gone so he can move on to the next ride without having one more car in the drive than they want. Think most folks feel if a problem exists shortly after a sale they have a better chance of resolution with a dealer of long standing than an owner you’ll never see again.

[Chris11]

Well, I checked out the steel blue 2005 with 80K miles today after a work trip to downtown Chicago. The top was very worn in a number of places and the chrome around the windshield at the top where the convertible top connects seemed to be flaking off. In person, the color really didn't do anything for me either. Reps ignored me, but I was glad since I wasn't interested.

Also swung by another dealer with a red / red 2003 with 55K miles. One owner car with all maintenance records. Car looked flawless, EXCEPT for an area on the rear bumper and quarter panel that had been scraped and VERY poorly touched up. Other than that one section, the rest of the car inside and out looked great. Has hardtop and holder, but no boot cover. They want $14,900 so I would need them to come down. Will probably revisit in a few weeks if it doesn't sell, but would definitely need to fix the paint issue and get a boot cover. May also look at another red/black 2003 in the area that's closer to my work. Can't remember the miles on that one. Thanks again to everyone for your advice.