I have a purchasing dilemma.

So I have an 05 on order, but recently came across an 04 that I'm VERY interested in--through a private party. I'm not sure though if the price difference makes the 04 a smart decision, OR more specifically, what would the 04 purchase price have to be to make you give up the 05?

My 05 is:
silver/black
Appearance (w/ Burl wood trim)
Premium
Keyless go
Active Ventilated
Parktronic
MSRP 66400, my purchase price is 59995

the 04 is:
Silver/Black
Entertainment package
Pano. Sunroof
Appearance Pack
Keyless go
Parktronic
Active ventilated
Fold Down Rear

w/ these mods:
Tint
Euro DVD/Command
Euro front corners (no orange lenses)
Wood steering wheel

The original MSRP was about 68,000. The car has about 16800 miles as of now and KBB has the private party value at 55,500, trade in at something like 48, and dealer at something like 60. Of course, it seems that these cars aren't being sold for the asking price anyway. And to put it into perspective, I'm paying 59k for my 05.

The benefits I see w/ the 04 is that it was before they started decontenting the car, it has maintenance, it has a bit more options and some mods, and never has been in an accident/repainted, and registration is paid for another year. The car does have a couple of nicks in the rear bumper that I'll have to repaint (probably only a few hundred), it does have kind of high mileage for an 04, and it'll need new tires (at least 2).

The benefits w/ the 05 is that it's new, I'm getting it for a really great price, but it won't be here for a few weeks, it doesn't have maintenance, it's been slightly decontented, has less options (though not by much).

I'm ready to make a move on this but have been battling the pricing. I'd like to offer something that's fair for the seller, but also reflects real world pricing and doesn't leave me with something that's going to depreciate even MORE than if I bought the 05. I also have no idea what the 04s are going for nowadays.

Thanks for your input on this, feel free to PM or e-mail me too.

 

I guess the different is about $5K less with about 17K miles between the new and used. The used got pano. roof, entertainment package and few mods more. But the used one you need to paid $500 minimum for the body shop and another $500 for the 2 tires. I estimated about 20 cents per miles and 17K miles will equal about $3.4K. If I use $3,400 (mileage) plus $500 (body shop) and $500 (tires) = $4,400.

Assume there is no change for above, I'll vote for the new one since I don't have to visit the body shop...

But if I were you, I will go down to the dealership and show them about this car and tell them you want to go for the used 04, hopefully they will give you better discounts :-)

Thanks!

 

Although I am partial to the pano roof, you got a great deal on your '05. The nice thing about a new car is that you know how it was treated from day 1 (by you). You will be the one breaking it in.

On the flip side, with this particular '04 you get the roller wheel vent that you were concerned with, FSS, Euro comand, REST, puddle lights, polished aluminum wheels, charcoal filter, old-sytle center consol, and strap on rear armrest.

Why is the private party selling? Have they had problems? Did one of the mods they attempted go wrong? I'd want a look at the service history.

Tough choice! Good luck.

 

Thanks for the advise, keep 'em coming. What would you offer for the 04 to make you forgot about the 05. I agree that the 04 does have more interesting features, content and mods. Which I'd like to account for since I think it's only fair.

The 04 is being sold for personal reasons...let's assume the car has no drama associated with it (other than whatever is normal for MB), so in that respect, it's a level playing field. W/ regards to the service history, I'll be reviewing it too, but after owning BMWs, I wouldn't be surprised at anything.