I spoke with the internet sales manager of a dealership here in South Florida, ( Maroone Ford of Margate) who said they have one 03 Black Lightning there that someone apparently bought and returned within a week. It has around 400-500 miles on it and their asking 29,900!

I asked her if she would take 28K, and she basicly told me to come in. Offers are taken more seriously when your physically there ready to deal. I'm weary of why it was traded in so soon. She said it had something to do with a credit problem, but I don't buy that. They check your credit two fold before handing the keys to someone. Especially a Lightning! right?

Maybe he just changed his mind and got a Cobra or realized his insurance was more than he could afford. What do you guys think I should offer on this L? I'm thinking 27 up to 28 if they refuse the 27. The Kelly Blue Book for this Lightning with around 400 miles on it is 32K for retail sale price, 25 for used in good condition.

Input?

 

If there is nothing wrong with the truck then you are getting a good deal. I'd go in and make your offer of 28k ... if something is wrong with it, you can return it just like the previous owner Plus its under warranty so at least you'll have some insurance. My personal recommendation, get the extended warranty that covers everything. I can't tell you how many times it has saved my ***

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Yeah, she said it comes with a full warranty. I would request a test drive first. If it looks, sounds, and drives great, it's probably too good to pass up. If they will take 28 for it, give me 13K for the Mustang ( what Sawgrass ford offered me last week when I was looking at F150's) and they'll give me a decent APR for 72 months, I'll do it. Anyone here buy a previous model year Lightning for a good deal regret it?

 

Will it have the full new truck warranty?

I think by law they would have to sell it as used if they processed the title? If it is used most dealers have that no warranty BS. Make sure you can take it to any dealer anywhere.

I would definitley want to talk to the previous purchaser.

I disagree with your analogy of giving you the keys. If you first credit report is good or a cosigner they want you to take possesion to begin your love affair.

Is it the truck you want? Right color and everything if you were going to pick one yourself.

Maybe under the circumstances you could ask for an extended warranty at no charge.

 

She said it comes with a full warranty. The title was never processed. He returned it too soon. That's why it's being sold as a new vehicle at a reduced amount.

 

28,000 is too high of a price for a 2003. Right now there is 3-4000 rebate on 2003s and that includes SVT. You should be able to get it for around 27000. At least don't start negotiating any higher than that. I bought my 2003 for just above 27000 out the door last month.

Tip: Use the mileage on it as a negotiating point. Note to them that the 2005 F150s are gonna be out in a few months making any 2003 devalue fast.

 

I will use the milage to negotiate. Good idea. I just don't understand how a vehicle that has physically left the lot with its owner, that was returned at a later date, is considered still new? WTF?

If we go buy a truck, change our minds and go back a few days later, we take the hit on the risidual value don't we?

Am I missing something here?

 

If its not been "titled" then it isn't considered sold yet. Most dealers don't send in the titlke work right away just in case something does fall through plus some states allow you to return big ticket items within 3 days for a total refund too.

Tell them that with that mileage it feels like a used truck to you.

 

I'll do that. Once I make this decision, I'm wondering if I should take out the sound system and MAC Prochamber or just leave them in. It's alot to accomplish and I hurt my back recently. Do you guys think I should spend the cash to have them removed before trading in? Is it worth the trouble? The sound system is an older Alpine CD deck that's so-so, 8 year old Fosgate subs, bod, two fosgate amps and a capacitor. Prochamber is not even 2 months old!

Input?

 

Hey,
I just bought a new black '03 with 15 miles on it for $26,500 with no rebates (I believe the rebates ended April 1st). You should easily get that deal with it being "used". Remember, the truck is 1 1/2 years old...maybe remind them of that.

I'd take out your amps and stuff, I regret not doing it.
Good luck, you'll love the truck!

 

make sure you run a carfax just to be sure it wasn't in an accident

 

Dealer won't budge because of 400 miles.

The 2005 dose not devalue the 03 L .....
Now the 2006 L might have an effect.


It will take some time but I would think if you can get it for 28K ...take it.
When you get there the dealer will forget the 28K conversation and start around 30K....

 

Bottom line 400 miles makes it used, doesn't matter how anyone tries to spin it. Maroone wants to sell it to the first warm body that makes a reasonable offer. 26k plus extended warranty sounds like a good place to start.

 

It may have been one of those deals where they let you drive off with the financing approval still pending just to get a quick sale on the books. Then they assume that even if you aren't approved you'll have gotten so attatched to the truck by the time they notify you that they need to renegotiate that you'll come back in and sign new paperwork on their terms. I see stories like that on Edmunds.com all the time, people thought they had closed the deal but then they get denied for the loan and they find out there's loopholes in the paperwork to show it all hinges on your credit being approved. All goes to show you should never drive a vehicle away without a loan locked in.

 

FWIW, I paid right at $28000 for my 2003, back in december of 2002!

it's used regardless of what they say, I'd offer 'em $27000 tops.

do they still have rebates on heritage models?

good luck.

later,
chris