Carmax STS-V?

[2Vast4U]

So as I am looking for an STS-V to purchase I saw one at Carmax today. It's an 06, Stealth Gray, 11k miles, and they're asking (or should I say they're selling it since they don't negotiate) for $32,988.

What do you guys think of buying from Carmax? I personally don't like that they aren't willing to negotiate. I mean, the price is fine w me but it's more the principle of the matter. I've seen better deals than this one, but they would all require me having the vehicle transported from far away.

I hear Carmax buys a lot of fleet/rentals, although I don't think an STS-V was ever a rental, but who knows...

I'm going to test drive it tomorrow and will let you know what happens.

[CIWS]

It sounds fair, but get the VIN and run it's service history before you buy it, just to be sure. Stealth is only available in the 06 and it's the rarest color STS-V

Carmax just does the "no haggle pricing" thing

[2Vast4U]

Hm now that is some useful information. Thank you.

[Jpjr]

That is a good no nonsense price for an $80k car with 11k miles. If you plan on owning the car for a while and getting your money's worth out of it, I think you are being adequately compensated for 2 years of depreciation since assuming the car is basically new with no damage.

[silverws6ta]

Originally Posted by 2Vast4U

So as I am looking for an STS-V to purchase I saw one at Carmax today. It's an 06, Stealth Gray, 11k miles, and they're asking (or should I say they're selling it since they don't negotiate) for $32,988.

What do you guys think of buying from Carmax? I personally don't like that they aren't willing to negotiate. I mean, the price is fine w me but it's more the principle of the matter. I've seen better deals than this one, but they would all require me having the vehicle transported from far away.

I hear Carmax buys a lot of fleet/rentals, although I don't think an STS-V was ever a rental, but who knows...

I'm going to test drive it tomorrow and will let you know what happens.

I bought mine a year ago from the Greenvlle, SC location with 12086 miles on it, it is also Stealth Gray and hadn't been sold to the original owner until June '07 so they kept it less than a year. My experience with them was excellent. I purchased mine for right at 40k. It was immaculate so i had no complaints.

[2Vast4U]

Well I drove the STS-V today. It's an amazing car, when I hit the gas it went from 20 to 80 in a heartbeat and the sound of the supercharger winding was awesome.

However I didn't bring her home. I need a few days to really think about it.

My biggest concern was a clicking type sound coming from the engine when I revved it. I'm not sure how to describe the sound but I sat in the parking lot revving it in park and when I let off the gas then hit it there was a small click sound before the supercharger wind. Not sure if this is normal as my experience with superchargers is limited. Other than that though, the car was seemed to be immaculate.

I offered them $31k and they gave me that "no haggle" Car Max bs so I ended up leaving and told them to call me if they change their mind. I hope they do.

I really wish I would have brought her home!

I just heard about an 07 XLR-V, 22k miles for $37k - which is a great deal, but having only two seats can be a real pain in the ass, but it's a ****in sexy ride.

The search continues...

[Jpjr]

Originally Posted by 2Vast4U

Well I drove the STS-V today. It's an amazing car, when I hit the gas it went from 20 to 80 in a heartbeat and the sound of the supercharger winding was awesome.

However I didn't bring her home. I need a few days to really think about it.

My biggest concern was a clicking type sound coming from the engine when I revved it. I'm not sure how to describe the sound but I sat in the parking lot revving it in park and when I let off the gas then hit it there was a small click sound before the supercharger wind. Not sure if this is normal as my experience with superchargers is limited. Other than that though, the car was seemed to be immaculate.

I offered them $31k and they gave me that "no haggle" Car Max bs so I ended up leaving and told them to call me if they change their mind. I hope they do.

I really wish I would have brought her home!

I just heard about an 07 XLR-V, 22k miles for $37k - which is a great deal, but having only two seats can be a real pain in the ass, but it's a ****in sexy ride.

The search continues...

Here is my advice if they don't sell you the car at your price....

Spend $200 and have Carmax take the car to the nearest Cadillac dealer, and get their 150 point inspection (or whatever they call it). They will thoroughly inspect the car and better yet, since it is still under warranty, fix any identified issues for free.

Since you are paying for the inspection, they should fax the report directly to you and you should plan on speaking with the mechanic afterward to get his 'personal' opinion on whether the car is a good buy. You specifically want to talk about the motor and wearing parts like brakes, tires, etc. All helps with the negotiation..

You will also want to do the online title check that CIWS mentioned. It takes minutes and should be less than $20.

End of day this is a small "due dilligence" cost to pay for buying a $32k car used. You will be glad you did.

Carmax should have no problem with the inspection and should even be willing to drive the car over to Caddy for you since they still own it. Obviously, if they do have a problem with you getting the car inspected by a professional... DO NOT BUY IT. There will be many more of them available over time.



Good luck!