2012 Rogue for $8,500 plus tax and fees?

[balancesheet1]

I was at the dealership yesterday (month end) doing an oil change and the sales guy approached me and offered me to take a look at the 2012 Rogue SV with the SL package. The car looks very similar to my Rogue (2009 SL fully loaded and I later added the in mirror back up camera and spoiler) but the Navi and 360 back up camera did look very attractive. I let the guy appraise my Rogue and he came back and offered me to do a swap for $8,500 plus tax and fees. I think he said my Rogue is worth about $20,000 (I believe mainly because it only 9,800 miles on it).

I must admit I was tempted but didn't feel comfortable doing things in a rush (need to close yesterday in order to get that price) so I told the guy I will get back to him.

So what do you guys think? Did i do the right thing or miss a great opportunity to upgrade? Any thoughts?

[kerrton]

Just my opinion, you absolutely did the right thing from a financial point of view. Your current Rogue is basically brand new, only 9800 miles, barely broken in, which you likely spent close to $30 grand for which is a good chunk of change. $8500 is another big chunk of change, and for that amount of cash you would be driving the same vehicle with a couple tech upgrades but otherwise an identical car. Just sit down and start to list all things you can buy with the $8500 you saved and I think you'll be happy with your decision. If the salesman was offering that as a "one day only" sale, he was trying to pressure you into a rush decision, if it was such a great deal there would be no need for those tactics - you made the right choice, that 09 Rogue will run reliably for another 10 to 15 years, no need for the 2012 upgrade......just my opinion.

[balancesheet1]

Thanks Kerrton for your thoughts – I was actually also very impressed on how well my Rogue’s value held up - I paid about $27,650 total (including tax and the upgrades I did) for the car and have only lost about 30% in 3 years.

[fsckewe]

Think of it this way.... if your car is worth 20k, you are essentially paying 28,500 for a 2012. So the real question is, is $28,500 a good deal on a 2012 SL. In my opinion that is not a good deal.

I'm assuming an FWD, not and AWD, but let's look at both.

For a 2012 SL AWD:
MSRP: 30,255
Invoice: 28,204
Dealer Cost: 26,389

For a 2012 SL FWD:
MSRP: 29,005
Invoice: 27,042
Dealer Cost: 25,261

So from a pure number perspective, I think it is not a good deal. You should not pay MSRP. Ideally you should shoot for under invoice, but likely end up just above invoice. These number do NOT include incentives, but do include an $825 destination fee.

If you are really chomping at the bit for a new Rogue ask them if they have 2011 inventory. I scooped up a 2011 around Christmas for 400 under invoice. Check out truecar and edmunds for pricing and market value.

Just a thought.

[balancesheet1]

Thanks fsckewe - the vehicle was an AWD like what I have now. Also I agreed with your analysis that paying $28,500 is not a good deal for the car. Interestingly, the guy called me yesterday and said he could improve the price if I stop by the dealership. I asked how much but he wouldn't say.

[takeshi]

Did i do the right thing or miss a great opportunity to upgrade? Any thoughts?

You didn't miss anything unless you expect your current vehicle to heavily depreciate over the few days that you mull over the offer. Making you think you're going to miss out on something is just the typical salesperson tactic.

I must admit I was tempted but didn't feel comfortable doing things in a rush

Always a good approach IMO. The rush only benefits the seller.

[balancesheet1]

Thanks - I don't think I would do it even if he offers $26,389 for the new car but I guess others might be able to use this information. I am in the New York City area.