Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What should I pay?

[rmcnamee]

Hello all,

As indicated by a previous post, I'm looking to get another 1997 Reg. CTD 4x4 and I've found one in Maryland and I'm looking for a little feedback on the dealers asking price. First, let me describe the truck being offered:



1997 2500 Laramie SLT Reg. Cab 4x4

12V CTD/Auto

2-tone (green/silver) paint (looks to be in very good condition)

Grey cloth interior (also looks to be in very good condition)

Pwr. windows/door locks/mirrors/driver seat

AM/FM cassette (no CD)

Limited slip diff.

Towing/Camper package

Plow package

Clearance lights

A/C

No rust, body damage

1 previous owner



Now they are asking $18,995, which I think is too much, since the truck probably stickered for around $34,000 in 1996/1997 when it was new. I've taken some time and looked at Kelly Blue Book, NADA, Galves and Edmunds.com TVM to determine an average price. Here is what I've found:



NADA (featured on the dealer's site): $14,350

Kelly Blue Book: $16,515

Galves.com (used by many dealers in NJ): $10,325

Edmunds. com TMV: $12,317



I called the sales department, spoke to a salewoman (to be PC... . ) and she said she would work with me on the price. What do you think I should offer for this truck? Remember, if I bought the truck, I'd have to travel from NJ to Maryland to get it and there's no waranty, aside from a 30-Day warranty offered by the dealer. However, they do offer genuine Dodge warranties because they're a DOdge dealer.



Thanks

Ryan

 

[dseabaugh]

you didn't say how many miles.

 

[rmcnamee]

Oh, sorry... ... that would help wouldn't it..... . 73,390 miles



Ryan

 

[ndurbin]

i'd start around 14,500-15,000 and see what happens.

 

[VicR]

for what its worth, I'll probably be selling my 97 this fall and will be asking closer to the KBB value then the others. But mines got lots of extras too (e-brake, powervision mirrors, horton fan, ARE shell and fiberglass tonneau, leather, etc). At least around here, you could sell them all day long for some of those other 'price guide' values.



-Vic

 

[rmcnamee]

14,500-15,000 is what I figured I'd offer them and see what happens.



Ryan

 

[LJHagen]

CTD Available

Ryan,



I might have what you're looking for (Rust-Free from Colorado)... Email me if you're interested!



Larry



Oo.

 

[VicR]

There is no downside of making them a low-ball offer. The worst they can say is 'no', and you can always go up.



Had another thought. A couple of years ago I was arguing with an insurance company on the value of a car that got hit, and I got my state farm claims adjuster to give me a report on actual sales prices of comparable vehicle in my geographic area. I think he said they got the info from DMV files, but it was a listing of 8 or 10 with actual sold prices. You might try that as a resource too to see what they are selling for in your neighborhood.



Good luck, and an early welcome to the 12 valve world!



-Vic

 

[rmcnamee]

Thanks everyone for your input. I tried to call the dealer last night, but the salesperson I originally talked to had already left for the day. I'll pitch them my price later today and see what they say.



Vic R: That's interesting about the insurance company hint. I might have to look that stuff up. And by the way, if everything goes right, it'll be a "welcome back" to the 12 valve world... . . I had a '97 back in '98 that I should never have gotten rid of, but you live and you learn I guess. I wish I could get that truck back, but I did a Autocheck.com (similar to Carfax) and found out that the truck was totaled after I traded it in for a Durango in 1999 (which ended up getting totaled 8 months later). It has since been bought, rebuilt and is currently in Ohio.



Thanks again everyone

Ryan



P. S. : If any Ohio members have a 1997 Red/Driftwood Reg. cab that was rebuilt, post some pictures so I can see her one more time... .