Need input... Two used Sunfires

First one is a 2003 Sunfire with 2.2L ecotech, automatic, and 58000 miles. Interior is filthy and needs a very good professional cleaning. The brake pedal pulsates slightly and the body has some minor dings here and there, but the paint is in good shape. The trans shifts well (no slip @ 6000 WOT), but the engine has a little quirk. When in park, if you rev the engine slightly it will bog down and then come up to speed. If you bring the engine up to about 2000 for ~10 seconds and then try it again the problem goes away. Dealer wants $5000.

Second one is a 2002 with 2200 engine, automatic, and 87000 miles. Car is very clean inside and out and under the hood. Brakes are firm and engine runs good (maybe a little rough). Trans shifts good (might have noticed a little slip at WOT shift). Sounds a little loud up front, as though it has a hole in the exhaust somewhere (stock exhaust). Dealer wants $6000 (too much, IMHO).

I'm going to try and talk the first dealer down a bit since the interior is so bad and it probably needs brake work. Second dealer seems firm on the $6K and lists the retail as $10k. :thumbsdow I'm looking for some helpful feedback as I am not too familiar with the 2.2L engines and drive train. Thanks all.:smooch:

:feedback:

IMO if the first car is filthy dirty inside then I would not touch it .If the previous owner could not take the time to clean interior then the maintenance is likely none existant. The second car is likely your best bet however 10 grand retail ......lol , They would not get that here north of the border. offer 5200 With a 1 year power train warranty and have them fix exhaust. he won`t bite but he may take 5500 and offer 1 year warranty. I`ve got a 2000 sunfire 2.2 auto. 95000 miles no problems
if you are not in a hurry wait till end of the month to do your deal
Muff

IMO if the first car is filthy dirty inside then I would not touch it .If the previous owner could not take the time to clean interior then the maintenance is likely none existant.

Interesting thought.

I offered the second dealer $5k for the 2002, telling them that I can get a 2003 with less mileage for the same amount. He came back saying that he won't go any lower than $5750. However, he wrote down my name and number and what I would pay, so I might get a call on Monday (not holding my breath).

My thought on the first car was that the mileage and the newer engine would be worth getting it detailed. Any other thoughts?:smooch:

The 2003 was sold when I called on Monday, so I went to the other dealer armed with Kelly blue book and NADA printouts showing exactly how much the retail value of the car should be. Managed to talk them down to $5028 and bought the car outright. I have to say this car is extremely clean inside and out and under the hood, although I think the engine compartment has been detailed which is something I've never seen before. Every rubber component has some kind of treatment on it and in tight spots you can find road dirt that they couldn't reach. This is the only used car I've ever seen where it has very clean oil when you pull the dipstick. Just the same I'm changing it anyway.:) Looks like a good buy(fingers crossed). It should last as long as someone doesn't break into it and try to steal it(the fate of my last pontiac).:banghead:

BTW, this forum is very quiet, I think I'd be better off posting in the chevy cavalier forum from now on.:shakehead

Thanks for the input!:p

how`s the new car ?did you get any warranty with it ? sounds like you did alright on price

Thanks for asking. The car is in really great shape. The more I mess with it the more I think it was owned by someone who really took care of it. Very clean on the outside, but the inside has a little goo here and there. Runs good, I think I made a good investment (crosses fingers).