That was my thought as well. I made an offer of $12,900 on this one.... But $13,900 was their bottom line. I saw more than $5000 difference between my Tacoma, Carmax offered $19K wholesale for and this car. Especially in depreciation going forward,

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

 

So you never base your car buying purchase on what you like? Really? You must use Consumer Reports then (definately no emotion there, nothing but sheebles...lol). Personally, I won't buy something that doesnt' appease me in some sort of fashion. I also don't buy and and swap cars every couple of years. I buy and get my money's worth out of it. I don't go out and buy one, then get rid of it, and then go out looking for another one later only to complain I can't find one in the prince "I" want to pay. Used car prices on economy cars has indeed went up in the past few years. HHR included.

I deal in fleet vehicles, including buying and auction at the end of the life cycle. We deal in the one of the largest (not for hire) fleets in the US, just behind the Post Office. CarMax buys a lot from us.....

I'll just tell you good luck with your search......

 

Of course I buy what I like. Always have. But I will eliminate something I like if it does not appear to be a value or requires more wrench time or maintenance than I care to donate.

Then I leave emotions on the table an find something else. There a a LOT of cars to like and create value as well. Because I may have different needs in a few years and may want to get out without taking too large a bath. I don't keep a car for 10 years. Maybe 4 or 5 at most. Life changes. Geography changes and needs change.

That is why I bought the Tacoma and made a great choice. Regardless of anyone's reality, the perceived value of these trucks are high. I loved the truck when I bought it. Now I don't need it and have a great opportunity to switch it out for something less expensive or go key to key for just different. Because used vehicles are getting good dollars. That means I will accept them for mine but may not willing to pay for them unless i see a slam dunk deal. Like My Tacoma was two years ago.

I am not selling to Carmax. I just use them to get today's cash out value. Frankly I would create an opportunity to sell it to another buyer for $19K than sell it to a stealer.

I use Consumer reports, I use the forums, I use Edmunds owners forums. I read JD Powers, I leave no stone unturned. It's a huge outlay of cash and I want to minimize the damage as much as possible. I research and eliminate many brands I like because they are simply not practical or worse they ma require lots of mechanical skills and time. I am not a wrencher and hate working on auto mechanics. It is easy to smoke out many of the cars I like that may need too much shop time.