I just walked away from the dealership that had the one I wanted to look at.
I took it for a test drive, lowballed them and said I was looking for it at roughly what the auction price was. I knew I wouldn't get it for that but I wanted to see what they'd do. The worst they can do is say no.
The $16,995 on the sticker did not include the "anti-theft marking" they wanted to charge $400 for, for some unbeknownst to me reason they decided to put vinyl pinstriping on it. Knowing they likely paid around $14,000 for the car, I figured they could do a little better than not even knocking off the sales tax and still nailing me for the "anti-theft" marking. I didn't think this was an Accord, STi or even a diesel work truck.
I really don't want to spend more than $15,500, so I am kind of deal hunting.
I figure if they paid $14,000 for it, $1500 on it is a pretty good haul for them and it would be a really nice car for the price. They have to make money too, but I know the last purchase my parents made at a local dealer, the dealership basically said tell us what you want for color, mileage, year and options from the auction and we'll sell it to you for what we paid plus $800.
I am probably going to give that sales guy a call and see if he can find what I am looking for, especially as I don't have to leave town to pick it up or plate it, the dealership is only two blocks from where I work.
The car was in nice shape (no dings, scratches, scrapes, anything, absolutely mint) but they all come from the same place, same conditions, same options and same mileage so I will shop it around. They have my number if they change their mind.
Oh, and it does drive exactly like the ones did in 1975 too. Not quite as bad as a hovercraft but not as nimble as say, a flat bottomed river boat.
