Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2003 09:08:22 -0500 From: Bob <noemailnopsammain.com> Subject: Re: Purchasing car at end of lease from Saab
On Wed, 05 Feb 2003 02:59:10 GMT, "Sandstones" <sandstonesnopsaml.com> wrote: >Saab also said when they get it back the car is going to be sold at auction. >Since I assume the auction price is more like the wholesale price, that's at >least a $5000 difference. I would think that someone in that chain involving >the insurance company would like to get more than the wholesale value for >the car, but don't have a clue on how to find out who that party is. Bad assumption on the $5000, although they do vary quite a bit since it is an _auction_. Here's an idea of what I saw a couple of years ago for a 'vert coming off lease, 3 years old, 35K +/- miles; Saab factory auction price, $21K; typical dealer retail asking price (before negotiation) $24K, typical dealer selling price $22 to $23.5K. So, there's not as much margin as you think. If you are in the MA area, let me know and I can refer you to a very, very small dealer who buys Saab authorized off-lease cars direct. You can find out what the same car will really cost you and maybe find a good deal. FWIW - it sounds like it's a bad deal for you from Saab... but they just have a set of rules they follow like most corporations, for better or for worse. Bob You can also get a better deal on a 'vert if you buy during the winter (at least in the NorthEast :-).