[Griffonrawl]

Hello everyone! First off I'd like to say that I've really enjoyed browsing through these forums and it seems to be a great community.

I'd like to be a part of this forum, but I need some advice on a deal I found for a Dodge Nitro in my area.


It is a 2007 SXT 4x4 with just under 18,000 miles on it, and still has the original factory warranty intact. Black exterior, two-tone cloth interior.

They are asking just under $15,000 for it. I'm about to bite the bullet and buy it tonight or tomorrow but thought that I would ask for help before I made the purchase.

Does this sound like a reasonable price? It's the cheapest that I could find in this area with so few miles on it and seemed like a good deal to me, but would like some other input.

All help would be greatly appreciated! Hope to be posting along with all of you soon.


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...09&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=11

 

[DogLHunt]

For a test drive, find a road where you can cruise at 43 to 46 mph in over drive. Make sure it doesn't have a shudder feeling or that if it does, that you are not bothered by it. Ask to see what services have been done on the vehicle. From my experience, you will be looking at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Make sure you can live with that. What was the original sticker price of the Nitro? Because of the gas price crisis, trucks and SUVs are selling cheap. Probably 1/2 the price of the original sticker. Ask for a lower price, all they can say is no. I love my Nitro, except for the shudder transmission problem that Chrysler doesn't want to do anything about. I paid $6,000 under sticker, on a new 2007, back in February.

Good luck.

 

[Griffonrawl]

Thanks for the quick reply.

We did get to test drive it up to around 40mph and it felt pretty solid.

As for the gas mileage, we have a 98' Dodge Ram 1500 4x4(that we are giving up on now that it has around 165,000 miles on it) so anything has got to be an improvement over the terrible mileage we got with that.

We also have a 98' Dodge Caravan that gets pretty decent mileage, and according to http://www.fueleconomy.gov we should expect roughly the same out of the Nitro.

I'm not sure what they were originally asking for, but the price was just lowered this past weekend by $2,000. When we go back tonight I am going to see what they can do about throwing in an extended warranty. Think I'll have any luck with that?

Thanks again.

 

[Griffonrawl]

Any other opinions?

Sorry for the rush, it's just that we are heading back to the dealership soon and would like some more input first

 

[ottawanitro]

I live in Canada where everything is always more expensive, but this sounds like a good price to me for sure. You say you've browsed the forum so you must have some idea about which features/options you will want to add. In my experience you can do better trying to get add-on options as opposed to bargaining on price alone. See if you can get an upgraded radio or side steps or free oil changes.

The last thing I always add right before I sign is a full tank of gas, after you've agreed on the price though. they will shake their head but they will always agree to it.

 

[SeattleJoe]

Good advice by the others ... but keep in mind you do NOT get the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, as that's only available to the first owner. But sounds like you are getting the remainder of the 3/36 warranty? Cool!!!

Also, if it's the 4-speed auto transmission, first thing you want to do after the purchase ... IF you find you don't really like the way it's shifting ... have them "reset" the transmission's computer, put it back into "QuickLearn" mode, then Drive It Like You Stole It for about 100 miles. (There's a thread on that subject here, somewhere!) It won't necessarily get rid of the "shudder" that is a complaint with the 4-speed auto, but could help mitigate it, and also help make the general driving experience more enjoyable!

Good luck!

 

[cpsteamer]

One other thing, when you drive it again before buying it. Drive it hard when starting off to get your shift from first to second at a higher rate of speed and check you don't get the harsh shift from first to second - a bang. My '07 did that and I had to have the new TC put in as I was also getting the engine surging.
Ken

 

[JerseyNitro]

Okay, I just looked up on Edmund's the used car value for a Nitro. It didn't ask me for the mileage, but I was able to plug the model (SXT) and the fact that it was a 4WD. Edmund's says that the value sold by a dealer would be $16,480 as opposed to if it was sold by an individual where you could buy it for $15,420. BUT, I would say their info is a little outdated because of the gas crisis. The value on SUV's as others mentioned already have dropped. I would personally try to work it down to $14,000. You have to be ready to play chicken with them and you have to be ready to walk. That's not to say they'll roll over but they might. Ask them how long it's been on the lot and also ask them if you can speak to the previous owner. Good luck.

 

[fcsallan]

You don't want my opinion.


But if you do, RUN.

 

[Griffonrawl]

You don't want my opinion.


But if you do, RUN.

I've read some of your other posts, so I already know what your opinion is :wavey:



But anyways, we just got home...with our Nitro :Racing:

Was able to work around the price a little, and ended up getting the 80,000 mile extended warranty. All in all we got it for a pretty good price.
Now I just need to wrestle the keys away from my wife so I can some fun with it. It's too dark out so I'll take some pictures tomorrow morning and post them up.

Oh, and apparently it still has Sirius radio, which I thought had expired. I have no idea how long that's supposed to last.


Thanks again everyone for your helpful advice! :smileup:

 

[ottawanitro]

congrats, I predict you both will love it. I find it great in the snow. You got the most handsome colour.

 

[dk1677]

Congrats! :smileup: Glad you made a deal! Post some pictures when you can

 

[NPHBOB]

I've read some of your other posts, so I already know what your opinion is :wavey:



But anyways, we just got home...with our Nitro :Racing:

Was able to work around the price a little, and ended up getting the 80,000 mile extended warranty. All in all we got it for a pretty good price.
Now I just need to wrestle the keys away from my wife so I can some fun with it. It's too dark out so I'll take some pictures tomorrow morning and post them up.

Oh, and apparently it still has Sirius radio, which I thought had expired. I have no idea how long that's supposed to last.


Thanks again everyone for your helpful advice! :smileup:

Congratulations! It sounds like you got a good deal. If you enjoy yours half as much as we have ours, then you will be a happy camper!

Looking forward to pics!:SHOCKED:

 

[Griffonrawl]

Pics

Finally got a chance to take some pictures. I hope you like them.

 

[dk1677]

Nice ride ! Thanks! :smileup: :rep:

 

[Griffonrawl]

And a bonus pic of the old truck when she was seeing better days

 

[f4kev]

Nice NITRO!:smileup:

 

[MeanGirl]

just can't beat black!!! I think I see a sassy little girl in pink in the reflection on the drivers side....lol

 

[Scar0]

Nice looking ride. :rep:
Enjoy it. :smileup:

 

[Griffonrawl]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

I've been having fun playing around with this thing. I've only seen one or two of these on the road before, so it really gets some looks :smileup: