How late can I wait?

[cerberus]

After much thought about buying vs. leasing, I've decided that I won't be happy unless I buy. But, besides wanting to put a good chunk down, there's also that nice 6% sales tax here in Missouri. So, I really need to wait on my tax return, which I typically get around Valentine's Day (I always electronically file as SOON as I get all my needed documents). Is that too late to catch the winter prices? Will spring fever have already begun drving the prices up? Should I pony up some savings account money in January, hope for no emergencies, and then put it back in with the tax return? Or will it be March or so before the spring price thaw?

 

[1stiff84]

After much thought about buying vs. leasing, I've decided that I won't be happy unless I buy. But, besides wanting to put a good chunk down, there's also that nice 6% sales tax here in Missouri. So, I really need to wait on my tax return, which I typically get around Valentine's Day (I always electronically file as SOON as I get all my needed documents). Is that too late to catch the winter prices? Will spring fever have already begun drving the prices up? Should I pony up some savings account money in January, hope for no emergencies, and then put it back in with the tax return? Or will it be March or so before the spring price thaw?

No need to wait if the General is giving consumers 0% for 72 months on all remaining 04's.

 

[Tom73]

No need to wait if the General is giving consumers 0% for 72 months on all remaining 04's.

I agree. Great discounts on the leftover 04's and 0% for 72 months (until midnight tonight ) or 0% for 60 months. Hard to go wrong there.

tom...

 

[MsSchroder]

Should I pony up some savings account money in January, hope for no emergencies, and then put it back in with the tax return?

That's what I would do :L
Or the 0%... that's a VERY good deal too.

Tammy

 

[jrose7004]

I think that now is the time to buy! Go for it!

 

[stu]

After much thought about buying vs. leasing, I've decided that I won't be happy unless I buy. But, besides wanting to put a good chunk down, there's also that nice 6% sales tax here in Missouri. So, I really need to wait on my tax return, which I typically get around Valentine's Day (I always electronically file as SOON as I get all my needed documents). Is that too late to catch the winter prices? Will spring fever have already begun drving the prices up? Should I pony up some savings account money in January, hope for no emergencies, and then put it back in with the tax return? Or will it be March or so before the spring price thaw?

If you're looking for a C6 I'd wait. Most dealers I've seen are charging a bonus fee for the latest and greatest that might drop after a few months. I doubt that the price would go up.

 

[Rain]

If shopping for a C5, do it now.
I've been in the market a few weeks and found a half dozen keepers all way below KBB price
Rain

 

[cerberus]

I wish an 04 were in the picture. I'm talking a 400 to 450 a month payment, which hopefully means a 98-00 6 speed with less than 35k miles in the $23,000 range. I see bunches of them now, but with the holidays coming, I've got to wait. Just don't wanna wait too long. When do the prices really start to go up? Feb? March? April?

 

[04cmnthru]

I think Vette pricing drops as the winter progresses with the market bottoming out in the late Jan to early Mar time frame. But, the actual timing of pricing declines and increases may depend on where you live. In colder climates, prices seem to stay down into late March-late April. In my area, prices start a gradual climb in the mid-March timeframe if winter doesn't hold on beyond mid-Feb. From my research over a year ago, prices started to increase significantly in the late May timeframe, particularly for 'verts. Check internet prices guides to see if you can pick up regional trends.

 

[cerberus]

That's good to know. I'm in the Kansas City, MO area, so it sounds as if I may even be better off waiting until mid/late Feb.

 

[04cmnthru]

Just want to clarify - I went thru similar hand wringing when I bought my Vette and spent a ton of time researching prices. I started out in the market for a 94-96 and ended up in an '04 (not enough space to explain). But I am no expert on auto markets - just giving you my observations.

Venues like this forum are a great starting point and the experiences of fellow members are invaluable. But we are only giving you a "historical" reference. There's so much current factual information (auction pricing, blue/black books, market trends etc) available thru the web and just by reading local car ads (dealer and private party) that you can pretty much identify trends and soft spots in your local buying area and come up with a buy decision that you will be happy with. You may also find that going out of town (forum dealer/member sales, autotrader and the like) gets you the best deal since certain color combos/years/options have geographic sensistivity.

Hope this doesn't come across as condescending - wasn't meant to be - but I apologize in advance if it sounds it.

 

[cerberus]

Not condescending at all. In fact, my other research has echoed your thoughts to a "T". This forum is very helpful, but there are a bunch of car buying websites where one can see pricing from around the country. I occasionally do hear the "better hurry, after Christmas the prices will start to go up", and although I thought January/February was a bit premature for price increases (especially here in the midwest), it did make me wring my hands some. Thanks for your reply.