New or Used

[Greg Cheek]

I'd like to know your opinions. I'm thinking about trading my Wrangler that I traded my Sport Trac in on back for another Sport Trac. (Its really a summer thing I've decided-Love my Jeeps during the summer-I should be rich and own both!) My dilema-should I buy new on the family plan for a 05 XLT non premium with a cargo cover for $23000.00 4x4. Or I am looking at a 2004 XLT Premium 4x4 with leather and a moonroof with 8265 mi for $22000. (Its the Red color I want too, but has no cover. Another option would be an 04 premium with leather and 17,500 mi 4x4 for $19,000 with a cover-not sure how much I like gold though. I could buy a new 05 like the red one for $25,000. but that would put me above $400.00 a month and I need to stay between $325 - $360. so that ones def. out. I'm thinking the 2005 Red with 8200 miles-I can add a cover later

 

[Bill Ellis]

Ultimately, you have to make the decision. What we say to you here is of little value since we are not you nor are we in your situation of having to pay for your decision. One thing to ask yourself, and be very honest about it, do you really need 4x4 drive? Adds a lot to the cost and future maintenance down the road. MPG is not as good either. Without 4x4 you might be able to get everything else you want and keep your payment in line with what you can afford. Something to think about.

 

[Heather Kudela]

The price is too close to not buy new. I bought my 4x4 used but I also got it for 13k. If I was faced with the options that you have I would definately buy the 05' XLT w/cover and trick it out. Just my opinion though

 

[TrainTrac]

Edmunds retail for the red ST: $24814

Kelly Blue Book retail for the red ST: $26385

Average: $25599



Edmunds retail for the gold ST: $24202

Kelly Blue Book retail for the gold ST: $26000

Average: $25101



I couldn't pull up NADA's web site to come up to figure their values into the average, but it looks like either of those used ST's would be a good deal.

 

[Cajun]

As far as the gold ST goes ...I have a '01 Harvest Gold and I bought it because a got a GREAT DEAL. It's not the color I would have chosen but I'm starting to like more & more. I had a Forrest Green Explorer Sport prier to getting the ST. I can tell you the gold looks cleaner longer , and does not show scratches as must. I still like the dark STs but I'm quite happy w/ the gold .

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[Thomas Rogers]

I got my 04 XLT Premium (RedFire) last year, new, with hard tonneau, 23 miles, for just over $23K. Frankly, I think what you pay for leather and moonroof are a waste, but then again, to each his own.



TJR