Good deal on this 2005 Echo Hatchback?

[white_rabbit]

Me again!

After what seemed like the perfect Echo RS slipped through my fingers (the woman ended up selling it to family) I found another silver 4-door Echo Hatchback for $4950 from a Registered Ontario Dealer. It is not an RS, but has a lot of the options I was looking for. It is standard (which I want) has power locks, power steering, ABS, working A/C, aftermarket cruise control and also is safetied and e-tested. It was in a fender bender but the carproof report says no structural damage (and it's been fixed, no damage visible on the car now).

When I called to ask how negotiable the price was, he said the lowest he would go is $4600.

The only thing is it's out of town, so I'm thinking of having a trusted friend in that area give it a test drive for me to make sure everything works and sounds fine. Should he drive it to a mechanic to give it a quick once over? Does it sound like a good deal? Should I negotiate more?

Also, my last car was an automatic, so I'm trying to learn to drive manual. How hard is it to learn in an Echo?

Any input from you knowledgeable folk would be awesome.

[bunky]

I have an 05 echo HB with 190,000 kms.
No issues except maintenance stuff.
This car is awesome and would recommend it to anyone.
Regardless of age or mileage, buy it.
I am seeing comparable echos as mine going for $6000.
So getting it for over $4000 is a bargain.

[2005RS]

the echos seem to hold their value. sounds like a good deal depending on the mileage of course.
learning stick in an echo should be fine, no different from most I would think

[white_rabbit]

The dealership guy told me that the 'fender bender' was repaired for $3800; he said only the front bumper needed replacing. Does that sound a bit off to anyone here? It's always hard for me to gauge these things.

He gave me the VIN# so I could get a carproof if I wanted, but he says he doesn't know how many owners it's had or if it's been in any other accidents. Not sure how trustworthy this sounds... also, there was another Echo posted in that area that is a different price but using the same picture, same plates and everything. Scam?

On the other hand, I have another Echo where the asking price is $4000, as they want to sell it quickly. The carproof is clean, it's a 2-door, and has some of the options I want. No cruise, but it seems like aftermarket cruise isn't all that expensive, though the carproof checks out, I am wary. At least this dealership has it's name posted with the ad and seems to know the history of the car (they have service records).

What do you guys think?

[2005RS]

even the cheesiest car dealers will hand you a car-proof. if he can't even do that for you, how much help do you think he'll be if you discover a problem?

I would try the next one. I had my aftermarket cruise installed for about $300 if I recall correctly.

there's lots of echos out there. it pays to be patient to find a deal you're comfortable with