[notmytarga]

I am in the market for a 'simple' car for my daughter to use at college.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/763604-college-girl-s-car-needs.html was helpful to narrow the decision. I have settled on 'letting' the older daughter, who graduates in two quarters, continue using the 2006 110K miles Sonata. The plan mentioned in that thread was to 'gift' a usable young car to each before setting them off to financial independence. The older girl will get her 'gift' in a few years using the residual Sonata trade in value.

The prices for a reasonable used car (low miles, reliable model, economical) - are not far below or at the prices I am seeing for a 2013 Corolla. I am told the model is being updated and the dealerships want to sell the 2013's before the 2014's arrive.

Over the last three weeks my wife and I have wandered onto the lot, talked to two salespeople, took a short test drive and checked the internet and newspaper ads. They had 16 (at this price!) LE Model, three weeks ago. We were told that a used car lot bought 6 three weeks ago because the price was so good. The sales price implies the price is only good on the F-Sun weekend. If I were buying for me I would want Alloy wheels and Auto Climate control, but otherwise these are nicely equipped.

New 2013 Toyota Corolla AUTO For Sale | Redding CA

Below are pictured two print ads from Friday's papers - One from the SF Chronicle and the local ad (Model 1838):



There is also a $1000 college graduate rebate through Toyota- requires graduation within 6 mo in future (applies to older daughter) or past two years and a job. Seems to require financing as well - not sure if there is a chance that I can make this apply as well. Might requiring sacrificing this new car to the older, less careful, daughter.

Some questions:
Is there any likelihood of the dealership accepting a lower price or are we at rockbottom?

Reasons I think they would accept less: The SF dealer is asking less, they have a bunch of them (especially in Super White) and they are apparently not moving. I suppose they could be bringing in new inventory and selling more than I realize (I am not comparing VINs from their website etc)

If I should offer less - how much? Will going with White get me a better deal?

What does the Pelican Opinion Pool think?