Going to Milwalkee this weekend to look at a 2012 escape. I think it's a winner, it has exactly what I want, for a decent price.

From an apparently reputable (honda) dealership, with 15000 left on the warranty. 25k miles, 5 speed manual, cruise control, 4 cyl (2.5ltr that's been around forever), and it's silver.

They're asking $14800, kbb is $16500, but they've had the car for almost 4 months now at the same price. I'm thinking $14k, financed through them, may be attractive. Is 5% off a decent place to start haggeling? My bank is offering 2.5% financing. right now, so I'll see what they have to offer for their rates.

I've got a '98 neon to trade, if they'll do more then $2k on it (asking $2500 local).

Love everything about the truck, i've test driven them before, and it will do everything I want it to do. I plan on keeping it forever, and this is as close to new as I can get (new is 8k more)


I can afford it, no problems on insurance being affordable either. And it's what I want.

What are your opinions? What's the best way to haggel with a dealership thats 300 miles away (going to see friends in the area anyways), who's had a car for 4 months?
Is $14k realistic?
Should i use my bank to finance it?

Thanks for your opinions everyone!
~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)