used vehicle condition

[zizon93]

So the FR-S that I'm currently interested in has a 'good' condition. It got about 32k miles on it and I haven't seen the car's actual photo of it yet. So what does exactly 'good' condition mean? As far as I know, used vehicle have total of 5 conditions which are poor, fair, good, very good and excellent. I don't expect this vehicle to have an excellent condition as it has been already used over 30k miles. But I believe it could've titled as in 'very good' condition if the previous owner maintained it well. I mean I don't really know at this moment. Is this pretty common for the vehicle that has 32k miles have titled as in 'good' condition? I need you guys help! thanks.

[HKz]

lol well seems like you realize how subjective the grades are...sellers will be all over the place in how tough they judge wear so there is really no way of telling until you examine the car yourself, even pictures often don't tell you much especially for a car that potentially can have some drivetrain abuse from the previous owner

[swarb]

[zizon93]

Originally Posted by swarb

hahahaha

[billwot]

"Good condition" means whatever the seller thinks it means. Why don't you ask the seller?

[Braces]

It human nature for sellers to error towards the better condition. Therefore .... this car probably is "average" condition.

What average is ..... who knows.

[humfrz]

Like mentioned, no good way of knowing.

I suggest you ask the seller to send you pictures, better yet, check it out yourself.

If you a ways away from where the car is, you may consider asking a forum member that lives in that area, to check it out for you.


humfrz

[Tcoat]

"Good" condition is an old cliché and meme for a reason.

[strat61caster]

A few minor door dings, maybe a chip or two on the bumper, interior wear and tear such as some floor mat wear, a scuff or two on the plastic, dust and junk in the nooks and crannies, but not gross, upholstery showing a bit of wear, but again nothing gross, engine bay and rear trunk seal is a bit dusty, car drives straight and true, needs nothing mechanically other than scheduled service in the manual (check that it has all the manual in the glove box).

If you like it, just buy it.

Nothing at all should be broken, not even the USB port cover, watch out for evidence of parts changes such as unnaturally clean suspension or drivetrain components relative to the surroundings. Look for any repaint work, I wouldn't mind minor stuff like filling a spot here or there, but a whole panel mismatch could be indicative of undisclosed damage.

That's what I would qualify as 'good' on a car that's only ~3 years old and knowing what I do about how it wears.

Note: For a vehicle of this condition I would negotiate based on 'Best condition' and take money off for what it would cost to fix every imperfection, provided there are no red flags (finding crash damage, undisclosed prior modifications that you personally take issue with such as coilovers or forced induction).

You don't have to disclose those mental calculations to the seller, but that's how I approach valuing cars. Several hundred for PDR, $600 for new tires, $50-$250 for brake job, etc.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

A few minor door dings, maybe a chip or two on the bumper, interior wear and tear such as some floor mat wear, a scuff or two on the plastic, dust and junk in the nooks and crannies, but not gross, upholstery showing a bit of wear, but again nothing gross, engine bay and rear trunk seal is a bit dusty, car drives straight and true, needs nothing mechanically other than scheduled service in the manual (check that it has all the manual in the glove box).

If you like it, just buy it.

Nothing at all should be broken, not even the USB port cover, watch out for evidence of parts changes such as unnaturally clean suspension or drivetrain components relative to the surroundings. Look for any repaint work, I wouldn't mind minor stuff like filling a spot here or there, but a whole panel mismatch could be indicative of undisclosed damage.

That's what I would qualify as 'good' on a car that's only ~3 years old and knowing what I do about how it wears.

Note: For a vehicle of this condition I would negotiate based on 'Best condition' and take money off for what it would cost to fix every imperfection, provided there are no red flags (finding crash damage, undisclosed prior modifications that you personally take issue with such as coilovers or forced induction).

You don't have to disclose those mental calculations to the seller, but that's how I approach valuing cars. Several hundred for PDR, $600 for new tires, $50-$250 for brake job, etc.

Does pulling the USB cover off and throwing it away on purpose count as broken?

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Does pulling the USB cover off and throwing it away on purpose count as broken?

Depends on if the advertisement omits this or lists it under 'Weight Reduction Modifications' and whether or not the potential buyer plans on posting a thread about stripping the interior after taking ownership.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Depends on if the advertisement omits this or lists it under 'Weight Reduction Modifications' and whether or not the potential buyer plans on posting a thread about stripping the interior after taking ownership.

Ahhh perfect, I never thought of that angle. I can use that to explain all the paint missing from the front of the car as well.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Ahhh perfect, I never thought of that angle. I can use that to explain all the paint missing from the front of the car as well.

I'm disappointed you're not living up to your signature.