2cars same lot same features different prices

Yesterday I looked at 2 cars on a dealers lot. Both are almost identical. Car (A) has 33k and is selling for $18995 car (B) has 30k and is selling at $17995. When I say they are almost identical I really mean it, make , model year, color, everything. The Carfax report shows both as one personal owner. Both seem to have been owned near the dealer and serviced by the dealer. Any ideas on why (A) with 3k more miles is $1k more expensive?

Not unless you tell us what you’re looking at. Year, make, model, engine, transmission, etc.

The cars are not identical, so the prices are not identical. A price difference of $1,000 is something you can negotiate after you decide which car you want.

They are both identical 07 Subaru Forester’s.They are both 2.5x automatics. I really do mean identical as far as make and model, no difference at all except for mileage and cost. This is why I’m confused. What would make a car with more miles cost more than a car with less miles.

Have you asked the dealer?

I haven’t yet. I’m trying to get as much information/ammunition as I can before speaking with the dealer. I plan to buy one of the 2 this week.

I just found the difference. Car (A) is a “Certified Pre Owned Subaru” and car (B) is not listed as “certified”. Can that certification really be worth 3k miles and $1k in asking price?

Yes, the “certified” designation would explain the price difference quite nicely. The certified car probably comes with a better warranty than the non-certified car. The dealer is building the price of the warranty into the car.

The 3K miles is inconsequential. It’s the warranty that raises the price.

A 2007 Subaru Forester came with a 3 year, 36000 mile warranty overall, so both these cars are about to run out of that coverage. They also have a 5 year, 60000 mile drive-train warranty. Assuming they are transferable, you can assess whether the extra warranty for “certified” is worth the $1,000. You should also have Subaru pull up the history of both cars on their computers - you can find out about any warranty claims so far. For some reason the dealer is willing to certify one, but not the other. Ask why.

There must be a reason one car is “certified” and the other isn’t. Mileage isn’t the reason as the non certified car has less miles.

Perhaps one car has experienced some repaired body damage and the certified car hasn’t.

The service history on the certified car maybe more complete and comprehensive than the non certified car.

The non certified car may be ready for something like brakes and tires and the dealer decided to sell it as is rather than do the work.

Drive both cars and see which one you like and then start negotiating.