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So my wife has a '00 Jetta GLS with 140k miles and I want her to have a nice, safe car now that we both are out of school.

I have spoken to a number of dealers with a number of results, but what sounds like the best deal so far is an '09 Jetta SE (comparable to our current GLS) for 18,800 + T,T,L. In our area it ends up to about $20,000.

Now, of course the initial cost of the car sounded pretty darn good, but with TTL it gets pretty close to what I expected with Kelley Blue Book research.

My sister just got what I believe is a steal for her '08 Convertable Bug (10k miles) by paying about 14K (I dont know other details).

This is my first time buying a car on my own (see: without parents backing me up, lol). So I am wondering what a good opening offer is for an out the door price. I was hoping for as low as 16K, but don't know if this is unreasonable to expect. I dont know much about cars, so I want to look professional and make sound bargaining moves.

For a few other details: my trade in is valued at between 2500-3500 and my existing loan still has about 1800 to go (making paperwork yucky). We both have excellent credit ratings and VW is now offering 2.9% APR for their loans... Also, I am in WI, if that means anything.

Advice on solid pricing to expect? Things to watch out for?

Thanks so much!!!