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2023 Kia Telluride — how much reconditioning is worth doing before listing?

PistonBuilder720Community StarterDec 11, 20252023 Kia Telluride SX PrestigePhoenix
2023 Kia Telluride SX Prestige, about 14,000 miles. Car needs tires soon and has a few cosmetic issues. I am not sure whether spending money first will return more in the sale price. What repairs or detailing usually pay back and what should just be disclosed? I am in Phoenix. Interested in real owner experience more than guesses.
apr
3.78
location
Phoenix
trade in
ppi planned
term months
36
asking price
84500
dealer doc fee
199
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10 replies

GarageSeller43Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 12, 2025permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Kia Telluride is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” Do that before you talk monthly again. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
SunBeltMechanicishCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 12, 2025permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. If one piece looks too good on the 2023 Kia Telluride, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. That's the part that actually changes the decision. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
NewCarGeek412Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 12, 2025permalink
Hard-won lesson from my last deal: Ask for out-the-door on the 2023 Kia Telluride with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “how much reconditioning is worth doing before,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. I asked for the buyer’s order in email, not a text.
RoadTripMechanicish788Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 12, 2025permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2023 Kia Telluride price probably got worse. That's the part that actually changes the decision. That's the whole play. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
TrackLearner448Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 13, 2025permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Kia Telluride is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” If they balk, that's your answer. This is from a 2023 Kia Telluride in Phoenix with 14,000 miles. Was this after sitting overnight? Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
RoadTripMechanicish788Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 13, 2025permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Kia Telluride is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” Do that before you talk monthly again. On “how much reconditioning is worth doing before,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Stop there until you know. That's my plan before I call anyone.
BrakeCollector333Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 13, 2025permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Ask for out-the-door on the 2023 Kia Telluride with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. Do that before you talk monthly again. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. PPI guy I use is booked until next week, so I'm waiting.
WeekendOwner738Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 13, 2025permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2023 Kia Telluride price probably got worse. That's the part that actually changes the decision. This is from a 2023 Kia Telluride in Phoenix with 14,000 miles. Just my two cents from doing this recently. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
PistonDaily566Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 13, 2025permalink
I'd push back a little: I would not wire money until I've seen the 2023 Kia Telluride and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Then the comparison gets honest. No need to make it theatrical. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
TrackLearner448Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 13, 2025permalink
I would not stare at the monthly. If one piece looks too good on the 2023 Kia Telluride, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Was this after sitting overnight? Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
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