Real-World Trade-In Values

woodyww · November 2011

There's FL, with really low taxes--having lived there tho, I'd MUCH rather live in New England & just pay the blasted taxes (& heat bills, & endure the blizzards...). WoodyWW

North Carolina is looking better and better to us all the time-The Sandman

Just spent 6 days w/o heat, & 3 days w/o electric, phone, cable after the freak snow storm. Two gigantic crashed trees on my property--one narrowly missed the house, & one barely missed my garage--my neighborhood looked like a war zone. Kind of rethinking the whole die-hard New-englander shtick......winter hasn't even officially started! There are tons of people in CT & Mass. still w/o electricity.

NC could be good....went there a lot as a kid.....great food, inc. BBQ.....moderate winter temps.....it's "on my list", too.....

im_brentwood · November 2011

I was at a swap meet in Bristol, CT yesterday... lots of people were talking about how they JUST got power back.!

bodzio · November 2011

Location:Rolling Meadows Il
2006 MB S65 amg v12,37500 miles, black/tan, fully loaded,clean interior and exterior,with lemon/manufacturer buyback title.Dealer is asking $40.900/firm/ Is this good price to buy this car? Thanks for help

fintail · November 2011

I was sent here from elsewhere - I am not a certified expert, but I know a bit about AMGs and W220s. That's a rare and cool car, mileage and price both look ok if it is perfect, but with the title issue, I would want to know what happened, when, and how it was fixed. A highline W220 is as complex as a vintage 6000 sq ft mansion with steam heat and an elevator, endless pieces can fail, you have to be careful or have deep pockets. At very least, I would want it gone over by a specialist, price paid for inspection could come back a hundredfold in this case. Also keep in mind the title will hurt when you decide to part ways.

henryb1 · November 2011

i am the original owner of a 2006 mb e320 cdi diesel with 18,000 miles, garage kept, no snow, or ice, salt or rust. in show room condition with extras. no sure what i should ask for car and easiest way to sell.

suggestions appreciated.

explorerx4 · November 2011

Just got my power back this morning.
I am in the next town over, about 7-8 miles from where you were at the swap meet.
Lake Compounce?

Sandman6472 · November 2011

Wow, that long? Are you in the northwest part of the state? Used to spend my time in the Clinton area on the coast. Great state but a bit expensive for the privilege to live there. We lost power after Wilma for 8 days and it was sheer hell...at least we had a phone. I do feel your pain!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

explorerx4 · November 2011

I live petty much in the middle of the state.
Missed the first 2 days, so my neighbor across the street cleaned the snow from my driveway/sidewalk with their new snow blower.
Then they used their new chainsaw to trim up the tree we lost in the front yard.
A friend up the street, bugged out to their beach house and gave me their generator, so we could keep the fridge running or run a space heater in our finished basement.
We have a gas water heater, so we had hot water right along.
Trading in my Explorer for a motor home with a built in generator was looking good there for a while.

Sandman6472 · November 2011

Ya gotta have hot water...understand that. We used a friends house to take showers in during Wilma and it made a world of difference, once you get cleaned up, you feel so much better! With the next hurricane, I hope to be gone for a few days...just drive as far up north as we can. Seriously, my psyche can not take another killer storm after Wilma...having had my debilitating accident just months before & Wilma a few months later was just too tramatic for me...so I will get out next time.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

im_brentwood · November 2011

Well... that car only comes fully loaded.

$40,900? Pass.

$30k? Maybe.. but be prepared to own it FOREVER. Galves (The book that we use in the industry) pegs it mid $35s.. now, reality, if it's brand new, I could see it doing well over that WITH a clean title. As it stands? I'd hit it around $22-23k if you wanted to trade it in. Today.

Mid 40s max should buy you a real one.

These are rare, be prepared to shop nationwide.

im_brentwood · November 2011

Yup! Lake Compounce it was. Good show... snagged some cool stuff

im_brentwood · November 2011

Henry..

Where ya located? What color combo?

Any paintwork ever?

Nav? Leather? Roof?

lemmer · November 2011

Is that pretty representative of buyback cars in general? Take about 1/3 off?

qbrozen · November 2011

hi Bill,

Just wondering what the NJ trade-in price would be on a 2007 blue Caliber SXT automatic with 80k miles. It has the larger engine (2.0), cruise, and ABS. No runs/hits/errors. Has new brakes and front struts/control arms. In need of tires.

Based on Mannheim, I'm thinking $6k. Is that about right?

Sandman6472 · November 2011

Just curious what we'd get for our oldest rig in the stable.

- 2005 Mazda3 s sedan
- Silver over black/red cloth
- 98.5k miles
- new sneakers at 97k
- 2.3 liter engine
- "S" package
- alloy wheels
- brakes good all around
- some small dings & scratches...normal wear & tear for a 6 year old car
- spark plugs to be replaced at 100k
-car has plenty of pickup still & cleans up nicely (detailed this morning)
- recent tranny service & radiator service
- a/c recently fixed...blows super cold

Nice all around car but am thinking that once we get past 100k, might be time for a new rig. Looking to wait till the 2013 models debut, hoping that nothing major goes wrong. Thinking maybe $6k from a dealer and $8k from a private sale. Florida does have the sales tax benefit, so we've always traded in except once with a 1980 Skylark.
What say those in the know here? Will most likely be replaced with an Elantra, Focus, Mazda3, Sentra or Buick Verano. The long shots would be a BMW 3 Series, Jetta SE or a MB C Class.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

im_brentwood · November 2011

I'd hit it around $5k myself... Ya buyin or tradin?

im_brentwood · November 2011

Depends but generally yeah.. it's a branded title, not as bad as a salvage, but easily a 1/3 whack.

Oddly, sometimes I see em do silly money at auction, but I wouldn't buy one at any price.

im_brentwood · November 2011

Should be in that $4500-5k range... car sounds nice and cold AC is a MUST down in Florida.

Ifn I were you I'd be focusing on the Elantra or the Verano...

rayainsw · November 2011

I really appreciate the feedback on trade \ sell price offered here.

Thanks specifically to im_brentwood and qbrozen 
right on the money, as they say . . .

- Ray
Picking up the new BMW early next week. . .

mako1a · November 2011

Ray, didn't you get a new Vette a couple of years back?

Wondering because I didn't see you trading the Vette, yet buying a BMW.

Must be nice to fulfill all your desires without giving up anything.

Congrats on the BMW. Fine choice.

rayainsw · November 2011

'Ray, didn't you get a new Vette a couple of years back? '

I did have a Corvette coupe - 2 years and 30,000 miles.
Gone before the market for those went south...
- Ray
Guilty of one expensive vice - new cars.....

qbrozen · November 2011

The Caliber is their current car. Paid for. He's been wanting a used S60 for a very long time. I'm obviously suggesting they sell the Caliber private party. I figure $8995 asking and $8k taking. But if a dealer is only willing to give $5k for it, my private party numbers are probably optimistic.

im_brentwood · November 2011

I'd probably ask $8995 for it... after new tires, all serviced up, with a warranty, etc.

Probably have it online for $7995.

lemmer · November 2011

We have a dealer here that specializes in buybacks. It is incredible how many they have. I think they have had every BMW 335 lemon (fuel pump issue) in their inventory at one point or another. All their Lexuses have major paintwork. But the vast majority of their cars are low mileage and look close to new, so they sell them like crazy.

theeegod · November 2011

In NJ and interested in a truck. Went and saw a 2009 Lexus Rx 350 fully loaded with 39K miles. Looked to be in good condition and the dealer quoted the price at $30K. Anyone care to chime in? Perhaps a manheim value for a similar vehicle in the northeast? Thanks.

sebring95 · November 2011

First thing I would do is not use the word "truck" to describe an RX350. SUV is certainly a stretch. Price seems pretty good. I've got a couple of those in the company fleet coming up for lease return soon and I think that's pretty close to their residual. Sounds like I'll be giving them back.

theeegod · November 2011

SUV my dear sir haha

Sorry but are you a dealer - I just wanted to know from whom the reply is coming from!

haydellamelia · November 2011

Location: Lafayette La.
Year/Make/Model: 2006 Volvo XC90
Engine: I5 (hope that makes sense)
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 76,500
Condition: Really good. Not perfect, but as good as can be expected
Tires: Purchased about 6 months ago
Brakes: New
Maintenance: Just had routine 75,000 mile maintenance done
Other: Premium sound, all leather, climate control in backseat, DVD system. It's loaded, just doesn't have Nav. Also has moonroof.

The dealer where we are trading this in, for a 2012 Honda Pilot Touring is only willing to give us $11,000. I feel like we should get more, as every where else said we should. We are willing to take a small loss, as we have a payoff.

fushigi · November 2011

I don't think sebring95 is a dealer. I'm certainly not and I agree calling the RX a truck is misleading. It utilizes a car chassis, not a truck frame, so is properly a CUV. For comparison, the GX's body-on-frame design firmly plants it in the truck category.

That said, both the GX & RX can also be called SUVs. SUVs used to just be trucks with enclosed cargo areas but the definition has expanded to include CUVs. Consider the modern definition of SUV to be the union of CUVs and truck's with enclosed cargo areas.

Personally, I also call CUVs station wagons. Many folks (including most of the US) have a bias against wagons so automakers raised the ride height, added AWD, and jacked the prices up by $10K to create the CUV market. Seriously; the Highlander is a Camry wagon, the RX is an ES wagon, the CR-V is a Civic wagon, the Santa Fe & Tucson are Sonata & Elantra wagons, and my Outlander is a Lancer wagon. There's nothing wrong with that; it's just how the automakers responded to consumer preferences.

Of course, classification can be something of a joke at times. Chrysler somehow got the PT Cruiser to be classified as a truck so it could use it's relatively high fuel economy to help meet CAFE requirements.

robbieg · November 2011

For someone to give you an answer they also need to know the price you are going to pay for the Pilot. It is the total picture not just the trade in price.

im_brentwood · November 2011

That's easily a grand higher than I would be, granted I am in New Jersey and not Louisiana.

In the southeast that's still good money, these are doing 13s-14k at auction.. with half the miles.

im_brentwood · November 2011

Color? Navi?

Most any RX is going to be what normal people would call loaded, leather, roof, heated seats, etc. Navi is a big swing on these, so is color.

Lexus CPO?

sebring95 · November 2011

Not a dealer....just a guy that buys and leases a lot of vehicles. About 50 a year give or take.

Sandman6472 · November 2011

Figured you'd say $5k but once we get passed that 110k mark, $4500 sounds more realistic. From what I've read online, their trying to make the Verano more upscale with a more upscale price point to boot! It looks exactly like a smaller Regal, which ain't a bad thing. I'm still hoping for the Elantra GLS with the Preferred Package unless she wants the leather seating. Do have a feeling that Honda is gonna do something pronto with the Civic line to make it more competitive as many in the press really don't like the way it turned out. Honda knows it failed somewhat here and hopefully will do what needs to be done!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

Sandman6472 · November 2011

I've been eyeing these for years...basically a Toyota with more goodies & a higher price but they've got that tangible something extra that commands a higher price that folks will pay for. I especially like the ride height and the ability to slide right over in the seats. I'd buy a cpo'd one in a heartbeat, prefer the 2004 to 2009 generation. But they do seem to get silly money especially at the JM Lexus store around the corner...supposedly one of the larger Lexus stores. Might just go over & test drive one just to see what all the fuss is about. That blue color is my particular favorite and one never knows...I have no problem with a cpo'd car...the wife, well that's a different story! I could get used to one very easily...someday!!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

tifighter · November 2011

sandman - the reviews I've seen on the Verano seem to universally praise the seats. Knowing seat comfort is a big deal for you, it seems like it would be well worth checking it out.

im_brentwood · November 2011

There's always the Elantra Limited

Elantras w Preferred Package are nightmares to find though, had two come in on Monday morning, red one and a grey one, both gone by 9pm...

theeegod · November 2011

Color I believe was silver with beige interior. It did have navigation. Looked to me like a lease return.

Not sure what lexus CPO is?

And thank you all for all of the replies. I sure do learn a lot here!

theeegod · November 2011

On another note, I had a question in general.

I am in the market to buy/finance a SUV/CUV/Truck in the low 20s range. I am in northern NJ and want something with AWD. Reliability is the biggest concern for me as I will be using this vehicle heavily.

What do you guys think is the best choice? I have narrowed my choices to two : 2008 or higher Acura MDX or 2009/higher FX35. I wanted to get some input to see if these are wise choices and to see what you guys recommend. I also do like the RX 350 but the exterior styling recently changed in 2010 and there is no way the new body shape fits into my budget.

sebring95 · November 2011

CPO on anything = Certified Pre-Owned. Basically has a really good factory warranty in most cases.

I would take the MDX or FX35 over an RX any day of the week. Both will be tough to get in the lower 20's...at least with reasonable miles and won't be a CPO. Between the FX and MDX...I like the FX from a performance/driving standpoint but if reliability is your #1 concern I'd recommend the MDX. Plus I'm betting the resale will be better with a ton of miles down the road.

stevestein · November 2011

I'm thinking about buying my current leased car and would like to find out what it is worth before I decide.
2008 Lexus LS460, White with black interior
22,000 mi
Luxury package with Nav but not Mark Levinson stereo
Small (less that 1") crack in bottom of front bumper
Small shallow dent (less than credit card sized) above rear wheel well (paint not affected, but in a location where dentless removal can't reach)
Interior very good.
Residual on lease is 32K

theeegod · November 2011

Thank you. I am not sure if it was CPO - can find out though. Does that alter the price and, if so, how much?

I was leaning towards the MDX and FX as well - your comments just solidified my thinking.

What are thoughts on extended warranties for used cars? Thanks.

sebring95 · November 2011

If I was interested in a warranty, I would only take one backed by the manufacturer. The CPO is basically just a warranty and adds to the the price because it does cost the dealer to get the vehicle "certified". Both Acura and Infiniti have pretty good warranties with their CPO. Basically a bumper-to-bumper until the vehicle hits 100k miles. Most MDX you see used with sub-40k miles are Certified if they're at an Acura dealer.

robbieg · November 2011

I am not an expert but I think you are very light on these vehicles even without a CPO. For example, in my area at a no-haggle dealer there has been a 2008 RX with 38K sitting on the lot for 25,900 for months. It is green so that is a big big knock. A while back the experts hit it at 24,000 or so. I have priced the MDX too and I doubt you can get a 2008 for the low 20's which I am assuming is 22,000. You are the most off on the FX. I like those the most too.

Maybe I am wrong, and I hope I am because I like all of these cars.

tifighter · November 2011

I agree with the post above. In my neck of the woods (bay area), a 08+ MDX or 09+ FX are going to go for more than the low 20's range. If you do find one, it likely has higher miles, 2wd, or both. Are you actually seeing them in this range?

I think a RDX or an EX would be find to hard in that range.

nyccarguy · November 2011

Hey Guys. I've got a friend looking to trade in his 2010 BMW X5 M
Located in Armonk, NY (Very Weathy suburb of NYC in Westchester County)
Silverstone Metallic/Black Leather
4.4L Twin Turbo V8
555 horsepower
53,000 Miles
Exterior of the vehicle is 9/10
Interior is 10/10
Tires are probably 50% worn
I'm not sure of the major specific ///M options, but it has most of the goodies you'd expect on a (former) $100K BMW SUV:
NAV
Heads Up Display

He's picking up a new 2012 BMW X5 M & was offered $52K for his current sled. Just curious as to what your thoughts are.

theeegod · November 2011

Thanks for the replies gents. My buddy knows a used car salesman who has access to dealer auctions and he buys cars for wholesale. I have given him my two choices and my price range - so far nada and I am in northern NJ. I am beginning to think, well now I know after your guys responded, that these may be out of my price range (about 25K).

What else should I be targeting if I want to stay around 25 or max 27K? I would like a luxury SUV, but the smaller counterparts i.e. RDX or EX seem very unappealing. To make matters worse, my lease on my current Accord is up on Dec. 13 w/o any alternative means of transportation. I have usually leased and this will be my first purchase - ain't going well so far.

I have also noted that the 2011 FX can be had below dealer cost at some places around here. Would it be better for me to just go ahead and lease to buy a FX 35?

Lastly, if the vehicle is not CPO, can it be made CPO before I decide to purchase by the dealer (this is a toyota dealership I am dealing with btw)?

Thank you all for chiming in.

robbieg · November 2011

You should be able to get a 2008 MDX without the Tech package for under 27,000 with reaonable miles. Won't be CPO'd though. Or look for a 2008 FX35. Big price drop from the 2009's.

Try an independent used car place. They may have a different mark up compared with the Toyota dealer. There is one about an hour from my house that is no-haggle and I start my searches there. So, at the very least I know what I should be able to get for my money. May not be the best price but a fair price.

theeegod · November 2011

Thanks. Any thoughts on the lease to buy for a 2011 FX 35?

qbrozen · November 2011

ok, well, an MDX ain't gonna happen. I just searched all manheim dealer auctions for any '07 and up with under 40k and the cheapest one on there is $24,500, which means you wouldn't be able to buy it for less than $27k, if you are lucky.

The only way to get an FX35 under $25k is to forego AWD.

I'm gonna throw one at you from left field. Now, no balking until you go try one!
Find yourself an '08 Chrysler Pacifica Limited (or loaded up Touring, which is the same thing). You could get one with 35k'ish miles for about $22k. I think you may be impressed. A late model limited would ensure you get the 4.0 V6 and 6-speed auto. Not sure how the Tourings were equipped.

There used to be a high-end dealer on these boards who swore up and down these were nicer than their Mercedes counterparts. We used to have one of the earlier models and I thought it was nicer than the Acura, in any case.

Another option is a BMW X3. Not sure if that is too small for you or not, though. An '07 should squeeze just within your budget.

Real-World Trade-In Values

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles