Real-World Trade-In Values

kyfdx · September 2012

Wow... I'm not an expert, but that car seems pretty used up.. and, a stick-shift in a Sonata? Not much market for that..

My best guess is $300... and, maybe $595 private party..

Can't wait to hear from the expert...

stickguy · September 2012

I'll give her $500. $600 if it has a moonroof. but she has to drive it from In. to NJ.

kyfdx · September 2012

That way, you can tell if it's roadworthy?

stickguy · September 2012

more like, that way if it isn't, I'm not the one on the side of the road wondering where the bus station is!

steine13 · September 2012

Oh... a beater price check. Right up my alley.

That windshield "needs fixed," as we say in the midwest. That'll scare 3/4 of your buyers away. Insurance often covers it 100%; depends on the company and maybe on the state. Having done that, this is my personal WAG:

If the car looks nice, $1,900 on Craigs, take what you can get. I'll bet $1,500 easy. If it's been maintained to a 'T' and glows in the dark I'd go for $2,900 and see what happens.
However, that's not the vibe I'm getting from the description.

There is no book that can help, with those miles it's all in the condition. Show me the maintenance "book" -- there should be lots of 30k/60k services, and this could be quite a nice car. If it's leaking stuff, the interior is tired,... it's more like $1k.

No disrespect to the OPs with the $600 guesses; but you guys proably haven't trolled the bottom of the market in a while..

Cheers -Mathias

stickguy · September 2012

yeah, I am getting a hard lesson on what my meager remaining budget (after getting my wife her mid-life crisis luxo mobile!) can buy. 2K just does not go as far as it used to.

steine13 · September 2012

Amen.
I'm currently looking at two choices for a winter beater; a hallowed MI tradition. The goal being, to make the '03 Sienna last a few more years as it's starting to rust.

The candidates are a 1995 Camry LE, 1 owner, 120k, white (shudder) so every little rust spot shows, fuel filler gone -- looks classy -- exhaust broke off and was rewelded in front of the cat. So it'll break again, 3 months or 3 years from now.. OTOH, it was taken care of, I have snow tires that'll fit, and it's pretty cheap.

$1,500 from a colleague, and I'm discinclined to haggle.... Of course, getting mor than $2 for it might be tough, even in this market.

Behind door #2 we have a 1994 Roadmaster Sedan, 120k miles, elderly-owned and in TN since 2008; before taht it was here in the rust belt. That'll probably set me back $2k, and whether I can sell it next spring depends very much on gas prices... where's President Bachmann when I need her.. or who was it who promised $1.80 gas if elected...

Anyway, I think it'll be the Camry, but both of these would have been strong candidates for the $1k-and-under club even 5 years ago.

Cheers -Mathias

kyfdx · September 2012

Well... you definitely know that market better than I...

But, did you note that it's a stick-shift? $1500 for a 200K mile car?
I'm still sticking with $300 on a dealer trade...

If that's the case, no wonder the pedestrian population is rising... :surprise:

steine13 · September 2012

It is of course impossible to tell without seeing the actual car.

But if all you've got is $1,500, most of the stuff you look at will have immediate needs or be in truly ugly shape.

So if you've got one that looks OK and runs and drives, right now, without spending money, that's a big deal.

In February, as ppl start getting their tax refunds, that Sonata would be even stronger. I don't think it makes a lot of sense either, but there you are.

I have another colleague with a '99 Camry LE, 110k miles, decent shape but starting to rust above the windshield... he thinks he should get close to $5. I'm thinking not of my money but he may be right...

"It's expensive to be poor."

-Mathias

qbrozen · September 2012

Folks are right in that its scrap value to a dealer. The only way they show more for it on paper is if they are making it up on the car you are buying.

I think Steine has the right idea on private party. It is tough to judge without seeing it in person. You'll have to fix the windshield and replace 2 tires. Don't mismatch them. Get whatever brand/model the other 2 new tires are.

What would those things cost you at resale? Well, if I were the buyer, I'm deducting $800 for the windshield and tires.

I'd say $600-$800 private party as it sits. Fix the items and detail the hell out of it. If it runs and drives well and looks decent enough, I'll split the difference and say you ask $2295. Even if you only get $1500 in the end, you've spent around $600 on the repairs, so you are getting a few hundred more out of it than selling as is.

SO... in summary... trade=$350, sell as is=$600, fix and sell=$900 (1500-600 repairs).

Real question is, how much is your time worth? The work, the driving around to get things fixed, the time spent detailing, taking pics, advertising, dealing with tire kickers .... all for maybe $500 more in my pocket? Tough call.

explorerx4 · September 2012

In Connecticut, car of that age needs to be state inspected.
A cracked windshield or bald tires are not acceptable.
This is assuming the buyer plans to legally register it.

czar4 · September 2012

Location: Fairfield, CT
Year/Make/Model: 2012 Toyota Prius V Five
Body Style: wagon
Engine: hybrid
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 12,000
Color: very good - minor wear assocaited with a car of 12k miles; well kept
Major Options: navigation, alloys, keyless entry/start/stop, leatherette - this is a base Five (highest model)
Condition:
Details of interior and exterior, including dings, scratches etc. - overall great - there are some light scrathces on hood
Tires - prob 20% worn
Brakes - excellent
Maintenance - by the book
Other: Indicate prior damage/insurance claims, repaints, etc. - someone scraped rear plastic bumper, which was repaired professionally - no metal work was done, just painted the plastic on the bumper.

Thanks!

ateixeira · September 2012

Already?

Need something bigger, or just bored with it?

nyccarguy · September 2012

This is the regular Prius or that new, bigger, 5 door Prius?

Why so soon?

explorerx4 · September 2012

GB,
Looking for trade in value on 2009 Ford Escape Limited.
Black/Black
V6 AWD
47k miles
Moonroof
Nav/Sync
Heated Leather seats
17" Factory (fake) Chrome rims.
Running boards
All service up to date.
Very clean with a few scratches and a ding in the liftgate.
Tires 50%, will need front brakes in next 10k or so.
Actually, might sell to one of the kids.
Will give them a good deal but not give them the car.
TIA

roadburner · September 2012

just bored with it?

You have to ask?
:P

fushigi · September 2012

Thanks for the excellent feedback, everyone. Funny how a beater can generate so much discussion.

It would be a private party sale as she felt insulted by what the dealer offered her in trade. I don't know the amount (She's in Indiana; I'm in Illinois) but I'm sure it was not more than $500 and probably less. When she commented about it I did point out that no dealer was going to hang on to a high mileage car, especially with a stick, and that it would be sent straight to auction for disposal.

I will make the suggestions on doing the repairs to make it more salable. I'm surprised she hasn't been ticketed for the windshield; I was when I lived in Indiana back in the '80s. (She may only be carrying liability so no insurance coverage to get the windshield repaired)

She may also just give it to her daughter who could use a generally reliable if aging car for a while.

And she wants a stick for her next car as well. She's been driving manuals since the early 80s.

czar4 · September 2012

Made a mistake buying it thinking we could fit three car seats across the back. You can, painfully! We never thought to strap them in - just set them across the back to see of they fit when it was on the dealer's floor. In the end, we ended up getting an MDX, which is great. At te same time, I took a job and we moved within biking distance to work. Just don't need this any more. looking to replace it with a MINI.

czar4 · September 2012

It's the wagon.

czar4 · September 2012

Haha. Let's see, compared to some of the cars I had pre-kids: 318, 944S, 912, GTI, Land Cruiser (FJ), bunch of TDI's, Mustang GT, CJ7, yeah, I would say bored. Only thing in my garage that came close to the Prius level of driving excitement is the VW rabbit I converted to run on veggie oil.

steine13 · September 2012

>> Made a mistake buying it thinking we could fit three car seats across the back..[..]
>> [..] looking to replace it with a MINI.

One free CCBA membershipt for you.
Seriously, join us on "Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous", we're Not That Kind Of A Support Group (tm). You'll fit right in.

Cheers
-Mathias

roadburner · September 2012

Our automotive tastes intersect at a few pints. I've had several BMWs as well as a Wrangler TJ- and I would have a GTI in my driveway today if any of the local VW dealers would hire service techs with opposable thumbs.
And yes, join us at CCBA- you'll fit right in!

qbrozen · September 2012

I have just about no comps to go on.

A level II went for $24,800 with 1800 miles.
A level III with 8k fetched $23k.
And a level III with 2800 miles got $26k.

I would hope any dealer would keep this for sale off their own lot. Hope for $22k, I guess.

qbrozen · September 2012

About $16k on a trade.

nyccarguy · September 2012

Please join CCBA! You'll love it! Prius to MDX. 50 mpg to 15 mpg.

sebring95 · September 2012

Don't forget MDX requires premium too!! Although we're doing really well with our '12 MDX. Just picked it up a couple weeks ago and averaging 19mpg in day-to-day and got 21.5mpg on all highway trip this weekend. The 2011 FWD Sienna manivan it replaced was averaging 20.5 and 23 on long trips.

ateixeira · September 2012

a few pints

Freudian slip?

ateixeira · September 2012

CCBA link to encourage you to join that fun thread:

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef2c24d/27179#MSG27179

explorerx4 · September 2012

Thanks, the 'books' had between 15.5 and 17.

explorerx4 · September 2012

I don't think a Prius V is good for 50 mpg. Low 40's, yes.

ateixeira · September 2012

I doubt an MDX gets just 15mpg, either, unless you're a lead foot.

In which case you'd be nowhere near 50 on the V.

nyccarguy · September 2012

Check the EPA ratings. 15/20 mpg. My wife's 2011 4WD Pilot averages in the teens. The MDX is heavier & has a full time AWD system.

tifighter · September 2012

Fuelly to the rescue.

qbrozen · September 2012

Huh. Nothing like decreasing efficiency through a product's lifecycle.

We used to get 21-22 in our first-year Pilot.

explorerx4 · September 2012

Those are some pretty small samples.

kinsale · September 2012

New Hampshire
2010 Nissan Rogue SL AWD
23k miles
Black with black leather
Alloys, Sun Roof, Leather, Heated Seats, 6 disc changer, XM radio
Few light scratches on paint. Interior and exterior are clean
No accidents or damage
Tires 60-70%
Brakes are good

ateixeira · September 2012

16 to 20 if you look at the bell curve. And more people get 21 than 15.

Adding 3 more to the sample, people on fueleconomy.gov are getting about 18mpg.

explorerx4 · September 2012

Maybe i asked too soon.
Wife told me kid got in an accident.
Picture doesn't look too bad, but the damaged 'chome' front bumper trim piece lists for $464!

czar4 · September 2012

They offered me $22k trade with 12k on the clock.

czar4 · September 2012

Yup, I began having real problems with VW when they asked if I could drive back to the dealership to help them determine what was wrong with my TDI Touareg. At least they were honest about it.

qbrozen · September 2012

sounds like I nailed it. Thanks for reporting back.

kinsale · September 2012

any idea on the rogue?

qbrozen · September 2012

hmmm... there's a bit of a spread on these. $14k-$15k, depending on how the dealer feels about it, I guess.

roadburner · September 2012

Freudian slip?

I guess so!
:P

easheer · September 2012

Looking to trade a 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD TECH. Any help on a fair trade price is appreciated!

Las Vegas
2010 Acura TL SH-AWD w/ Technology Package
4 dr
3.7L V6 Automatic
AWD
20500
Black/Black
In addition to standards included in SH-AWD w/Tech, the following options have been added: OEM Premium 18" Wheels, OEM Midnight Chrome Grill, OEM Midnight Chrome Rear Trim (all non-standard options on delivery)
Interior - Spotless, Normal Leather Wear, No Carpet Wear
Exterior - No dings, 2 faint scratches that can barely be seen. No pits in paint on hood or front bumper.
Wheels- No curb rash
Tires - 75% tread or more
Brakes - Great
Maintenance - All scheduled maintenance reminders have been performed. Oil changes , inspections, engine/cabin filter replacement, rear diff fluid changed for AWD system, tire rotations.
Other: None. Car has been meticulously cared for.

Thanks for the help!

sbuhler · September 2012

Would appreciate a current trade/wholesale value on the following

2010 Subaru TriBeCa
Touring with nav
26000 miles
Excellent condition
Blue
Louisiana

Thanks

qbrozen · September 2012

probably around $27k

qbrozen · September 2012

As expected, there is almost no data to go on for this vehicle.

It looks like $24k may be the number.

robbieg · September 2012

Why do you think the Tribeca hasn't sold well. Once they got ride of the ugly front I kind of like them Is it too pricey? I also can't get over the dashboard? Too small?

woodyww · September 2012

I don't think I've ever seen a Tribeca on the road. A few years ago I sat in one in a Subie dealership, & I noticed the oddly "swoopie" shape of the dash, like it was designed by space aliens, or by earthlings on LSD......apparently there a lot of other faults too.....

Real-World Trade-In Values

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