Real-World Trade-In Values

vexed · April 2013

Another Honolulu Hawaii car:

2007 MB E350 sport
48K miles
Flint Grey Over black
P1 and P2 packages (leather, keyless go nav)
Right front door reskinned and rear bumper cover replaced but autocheck is clean
Good condition in and out, three new tires less than 6 weeks ago.
Had MB extended CPO through November 2013
Thanks!

qbrozen · April 2013

Well, that doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies. Its really going to depend heavily on the quality of the work. on the mainland, probably around $15,500-16k trade if all is invisible to the untrained eye and if the carfax is also clean.

vexed · April 2013

Thanks, that number would not be so bad. The work was good, I can't see any difference in the paint in the adjoining panels. I should spend the $$ for carfax.

qbrozen · April 2013

When was the accident? If in the past few months, it might not show up just yet.

BTW, don't be surprised if they point out the work to you. We are nowhere near as adept at experienced used car managers at spotting bodywork.

vexed · April 2013

The accident with the door was over 2 years ago, if it was going to show up it would have by now. I am sure if they take a paint meter to the car they will find it, bumper covers are not an issue but a door yes.

nyccarguy · April 2013

It is such a crock when they do the BS with the paints meter. Yes Used Car Managers can spot body work better than we can (I'm pretty good at it myself). If the body work is TOP NOTCH, they are not going to list it cheaper than a similar car that hasn't had body work. They aren't going to disclose it to the buyer. They just use it as an excuse to offer you less for your car.

irie057 · April 2013

I have a 2010 Jetta TDI Sedan with 64,000 in Phoenix. I also purchased the extended warranty. I am up to date on all the maintenance. The inside and exterior have minimal wear. Its fully loaded with navigation, alloy rims 17inch, power everything and heated seats, sun roof cruise . I was planning on trading it in for a mini but my check engine light recently came on. The car has never been in any accidents and drive it about 10 miles a day because i moved close to my work. The dealership wont cover the problems that the car is having because the said it was from an impact. the repair will cost me $2800 from them. I need a new radiator and the turbo housing is cracked. Im not sure if i should trade it in as is or fix it.

Any advice would be use full
Thanks!
Shannon

ateixeira · April 2013

Wouldn't your insurance cover that damage, then?

irie057 · April 2013

My insurance rate is already extremely high and my policy renews next month. I would rather not waste money on the deductible to get it fixed if my trade in value would be minimal.

jproc · April 2013

I don't understand how the dealer can deny warranty coverage.Car hasn't been in an accident hence the dealer claiming that damage is caused by "impact" is apparently wrong.With an extended warranty I'd be in contact with VW hq to get the work done under warranty

ateixeira · April 2013

$2800 ain't chump change, though.

Even with a $500 deductible, and say rates go up by $300 a year for the next 3 years, you're out $1400.

But you'd still be $1400 or so ahead.

sebring95 · April 2013

Have you tried taking it to a different vw dealer? Or did the warranty company deny the claim? Is there some sort of damage to indicate there was an impact? The radiator doesn't typically take on damage without something else getting hit first.

irie057 · April 2013

I need to take it to another dealership but the vw dealership i bought it from gave me their extended warranty instead of VW's. So I have to get it fixed there. I asked them to show me where the impact was and they took me into their garage lifted my car and the took off the skid plate and pointed about a foot inside the engine with a flashlight. there was no damage on the skid plate or anywhere. I didn't hit anything at all.

sebring95 · April 2013

I think you've got to get if fixed. A dealer will ding you far more on trade than the repair cost. I'd recommend finding a good indi shop to do the repair. Find one that specializes in VW diesels if possible. The other option would be to put it up for sale as-is. The VW diesels easy sales and for someone that can fix this themselves it could be good deal.

corvette · April 2013

I would at least get an indy shop to verify the problem(s). Do you have the warranty documents for the car? I can't imagine that any extended warranty would require that you take the car to the specific dealer where you purchased it.

emaree · April 2013

PHILADELPHIA AREA
Year/Make/Model: 2010 honda accord LX-P
Body Style: [2dr/4dr/wagon] 4dr SEDAN
Engine: [3.5 liter, 4/6 cylinder, auto/manual] 2.4L 4cyl 5A
Driveline: [FWD/RWD/AWD/4WD]
Mileage:23,800
Color: [exterior/interior] silver, black
Major Options: [alloys, sun roof, etc.]
Condition:
Details of interior and exterior, including dings, scratches etc. interior is in like new condition
Brakes- new rear
Maintenance- all done through honda.
Other: Indicate prior damage/insurance claims, repaints, etc.
side left panel near bumper was repaired/replaced

looking to trade it in for a new honda, wanted to see if I had any equity!

explorerx4 · April 2013

One time we had an after market warranty that required you to bring the car to the selling dealership if within a 40 mile radius.
I would call the warranty company and give my side of the story.
If the car hasn't been in an accident, then it hasn't.
The warranty company must have a website with some information about making claims.

qbrozen · April 2013

About $13k, depending on that repaired damage, as recently discussed here.

sebring95 · April 2013

Looking at this for a friend. On a dealers lot in Columbus, OH

2008 MDX Base
52,000
White/Tax
Not the greatest shape and needs tires.

qbrozen · April 2013

With the low miles, even with some needs, they might have $19-20k into it.

sebring95 · April 2013

Thanks! Prices on these seem to be off because they're discounting the new ones heavily. Might rebound once the new model comes out and prices go back to much closer to MSRP for a few years.

6422130 · April 2013

Looking for the value of a 2012 Passat 2.5 SE, Sunroof, no Navigation. Black/beige 11k, no issues. Philly area.

qbrozen · April 2013

this is a real tough one. Any with under 12k has been deemed "above average" and pulled down around $19k at the block. But then there are 2 examples of "average" cars with 12,xxx miles that only got $16k. That's a huge spread. So if the dealer doesn't look too hard, they may put a $17,500-$18k number on it. If they dig deeper and see these ones that I'm seeing, they may shy away.

6422130 · April 2013

Thanks for the info. That seems really light. Does there seem to be a glut of these ars on the market?

qbrozen · April 2013

Definitely quite a few.

This is $24,600 for a new 2013 (TrueCar price). Dealer buys a 2012 at auction for $18,500 ... transports, details, new tires, fees ... now it hits his lot at $20k. Has to get $21,500-$22k to stay in business. Not a big difference from a new one a year newer with 12k less miles, ya know? So I'd say its stronger than you think.

nyccarguy · April 2013

Hey q! Hopefully you are out having some fun in your 135i today (I'm at work, that's my excuse) and won't answer me until tonight or tomorrow

You know me, Chronic Car Looking as always (with my lease up in 18 months, I've ALWAYS got to be on the lookout).

2012 MINI Cooper S Hardtop
Laser Blue
Black Interior
Cold Weather Pkg
Pano Roof
Steptronic
15,571 Miles
MINI NEXT CPO car
Fairfield County, CT

Asking Price is $24,995
My thoughts? It is a $20,000 car at auction
$23,500 + TTL takes it home?

I'm also skeptical about the current sky high used car market. This car configured new on the MINI site has an MSRP of $27,500 & an invoice (according to edmunds.com) of $25,355. At that point, it isn't even worth looking at a CPO car, better to buy brand new, right?

jimray3 · April 2013

I have narrowed my search to a Mercury Milan 2011. I am hoping to find one with a 4 cylinder engine, lower miles, not hung up on options. What would an auction value be for central WI?

I have not been out on a car search in a few years. I would seriously like to see something on the private sale market, but to my amazement I am finding nothing. Very few ads are placed in the newspaper, almost everything on Craigslist seems to be by dealers. Am I missing something here? What happened to the private market?

I also had a dealer tell me they could get just about anything in this model from Ford vehicle online exchange. What is that? What kind of prices do dealers pay to buy from that source? My thought is that whatever Ford does not sell online ends up in auction and probably goes for a lower price.

explorerx4 · April 2013

Not very many were made, so that's why you are having a tough time finding one.

jimray3 · April 2013

I find plenty at dealers all shapes and colors. I just do not see many ads for privates sales on anything. Really when I drive around I do not see that many cars by the side of the road with "for sale" signs. That is just my observation.

roadburner · April 2013

My least favorite color combination, but one of my favorite models-a friend in the Service Dept at my BMW dealer ran the VIN and he thinks it's a very nice car. So... I'm thinking $20K is a fair offer?
2008 135i M Sport with a proper gearbox

explorerx4 · April 2013

Most of them were sold as fleet, so not too many new retail buyers.

jimray3 · April 2013

OK. I can follow that, thanks. Back to my original question. What might be a good wholesale value now? I would think that a lot of them should be coming out of fleets now. What would be the best way to get one?

explorerx4 · April 2013

There weren't too many of those sold here in the states right?
It's a good color for New England.

roadburner · April 2013

You might be thinking of the 1 Series M Coupe- that puppy IS rare. You don't see M Sports on every street corner, but they can be found with a bit of patience.

stickguy · April 2013

Black over black is probably my least favorite combo. But, looks like a fun car. Miles seem a bit steep for a 2008 "specialist" type car. But, use that to your advantage.

roadburner · April 2013

Edmunds TMV pegs retail at $22,383 trade-in at $18,666.
KBB has retail at $24,989 and trade-in at $19,904. My friend at the dealer said it got a set of new turbos/wastegates, which is about a $5000 hit- and the puffers are warranted to 100k miles. I'd put @30k on it over the next two years, at which point I'd decide whether to sell it off or keep it...

stickguy · April 2013

I don't know what is more shocking. Turbos costing that much, or the fact that the car needed them within 60K.

qbrozen · April 2013

numbers are pretty varied, but I think $20k is pretty close because of the color.

Truecar shows mid-to-high $26k on a 2013. So is getting 1-year older with 15k worth $3k? Up to you. I'm not familiar with their CPO program. Sometimes the warranty is better than new, in which case it might be worth it.

qbrozen · April 2013

not many at auction, either. Base models with ~20k miles are round about $13-14k. So $16-16.5k should buy one. Premier models only add about $500.

qbrozen · April 2013

Also has CWP.

Price is a bit hairy. All automatics at auction, but an average example with 59k got $20,500, while a below average one with 70k got $16,700. So if this one really is nice, I suppose you'd be looking somewhere in between. Still, with the stick, I'd imagine they'd put a $17,500 trade number on it at best. They should be making money at $20k, but it is a BMW dealer, so no guarantees they'd take it.

qbrozen · April 2013

they really don't NEED them. It is just the way things are typically done these days. Throwing out the baby with the bathwater, so to speak. Rattling wastegates? Oh, yeah, whole new turbos! :sick:

jimray3 · April 2013

Thanks for the info. The ones I have seen advertised at dealers go from $15K and up. The most common price is about $17K. Mileages are more in the 30K range. From your comment you would suggest the mark up is around $2-3K? So, the question is if for instance I see one for $17K what would be the price a dealer might let it go for? I've seen a couple private sales (not close to me) go for around $12K.

roadburner · April 2013

Thanks! And speaking of the turbos, I recall my friend saying, "The turbos have been replaced- probably because the wastegates were making a bit of noise."

stkntraffic · April 2013

This is for my Mom. She's buying a new car and needs trade-in and private party values for her current vehicle. Why someone 80 years old needs to buy a new car is beyond me, but here goes:

2008 Nissan Altima SL
4dr sedan, CVT
30000 miles
Light grey
No major options
Good rubber
No accidents/scratches/dents

Dealer offered her $9500 on the first go-round. Seemed a little low, but I'll wait to hear from the experts. Thanks!

qbrozen · April 2013

Yes, that's what the extended warranty is all about on the turbos. Several people have had issues, but I wouldn't call it widespread. Mine don't make a lick of noise at 57k miles. No idea what causes it. And sometimes it is fixed with an adjustment. I guess maybe they can get loose and, if left too long, become permanently loose. :confuse:

In any case, it doesn't worry me, personally. Heck, in the case of this car, you could say it is even better because it has newer turbos. Less to worry about. That is a ton of miles, though.

qbrozen · April 2013

This is a 4-cyl, yeah?

that is crazy low. I would expect that number on one with 80k, not 30k. They should be falling all over themselves to get one with those miles because another just doesn't exist. I think $12k is completely realistic, and anything under $11k is just insulting and demands walking out of that dealership and not looking back.

Here is everything with 60k or under:
03/27/13 LAKELAND Regular $12,400 50,844 Above DK BLUE 4G A
03/27/13 MINNEAP Regular $11,200 55,673 Avg GREY 4G A
04/12/13 PA Regular $10,500 58,411 Avg GREY 4G
04/10/13 KC Lease $11,600 61,916 Avg GRAY 4G A

Private party? Tough to sell something that expensive private party, but you might get the attention of well-off families buying a first car for their kid. I'd start it at $14,495 and take $13,500 or better.

stkntraffic · April 2013

Thanks Q! Yes it's the 4 cylinder. I'll pass this on to my Mom.

sebring95 · April 2013

Are you sure you're looking at 2008 models? I'm seeing 2012 models with 30k miles listed for $14k-16k on dealer lots.

nyccarguy · April 2013

Thanks as always qbrozen. I'm skeptical about buying used in the 1st place, but for me the peace of mind is worth buying new when the used is priced so similar. Plus even used with only 15K miles doesn't mean perfect. The wheels could be dented (like your 135i). I also feel like certain dealers (BMW anyway) use the CPO guidelines as a sort of "grey area." Some dealers follow it to the "Letter of the law," while some do only what they need to make the car look good to sell it as a CPO car (just my opinion).

My 6 1/2 year old has been obsessed with Blue Mini Coopers since he was 2. I actually saw a Black/Black Wheels w/ White Roof & White Stripes Cooper S that looked great, but for him, I'd have to get a Blue Mini.

I'm definitely leaning toward my next car costing about $25K max. I've realized after driving my 328xi for just over a year that it is just me in the car 95% of the time. The other 5% is either my wife and I on a date night (rare with 3 kids) or me with 1 of the kids. So maybe a Cooper S Hardtop would work for me. :confuse: Auto, No Pano Roof, Base suspension, smallest wheels I can get... Like everything else, I'll have to drive it first.

corvette · April 2013

The ones I've seen in that price range aren't SL models. The SL isn't the "rental trim" and has leather seats and other goodies.

Real-World Trade-In Values

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles