Real-World Trade-In Values

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Comments

  • nfloutnflout Member Posts: 2
    Is there a way to find out exactly what the dealer paid for a used car? I don't mean going to Edmunds.com,Cars.com,Carpoint.com...I mean is there a way using the VIN# to find out what the car was actually sold for? There has got to be a way...
  • iamjimiamjim Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Light Bronzemist Bonny SSEi w/ 45k miles. Tires need to be replaced, car is in great condition otherwise. thoughts? Thanks!
  • markmc14markmc14 Member Posts: 2
    I'm wondering what a reasonable value is for my 2000 Chevy S-10 Ext. Cab LS that I bought in Sept. 1999. It's a V6 w/ auto, a/c, tilt, cruise, CD, 3rd door, bucket seats, bedliner. It's Indigo Blue. It only has 24000 miles on it for being about 2 1/2 years old. It's in excellent condition. I live in the 91767 area code. Thanks for any help.
  • nwbmwnwbmw Member Posts: 1
    I would appreciate some advice on real-world Trade vs Sell dollars for the following:

    1997 BMW 328ia 4dr (Automatic)
    -Sierra Red w/ Sand leather
    -42000 miles w/ transferable BMW Certified Warranty (6yr/100k) thru 9/03
    -Premium Package (Wheels, wood trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, etc)
    -Sunroof, Harman Kardon Sound system, On-Board Computer, 50/50 split rear seat
    **Excellent Condition**
    97229 area code

    Planned Purchase:
    02 VW Passat Wagon 1.8T Tiptronic
    -Reflex Silver w/ blk cloth interior, Lux pkg & cold weather pkg.

    Many thanks for any advice.
  • brick22brick22 Member Posts: 71
    I know it's still early in the year to be selling a convertible--I live in the state of Washington--but can you tell me what I can expect on a trade in for this vehicle? It's merlot with a tan top and leather interior, it has 40,000 miles on it, and I just bought new ultra high performance all season tires for it two hundred miles ago. It's in excellent condition.

    Thanks!
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ....... This one sounds like a nice one.

    **Excellent Condition** -- Well if it is, and if it drives and looks new. It has brand new sneakers ..and it needs -0-. then this little puppy is probably worth around the mid 17's ... it's the right color and miles ...!

    If you want to retail it (here's the tricky part) ..then drop it in the biggest scripture in the area for $19,950 (must sell) make it look like a diamond and have all the service records at hand. You probably will see $18,5/$18,9/$19,300..

    Good Luck ..

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    .... A Merlot "M" ... I have driven a bunch of those.

    Your right .. it is a little early. These are great vehicles ... and yours has no miles for the year.

    If this little Pocket Rocket is nice all the way around, in todays money it's worth around $6,500 ..that means, little or no dent's, interior is Excellent and the top is new ..or looks new.

    Ride on Cowboy ...

    Terry.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,081
    I've posted part of this in a couple of places. Any help is welcome.

    My son just turned 16. Be it a mistake or not, when he was 14 I told him that he could buy a car at 16 if he was on honor roll at school (he is) and got a job to pay for the car/insurance/gas maintenance. He got a job bagging groceries at 14 and has saved up $3K. He found a one owner Saturn SL2 with 86K miles. I drove it. It's clean, is a 5-speed with A/C and AM/FM Cass. That's it. Owner wants $3,100 (after some negotiation). Driver's side carpet has a 3"x3" "worn thru" spot and the brakes feel like rotors are warped. Outside of that, it runs pretty strong. What's it worth?

    On another note, I've posted this elsewhere in the TH, but it was suggested that I post it here:

    "I've been searching for a BMW 540i for quite some time. New is way out of my price range.

    Found one that had been in an accident. The guy who owned it bought it new. The story I got, he was in his "local pub" last Sunday watching the Super Bowl. He was parked "nose-to-nose" in the parking lot. The person parked in front of him was leaving. Instead of putting the car in reverse, the "other" person put it in drive and hit the front of the BMW and took off (hit and run). This scene was witnessed by someone going into the pub. He went into the pub, said someone had just hit the BMW. BMW owner runs out to find the grill and one of the headlights smashed and a "crease" in the driver's side qtr panel. Mr. BMW is understandably irate and calls the police. Police take statements from the witness and BMW owner. BMW owner goes back in the pub, watches the rest of the Super Bowl and attempts to leave. He then gets "popped" by the same police officer for DUI while pulling out of the pub. Talk about a bad day.

    Anyway, I see the car parked at the neighborhood body shop (does custom body work on high end cars) with a home made "for sale" sign. I call the owner. He says his insurance is going through the roof after the DUI and decided to sell. We "dicker" a bit and come to a price of $19K predicated on only sheet metal work and no mechanical issues that will crop up after closer inspection. I give him a post dated check (2-10) for $1K until I can inspect it and have the car checked out. Car is a '97 and has ~60K miles and looks clean on the inside. It starts/sounds good....everything works, but I can't drive it until front 1/4 panel is pried away from the front tire. CarFax is clean.

    It's black and needs some Zaino TLC but the "unwrecked" portion looks to be in great shape. I'm hoping for an estimate from the body shop around $2K-$3K.

    Tell me if I'm a sucker or a lunatic."

    As you can tell, I'm about to become a multi-car family. Thanks for any help!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ..... Ok my friend, it's a 2000 with 24 klicks on it -- If it's nice .. clean, looks like an 02 and No parking lot kisses, the french fries and piazzas have always been eaten outside the rig ..

    Then you are in and around the high $9's .. maybe, just maybe ..if.. it's a baby doll, you might see the ultra low side of $10.

    Have a nice day ...

    Terry.
  • amcdan1amcdan1 Member Posts: 14
    Terry, since you were dead-on with my trade in question the other day...maybe you can help answer this question?

    I am considering a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe. The base model, 4-cylinder would be about $30 less per month than the GLS V6.

    If/when I look to sell or trade the Santa Fe in 4-5 years, will the depreciation hit on the base model 4-cylinder offset the $30/month I would save over the years (i.e. 30x12x4 = $1,440)?

    Both would be fully equipped, including ABS and automatic.

    Thanks for any insight
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ....... WHAT ...???? Your 16yr old son works ..? Did I read this right ...?

    Not only does he work -- But, he saved 3 grand by himself ... WOW..!

    Hey .. I run adds for detailers for $8/$9 bucks an hour ... pfffft, they don't want to work ...

    Congrats on having a good son ..!

    The Saturn sounds a little worn, so have it checked out. It's an S2, so miles should be ok. The $3,100 is about right, $2,700 is more like it, but it sounds like the kid is worth it.

    Now the Bimmer .. thats a whole different Enchilada.

    $3/$4,000 of Damage is not good .. even at $19,000. Unless you are keeping this puppy for 3/4 yrs. Remember, you have to see it up close after it's done, and if it's a perfect job ..I mean puuurrrffect! Then you need to be more towards the $17/$18ish range.

    Stay in touch.. and lets us know.

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........ No if, ands, buts about it ...

    -6cyl-

    Terry.
  • cachaycachay Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Honda Civic VP (AC and CD), 4 door sedan, ice blue teal with 32,000 miles - what's it worth as a trade in?
  • pgillpgill Member Posts: 84
    My 3 year / 36k miles lease on 1999 BMW 740i ends in March but I'm way short on the miles (~ 24k miles).

    I'm wondering if it may make sense to buy the car at purchase option price and continue driving for few additional months before buying another car (I haven't decided on which car yet).

    Few questions I have:
    * Does the recent introduction of redesigned 2002 BMW 745i depress the trade-in value of my car?
    * If the new model depresses the value of my car, would BMW Financial Services negotiate on the purchase price?
    * What would be the approximate trade in value of my car in about 6 months with about 26k miles?

    BTW, my car has most options except for navigation (e.g., upgraded stereo, xenon)

    Thanks for any input or advice.
  • nectalovernectalover Member Posts: 15
    Quick and simple explination this time hopefully I can get some help as I in email negotaitions with him right now.

    2001 1.8T Audi Wagon
    5k miles
    Pelican Blue
    Heated front seats
    Auto traction control
    Auto Mirror dim
    Power moon/sun roof
    Sports suspention
    Sports Rims and tires

    Thats it we are near 26K for it is this a good deal for the car? Edmunds says closer to 25K for a used audi like this from a private party. Oh and it has been in a little parking lot kissing contest, but in the picture the guy took, I can not see any damage. He said he fixed it with touch up paint, and it was just a minor incident. I will check it out more clearly when i go see the car for myself, but we are just trying to get ballpark figures before I make the trek to go see the car. Thanks in advance for any help.

    Bill
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ..... I wouldn't be worrying too much about the, New Design. Right now, it seems to be going no-place in a "big fat hurry" .. Thats the word, from about 20 BMW dealers from NY to New Mexico.

    They have never seen 4 months of inventory standing on a 7 Series, especially a new model. They do now.

    The 740iL is the most popular of the 7 class, but yours with 24k (no miles) .. and all the proper service done and it looks .. new. That means no dings, dents, scratches on the front or rear fascias .. pretty much a showroom vehicle. This would do a strong $33 at the block, try to negotiate with BMW (not the dealer) .. and see what happens. Sometimes they do, most times they don't. But, if you don't ask, you don't get.

    By the way, what is your residual ..?

    Terry.
  • pgillpgill Member Posts: 84
    I'll have to call BMW Financial Services to find out what my residual is, but I think it's north of $33k. The car stickered for about $63k and the residual was at least 60% (~$37k). The car is pretty clean...nothing outside of normal wear-and-tear and dealer maintained (included in the warrantee).

    One point of clarification: When you say "do a strong $33 at the block", what does that mean exactly? Are you saying it would definitely get about $33k at an auction? What if I trade-in to a BMW dealer who may later "certify" it and resell it?

    Thanks for your help.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,081
    Thanks!

    Yea...I'm proud of my "young'un". He's going to a tough Jesuit High School and on the honor roll. He doesn't work during the week, but on weekends he's working at the local grocery store. This past summer, he was cutting neighbors' lawns and bussing tables at a local restaurant. I know that I'm going to have to kick in a few bucks to get him into this car if he buys it. Insurance alone is going to be $900/yr. The Saturn is about the only thing I've found in that price range that doesn't seem to have been beat to death. Looked at some older Corrola's and Civics, but in that price range, they are pretty rough/"slammed" or in different states of being "modified" (hack jobs, at best). The only cars I can find on regular dealer lots are the "budget buys". It seems that there's little, if any, reconditioning on them and probably no sort of mechanical checks done. If you have any other suggestions, I'm open.

    It kind of shocks me that you can't find high schoolers willing to do lot work for the kind of money you're paying. My son's hourly is $6. That said, if the parents don't hold them to any sort of guideline for their teens to work for what they want, then....... Just my opinion. I'm sure someone will not see it the way I do.

    The 540i...yea, I'm letting my heart dictate what my head should be telling me. I just found out that the right side tire/wheel combo alone is going to cost about $800. The body shop is pulling the grille and 1/4 panel today to see what's (if anything) is wrong underneath. Outside damage looks like way more than just a parking lot "bump". And, I haven't even driven it yet. It was supposed to be one owner, but the owner's manual has the original owner written in as someone different, in a different state. Something about the story and history of this car "smells". I think maybe I should take a pass on this one, cancel payment on the check and keep looking.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • dsaasdsaas Member Posts: 2
    Love this car White color 75500 miles;
    but trade-in to small truck or SUV for pending retirement move to USA Southwest(1-2 years); want to do some off-roading.

    How much to expect ??, previous experience to trading in used Mercedes 190 to private party had no takers despite reasonable price.

    In midwest, should I wait until move 2 years or do now, how much to expect from dealer, plan late model clean used purchase; or private party a better result ??.

    Thanks to any opinion.
  • acraftonacrafton Member Posts: 99
    Car in Texas, Black ext, gray interior. 27K miles certified by MB. Good tires, great shape. Leather, sunroof.

    Thanks
    Adam
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    5 speed, auto? Whereabouts in the midwest?
  • JPhamJPham Member Posts: 148
    What can I expect to get for the following trade-ins (gotta get a minivan to have room for the kids and upgrade my ride while I'm at it):

    - '95 Audi A6 wagon, brown-ish metallic color, auto, -no- quattro, leather, heated seats, 85k miles. Average condition.

    - '94 Acura Legend LS Coupe, silver, auto, 88k miles, very clean condition.

    I'm in Northern California.

    thanks.

    James
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I think we're looking at every penny of $33K wholesale here.

    Private sale? I would ask $36,950.. And I wouldnt take any less than $35,500.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I thinkj...

    This be a $19K unit right here... MAYBE $19,500 on a push.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Assuming its a 4-banger...

    $4,500-5K.

    V6? $5,500-5,800ish.

    Private sale? Dont take less than $6,500 4cyl or $7,300ish V6.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Not that I know of.

    I can look up auction results, but I pay $50 a month for the priviledge and have to be a licensed dealer (And a Manheim Customer) to even be able to sign up.

    And used cars are a funny bunch.

    Example: I have 2 1998 XJ8s in Inventory. One is Silver/Black, the other White/Tan. Both are excellent colors. Both have right around 33K miles, both are perfect.

    I paid $22,500 in the Silver car and $24,100 for the Topaz one.

    Now, what are they worth?

    Both have a market retail value of about $27,000. (I have already sold both on a wholesale level, for $24K each in a package deal actually.. but...)

    See where I'm going? The trick is shopping hard for a sale price, and worrying a touch less about what they are making on you (On a used car, as a rule, unless theyre making $1,500 its not worth doing the deal on a fresh unit, more on expensive cars)

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Your 2000 Bonneville....

    That be a $16,000-16,500 unit. Terry? 45 klocks... I think that kills it. You?

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Hmm..

    If it shines like new.. I think we be around $10K.. maybe $10,500.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I think its a $16,500 car.. but they have been going very strong of late so shop it hard.

    $19,950 in the paper.. dont take much more than $1,000 off of that either. These BMWs can bring the $$ if theyre nice!

    The Passat? Niiice car!

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Well..

    I posted this already.. but.. if you MUST, get the V6.

    If deprecation is a concern, you need to buy a CRV or Rav4. They have kick-[non-permissible content removed] resale value, and the Hyundais, as a rule, do worse than almost anything else on the road. Literally we could be looking at a 35% 3-year residual.

    You may want to rethink this if resale is an issue. A Sonata depreciates (Actual sale price vs trade-in price) $2,500 more than a Mercedes CLK in 3 years.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I think we be in the $10,000-10,500 area.. those VPs are like LXs, right?

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I think Terry is a tad light here. If its at, say, 21,000 miles...

    If its not Brown or Burgandy.. or even Green or NoSaleBlue... If its Black outside of FL/GA/SC/TX or Silver or Whte...

    $36K easy. Even a SWB.

    Assuming it is PERFECT.

    6 months? Who knows. Prolly $3,500 less if I had to be guesstimating.

    This may be worth buying...

    New 745i? Yuck. BMW's Aztek in Styling and sales. The guys at Fields in Orlando are not doing well.. that's the word on the street. I hate the thing.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Checkbook time!

    If this were YOURS... I would say $24,000 as a trade-in and that if you took less than $26,500 that you can go to your room....

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Smart to pass on this one...

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Hmm...

    $4,000 easily. Perhaps $4,500 if its that nice.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Another one of the resale kings... A Low-Mile DIesel!!!

    Wow, they exist? No kidding!

    OK...

    Are you lookin to buy or trade?

    If tyoure looking to buy.. That car did $37,500 at Manheim, PA a few weeks ago. (I'd have figured it for $36,500 myself.. but a 27K mile diesel is like a low-mile Dually Powerstroke..) $600 to get it to TX, $350 sale fee... easily...

    What they want for it?

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Hmm.. the wagon... $5,500ish??

    No Quattro hurts it.

    The Legend? $9,000.

    Minivan? Buy an Odyssey. Pay MSRP but sell it 2 years later for $24,500 like everyone else is.

    Bill
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ....... $16 would be all the money, and then some

    I'm paying $15/$15,800 for loaded up SLE's 15/17k, with the slider, heated seats, chromes, etc.

    Terry.
  • acraftonacrafton Member Posts: 99
    The MB dealership has it listed at $39,900 (starmarked, etc.). But, they have had it since November (very surprising) and appear very willing to deal although they haven't indicated exactly what they want. Based on your numbers and that it has been there for 2.5 months, do you suggest I offer $37K?

    Adam
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ....... If the dealer has had it for that long --- than right now, it's time for him too say Bye Bye to it.

    He probably owns for $33 and some change, add the Star junk to it, and he has $34 and some change.

    Start him up at $35,900, I have a feeling that $36 and some change will take her home. It's black , it's Texas, it's almost 3 months old, and his floorplan is starting to squeak.

    Good luck .. and let us know.

    Terry
  • kiaaztekfankiaaztekfan Member Posts: 2
    Hello,

    I have a 1997 Kia Sephia RS 5-speed with 67,000 miles. My Bank, who I trust very much, told me that it was worth over $3,000 as a trade-in. But that seemed VERY low to me!!!!!!!!

    It is in very nice shape and has a fun manual transmission and a tape deck. Except for a dent on the trunk its in very nice shape.

    The CROOK dealer offered me $700 against a new Optima. That is CRIMINAL!

    PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!
  • kiaaztekfankiaaztekfan Member Posts: 2
    If I sell my car myself, I think I can get 6,000 for it, dont you? Or what should I ask?
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ...... I don't have the vehicle in front of me, perhaps it's worth a little more than $700. -If- it's like brand new, new tires, the interior looks yesterday, no or limited scratches and minor dings that can be counted on one hand --- then ...

    You might be lookin' at around $1,200 or so.

    $6,000 on the retail side ...? You couldn't have paid much more than $8 grand for it new ... on the retail side, maybe $2,900.

    Sorry ... wish I had better news.

    Terry.
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    even '98 Sephias are going begging in the paper for $3500-4500.
  • troztroz Member Posts: 4
    Hey Bill & Terry,

    Any thoughts on my 98 Volvo Cross Country (see post 5095)??

    Thanks!!
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ..... These are nice vehicles ..and in demand.

    It has low miles for the year ..49k, needs tires ..? second set ..? .. cold pack ..?

    Well it's the right color ... So if it's super nice and clean, shows like a 01, no parking lot kisses and it needs -0- (except tires) ..then this vehicle is worth "around" the low $18's --- start deducting if the vehicle needs touch-up, paint work, etc...

    Terry.
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    Don't all XCs have the cold weather package? I've never seen one without it.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ...... If we missed a few, just re-post or drop the post # ... Ok ..? -- Ok.

    Lance .. I have seen em' down south without .. Now it's standard across the board, I think ..? Now I will have to look it up....l..o..l..

    Terry.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,081
    yea...I did pass on the '97 540i. Too many potential "gotchas". I went with the old adage, "if it's too good to be true, it probably is".

    Still looking, though. Something in the $20K range for a used 540i. Prefer standard trans but would consider a 5A. I know you're a "jag man". Never owned one, but always liked them. What would I look for in a Jag in the same price range?

    Still open for suggestions on a decent $3K car for my 16 year old, too.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • agt_cooperagt_cooper Member Posts: 202
    Coworker's van...
    1994 Ford Aerostar XL
    Gold/Tan color
    Cloth interior
    4.0 V-6
    Automatic
    141,000 miles
    Front/rear AC
    ABS
    Power windows/locks
    AM/FM Cassette
    Built-in car seats...
    Well maintained, all receipts available

    Location is Northern Virginia...

    Had a minor front end kiss that was professionally repaired, good paint, new tires, new brakes.

    This doesn't sound like a prime candidate for a trade-in, so how about a target private sale price?

    Thanks as always!!!
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