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Real-World Trade-In Values

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Comments

  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ......If that's a - no Quattro....and with the miles ...and yes --- no auto.....you are looking at a vehicle that will wholesale in the $10,000 ish figure.....

    So, Bill is right ----- Hurry up and buy a car ....l..o..l...

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........Well, there isn't quite enough info ......so i will just build one ...so to speak

    Hardtop...auto ( nice)..air..Rio pack ...and this vehicle is in a good ..to better shape with a 6....on the wholesale side ---- you are in that $6,000 to $7,000 ish figure

    So, at this time of the year.....you should be able to buy it for that $8,000 to $9,000 # or less....

    Maybe this help's ....

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    .......Well as in all vehicle's, the mile's won't help ..( is it a all wheel dr...? )....But, the LXI -- and dual air ..and all toyed out.. will ...let's assume == it doesn't need tires and it's nice ....

    You are in that $8,000/ $9,000 ish zipcode....

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........There is a lot of Tahoe's running right now ----

    I didn't have a reason to "look" at them last week....but, by the sheet's 27 ran in the 96/97 year's... ( not all black of course ) .....but, if you have a interest - email me...I will be at the auction on wedsnesday...

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........Gee Whiz guy's........how about the next topic being boat's ---- My real love in life.....l.....o.....l......

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........The station wagon ....is back and in full force ----- everything from the Benz's to Volvo's and back......

    What was going through the block 8 to 10 month's ago... is even higher now ----

    I have to admit.. --- I love that Cross Country

    Terry.
  • cpa4ucpa4u Member Posts: 136
    I have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 that has the "special edition" package on it. That was the package that included the monochromatic paint and front and read facias of the Limited model. I have added the 16" Y-spoke Limited wheels. The vehicle has 40,000 miles and is in perfect condition. Cloth interior, dual power seats, Infinity sound, CD changer, no sunroof, and is a V-6. I would like to know "real-world" auction amounts for this vehicle and what you guys think it would be worth if I wanted to sell it myself.

    Second question....I have been looking at used 2000 Lincoln LS vehicles around my area (Ky and Tenn) and am finding that the dealers are not wanting to deal on these cars. How are these vehicles holding up at auction? I want a V-8 sport model with sunroof and all options except the phone. Low miles, say 8-12k. Have any ideas of prices on this car??

    Thanks ahead of time for your responses!! Rick
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,717
    OK. Thanks for the pricing info. on the Audi. Got kind of a moral question on it, though. Would it be wrong of me to go test drive this car without any intention of buying it (especially considering the ridiculous price)?

    Its just that I have never driven one and want to know if its right for me. This is the only one I've seen in my immediate area right now. I would feel bad if I test drove one that was priced right just for the heck of test driving, but I don't think I would feel bad about using this overpriced dealer to guage my response to the car.

    What is your take on it? For that matter, what is your take on anyone who is out to test drive but they aren't ready to buy yet?

    As always, thanks guys.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • cpa4ucpa4u Member Posts: 136
    I have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 that has the "special edition" package on it. That was the package that included the monochromatic paint and front and read facias of the Limited model. I have added the 16" Y-spoke Limited wheels. The vehicle has 40,000 miles and is in perfect condition. Cloth interior, dual power seats, Infinity sound, CD changer, no sunroof, and is a V-6. I would like to know "real-world" auction amounts for this vehicle and what you guys think it would be worth if I wanted to sell it myself.

    Second question....I have been looking at used 2000 Lincoln LS vehicles around my area (Ky and Tenn) and am finding that the dealers are not wanting to deal on these cars. How are these vehicles holding up at auction? I want a V-8 sport model with sunroof and all options except the phone. Low miles, say 8-12k. Have any ideas of prices on this car??

    Thanks ahead of time for your responses!! Rick
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    I'm not car salesman like Terry and Bill. However, I hope they aren't too hard on us who took a test drive but weren't ready to buy. I believe I narrowed down my choices down to two vehicles: Subaru Forester and Toyota Rav4. The wife approves of both. I thought I'd be ready to buy this year. However, after hanging out here for awhile and re-evaluating my situation, I came to the conclusion that I'm not ready to buy. So in essence I did waste the Subaru salesmen time but I did find out some valuable things driving the Forester. Heck, if I follow Rich's guidelines for a car, I'll either have to step down to cheaper model or go used on the Forester. But it's hard to argue with sound financial planning.

    Leo
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    .........Based on the info you have given us...If it's a clean as you say it is..and the tires are almost new --- no major scratches or dings --- you know....it look's a 2000 -----

    You are probably in that $13,000 - $13, 500 ish figure .....It sound's nice --- but, you do have a couple little drawback's -- no roof, no leather, no v8.....

    If you are looking at a 2000 preowned LS --- I know, you will love it -- it's a great vehicle ---- and they have been running at the auction's for a while ---- your best setup in that vehicle ...is the V8 - sport package - the 17' wheels ---- and if you can get lucky....see if you can find a post april production -- with the CD in dash, instead of the glove box...and of course -Advance trac- ...

    But anyway, they should be on sale in your area for like that $30,000 figure....they are running at the block, with let's say -- 9,000 / 12,000 miles...in the $26,000/$27,000 figure...

    I hope this help's....I will be interested to know what happen's

    Terry.
  • msu79gt82msu79gt82 Member Posts: 541
    Help please with the reasonable value for a '99 Ford Expedition in the Houston, Texas area. Trade offers seem low to me.

    1999 White Eddie Bauer 4x2
    Typical EB Standard Features, in addition to:
    Heated Front Seats
    Power Pedals
    Towing Package
    Limited Slip Differential
    Stow-a-Away (a $120 option for pre-2000s)
    45700 miles, with a 50000 mile warranty
    Good-to-Excellent (KBB) or Clean (Edmund's)

    Thanks in advance.
  • rutger56rutger56 Member Posts: 12
    What would be a reasonable trade in value on a 1994 Villager GS,blue,good condition,75,000 miles,7 passenger,rear air,power windows,mirrors,seat,roof rack,alloy wheels,rear defroster,abs.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Hmm...

    Problem is, there's a LOT of these running through the auctions, like all domestic SUVs.. the market is pretty heavy in them right now. While yours is a nice color combo, it's also got a lot of miles on it..

    It ought to be worth, basing it on what they are doing in Texas, about $20,000 or so, give or take $500. That's assuming clean truck, right equipment, etc...

    What were you offered for it versus your expectations?

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

    If it's clean, no paintwork, decent tires, not some weird equipment combo.. etc..

    I'd say it ought to be worth about $4,000 or so to perhaps $4,500.

    Hope this helps!

    Bill
  • cjzimmercjzimmer Member Posts: 2
    We're thinking of getting a mini van and are wondering what we might get as a trade-in our car. It is a 96 Ford Taurus AL Wagon (no extra 3rd seat). It has just under 60K on it and everything is working fine to our knowledge. It is a greenish color (don't know what they actually called it). We live in Malison, WI. What can re reasonable expect for a trade in? Also what if we decide to sell it ourselves? Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
  • cjzimmercjzimmer Member Posts: 2
    We live in Madison WI
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Hmm...

    OK, Assuming that it;s clean.. etc... No paintwork.. you know the drill if you've been scanning through here :)

    I think it's worth $5,000 or so as a trade-in, and about $7,000 to $8,000 should you sell it privately. Ask $7,900 and go from there.

    Hope this helps!

    Bill
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    not talking about features/nicesities that increase a car sales but increase it value? does all wheel disc brakes increase its value vs front disc/rear drum? Alloy wheels vs steel w/hubcabs, etc.

    Leo
  • texbeantexbean Member Posts: 38
    Good afternoon, everybody and greetings from Dallas. I'm trying to find a realistic trade-in value for my 1996 Mercedes C280. Color is black with no sunroof and black MB Tex interior. I have 40,500 miles on it and it's in real good condition - always garaged and waxed 3-4 times/year. All service done at Mercedes dealer and no paintwork. Tires have about 15K mi left.

    I'm looking to trade it on either a Toyota Highlander or Subaru Outback LL Bean, and don't want to get taken on the deal. Any ideas?

    Thanks in advance
  • engine39engine39 Member Posts: 4
    I am thinking of trading my rodeo. It is the LSE with running boards, leather, sunroof, alarm, etc. Has every option except cd. It has 39,000 miles and is in excellent shape. What kind of price can I expect to get?
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ....... Those little things ...like alloy wheel's ...power mirror's etc, make a big difference (also the brakes )...

    I was at an auction today, with a friend of mine, who is a Buick dealer....he ran about 10 car's through today ....and I was trying to explain the difference to him, on the way there....

    Now, he has a little better idea......the 1998 Lesabres customs... with hubcaps and no power seat's were getting hit at $10,800/$11,000.....The ones with alloy wheels and seats were doing $11,400/$11,500........and of course the ones that had the seat's, alloy's and leather were doing $12,000 ......remember, that's on the wholesale side --- on the retail side, it's much more...

    So, I gotta think it makes a big diffence..........what do you think..?

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    .........Well I'm going to assume it's a 2 wheel drive ----- the miles are a little steep ....but, it's a LSE, with all the toy's ....why no cd..?

    IF ..it's nice a clean .... and it need's -- 0 -- you are probably looking at the $14,000/$14,500 number ...( real money )

    Isuzu now has a special financing program...and a lot's of rebates/incentives....so it doesn't help the pre-owned market...

    I hope this help's...

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........I saw a lot of Benz's run today .....So this should give you a pretty good idea..

    If the paint is right -- no touch-up's ...and the interior is all there.. --- you are looking at a figure of $18,000 / $18,500..maybe a little more, because the miles are right ... --- but the no-slider..and the potential need for tires ..may.. hold it down.....

    Hope this help's ....

    Terry.
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    OK, fun trivia question for you: What's a good retail price for a 1992 Volvo 940GL, 109,000 miles, clean Carfax but unknown maintenance history, body's in perfect shape but prior owned by a smoker, pulls to the right but otherwise in good mechanical shape (as far as I can tell.) It's at one of the low-rent dealers here in town. Their asking price is $5995 and it's been on their lot FOREVER. Charcoal gray, beige leather interior in good condition except the driver's seat outboard lumbar support (worn) plus, like I said, it was owned by a smoker. This is another car where TMV and NADA are worlds apart.
  • qwallsqwalls Member Posts: 406
    Terry,

    Just curious, were there any '98 or up Acura RLs today? Just curious what they went for here in Ohio. I won't ask how the Explorers did.....

    Thanks,
    Quentin
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ......I'm thinkin' a quarter or less.......What do you think Bill...?

    Terry.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Terry is right...When a salesperson come to me for an appraisal I ask the same questions...lo-miles? auto? a/c that blows cold? Leather? sunroof? wheels? CD?

    if I hear any negatives my interest drops..yes to all I prepare to put "all the money" on the trade. Today seemed to be mazda 626 day and we had 4 parked next to the building all shined up waiting for delivery. one was a base model with hubcaps and the other had alloys. The one with the hub caps looked like a cheaper car..even though very similar in price to the other.

    Rich
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    .......Most that went through today where higher mileage...you know 40/50,000 +......

    But, the pick of the litter was a 98 white and grey with the premium package....with 24,000 miles on it..very nice..very clean....and I think it went for $22,900.........Nice Ride.....

    Terry.
  • ks10596ks10596 Member Posts: 18
    Looking to trade in '98 BMW 323ic with following details:

    Black w/leatherette
    manual top
    6 disc CD in trunk
    manual seats
    computer
    rollover option
    35K miles

    Anyone have a good idea of trade-in value or private-sale vale?

    I have another interesting question about a transaction that happenned to a friend. He was trading in a car but didn't like what the dealer offered. He found another dealer who would give more but did not want to pay sales tax to sell it to him. Instead he had the original dealer take the trade and sell it to the new dealer and give him the trade-in at what the second dealer paid. This way he did not have to pay tax. Do dealers do this often?
  • qwallsqwalls Member Posts: 406
    It sounds nice, but I really like the way the darker colors shine...even it they are more work.
    50k still isn't many miles for a Honda, but lower is better.
  • agt_cooperagt_cooper Member Posts: 202
    How do BMW and MB get away with their euphemisms for vinyl seats...."Leatherette" "MB Tex"..... it's all vinyl!!!

    :-)
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........ The higher mile ones.........and just for you ...the black..ran around $21,000 ...

    Here is one for you......1998 Audi A8 quattro....platinum...just perfect ...with 48,900 miles --- new pirellis all the way around and all the sevice records..... this was a nice one ---- I had to look twice....I thought it had 18,900 miles on it ....... $29,900....

    Terry.
  • leomortleomort Member Posts: 453
    Thanks for the advice. I would think things like alloy wheels, all wheel disc brakes, leather seats would increase the value of the car. But not so sure wether things like CD player adds that much value......it might make the care more saleable but more valuable...... I don't know? What about heated seats? I would think that would be more of regional thing....right/wrong?? How does heat mirrors increase the car's value??? I mean they might be nice feature but increase the value of the car??


    Thanks,

    Leo
  • qwallsqwalls Member Posts: 406
    What a guy! :-) That A8 sounds almost too good to be true! I'm not sure about how reliable they are though. I'm putting up flyers around work for my Explorer. Maybe I'll find someone who's been under a rock for the last year and doesn't know how little they are worth now.... If I find a buyer, then I'll be looking for that perfect used car. No more new ones for me.

    Thanks,
    Quentin
  • texbeantexbean Member Posts: 38
    Thanks for the info on the Benz. Sounds like I need to put a set of tires on it before I take it in.

    This info helps a lot.
  • 98monte_ls98monte_ls Member Posts: 117
    I don't understand this.

    We've already estabilished that the wholesale value of my MonteCarlo lies in the 8000-8500 range, and a dealer can buy it from me for that and turn it around & sell it for 11,995 and make good money.

    But I have a GMAC Smartbuy. 24 months left, and the residual value on the contract is $7300. When the dealer told me how much trade-in they'd give me I said "how can the value of my car only drop by $1000 over the next two years?" and he said "what do you mean." I said "well, if I keep it and come in two years from now you're going to give me $7300 for it, $1000 less than today, paying off the loan". Well, he proceeded to tell me that I am wrong - they are not going to give me anything for the car. The car is going back to GMAC & they clear the contract.

    Is this true?

    what exactly is the residual supposed to represent? Fair market value at the time of the end of the contract? Hey - if that is true then GMAC is going to take the car from me for $7300 and sell it for $7300, not making any money?? (It will be a 4 - 5 year old car with 60,000 mi at that time) We all know you used car guys make all your money on used cars. How would they make any money on my "trade"? If everybody who has a smartbuy went thru this they have to make some money somewhere or else they'd go broke!!!

    They told me that the ACTUAL trade-in wholesale value of the car two years from now could be much lower than $7300 if I were simply trading it in. Is there some hidden cost to me that I don't know about?

    Are these balloon-type loans really so smart?
  • afk_xafk_x Member Posts: 393
    Dumb buy
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Coming from a non-car salesperson but an experienced leasor (me), my view is that a "residual" is an estimated future value of a particular item. A finance company is basically guessing (educated) what that item will be worth after a specific period of time. With cars, mileage plays a big part in that estimate.

    But the marketplace actually determines what an item is worth, not a finance company. So if the marketplace says a 5 year old Monte with 60K on it is worth $6000, that what it's worth.

    What will prolly happen to that Monte is that once the contract matures, the car will go to auction and it will sell for what it sells for. If that number is below $7300, GMAC will eat the diff. You're off the hook and the dealer is off the hook.

    The dealer is right; you will get nothing for the car. It's not your car - it's GMAC's. You will satisfy the terms of your contract then walk away. End of story.

    Retail selling prices are a different world because an item is worth exactly what someone will pay for it. I know that sounds obtuse but it's true. If someone is willing to pay $10,000 for a 5 year old car with 60K on the clock, then that's what it's worth. If you cannot find a buyer until the price is down to $5000, then that's what it's worth.

    American culture does not approve of excessive negotiations on items. You see a price tag, that's what you pay. You don't like the price? Hit the road, Chuck. Cars are one of the few items buyers can wheel and deal on. Other cultures around the world negotiate everything.

    What's this have to do with the Monte? Well, anyone can ask $11,995 for the car, but who will pay it? You want to sell the Monte? No problem. Find out where the buyers are and put a price on it. If you don't get no takers, lower the price. Keep lowering the price until you get a live one. Then negotiate. When you come to the final price, you will know what your car is worth. It's the easiest thing in the world to do. Well, one of the easiest.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ..... I have to compliment you on your insite on the retail business ----- whether it be Auto or any other....

    Being a dealer..I hear it all ---- but it sure is refreshing.... to hear a person, that look's at the overall picture.....

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ......So, you are getting ready to dump the bimmer...Well, I guess all good things must end...l...o..l..

    Well, based in the info you gave us ....the miles are right....--- that's for sure, It's black --- could be good-- could be bad..... that all depends on where you live....

    I will base this being in yankee territory....and it being clean -- no body work..no love taps..- and no need for tires...you are looking at a $20,500/$21,500 figure....the non - seater may hold it back a little....

    I hope this works.....

    Terry.
  • 98monte_ls98monte_ls Member Posts: 117
    If I trade it now, I lose $1500 (payoff minus trade value). If I keep it 2 more years I don't lose the $1500. But, my payments each month for 24 months add up to $5,475.

    so, is it wise to spend the $5475 in order to not lose the $1500 on the trade difference? The salesman was trying to tell me that getting out now was a financially smart idea. If I do get out, I will be buying my next one straight financing.

    so many figures........
  • ks10596ks10596 Member Posts: 18
    Terry,

    Thanks for the info. That is an eye opener compared to what Edmunds says :( It's not that we didn't like the car - we are getting a new BMW instead - we just don't want the convertible anymore. It just doesn't seem like there are enough good days to use it. I am from Georgia and it seems to go from days being in the 40-50's (during the winter) straight to days in the 90's (when you roast in a convertible). Thanks again!
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Thanks very much. You and Bill provide an incredible value to this place. The least I can do is chime in occasionally and help out.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Gee.. I go away for 2 days down to Miami and forget to bring the laptop...

    Lancer: I think that $3,500-4K is not bad.. but they can sell for a lot more than that...

    But get the thing checked out by a Volvo mechanic first... and cars of that vintage and mileage are unfinanceable aside from something like peoplefirst...

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    If they have some tread left.. I'd let em alone personally..

    And if you go and put cheap tires on it it wont help either..

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Bruce,

    I'd say that they will be upside-down in the residual. A lot like many of the off-lease cars we're seeing with residuals way off target.

    Take a Volvo: Say the residual is $17K but I can buy it from Volvo for $14,800 based on what they be doing at auction..

    Like we said.. The value be what it be...

    Bill
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    Good point about the financing...well, you know my situation. Anyway, it has become necessary to transport the little one in our second car, something I've flat out refused to do thus far ('93 Cavalier--needs a LOT of work.) Naturally, I think this is the perfect time to dump the Cav and get something safer (also something that doesn't need $500 worth of brake work+ other maintenance.) Of course, my wife thinks we should fix the Cav and be on our merry way; I think we should suck it up and have a second, albeit much lower, car payment for 2 years (less if we pay it off early.) This has been going on for a while now, and it's now to the point where something has to be done--her shift is changing at work and I need to pick up the baby from day care in my car (she has the Accord.) Thoughts?
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    Bill, I'll be in your neck of the woods in early April on business. Going to Melbourne for a couple days. Don't know how far that is from you; I've been to Florida once when I was 12.
  • phkckphkck Member Posts: 185
    Car is 7 months old, 2,300 mile, silver and in showroom condition. Manual with CD changer.
    Wondering what trade versus retail is on this.
    (Looking at a 4dr, Acura TL, Passat etc).
    I know at 7 months I take a bath with trading in. Any time, season better for trading/selling such a car?
    Thanks for your time.
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