As far as the 95 Jag goes... The color is called Flamenco Red and I bet it has a Coffee interior (Saddle). If it's got a moonroof, and particularly traction control (If it has heated seats it's got it)if it's in a colder climate... Grab it if the price is right. Burgandy cars tend to be weak but a Flamenco or Carnival Jag is a good car.
........Bill, bullseyed that one....The Quattro's are a funny breed ( I love em')....and if the vehicle is all there, -- all -- the records..and it's looks and drives new and it needs -0- it will do $14,000+ all day long..
But, you are in Detroit right..? I have been to that auction 2 times this year.. and that is a funny auction ( the heartland of American auto production ).......I know this might sound funny, but if you are going to another import-- you might try stepping over the border to Ohio or PA ( via email and such..and get the real $$ )....
I'm 31, 6"1' #210, single-and-staying-that-way, cash-oriented, and looking for fun. I work at home, so I put 16k on my 92 Sable 3.6L in the last 3 years. However, with my acceleration-oriented driving style, it's a hard 5300 mi/yr. (For instance, I quit bothering to replace Sable motor mounts) I'm thinking coupe, possibly convertible. Sedan if I must. I'd like to get something that doesn't blow up when driven, uuuuh, assertively. Need auto, power everything for physical reasons. Shooting for low-end sport luxury with minimum depreciation and minimum maintenance. I'm a simple guy, merely perfect will do.
Last I looked: BMW - Yessss, but pricey, asinine dealer network. Toyota/Lexus - Too sterile. SC400 back in '98 left me cold Honda/Acura - Again sterile but the CL-S I drove yesterday was reasonably impressive MB - Just don't lkie 'em Volvo - Only the C70 would do, and I wasn't overly impressed in '98
Stuff I like but never sat in: Porsche - Could try Boxter (S?) Jaguar - Drool over XK8s... Maybe after I hit the lottery.
I started shopping for:
BMW 1997/8 328iC 40k - 0-60 is OK, 60-80 bites. E36 good or bad? BMW 1997 540iA 40k - Overpriced, jail bait (felony speeding)
BUT, after reading this thread, I'm thinking with my driving habits, maybe a 45k 2000/2001 330iC I can drive for 4 years to tap out the 6 yr/100k warranty? What is the lowest-depration section of this class' curve?
I imagine mfg warranty expiration is an inflection point, as is extended warranty expiration. How big an inflection is this? What does becoming warranty-ineligible do to these cars?
I know to avoid black... I could live with silver, though I really want MB grey. (Some new 3s have "Brushed steel"... Yummy!)
........If it's as nice as you say it is...clean all the stuff etc, ...... Bill is right on, it will do a hard $4000/ $4,500, and on any given day, with the auto..it would not surprise me one bit, if I heard the hammer go down at $4950 ( plus the fee's ...l...o..l..)
.......I think I like this vehicle, a little more than the guy's in the cheap seats...l..o..l..
If, it's as nice as you say it is, all toyed out, tires are perfect ( green won't bother it up north )..miles will get you through a # towards $9,000...
Thanks for the suggestion. I knew you'd come up with something. Actually, now that you point it out, I think the XJS coupe looks a little more appealing to me. Shaving off 200 lbs. is always favorable in my book.
I guess I should have mentioned that I'm not a fan of automatic transmissions, but it looks like that's unavoidable with these.
I'll keep my eye out and hopefully get to test one out.
Edit: Ok, Bill, I don't doubt your pricing, but I don't think anyone in Jersey is following the same book as you (or even Edmund's). I just checked every listing within 100 miles on several websites. Even the dealers are well into the $20s on their XJSs and XJ6s. Not quite as high miles as you suggested, but not far off. Here is one example: $26,988 '95 XJ6 40K miles. Another example is from a private dealer: '95 XJ6 80K miles, $19,500.
'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
I may be biased(because I bought a new one this past March, but...) I would check out Audi. I love my A4. I friends who have Bimmers and like the interior of my A4 better than their 3 series. 4/50K bumper to bumper warranty gives you peace of mind and resale should remain strong as most German cars do. If you REALLY want a good looking car that is fast as hell...check out the S4! If I had the $40K I would buy one of those myself...but I am in the process of starting my TT fund. Good luck.
Ferrari acceleration (I assume, wouldn't have a clue) BMW handling Toyota reliability Lexus gadetry (Maybe Cadillac?) Audi dash layout Jaguar interior And, of course, all that in "MB" grey.
I'm not holding my breath.
However, to address the A4 issue directly, I recall it being rather anemic, and I think I drove the peppiest thing they had....
For reference, I was also dissapointed in the M3 I drove at the time. Since I was comparing against a 3.8L Sable, I'm suspecting the butt-dyno might be the issue more than the car's performance. Similarly with the SC?400. Almost too smooth, and definitely too sterile for my tastes.
Mmm, I seem to be particularly dain bramaged with this software... I keep losing posts, doubleposting, yeesh.
Anyhoo, I would feel comfortable going to 30k, give or take... The absolute number is less of an issue than the depreciation curve.
Socially speaking, I'm loathe to tell my friends that I paid more cash for my car than they have home equity. Thus, I'd like to be able to say "Yes, I paid X, but it was a deal I couldn't refuse because yada yada yada..."
The S4 is faster than anything you say you've driven. If you like the looks, you'll love the performance. It's not as fast as the new BMW M3, but it's faster than anything on your list. It does run about $40k, though.
I just got a 2001 A4 1.8T and it's quite fun to drive with a manual tranny. I've never driven the auto, but I'm sure it saps quite a bit of power, as they all do. In the $30k range (new cars), I think the A4 is tough to beat. I'd also put the BMW 325i right up there, but it will cost $4-6k more than the A4, comparably equipped.
Who knows, for $30k, you might be able to find a 1998 or so Jag XJR, which would satisfy most of your want list.
...he could wait to get the WRX. It has sick power and handling and cheaper than a Audi. I know, I know, the interior is cheap-o looking but still a nice ride.
He specifically said he wanted Ferrari-like acceleration and a Jag interior. The XJR has both. I just don't know if he could find one in the $30k range.
The WRX is UGLY. Feels like you're riding in an econobox. I couldn't stand the interior, even though the power was most impressive.
..for desert. The S4 is a beautiful car. It is a sleeping giant. Quattro=good winter driving,owning all turns and EXCELLENT resale. Some say that the price you pay for the quattro does not go down in value(the option itself not the total price of the car). 6 speed is a very nice option too. You should check one out and test-drive it. I am willing to bet you will love it. Besides..the warranty on ALL new Audis' are 4/50K bumper to bumper(except tires) BMW has a 4/50K with only 3/36K for maintance. Which is the better value?
If you'll give up interior for performance, the Subaru WRX is calling your name. It's fast (0-60 in high 5's), it handles great, it's got AWD, and it's only $24k MSRP.
But it's UGLY and the interior is cheap. If that doesn't bother you, the WRX should be your next car.
Bill, re: your comment about used 626 or Pro--probably a good idea in general, but we get S-Plan pricing and she's thinking about doing the 1.9% financing for 36 months. Pretty hard to say no to a new model with those options in the mix.
I'm encouraging her to push for $3000 if at all possible. She didn't mention the dent or the rust to me when she first started talking about the car and trading it in--someone else she talked to (at her bank or C.U. or something) put $4K in her head as the absolute lowest she should accept! D'oh!
Trying to rein in her expectations now. If they can hit $3K or nearby (in the same zip code, as Terry would say), I'll think she'll be all right.
I checked out the WRX at Edmunds... Kinda neat. Styling reminds me a little of the early Neons. Ahh, those were nifty little cars. Step on them and they just squirted, but IIRC maintenance timebombs. At least that was Thrifty's nickel.
Am I mistaken in thinking those have a waiting list? I'm in a rented Leganza (ick), meaning that $200/wk isn't going toward a BMW/Jag/Audi/etc.
Actually, there are two WRXs-- a sedan and a wagon-- sitting on my local Sube dealer's lot. They've been there a few weeks. I attribute this to the average Iowan not knowing squat about Subarus.
.......Since you are looking for the quality..the ability to jump over tall buildings, and faster than a speeding bullet ---- You may want to put about 50 miles on a Lincoln LS V8 on a test drive....
This little pocket rocket, makes all the Bimmers go hide in their garages when it rolls a round ....It's quick, fast and rides on rails... for the money, on the pre-owned end...theres not much out there that the LS is shy off....all for under $30,000..
Just like Mikey said --- Try it.....you'll like it...
I am facinated by this auto auction business. :-) When is the best time to get the best price on the cars you want? (Maybe say in Oct. when the demand is low?)
Sorry if you saw this, Bill, but i edited my previous message and I think I may have been a little late and you missed it. So here it is again.
Ok, Bill, I don't doubt your pricing, but I don't think anyone in Jersey is following the same book as you (or even Edmund's). I just checked every listing within 100 miles on several websites. Even the dealers are well into the $20s on their XJSs and XJ6s. Here is one example from a dealer: $26,988 '95 XJ6 40K miles. Another example is from a private seller: '95 XJ6 80K miles, $19,500. And, here's another 2 examples from one dealer: '95 XJ6 w/ 58,200 - $19,995. '95 XJ6 w/ 68,616 - $19,500.
I may just have to go see one of these overpriced cars for a test drive. Then I could know if I'm even serious about finding one at a realistic price.
OH. I don't think I caught an answer to one question. I figure that since you started in Jersey, you may know the rules here. But, is my deposit on the WRX refundable? I haven't inquired at the dealer yet, but I just wanted to know beforehand. I would think it is.
thanks.
'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
Bill, Terry, Carguy, any thoughts on this one for private sale asking price:
1993 Geo Prizm LSi 5-speed ("handshaker" for you, Terry--that always cracks me up) Burgundy ext/Gray int 93K Options include tachometer (I'm not kidding!), rear window defroster (stop laughing--these really are options!), fold-down seats, stereo.
In good shape overall, except for a little rust on the rear quarter-panels but I got a quote to fix them "good enough" for about $200.
I'm thinking if I don't fix the rust, I might be able to get around $3500 private sale (in Minnesota); if I spend the $200, I might barely get that money back--maybe $3800? What do you guys think? I'm in no hurry as this is an extra car so it can take several weeks to make the deal if necessary.
Again, I really appreciate your help with this (and your willingness to provide this service!).
Mileage is ok for this NUMMI classic. One question. Does this rig have A/C? If not wholesale is about $1200. With the breeze count on $1500. If you want to fix it, go ahead. Retail, count on about $3200 with a/c, about $2700 without (not fixing the rust). Good luck
.......It all depends on what you may be looking for..and what rebates and /or incentives that may be going on at the time...
But, again it's the car business....If people waited last year for Acura's/VW's/Audi's..they still would be waiting, remember auctions is a wholesale area of the biz, so the best time is the - now time .....
....... With your little Toyota, (I mean Chevy Prizm) having a meat cleaver, and with the cold air...and everything else be all well...I wouldn't be shy, to hang an ad in the paper for $3950, and see what happens.....
Well, if I were a single guy in my 30's (wait, I AM a single guy in my 30's...) here's my list:
If I wanted to be cool and different - Saab 9-3 Viggen
If I wanted to be part of a clique - BMW M3
If I looked in the mirror and saw a super-stylish guy - Audi TT
If money wasn't a major issue but a minor one - MBz CLK55
If I wanted to impress the chicks - Most any old nice convertible usually works; early Mustang, 50's Corvette, 55-57 T-Bird.
If I wanted to impress the rich chicks - You gotta have style and class so it's a '71 or so MBz 280SE 3.5 Cabrio. Will run ya about $60K for a strong #2 car.
If I really wanted to impress the chicks - The one and only Series 1 Jaguar E-Type DHC. The ultimate chick magnet. A 50's Porsche 356 cabrio is a distant second.
If I wanted to impress the guys (is it wrong?) - Most any 60's musclecar but something like a '67 GTO convertible or big-block Chevelle/Camaro will do the trick.
Ferrari's are great cars.... for you. Everyone else will be jealous or hate you for driving it. If you like getting flipped off, buy a Ferrari.
Women laugh at guys who drive Porsches so the Boxster is out....way out. Same with the Viper and the Prowler. Women think men who drive those cars are a joke.
If I had the $$ I'd be in a Jaguar XK8. For a guy in his 30's it makes the right statement.
Hoo... it dpends, but the thing with used cars is to turn your inventory quickly.
And, prices do swing around a bit during certain times of the year and in certain markets.
Want to steal a convertible? Nov-Dec in the snow belt is when you do it, ditto with a 4WD in April-May up there.
The constant weather in FL shelters us from much of it.
The trickiest cars, like Terry said, are the very late-model domestics. Look what happened to Explorer values when ford started incentivizing the hell out of 2001 Mountaineers and Explorers..
A buddy of mine at work is interested in one of these. How are they doing in the wholesale market? Even though they're a toyota they're kinda soft compared to edmund's values, aren't they? We're in the NE. We're not interested in a loaded up, fancy one. That helps keep the relative price down also, no?
And where do you live...? A SAAB 9-3 Viggen....? ---- You would be better off driving a Custom Golf cart from John's Island l....o...l...what do ya think Bill..
That would be my pic. Very classy, amazing handling and power (AMG Engine, porsche body/suspension) Handbuilt version of the 300e, itself one of the best sedans out there. Power, style, grace, and it'll run at 155+ mph without breathing too hard. All for under 25-30K. Of course, good ones aren't easy to find, not too many supercars out there you can use as a daily driver...
Hold on now! That's a mixed message given the old supply and demand thing.... Let's use an example...what a Real world street value for one with average miles and retailed condition?
I hope this hasn't been addressed before, I scrolled about and couldn't find anything exactly related, so here goes: I have a '97 Honda Civic DX hatchback, 5-spd, Sony cassette, A/C, with 52,000 miles, red. All service records, clean within an inch of its life. Problem is a kind neighbor's child dinged hell out of my passenger side door flinging their family car door open every day... looks like machine-gun Kelly took a swipe at it. I'm aiming to sell privately in a couple of months: should I invest in one of these paintless dent/ding repair jobs? Will it substantially lower car value if I leave as is? KBB is saying clean DX Hatch worth $7500 in a private sale. Is that accurate? Many thanks.
Demand for T100s was always low, ergo supply is low. Demand is still low, so prices are weak.
In other words, they aint worth much, nobody bought em new, so there aint that many out there, and I cant remember the last time I saw an Extended cab one.
That being said.. say a 97 with 60K or so... An SR5 4x4... Wholesale is something like $13K-14K or so... figure if it's not an SR5 12-13K or so. Nationwide in MMR I saw like..shoot.. 5 sale records in the past 2 months or so for non SR5s.
$7,500 seems awfully high on a wholesale level. KBB "clean" is generally well off the wall, I went through my auction database and I have no records for cars like that selling for anywhere near it. They seem to hover around $6,000 or so. So I don't see why you cant retail it for $8,000-8,500 or so. If you traded it for $6,000 a dealer is going to detail it, recon it (Tires, oil change..etc..) and slap it out there for $8,995 and get it quickly.
Now, as far as the door goes, yes. As-Is you can expect to get hit for close to $500 or so for the damage.. but it won't cost quite that much to repair. Figure a good ding place ought to be able to fix it for $200 assuming the paint isnt broken. And I would get it done! If you sell it privately, always remember, you want the car to look nice. And a car with a lot of door dings looks "edgy" and may put a potential buyer off. So it's not as much a matter of getting your money back as much as it is a matter of being able to sell the car.
Comments
95 XJ6 51,500 4dr sedan I6 4L New Pirelli tires Alarm Firebird Red, Dual electric, Elec headrest, Antenna busted - has replacement
Nice work!
As far as the 95 Jag goes... The color is called Flamenco Red and I bet it has a Coffee interior (Saddle). If it's got a moonroof, and particularly traction control (If it has heated seats it's got it)if it's in a colder climate... Grab it if the price is right. Burgandy cars tend to be weak but a Flamenco or Carnival Jag is a good car.
What do they want for it?
Bill
But, you are in Detroit right..? I have been to that auction 2 times this year.. and that is a funny auction ( the heartland of American auto production ).......I know this might sound funny, but if you are going to another import-- you might try stepping over the border to Ohio or PA ( via email and such..and get the real $$ )....
Maybe this help's
Terry.
The Sable was private sale, I think they were opperating on The Next Greater Fool theory.
Not sure on the Jag, it's Friend of A Friend...
From your posts, I'm actually considering it, though see my next post...
-Greg
Last I looked:
BMW - Yessss, but pricey, asinine dealer network.
Toyota/Lexus - Too sterile. SC400 back in '98 left me cold
Honda/Acura - Again sterile but the CL-S I drove yesterday was reasonably impressive
MB - Just don't lkie 'em
Volvo - Only the C70 would do, and I wasn't overly impressed in '98
Stuff I like but never sat in:
Porsche - Could try Boxter (S?)
Jaguar - Drool over XK8s... Maybe after I hit the lottery.
I started shopping for:
BMW 1997/8 328iC 40k - 0-60 is OK, 60-80 bites. E36 good or bad?
BMW 1997 540iA 40k - Overpriced, jail bait (felony speeding)
BUT, after reading this thread, I'm thinking with my driving habits, maybe a 45k 2000/2001 330iC I can drive for 4 years to tap out the 6 yr/100k warranty? What is the lowest-depration section of this class' curve?
I imagine mfg warranty expiration is an inflection point, as is extended warranty expiration. How big an inflection is this? What does becoming warranty-ineligible do to these cars?
I know to avoid black... I could live with silver, though I really want MB grey. (Some new 3s have "Brushed steel"... Yummy!)
Thoughts/flames?
-Greg
Terry.
If, it's as nice as you say it is, all toyed out, tires are perfect ( green won't bother it up north )..miles will get you through a # towards $9,000...
Terry.
Terry.
I guess I should have mentioned that I'm not a fan of automatic transmissions, but it looks like that's unavoidable with these.
I'll keep my eye out and hopefully get to test one out.
Edit: Ok, Bill, I don't doubt your pricing, but I don't think anyone in Jersey is following the same book as you (or even Edmund's). I just checked every listing within 100 miles on several websites. Even the dealers are well into the $20s on their XJSs and XJ6s. Not quite as high miles as you suggested, but not far off. Here is one example: $26,988 '95 XJ6 40K miles. Another example is from a private dealer: '95 XJ6 80K miles, $19,500.
'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
Though generally speaking, girlfriends are easier to come by with/than good cars.
-Greg
A 5-speed was available from 93-94. Good luck finding one tho....Very rare cars...
Bill
You may be surprised that you can afford a nicer Jag than you might have thought...
Bill
Ferrari acceleration (I assume, wouldn't have a clue)
BMW handling
Toyota reliability
Lexus gadetry (Maybe Cadillac?)
Audi dash layout
Jaguar interior
And, of course, all that in "MB" grey.
I'm not holding my breath.
However, to address the A4 issue directly, I recall it being rather anemic, and I think I drove the peppiest thing they had....
For reference, I was also dissapointed in the M3 I drove at the time. Since I was comparing against a 3.8L Sable, I'm suspecting the butt-dyno might be the issue more than the car's performance. Similarly with the SC?400. Almost too smooth, and definitely too sterile for my tastes.
For what all that's worth, of course.
-Greg
Anyhoo, I would feel comfortable going to 30k, give or take... The absolute number is less of an issue than the depreciation curve.
Socially speaking, I'm loathe to tell my friends that I paid more cash for my car than they have home equity. Thus, I'd like to be able to say "Yes, I paid X, but it was a deal I couldn't refuse because yada yada yada..."
Make sense?
-Greg
I just got a 2001 A4 1.8T and it's quite fun to drive with a manual tranny. I've never driven the auto, but I'm sure it saps quite a bit of power, as they all do. In the $30k range (new cars), I think the A4 is tough to beat. I'd also put the BMW 325i right up there, but it will cost $4-6k more than the A4, comparably equipped.
Who knows, for $30k, you might be able to find a 1998 or so Jag XJR, which would satisfy most of your want list.
Happy shopping!
The WRX is UGLY. Feels like you're riding in an econobox. I couldn't stand the interior, even though the power was most impressive.
One really must wonder wether that 0.5 second 0-60 advantage is worth $10k
Anhoo, off to dinner.
-Greg
Oh, btw, if it's a choice between Ferrari performance and Jaguar interior, I'll take the McDonalds styrofoam, please. Ok, not quite, but....
But it's UGLY and the interior is cheap. If that doesn't bother you, the WRX should be your next car.
370HP. 389 lb-ft Torque. 0-60 in 5.2, Hits the limiter at 155mph.
I have one. It's, literally, sick
Bill
I'm encouraging her to push for $3000 if at all possible. She didn't mention the dent or the rust to me when she first started talking about the car and trading it in--someone else she talked to (at her bank or C.U. or something) put $4K in her head as the absolute lowest she should accept! D'oh!
Trying to rein in her expectations now. If they can hit $3K or nearby (in the same zip code, as Terry would say), I'll think she'll be all right.
Thanks again!
Am I mistaken in thinking those have a waiting list? I'm in a rented Leganza (ick), meaning that $200/wk isn't going toward a BMW/Jag/Audi/etc.
-Greg
This little pocket rocket, makes all the Bimmers go hide in their garages when it rolls a round ....It's quick, fast and rides on rails... for the money, on the pre-owned end...theres not much out there that the LS is shy off....all for under $30,000..
Just like Mikey said --- Try it.....you'll like it...
Terry.
I finally got to get some serious seat time in one Terry.... WOW
Bill
When is the best time to get the best price on the cars you want? (Maybe say in Oct. when the demand is low?)
Ok, Bill, I don't doubt your pricing, but I don't think anyone in Jersey is following the same book as you (or even Edmund's). I just checked every listing within 100 miles on several websites. Even the dealers are well into the $20s on their XJSs and XJ6s. Here is one example from a dealer: $26,988 '95 XJ6 40K miles. Another example is from a private seller: '95 XJ6 80K miles, $19,500. And, here's another 2 examples from one dealer: '95 XJ6 w/ 58,200 - $19,995. '95 XJ6 w/ 68,616 - $19,500.
I may just have to go see one of these overpriced cars for a test drive. Then I could know if I'm even serious about finding one at a realistic price.
OH. I don't think I caught an answer to one question. I figure that since you started in Jersey, you may know the rules here. But, is my deposit on the WRX refundable? I haven't inquired at the dealer yet, but I just wanted to know beforehand. I would think it is.
thanks.
'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
1993 Geo Prizm LSi
5-speed ("handshaker" for you, Terry--that always cracks me up)
Burgundy ext/Gray int
93K
Options include tachometer (I'm not kidding!), rear window defroster (stop laughing--these really are options!), fold-down seats, stereo.
In good shape overall, except for a little rust on the rear quarter-panels but I got a quote to fix them "good enough" for about $200.
I'm thinking if I don't fix the rust, I might be able to get around $3500 private sale (in Minnesota); if I spend the $200, I might barely get that money back--maybe $3800? What do you guys think? I'm in no hurry as this is an extra car so it can take several weeks to make the deal if necessary.
Again, I really appreciate your help with this (and your willingness to provide this service!).
Retail, count on about $3200 with a/c, about $2700 without (not fixing the rust).
Good luck
I also have 4 snow tires with about 2K miles on them--maybe I could get a couple bills for those, too...
Thanks for the good news. It's been a great, reliable car so I'm glad to hear it's not worthless!
But, again it's the car business....If people waited last year for Acura's/VW's/Audi's..they still would be waiting, remember auctions is a wholesale area of the biz, so the best time is the - now time .....
Terry.
Terry.
If I wanted to be cool and different - Saab 9-3 Viggen
If I wanted to be part of a clique - BMW M3
If I looked in the mirror and saw a super-stylish guy - Audi TT
If money wasn't a major issue but a minor one - MBz CLK55
If I wanted to impress the chicks - Most any old nice convertible usually works; early Mustang, 50's Corvette, 55-57 T-Bird.
If I wanted to impress the rich chicks - You gotta have style and class so it's a '71 or so MBz 280SE 3.5 Cabrio. Will run ya about $60K for a strong #2 car.
If I really wanted to impress the chicks - The one and only Series 1 Jaguar E-Type DHC. The ultimate chick magnet. A 50's Porsche 356 cabrio is a distant second.
If I wanted to impress the guys (is it wrong?) - Most any 60's musclecar but something like a '67 GTO convertible or big-block Chevelle/Camaro will do the trick.
Ferrari's are great cars.... for you. Everyone else will be jealous or hate you for driving it. If you like getting flipped off, buy a Ferrari.
Women laugh at guys who drive Porsches so the Boxster is out....way out. Same with the Viper and the Prowler. Women think men who drive those cars are a joke.
If I had the $$ I'd be in a Jaguar XK8. For a guy in his 30's it makes the right statement.
It's not so much a matter of getting your money back per se.. but it willmake it easier to sell and justify your price.
A rusty car is going to get bottom-feeder bids.
$3,950/best offer sounds right to me, and I think that $3200-3300 or up you need to grab the $$ and run.
Bill
And, prices do swing around a bit during certain times of the year and in certain markets.
Want to steal a convertible? Nov-Dec in the snow belt is when you do it, ditto with a 4WD in April-May up there.
The constant weather in FL shelters us from much of it.
The trickiest cars, like Terry said, are the very late-model domestics. Look what happened to Explorer values when ford started incentivizing the hell out of 2001 Mountaineers and Explorers..
The 99-00s took a BIG hit.
Bill
Heck, If all else fails you can grab one down here for what I said above
Bill
If I was single, I'd probably have either a BMW 330i or a used M3 sedan...
Drive a Audi TT....it's like moth's to a flame...
And where do you live...? A SAAB 9-3 Viggen....? ---- You would be better off driving a Custom Golf cart from John's Island l....o...l...what do ya think Bill..
Terry.
Oneof the few I can say that about in that town.
Try finding one!
Bill
I am not fond of them.....
Also, you uhh... you ever answer YOUR e-mail??
Bill
It is a supply and demand thing!
Demand for T100s was always low, ergo supply is low. Demand is still low, so prices are weak.
In other words, they aint worth much, nobody bought em new, so there aint that many out there, and I cant remember the last time I saw an Extended cab one.
That being said.. say a 97 with 60K or so... An SR5 4x4... Wholesale is something like $13K-14K or so... figure if it's not an SR5 12-13K or so. Nationwide in MMR I saw like..shoot.. 5 sale records in the past 2 months or so for non SR5s.
Bill
$7,500 seems awfully high on a wholesale level. KBB "clean" is generally well off the wall, I went through my auction database and I have no records for cars like that selling for anywhere near it. They seem to hover around $6,000 or so. So I don't see why you cant retail it for $8,000-8,500 or so. If you traded it for $6,000 a dealer is going to detail it, recon it (Tires, oil change..etc..) and slap it out there for $8,995 and get it quickly.
Now, as far as the door goes, yes. As-Is you can expect to get hit for close to $500 or so for the damage.. but it won't cost quite that much to repair. Figure a good ding place ought to be able to fix it for $200 assuming the paint isnt broken. And I would get it done! If you sell it privately, always remember, you want the car to look nice. And a car with a lot of door dings looks "edgy" and may put a potential buyer off. So it's not as much a matter of getting your money back as much as it is a matter of being able to sell the car.
Hope this helps!
Bill