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Real-World Trade-In Values

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Comments

  • gooddeal2gooddeal2 Member Posts: 750
    oop...Sorry peachtree103...I think the quote was from Terry.

    Edit Hmmm...actually that was Terry numbers. Post # 25951
  • peachtree103peachtree103 Member Posts: 182
    From #25951:

    , we have a minor kiss to the bow and we have a new bumper hangin' off the transom ..... trade side, in and around the $20ish figure, might "maybe" get a dealer to meander towards the $21 figure, but this one has been used as a pin ball machine, so I doubt it ...... whats your pay-off...?

    This is Terry speak for, "no matter how many times you check excellent condition when getting an edmunds true market value, the dealer looks at it as fair or poor" and starts deducting.
  • peachtree103peachtree103 Member Posts: 182
    More on the G-35, and Terry's views on "touch ups":

    .... ** Will a paint job hurt the resale of a car if it is still new? I have a 2004 G35 coupe.** ....

    Did you ever know it to help..?

    A repainted 96 Buick Century or a repainted 95 100k Camry is no biggie .. but a new (newer) vehicle like yours will be the Kiss of death .... that said, a touch here and there is fine, a fill and shoot is okay, but a full repaint is a kkkkkiller .. for starters, someone is going to think it was hit by a meteorite -- and there goes the resale value ... just take $5,0/$10,0 grand and knock it off the value ............ why are you painting it..? ... I'm trying to catch-up, read, smoke cigarettes, drink coffee and watch the news at the same time .....

    Maybe a great detailer with a high speed buffer and some Mag 26 can make a difference ...?
  • gooddeal2gooddeal2 Member Posts: 750
    *****but a full repaint is a kkkkkiller *****

    I saw this post also but I think Terry means "a full repaint".

    Anyways, he said his car has a few dings and rear bumper replaced. Assumed no other parts replaced, they might just paint the bumper and blent the tail area to make it look smoth.

    20K to 21K for this car, so if we add 2K for the paint job (I have no idea , just guessing) = 22K to 23K.

    This new car retail is close to 34K (invoice + 1K) - 22-23K trade = 11 to 12K loss

    Even we assume 4K off for the paint job, it's still around 9 to 10K loss.

    It's just my GUESS.
  • gallileogallileo Member Posts: 51
    Terry also said that "a minor fill and shoot is ok". I guess the question here is if the new bumper constitutes a minor fill and shoot or something major. I think the bumper was painted to match the car already, but isn't an exact match. I don't think its unpainted, but the OP would have to tell us that.

    The dings aren't helping clearly, but all used cars have one or two of those--otherwise they would be in excellent condition, which no used car is.

    So maybe I should ask Terry, say this car didn't have the new bumper, then what would you think?

    Like I say, the lower the value of this car, the happier I am, because I don't own one and when I finally do pull the trigger, I'll drive it until it's well past worthless anyway. I finally got rid of my old '76 pontiac in '94 with well over 200K on the ticker.

    So i don't dispute that the value of this car is low, just wondering why there would be such a large discrepancy between trade and retail on this particular model.
  • zapper1zapper1 Member Posts: 13
    A new one is only a few bucks more than a used one....
    Most folks are looking at payments anyhoo.............$490 a month for used
    (with miles and a repaint, cracked winshield, etc?) or $525 for new.

    Remember the dealer has to make some $$$ too.........

    A car is not a investment...............
  • smokedhensmokedhen Member Posts: 13
    If I fix the back bumper so that there is no evidence of any body work, would the value go up? Would I have to report the accident to a dealer or buyer? The cost will probably total around a thousand for all my repairs. As of the pay-off, if you mean how much I have left to pay, then I don't have to pay anything. I paid the full amount at the time of signing. Thanks again!

    P.S. I don't believe how little my car is worth. Maybe my rear bumper sounds worse than it is. The rear bumper was replaced with a brand new OEM bumper that was painted. The paint difference to the other parts of the car is slight. It can only be seen if you pay very very close attention. Please explain what pulled the value down all the way down to the low 20's range? I am appalled. Thanks!
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,825
    "Most folks are looking at payments anyhoo..."
    Amen, brother!

    "$490 a month for used (with miles and a repaint, cracked winshield, etc?) or $525 for new"
    Happens every day. Usually, it's new vs. a two or three-year-old car, where the payment goes down... of course, then you're making payments on an 8-year-old car....

    It's common, and it's what keeps payments high on newer Japanese vehicles. Price out a 2003 Odyssey and do the math. You won't believe it.

    -Mathias
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,825
    "I paid the full amount at the time of signing. "

    Now that's downright unamerican.... -Mathias
  • chica10chica10 Member Posts: 1
    Would like to know the trade-in-value for my vehicle. Bought new. Currently has 58,600 miles. Have had no trouble with this car, and I love it. However, I thought I might trade it in for a new 2005 model before the car begins to have problems. Have extended warranty on car until 75,000 miles. NEED ADVICE AND CAR VALUE. It has the original of everything. Paint has a few knicks. Leather interior has a small cut on the arm rest (made by my son the first week we bought it). Just had the brakes done and 4 brand new tires on the vehicle. ;)
  • spektrespektre Member Posts: 80
    Chica10,

    Please read the information at the bottom of the page regarding location, color, etc. - all these factors affect your value and Terry will need to know them!! ;)
  • edcivicedcivic Member Posts: 3
    I need help! What do you think I can get for my car when I try to sell it?

    Here's the info:

    Minneapolis, MN
    1996 Honda Civic EX 4dr
    Manual transmission
    1.6 liter SOHC VTEC
    110,000 miles
    Green exterior, tan interior
    ABS, factory cd changer
    Very clean inside and out.
    A couple small door dings in driver's door and tiny chips on the leading edge of the hood.
    No rust.
    Tires have about 30% tread left.
    All scheduled maintenance performed (on schedule) at Honda dealer.

    What do you think?

    Thanks in advance!
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,272
    ***Please explain what pulled the value down all the way down to the low 20's range? I am appalled. Thanks!***

    Weren't you the one that asked about a full repaint, as in repainting the entire car? I think that was what pulled the value down.
  • benderofbowsbenderofbows Member Posts: 542
    Anyone who has access to auction information; can you tell me if the following vehicle was run through?

    VIN # 1FAFP40684F150304

    It's a used 2004 Mustang, base V6 Auto, at a large Ford dealer with only 74 (seventy four) miles. CarFax estimates one owner, but does not report any registration type (personal, fleet, rental, etc.) and the junk and salvage checks are clean.

    If someone bought this and then brought it right back to the dealer somehow, that would explain why it is "used" and has such low miles; but shouldn't CarFax show a "personal use" registration?

    By the way they are asking $18995 and I'll bet I can get it for less than 17 OTD, without robbing the salesman. What do you think?
  • 03cobra03cobra Member Posts: 37
    Looking at purchasing this from a dealer, CPO. Here's the info:

    Minneapolis, MN
    2002 BMW 540i Sport
    Auto
    46K miles
    Metallic Black, Tan interior
    Sport, cold weather, premium sound
    tires are good

    Trade Value? Purchase Value?

    Any help is appreciated
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    Ummm.....This thread is kind of confusing (to me) as it's hard to follow the whole story. Maybe putting a brief synopis of the details of your car at the end of each post would help.

    However, it's not unusual to take a $10K hit after owning an expensive car for one year. Even w/o body damage. BTW, do you "have" to sell it, or why do you want to sell it? I think this the G35 you wanted to trade for a one year newer model? That's almost always a recipe for losing a lot of $$. BTW, I read again the damage your car has--it sounded pretty minor to me, if I understand it correctly. But bear in mind, if you do this, & then want to trade your next new car after a year, you're probably going to be looking at another big hit, $$ wise......

    You have a great car, why not just relax & enjoy it?

     
    *Other: No damage/insurance claims, or repaints. Replaced bumper on own expense*.
  • dirkworkdirkwork Member Posts: 210
    My father is selling his prized car after getting a used STS.

    '88 Pontiac Bonneville SSE, 4dr large sporty sedan
    3.8 / 4spd Auto
    FWD
    Houston TX, came from Northern Virginia if that makes a difference
    73k miles
    new paint job (those '80's paint jobs were not good).
    a one-owner garage kept cremepuff
    over-maintained with mobil 1 and more
    ABS
    Full IRS (unique to SSE)
    4 whl disk brakes (unique to SSE)
    Auto - leveling rear suspension
    Performance sound w/EQ, steering wheel controls
    Auto headlights
    Full power
    3 way air adjustable lumbar supports
    alloy wheels
    climate control
    AC was repaired 2 years ago
    No accidents
    tires OK, all matching
    Included: receipts, maintenance log, "warrentied for life" receipts (brakes, alt, etc)
    This was literally a garage kept car used on sundays. Milage is actual driven by my mother for the most part.

    The SSE is top end loaded with everything and only options were leather and sunroof, which we did not want.

    The blue book and Edmonds says selling priviately we might get about $2000, but it is so clean, straight, no rust, no smoking, etc I was wondering if someone had an idea as to what this car would bring on the market? I was thinking of about $3500, as it is an older car, but it has no issues except the tape player isn't working well and the headliner had to be pinned up. Dad is a nut for maintenance so it has had mobil 1 and all the goodies its whole life. Anyone care to give an opinion?

    If my wife like the car better I'd sell my 2000 maxima and bank the $ and drive this car, but as it is we need to sell it.

    Thanks
  • gallileogallileo Member Posts: 51
    "However, it's not unusual to take a $10K hit after owning an expensive car for one year."

    This hit would be in the neighborhood of $14K, but for cars like this, dealers are asking as if the hit is in the neighborhood of $2K. That means $12K gross mark-up. Even if it takes $5K to bring it up to snuff, that's still $7K of profit. Talk-em down 4K, and you're still looking at $3K profit. Pretty darn good if you ask me.

    Smokedhen: If you do have to sell it though, clearly you want to go retail road. I can't find a car like this with a starting price less than $29.5. If you got it detailed and posted it for sale at one of the G35 forums with a starting price at $29K people would be knocking down your door.

    Does your wreck show up on car-fax?
  • dkuhajdadkuhajda Member Posts: 487
    $3500, not with the headliner and tape deck problems.
    I don't think it qualifies as a creampuff at this point either.

    It should only cost $200 or so to have the headliner replaced (or do it yourself), the tape player issue is going to cost to have fixed.

    Get the headliner replaced, super detail, then ask the $3500 and take ~$2500 cash. If it really is as nice as you say and all maintenance receipts are available, ask the $3500 now, you can come down later. It is a late 80's Domestic, park the ego at the door. This is all assuming it was a non-smoker car. It they smoked in it, forget about top dollar.

    BTW you should get a new mechanical inspection report on the car as well, to get top dollar.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,272
    *** the tape player issue is going to cost to have fixed***

    Not much, if he can find one on eBay or at a junkyard.
  • dkuhajdadkuhajda Member Posts: 487
    Finding a premium sound unit for a late 80's that is still in good working order is not as easy as it sounds.
  • branco327branco327 Member Posts: 24
    I am currently leasing a '04 BMW 330CI M and the lease is up in '07. The new coupes will be out by then too and was wondering how this will impact the market value of the current generation? I am thinking of purchasing my car early and exiting this lease but is this wise considering the model change?

    one thing I know for sure is that the current coupes (E46 models) are hot commodity around here and they are very hard to find used. I hope it stays this way.
  • smokedhensmokedhen Member Posts: 13
    I only asked about it, because I was thinking about a different color. My car does not need a full paint job in any way. It is only 9 months old and in good shape. I had no idea that a full paint job is so expensive and that it kills the value of a new car.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,272
    If you want a different color, and don't plan on keeping it for at least the next decade, just sell it and buy one of the correct color.
  • smokedhensmokedhen Member Posts: 13
    My rear bumper was replaced with a brand new one. The paint job wasn't the greatest, but it is hard to tell the paint difference unless you stare. The damage was minor. I am thinking about trading in my 5 spd auto for a 6 spd. manual. I didn't think my car would lose value so dramatically. That accident wasn't even caused by me. Somehow, an idiot bumped right into my rear bumper. A noticeable dent was left behind, so I went to replace the entire bumper.
  • smokedhensmokedhen Member Posts: 13
    That's what I don't understand. If I search for a similar car with such low mileage, dealers and private owners ask for way more than 21 k. My damage is repaired and hardly noticeable. I am even planning on correcting the paint color. After that, the repair will not be noticeable. When the accident occurred, my car was parked where it was. How can I check if it is on carfax? I never reported to insurance or anything. Would the place I fixed it at report it to carfax? The work done on it was about 800.
  • mark48186mark48186 Member Posts: 21
    I'm idly debating buying one of these, so seeing the 21k number is making me really happy, but looking around at sites, with low mileage I'm seeing more ~30k. I think it was just a bunch of misunderstanding compounded together that made this happen. Either people thought you *did* get the repaint and that's the number you got, or people think the rear bumper was painted by Abdullah the Butcher. Either way, probably 27k trade or 30k retail is a more likely number. If Terry finishes his latest basket weaving class, he'll probably clarify.
  • tweettweet Member Posts: 8
    Location: North Jersey
    2000 Honda Accord EX V6 Coupe
    FWD I think
    57000 miles
    Dark Green Exterior/Tan Interior
    Alloy Wheels, Sun Roof, Visor, Fog Lights, Rear Spoiler
    Tear in leather on driver seat from entering and exiting vehicle
    Scratches on the bumper
    Needs new tires
    Has new brakes
    Have receipts for all work done
    Brand New Starter
    Brand New Battery

    Thanks in advance
  • paulhuangpaulhuang Member Posts: 62
    Hi Terry,
    I hope you are not too busy with your basket weaving lessons and could give me a quick private party value for my wife's old car.

    Located by San Jose, CA (Fremont, CA, where the Tacoma and Corolla are built)
    1990 Honda Accord EX Sedan
    2.2Liter I-4 Automatic
    88,000 miles
    Black Ext/Tan Int.
    Power windows/locks, sunroof, AM/FM/Cassette, alloy wheels (no curb rashes).
    Michelin tires are about 1/2 worn
    New brakes about 20K miles (a few years) ago.
    New hoses under hood 20K/few years ago.

    The interior is in pretty good condition. It's clean and everything works, no fry invasions.

    The exterior is a different story...it's a bit beat up. There is a credit-card sized dent on the front passenger fender and the paint there is cracked. Front bumper looks like it had a few Wal-Mart kisses. The paint is glossy everywhere but there has been a lot of touched up spots (maybe 20, size of dimes).

    A number for private party would be great.
    Thank you very much!
    Paul
    PS: We bought a 05 Accord EX Sedan in case you are curious
  • cedar_23cedar_23 Member Posts: 4
    I won this car from a Toyota promotion and is considering to sell the car.
    I still need to choose a color and then pay the tax and pick up the vehicle from the Toyota headquarter.

    1) What color should I choose to make it easier to sell?
    2) What's a fair price that I should expect to get for this car?
    3) Should I sell to a dealer, put an newspaper ad, or ebay?

    Thanks.

    Location: Los Angeles, CA
    2005 Toyota 4Runner 4x2 SR5 V6
    Body Style: SUV
    Engine: 4.0 liter, 6 cylinder, 5-Speed auto
    Driveline: FWD
    Mileage: 0
    Color: TBD
    Major Options: None
    Condition: Brand New
  • gmanusmcgmanusmc Member Posts: 699
    Terry:
    Located in Orange County, CA
    2003 Honda Civic LX Sdn automatic
    Silver with gray interior
    31000 miles
    All required service completed
    Tires almost new
    Excellent cond in & out
    No accidents
    Looking for realistic trade & private party value
    (Possible trade on a Pilot EX)

    Thanks In Advance, Bill G
    2016 ES350 Lux/Atomic Silver
    2017 Accord Sport CVT Mod Steel Metallic
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........... It's been a looooong week and now I have confused myself .. again.!



    Is this a 04 350Z ..... or a 04 G35 ...?



    Yikes, where's dem drugs ..?



    Terry.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    I think doing a "repost" for Terry of your original question, Terry's answer, why you question his #'s, etc. would help you. And actual experiences you've had trying to trade it for the newer model you want--you should should do that anyway! If you haven't already. All of this discussion is just "pie in the sky" until you get some offers from dealers, or private parties.......

    I just saw Terry's response--just do a concise re-post of the whole story.
  • reavesreaves Member Posts: 14
    I'm looking at purchasing from a Military Volvo dealer. This is a 04 Demo S80 T6 Premier. Good Condition with minor cosmetic fixes.... The dealer is asking $40,000. This is the 'out the door' price. Tax, tag, title... everything. The car rides nice, plenty of pick up and go.... All the bells & whistle's, minus the fridge & rear door sunblinds. & AWD. Is this a good deal?? Seems a little high to me... but I'm not familiar with the car. How are the 04's? Are they prone to pricey repairs or average?
    Any information, opinions would be so very appreciated!!! Thanks!

    Location: Frankfurt, Germany; US Military Dealer.
    2004~S80 T6 Premier~Volvo:

    Body Style: 4dr sedan

    Engine: 6 cylinder 2.9 liter Turbo, auto-4 spd Geartronic

    Driveline: FWD

    Mileage:17,000

    Color: Ash Gold / Taupe Leather

    Major Options: Electric rear sunblind, Heated seats- front & rear, Park assist rear, RTI- Volvo navigation system w/DVD map & remote control, Radio HU-850 RDS, 10 CD-player, Dolby Surround Pro logic, Cruise, Power Moonroof, Twin video/tv screens in back of front head restraints, Homelink, DSTC, Power seats w/memory-driverside, Rear seat DVD player w/wireless headphone; dual screen.

    Condition: Good
    Details of interior and exterior: Interior has a few dings in it, on the front of the glove box is a "buckle" in the leather, looks like someone shoved a object with corners into it. Same mark on the left back passenger door. Carpet looks good, a few minor scratches on 3 buttons inside the car, Leather looks good, Remotes for everything work. Exterior: Two small dings in driver & back passenger door; looks like another door was opened on it. 1 small ding on the front pass. door. Front pass door looks like it was opened up on something too; paint scraped off... Paint is still glossy & even. The dealer said that all that could be fixed & repaired would be done.

    Tires - Still look new, original tires w/17000 miles

    Brakes- Good condition

    Maintenance Dealer said that it is a demo model, only used for test drives & when dealers would take it home; No maintenance problems to report.
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    A dealer in the Chicago area (can't remember which one right now) is offering (before ANY negotiation or other discounts) $11k off ANY new S80 in stock right off the bat. That being the case, I think you can do better than $40k, especially since it sounds like someone carried 2x4s in the interior.
  • dirkworkdirkwork Member Posts: 210
    We got an offer of $2500 on the SSE and will likely sell it somewhere between that and 3000. Thanks for input. The buyer has had a base Bonny and loved it, but he's more interested in good reliable transportation that goes good, has room and luxury features, handles decently - he's a police man and used to large domestic fairly stiff riding cars. So, the headliner and the tape player not working are not issues with him. I have always found that rather plow a bunch of money into a used car see what the market thinks of it. The cost of a headliner and tape unit would be a significant portion of $ for the car in this price range! I've had cars where the amount of fuel in the tank affected the price (just kidding). I had a tire on a '95 Ram 4x4 go egg shaped right before I was going to sell, and they all were pretty worn, so I replaced all of them and the guy that bought it for son, they told me they lifted it and put bigger tires on it!

    The guy looking at a demo S80 - sounds like a repo instead of a demo. I would steer clear of that car, one blemish I could see, but a whole slew of them? on a "new" car? Especially when you're talking 40 large ones. Perhaps you would be more comfortable in, say, a late 80's used domestic? (LOL) There are a LOT of options for $40 large, and they will be brand spanking new. Its easy to get excited when looking at nice cars, but I think you would be well advised to look around and take your time.

    Just my 2 cents.
  • dkuhajdadkuhajda Member Posts: 487
    If you had $2500 real money offer as-is, take it and run.
    For a hopeful couple of hundred extra bucks, is it worth the time and effort?
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,272
    You'd be amazed what people will pay $2500 for... There's one born every minute, but the chances of one pouncing on your car are slim, so take the offer you've got.

    The S80's condition does sound like a repo or service loaner, but I don't think they give fully loaded models as service loaners.
  • smokedhensmokedhen Member Posts: 13
    I guess the things you need to mainly focus on are the bolded areas. I'm sorry for bothering you again. I was just curious of why my car would be worth so little money. You had said that it was in the 21k- 22k range, which is very surprising. Please give a quick explanation if it isn't too much trouble. Thank you so much!

    these are some pictures that might help:

    link title

    another one: link title

    one more: link title

    last one: link title

    In early June, I want to trade in my 2004 5 Speed Automatic G35 coupe for a 2005 6 Speed Manual G35 coupe. Here are the details for my car.

    Location: NYC, NY

    Time of ownership: since August 2004

    Make: 2004 Infiniti 5 Speed Automatic G35 Coupe

    Estimated Mileage at trade-in: 6875..maybe less

    Engine: 3.5 Liter V-6, 280 HP, 270 lb-ft torque

    Driveline: Rear wheel drive

    Color: laser red/charcoal leather

    Major Options: Premium Package (includes Bose® premium audio system with AM/FM and in-dash, single-slot 6-disc CD autochanger with MP3 playback capability, and eight speakers and Radio Data System (RDS)
    Power sliding tinted glass sunroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade
    Dual-zone Automatic Temperature Control
    Auto on/off headlights
    HomeLink® Universal Transceiver offers control for compatible garage doors, home lighting and home security systems
    Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
    Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel), Splash guards, Carpeted trunk mat, Body side moldings

    Condition: Excellent condition, 3 hairline scratches at front right bumper, replaced rear bumper due to someone's bad parking ( rear bumper is slightly different in color but I plan to repaint it to blend nicely with the car so there will be no evidence of any rear bumper replacement.), a half-dime sized ding near the passenger side rear window. Interior is perfect. Tires are still new. Rims are a little dirty at some areas. Brakes are good. Had one oil change at Infiniti so far. Front windshield has a dime size crack from ice, but will be fixed by trade-in time.

    Other: No damage/insurance claims, or no repaints. Replaced bumper on own expense.

    P.S. If the accident repair didn't exceed $900, do I have to report it to the buyer or dealer? I'm sorry for posting such a long "synopsis"...lol. I just didn't want to leave out anything. I will definitely need someone to tell me what to include in a synopsis next time. You are definitely the best!
  • reavesreaves Member Posts: 14
    The original MSRP was $45,920. I agree with the others too, that a better deal can be had.... Like the one thread said " it's easy to get excited looking at nice cars" I think that is what happened to me.... I REALLY want a new car & a nice one at that. After sleeping on it last night, I know that it is not a good car for purchase. I'll keep looking. The military dealers around here dangle these cars like carrots! My emotions got the better of me.... I may take a walk down to the BMW dealer this week???? LOL!

    Thank you for all the advice!!!
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    You've just gone and raised the bar for the rest of us. Now Terry's gonna want pictures for EVERYTHING. :surprise:
  • mellismellis Member Posts: 150
    Terry:

    I have found an 01 BMW M3 coupe at a small dealer that specializes in European cars. I know an trust this dealer and I am wondering if you can give me an idea on sales price.

    Location - Maine
    2001 BMW M3 coupe
    14,000 miles
    Exterior - silver
    Interior - light grey leather
    6 speed
    cold weather pkg
    harmon kardon premium sound
    condition is excellent

    What say you? Thanks!
  • heyjewelheyjewel Member Posts: 1,046
    A month or so ago I asked for help pricing my:

    1998 Dodge Ram 1500 extended wheelbase conversion (Mark III) van.
    75000 miles, V8, A/c, rear A/C, very good shape, all leather, folding couch bed, TV, VCP, low roof, yadda yadda.

    I've finally gotten around to reporting back.

    Terry came up with the number that I had been mulling over - $8900. I put it on a local help-u-sell lot and on the second Sat, I sold it for $8500. Buyer had mech inspection and all was well. It was a good van. I just couldn't afford to keep it and my Navigator so it had to go. Lot charged me $300 for the sale, which was worth it to me as they handled everything. The buyer did not appear to be the "target market" for a 7 passenger conversion van though - he was a single national from a big Asian country who spoke little English and who paid with a credit card. Go figure.

    Thanks for the help.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,411
    Hey Terry....I've got an odd one for ya..

    I found another car I kind of like...a 1999 C43 AMG. It's silver on black, 70K, one owner bought new in my town (WA state), every record down to the original sticker, etc. The interior is pristine and the exterior isn't far behind. It has the only two options offered that year, being the special stereo and the xenon package. It's at the local Porsche/VW dealer. They've had it for maybe 2 months. They wanted 24K for it, now they want 19K. I am thinking of offering 16Kish. They let me take it out for awhile yesterday...and I do like it. Very fast and taut...but with better mileage ratings than my current car.

    My current modern car is an 89 300SE, light blue on grey, I'm the 2nd owner, it's at 180K....but is as pristine in every way as you'll find on a 126. Chromes, Euro lights, all records etc too. I know trade-in on such a car would be low...4K ish if I am lucky...but I don't think I want to sell anyway, but if I did it would be privately to a MB enthusiast, who would likely pay 6K ish for it.

    Thanks for any advice.
  • dirkworkdirkwork Member Posts: 210
    Thanks for notes. I wasn't clear but we plan on selling the SSE to that guy for 2500 or whatever he'll go up to. Its a pretty low milage car loaded with features in great shape, but the negatives are that its a dated interior/exterior - although the current buicks and what not are still pretty similar on the drivetrain and chassis.

    Glad that guy decided against the demo S80. My thinking is that if you can buy a new car for your money, you have to have a pretty good reason to buy a used car. At 40k, there are a lot of very nice vehicles - new. I know folks get excited about cars on this web site, but remember its a horrible investment and the less you invest for a vehicle that does what you want and like, you come out ahead.

    I'm not against used cars, I actually prefer them as someone else has taken that huge depreciation hit for the first two years and you get a vehicle that - if its a good one to begin with - will last and be dependable for many years to come. Of course there are used models to be wary of, like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Jag, etc. All have fairly unique service requirements and very costly labor/parts that could quickly turn a used bargin into a money pit - like my buddy's BMW 750 he got that soon developed a rear-main bearing oil leak - and on a v-12 BMW doing that work is like "bring your checkbook".
  • dirkworkdirkwork Member Posts: 210
    I guess its my midlife crisis, but looking around I wistfully started looking at used Miatas, and they are pretty cheap if you get an older one! LIke $2500-4000. They are reliable little suckers and fun to drive, will be worth nearly what I pay for it a few years from now, thinking "why not?"

    Ebay has a ton of them. Granted they are not fast, but that's not the point, they are sporty and fun.

    Any thoughts on this anyone? wonder how much insurance is.

    PS. that AMG seems like a good deal - a heck of a car for compartively cheap if you like it. Make sure its not ragged on the motor.
  • jjtjjjtj Member Posts: 80
    My advice - do it! I bought a 91 Miata in 2000.. it had about 80K on the ticker but was in good shape. I paid $5000 from a private owner, which was about market price at the time for the age & condition. That was just one great car. Very few problems and a blast to drive. I immediately put new tires on it (Dunlop D6 A2 I believe) and that made it handle much better. Added a CD changer & replaced the top with one with a glass window. Other than that I just drove it. At the time it only took maybe $10-$12 to fill it up too. Anyways, in 03 my wife was pregnant with our first so I decided to sell it. Cleaned it up really good, put it in the local paper with a photo, sold it the first day to the first caller for $5300.

    I really miss that car that last couple of years, esp. when spring arrives. The only thing I didn't like about it is that they're considered "chick" cars. But hey, I'm secure enough to get over that. :)
  • natenj1971natenj1971 Member Posts: 174
    $13.596 for a 2001 Accord Coupe EX V6 with 35k on it (Hudson Valley NY dealer - 12561 zip)

    The deal is the trade and $4800 for a 2005 Honda Civic Si.

    Appreciate any opinions on this. Have to call with a decision tomorrow.

    Thanks
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    .. **Make: 2004 Infiniti 5 Speed Automatic G35 Coupe

    Estimated Mileage at trade-in: 6875..maybe less

    Engine: 3.5 Liter V-6, 280 HP, 270 lb-ft torque

    Driveline: Rear wheel drive

    Color: laser red/charcoal leather

    Major Options: Premium Package (includes Bose® premium audio system with AM/FM and in-dash, single-slot 6-disc CD autochanger with MP3 playback capability, and eight speakers and Radio Data System (RDS)
    Power sliding tinted glass sunroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade
    Dual-zone Automatic Temperature Control
    Auto on/off headlights
    HomeLink® Universal Transceiver offers control for compatible garage doors, home lighting and home security systems
    Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
    Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel), Splash guards, Carpeted trunk mat, Body side moldings
    Condition: Excellent condition, 3 hairline scratches at front right bumper, replaced rear bumper due to someone's bad parking ( rear bumper is slightly different in color but I plan to repaint it to blend nicely with the car so there will be no evidence of any rear bumper replacement.), a half-dime sized ding near the passenger side rear window. Interior is perfect. Tires are still new. Rims are a little dirty at some areas. Brakes are good. Had one oil change at Infiniti so far. Front windshield has a dime size crack from ice, but will be fixed by trade-in time.
    Other: No damage/insurance claims, or no repaints. Replaced bumper on own expense.
    P.S. If the accident repair didn't exceed $900, do I have to report it to the buyer or dealer? I'm sorry for posting such a long "synopsis"...lol. I just didn't want to leave out anything. I will definitely need someone to tell me what to include in a synopsis next time. You are definitely the best!
    =======================================

    Okay .... it's an 04 "G35" EL coupe' .... not an 04 350Z ....

    Great, I kinda missed that one .... see, I'm a flower child from the 70's (well, how about the late late late late 60's) and some of that funny stuff probably still leaks around my brain synapses, so every once in awhile I hear things that aren't there and see things that may, or may not be there ..l.o.l...

    So anyhoo .... this 04 G35 sport coupe with maybe 7k, with the Primo package, the almost kinda popular red color, the auto thing, the Bozo sound, slider and your going to fix the rear bumper "correctly" and do the see thru stuff .. If so, then your stairing down the barrel of the mid/tall $27's, maybe the low low low low low $28's come trade side ....

    I know I said the $20ish range .. I dunno why, but for whatever reason I was thinkin' you were drivin' a 04 base 350Z with a prem pack ... of course, I also thought I was with Pamela Anderson last night ....

    Sorry for the confusion ...remind me to slap myself later ....

    Terry :blush:
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    Maybe you already know this, but some of the early E46 M3's had engine failures. I would check out this car, & it's history, Very Carefully before proceeding. Great cars!, but anything funky about the repair or service history, or any body work might affect the value a lot. And I assume the warranty is running out? I'd want to save a ton of $$ vs. buying new or CPO to buy an E46 M3 with no warranty. Putting your post on the E46 board of Roadfly.org would also be a really good idea. Just my 2 cents.
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