Real-World Trade-In Values

17767777797817821100

Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Leverage was key, i.e. your willingness to walk.

    The autos are fuel efficient, so you should end up happy. Congrats.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    miles hurt big time.
    They'll probably hit you with about $7500. You should be able to get $8k without much of a fight and maybe $8500 if it is as nice as you say and you push real hard.

    '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

  • songbird54songbird54 Member Posts: 41
    Hello,
    I am actually shopping for the Routan, but I wanted to find out what the trade value was to see how much the dealer is marking it up.
    I used the website that promises you an instant trade-in offer.
    I put in the specs for the routan SE 3.8L with rear seat entertainment/moonroof trim pack 2 and it has 19,220 miles on it. the trade value given was $15,201. I see it on sale for $23,995. Im thinking $8,794 is a high mark-up.
    KBB trade vale says $18,950
    am I way off base here?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    For $24k you can get a NEW one.

    Dealer is smoking some good stuff, ask him to share! :D
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,758
    What Juice said.

    Dealers across the country can't give these things away new...they've seen sale-proof since they came out. If you want a Routan, go new and remember that you are definitely in the driver's seat for any negotiation.

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,161
    what is fair for this one:

    2002 BMW 325i. 4 door RWD. silver over (I think) black, but could be gray (hard to tell from the pics).

    69K on the clock. Looks clean, clean car fox, fresh sneaks (generals). At a ford dealer, so no idea of history, but my neighbor is the GSM!

    Oh, it is an automatic, but has the sport package (and premium, with a roof and wood trim). Love those sport seats. Does have aftermarket tint in the rear windows only, which I hate, but that can be taken out.

    assuming it checks out, what would be reasonable trade and "I got a good deal" retail?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    Actually, KBB is closer in this case. Should be about $17,500-$18k.

    So $20k to maybe $20,500 would be a fair price to pay.

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    $7k-$7500 is about the value.
    So $10k would be fair if it needs nothing.

    '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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,161
    seemed low to me, but what do I know.

    And it looks like the $13.9 or so they are asking is a tad high?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    would be a pretty nice car for $10k... but let's not forget it is approaching a decade old! So it probably needs a full service, including timing belt, as they probably didn't do any of that yet based on miles (but should have based on age).

    '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

  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,822
    edited August 2010
    Y'all will recall the car: '02 Prizm LSi, auto, 49k good shape but with bad AC and CEL on for evaporative emissions.

    The dealer stepped right up with $2000, which means everyone happy.

    The CEL happened to be off at that time... that probably helped... I don't know with what frequency it comes back.

    Cheers -Mathias
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,747
    Q -

    I believe that BMW went to timing chains back in the early 90s...roadburner can correct me if I'm wrong. Big things I would be concerned with is the cooling system and window regulators. Cooling system should be done around 60k miles, and then every 60k after that. Other than that, the only thing to be aware of is that the '02 325's had a notorious issue with the headgasket going bad without warning. Just happened on a friends 325ci to the tune of $2k in damage - no warning, just blew out. Things to be aware of as you are having it checked over.

    $13,9 seems high, $10 is probably fair but if it is as nice as it seems I'd go as high as $11 - Low miles and a sport package aren't common finds.

    As a frame of reference, I paid about 12,8 for an '04 330xi with 79k miles a few weeks ago that has been an absolute blast so far! No sport pack though :-(
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 263,412
    edited August 2010
    Really low miles for an '02, and nicely optioned, as well... Probably has black interior... On BMWs, it always looks gray in pictures, but gray is a relatively rare interior color for a 3-series.

    Maintenance would be my concern, as the factory maintenance plan has been up for over half it's life.. and, as noted.. no timing belt to worry about..

    The problem with comparative pricing on this '02 model... is it probably has the lowest mileage of any one you'll find, for the year.. As such, it will probably be priced the highest, as well.. Now, if it only had a stick.. ;)

    EDIT: I think $10K-$11K is the right number, as well.. but, that's just seat of the pants, from following the market... Doubt you'll get your Ford buddy to go that low, though... at least until he's let it sit on the lot for awhile....

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,161
    thanks all. I know from reading to budget for the cooling system refresh as part of the price.

    I believe this is pretty new to the lot, since I just saw it the other day for the first time. might wander over and look at it on Monday (literally about a mile from my house).

    of course, I have no need for it. And I have sworn to never get another black interior (especially leather), and my current car is silver over black.

    Now, if it was a wagon (like I really want), different story!

    I think the 2001ish 525iT in red that I saw about a month ago is still floating around. That just had a bunch of service done. Maybe need to go take that one for a drive...

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    edited August 2010
    There was a 2002 BMW 325i w/82,856 miles that sold on feebay recently for $10K. Yours has 69K, & the SPP? CWP? If it has records, is near perfect, I could see going $10.5K-ish?, maybe....I do like the low miles, & the SPP & PP.

    PS- if you "want a wagon", get a wagon......altho I turned down a nice low mile '95 MB E420 sedan once b/c "I had to have a wagon", it was down the street, & I needed a car.....spent another year car shopping......
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,161
    I am guessing cold package, but I have not seen it in person. I know it has sport and premium from the pictures I saw.

    this is one of those cars that I would have to let ferment on the lot for a while. Odds are someone will stop in, fall in love, and overpay soon. So it will take a while before they start getting antsy enough to discuss a fair price like that.

    I could always tell my neighbor that if it gets stale, and they are looking to wholesale it out (which they will do eventually), to let me know.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    great! no private party was harmed in the trading in of this vehicle. ;)

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    I believe that BMW went to timing chains back in the early 90s...

    ah. interesting. I'll try and remember that.

    '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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,221
    edited August 2010
    Here's the deal on BMWs and timing belts:
    The M20 engine family(AKA: the "small six") are the only post-1962 US BMW engines that have a timing belt. These engines are found in the E28 1982-1988 528e, the 1985-1991 E30 325e, 325, and 325i, and the 1989 to mid 1991 E34 525i.
    The only BMW engines that should have their timing chains replaced on a regular schedule are the S14 and S38 M motors. BMW doesn't call for a change, but letting one of those motors go past 100K on the original chain and tensioner assembly risks a $10,000 to $20,000 repair bill.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • tidalwavetidalwave Member Posts: 25
    Ok, the story is that my mother-in-law is moving to an assisted living facility and I am in charge of disposing of her car. The car in question is a 2002 Ford Taurus SES. It has the standard V-6 engine and the only big option it has is leather seats. It has only been driven 12,300 miles and has been kept in a garage in the Forth Worth, Texas area its entire life. It is, of course, in excellent condition and seems to have one minor scrape in the back, driver's side bumper. I helped my mother-in-law buy it from the local Ford dealer and she has just had a few oil changes done at that dealer.

    So, I am trying to decide should I sell this myself or just take sell it to a dealer. I imagine that most dealers would like to have the car to sell.

    Part of my problem is trying to figure out the value of the car. I have searched a variety of nation-wide sites and there are no comparable vehicles for sale. There is one 2002 Tauruses for sale with something like 17000 miles and it is listed for what seems to me to be a very high $10900. I think the straight blue book, private party sales price is around $6000.

    I guess my question is, "how do I figure out a fair price or value on a car that is unique due to the very low miles?"

    Thanks for any advice.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I personally don't think you can use any conventional means to value something like this. Once you get away from even moderately "typical" mileage, the book values simply add/subtract at a per-mile rate to give a value. Could work out to be correct...but who knows. In all cases, the market will decide what your vehicle is worth so I say start high and see what happens. You may find someone that really misses that style Taurus and would love to buy a near new one. I would start at $8,000 and just see what happens. I think the average person will think you're nuts...but at that price you're looking for an anomaly and you can always go down. $6,000 doesn't sound too bad really. You'll be able to dump it on a cheap private sale for more regardless.
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,822
    I dunno, it's not so different from the '02 Prizm with 49k we just talked about... qbrozen pegged that one at $3 trade-in if had -0- problems. I think that a 12k mile leathered-up Taurus is worth more, but the question is how much more?

    The $6 mentioned above strikes me as a healthy street price, and I certainly wouldn't pay more than that. I don't know that transmissions, for instance, really like sitting without being driven to that extent.. and the car is 9 years old, no matter the miles.

    So $7,400 on Craigs will tell you if there's interest; $8 is way too much, and personally, I think $6,900 asking price is more realistic.

    Do let us know, though, once it's sold.
    Cheers -Mathias
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    From the buyer's point of view, the concern might even be that the car sat for long periods of time, and the drives were often short.

    Although I bought an 8 year old car with 26k miles and had luck with it.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    So, I am trying to decide should I sell this myself or just take sell it to a dealer. I imagine that most dealers would like to have the car to sell.

    In my experience dealers don't pay much more, if any, for super-low miles. It could be educational to take it to a dealer, & see how they'll beat you down. I've found that getting $2K-ish extra on a $3-4-5K low miles car over what a dealer will give you is relatively easy, selling privately.

    OTOH, I barely know a Taurus from a Tamale. But I'd say put it on CL, &/or other websites/newspapers you've got there in Houston. Pray for a nice older/person/couple who show up with 65 $100 bills on them......
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    On the subject of low-mileage Tauri: as executor for Dad's estate, I had to sell an 8-year-old Taurus with 28K on the clock back in 2005. I posted a request here in RWTIV for a private sale price, & one of the pros suggested $3600. Armed with that knowledge, I sold the car to my sister-in-law, who had been looking for transportation for her teen-age daughter, for exactly that price.

    The car ran like a champ until 4 months ago, when my SIL's daughter lost control of the car in a thunderstorm & rolled it over. She escaped with just a few cuts & bruises, but the Taurus went to Ford heaven.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It protected the occupants, so RIP poor old car.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    As others have said, this one is just difficult. It is really worth what someone is willing to pay. And the person who is willing to pay the most is probably ignorant of the fact that this will need alot of servicing done to it before it can be safely and reliably driven.

    Personally, I'd do a nationwide Ebay auction starting at $2995. With enough advertising, you're sure to find a couple of nuts who will bid it up to some ridiculous number.

    '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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,583
    I have a 19 year old car, same brand as the one you want to sell.
    It has just under 35k on it, and basically all I have ever done is put gas in it as needed and change the oil, usually once a year. Everything still works including the A/C. I am on my 3rd battery and have replaced the tires and windshield wipers.
    I wold start high selling it, there just are not a lot of cars around that old with that low mileage. It will probably need new tires due to their age, and maybe you can skip driving like a bat out of hell on the highway, but I would let the buyer negotiate those.
    If it is registered, I would drive it every day for a week or so, a half hour and up a few times. It will run a lot better after a few days of regular use.
    Hopefully everything still works and you will have more confidence selling it if you know that. You can also be forthright about anything that does not work, if you choose to do that.
    Post some pictures of it, if you can.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    Got the year wrong. 2006 Subaru Outback. Any idea on trade value?

    Looking for trade value on a Subaru Outback wagon. Thanks!

    Portland, Oregon 97201
    2.5 automatic with all weather package
    63,000 miles
    blue/silver exterior with black interior
    automatic with all weather package (heated seats/windshield/mirrors)
    Good condition.
    A few exterior scratches, new tires, maintenance is on schedule.
    No prior damage/accidents.
  • foosticfoostic Member Posts: 4
    Long time reader, first time poster....

    I have been pricing '08 used Odysseys to purchase. Two common models/trim levels are:

    EX-L with DVD & Navi
    or
    Touring

    Can someone give me an idea of the Manheim values in IL for these two trims if they have between 30k and 35k miles in Silver or Black.

    Thanks!
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    edited August 2010
    My Guesstimate on this one would be between 12k-12.5k :P

    Gbrozen can give you the real auction data. Let`s see his values. :shades:
  • igozoomzoomigozoomzoom Member Posts: 801
    As others have already said, it's difficult to assign a value to this type of vehicle. Dealers will use a pricing guide that will add only $1000-$1200 to the regular trade-in value for a 2002 Taurus SES. Even with the adjustment for mileage, NADA shows the trade-in value at $4162 and KBB shows $4700. Edmunds is even worse at $3950.

    To the right buyer, you should be able to get at least $7,000, maybe a bit more. I would do a few things to instill buyer confidence-

    1- Get a thorough check-up by a good mechanic. An independent shop, preferably one that specializes in Ford products, would be cheaper (and probably more trustworthy) than the dealership.
    2- There are several maintenance items that need to be performed due to the age of the car, despite the low mileage. Coolant flush/change, Transmission fluid change, Air Filter and Fuel Filter. The tires and belts also may need to be replaced, depending on how they have aged. I would also check the A/C refrigerant level and add any if needed.
    3- If the minor scratch you mention can be buffed out by an auto detailing pro (or at least made to look better), I'd spend a few bucks on that. Have them give the car a good detailing and it'll look like brand new for potential buyers.
    4- When you advertise, be sure to emphasize that the car has been inspected by a mechanic and that all maintenance has been done. Also, stress the 5-star crash rating, which was rather impressive back in 2000 when this model was introduced. This would be an IDEAL 1st car for a high school kid or a college student who needs something safe and reliable to last for several years. If I had a kid that age, I'd definitely be interested....

    Good luck!
    2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E Platinum, 2012 Mazda CX-9 GT
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    The CEL happened to be off at that time... that probably helped... I don't know with what frequency it comes back.

    Your friend isn't very honest. That should have been reported to the dealership.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    edited September 2010
    Yer right on the money per my source.... which isn't auction data, by the way. just Galves. So it may or may not be accurate in Portland.

    Same deal with the Odyssey shopper. I can only give Galves number... which is right about $24k for a Touring model with mid 30k miles.

    '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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,583
    edited September 2010
    to have the car checked out, your can bring it to a Ford dealer and have them do 'The Works'. It's usually around $40. The change the oil and filter, rotate the tires (this could be your biggest problem since the rims have probably never been removed), plus check the charging system, test coolant, etc.
    It's pretty easy to find a coupon for this. While there, find out how much a new air filter is and new windshield wipers. I just bought those for my Fusion, for under $40, although I installed them myself. All pretty easy jobs.
    If it needs a new battery, get the best one you can. I just bought one for my daughter's Escape and I think it has a 3 year full replacement warranty. You just need the receipt, if needed.
    Also, if you have a Carmax near you, they will give you a free quote to buy it from you. I did search their site and they have one '02 SES with 80k on it for sale in LA and are asking about 8500 for it. :surprise:
    I think I am going to do that with my Fusion next week. It's pretty much an extra car until next May, when the kids get back from school.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • foosticfoostic Member Posts: 4
    Thanks, deltheking. I'm the Odyssey shopper. I was not familiar with Galves listings. Are those numbers considered "wholesale"? Should the numbers paid at auction be about the same as the Galves values on average?

    Here's one of the vans I'm considering:

    Chicago Suburbs
    2008 Honda Odyssey Touring
    32,000 miles
    Silver
    Certified Used Honda
    Purchased at auction
    One owner (probably a lease vehicle)
    Originally listed at $29.9K, recently reduced to $27.9K.

    So I should expect our bargaining range to be between about $24K and $28K?

    Thanks again!
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,161
    is roughly equal to wholesale, although it is not as "real time" as looking at actualy auction results (on a dealer would be able to do that).

    Galves is similar to using the Edmunds or KBB site to get a trade in value.

    and as with any of these guides, it is a rough estimate, and the market can change quickly on the front lines!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,193
    They have tranny problems, there's a whole forum dedicated just to that topic right here in Edmunds. Don't buy until you read some of the posts in there...don't think you'll want to buy it once you hear some of the horror stories & the lack of help from the Honda Corporation. Please read & then decide...it could save you a whole boatload of $ & aggravation! :lemon:

    The Sandman :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    Galves is similar to using the Edmunds or KBB site to get a trade in value.

    I think what you mean to say is Galves is similar to the others in that it is a guide based on averages, like Edmunds and KBB, but it is more accurate and up-to-date than the others .... probably for the simple fact that it is not free like the others. You get what you pay for.

    '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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,699
    So I should expect our bargaining range to be between about $24K and $28K?

    well, yes and no. If they paid $24k for the car, they certainly won't sell it for that. And then there are their others expenses to take into account, like transporting the vehicle, reconditioning fees, etc. Rule of thumb is $2500 over wholesale is fair for both parties. Of course, feel free to try for less. You can open at $1500 over, which would be a great deal. But don't go over $3k over, if you can avoid it.

    They are asking $4k over, which I've found to be the case on the majority of used vehicles out there.

    '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

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    the lack of help from the Honda Corporation

    That's not true.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    Well the vast majority of the transmission problem thread are older models which have very well known problems (to the point admitted by Honda...) The '05+ have a completely different transmission and while there are some problems listed here and there, they seem to be a vast improvement over the previous gen. We've got 80k on our '05 and no complaints whatsoever. I'm very surprised at the values on these at least according to book. Edmunds and KBB have private-party values of ~$17k on mine....assuming that's real money that's 54% of what I paid 5.5 years ago. Not bad IMHO.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,161
    well, the 2005 honda V6 tranny is basically the same unit as it was for 2004. certainly not close to completely different. They did change to a bit of a different (more robust) design in IIRC 2007 (or 2008). basically they took the unit from the pilot.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,161
    might be before your time, but edmunds started out as a book guide too. You used to have to buy it at a bookstore, and do the math adjustments yourself. Had new car and used car guides. I remember buying one in the late 80's/early 90's when I was shopping.

    of course, that was before the internet was available to normal people too!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 263,412
    I'm pretty sure that Edmunds guides started in the '60s (you'd think I should know that, huh?)..

    I can remember seeing them in the '70s, for sure...

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I believe the guides were first published in 1966. You could find them on the magazine racks in many stores.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    edited September 2010
    I still have one ("AutoFacts") I bought while looking for my first car in late 1971. It is a hoot to look at now, especially the muscle car listings and option valuations.

    Here's some examples:

    -1968 Buick GS400 hardtop - wholesale = $1275/sharp retail (highest) = $1745
    (surprisingly, the convertible model was valued at slightly less)

    -1967 Corvette hardtop - wholesale = $1600/sharp retail = $2225
    (add $125/$160 for 435 HP motor)

    -1965 Ford Mustang fastback - wholesale = $275/sharp retail = $525

    Now, truth be told, as small as those figures seem today, two grand was ALOT of money at the time. The Mustang numbers reveal the truth of the times: one could buy a nice used car for $500.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Cool! I wonder if anyone has a first edition.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,822
    edited September 2010

    >>The CEL happened to be off at that time... that probably helped... I don't know with what frequency it comes back.

    [..] That should have been reported to the dealership.


    I won't comment specifically, but it is an interesting subject.

    I would argue that there is a sliding scale, and that dealerships are to be treated differently from individuals, since they are professionals and have more tools and knowledge at their disposal.

    To kick off a discussion, I hope, I'll suggest the following list:

    Lying.
    Never OK. Answer any question honestly. This is a game, there are rules.

    Hiding problems.
    Ditto. No bananas in the transmission, no taking out the CEL bulb. Not cool.

    Turning the CEL off with a scanner... it depends. If the CEL hasn't come back a year later, no disclosure... if I cleared it on the way to the dealership, that's wrong. Pick a point inbetween.

    General disclosure.
    Example: Our '03 Sienna has trouble cold-starting once or twice a month. Has been going on for nearly a year; always starts in a few seconds with the foot on the gas. Undiagnosed, totally unclear what's going on. I would not tell a dealer about it, because I don't know what the problem is, and because I feel I would be dinged a lot of money, and chances are good the problem would be "forgotten" immediately after.

    On a private sale, I'd have to tell the buyer about it upfront.
    Here's a case where I'd just trade it in.

    Obvious problems: Dents, scratches, maybe a rust hole on an old car.
    No disclosure. If it can be seen, it's up the buyer to find it. Even if it's under the car... the dealer has a lift, the private buyer has hands and knees. I won't give him a flashlight to search for flaws, but I'll hand him one if he asks.

    Body work/Paint work.
    No disclosure. Honest answers when asked.

    Frame work.
    Must be disclosed without being asked.

    Cheers,
    -Mathias
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,193
    Totally agree with your list, some things have to be disclosed and some don't. Would be a bad thing to not disclose a big issue. One needs to do the right thing...there are morals that need to be followed!

    The Sandman :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

Sign In or Register to comment.