Beat Up 2012 RAV4 AWD 4 cylinder Price Suggestions

andrewbradford

Hey there, everyone! This is my first post to the edmunds forums. My name is Andy.

I inherited a fairly beat up 2012 RAV4 from a best friend. He loved to hoard things, so the car used to be slam full of newspaper, drinks, clothes, everything. The interior has been cleaned to the best of a car detailer's abilities, and the exterior has been cleaned, but not repaired. The car drives like a car with 62,257 miles should, excellent!

We replaced the windshield because of a few cracks.I have personally changed all of the gearbox fluids. I have been changing the oil every 4,000 miles along with filter. The car is in great shape mechanically, but I just got my first ever job with the United States Postal Service, and I don't feel professional driving this vehicle. I've been driving my dad's 1999 Toyota Avalon to my training classes, but she has over 275K on her and probably won't be driving too much longer. I don't have the time, or money to repair this vehicle, so I think selling it would be the best thing to do.

I would like to know what you think my RAV4 is worth. I would personally love to get a Lincoln Towncar, a car that my dad said I couldn't get until I get a job. Well, I've got the job, and now I need a new car!

Thanks,

andrewbradford

I just checked the appraisal tool here on Edmunds.com, and it says the private sale price should be a little over $10k. What do you think?

stever

Welcome Andy!

What did you pick for condition? Average or Rough or ?

Are you looking for a car to deliver mail in on a rural route? I'm thinking a Town Car wouldn't be a great choice for that.

andrewbradford

I chose Rough. This car is not to deliver mail in, it is to get me from home and work. That's pretty funny to imagine, though!

stever

Well, the low miles are working in your favor. The dents are the killer, since body work isn't cheap. One in "Clean" condition is worth about $14,000, but you'd pay at least $4,000 to fix the dents.

You could always put it on craigslist and see if you get any decent offers. I dunno, a dealer may give you private party on a trade-in if the dealer is set up to do the body work "at cost".

For some more opinions (other than "book" prices), try asking over in the Real World Trade-In Values discussion.

Mr_Shiftright

I don't see why you couldn't start at $9,900. That's a *lot* of body damage, however, thousands of dollars. You can buy pretty decent looking base models like this at $12,500 to $15,000. This car would need front and rear bumpers, tailgate work, new door, maybe new fender, and a complete re-paint. I'm not a body man but there is at least $5,000--$8,000 damage here and a not so great interior either.

Best thing I could suggest is start pricing them online in your area, and see what a presentable one is going for with similar trim line and mileage, and deduct accordingly.

I think your buyer is going to be a bargain hunter with a tight wallet. I would take the first decent offer if real money were flashed in front of you.