Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Real-World Trade-In Values

1103610371039104110421098

Comments

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Not the best time of year, nor the best zip code, to sell a convertible, but YEAH, sell it privately by all means. You might even consider waiting until the weather gets better, if you have a place to store it.
  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    Yeah, but if he waits until the weather gets better, then he will probably want to keep it!
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Better that than the dealer low-balling him now.
  • clm8clm8 Member Posts: 56
    I don't need to sell it. I drive it regularly, I just wanted to get updated safety and tech and avoid some of the age related issues that I'm sure are going to start happening. I really like it, I will probably just keep it.

    Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it.
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,333
    If you're going to keep it, definitely consider a cooling system refresh (water pump, radiator, expansion tank etc.) - the E46 engines are known for cooling system failures that lead to blown headgaskets - ask me how I know.

    There are some upgrading cooling system parts you can get that are better than OEM and will probably well outlast your ownership of the car.

    Good luck!
    2022 Tesla Model Y Performance, 2018 BMW M240i Convertible
  • clm8clm8 Member Posts: 56
    Yes, that's my issue. I know I need to do some preventative maintenance on it. I'm just not sure that I want to put that much money into it. I'm not up for doing that myself and I know it's not cheap to have done.
  • tj11119tj11119 Guest, Member Posts: 136
    Looking to purchase a used wagon this time, appreciate guidance regarding a fair price to make an offer.

    2015 328i xdrive wagon, automatic
    Alpine White /Beige
    55400 miles, SoCal.
    For sale at SoCal Land Rover dealer, asking 22.4K
    Clean carfax, one owner, looks ok.

    I prefer the E91 rwd with true hydraulic steering, but this is for the wife to haul kids around :smile:
    Thanks in advance
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,818
    Learned Friends,

    Here's a question put to me by a buddy of mine -- his daughter has $5k to buy "a car", what would I suggest. This is for an A-to-B car, automatic preferred, no special hobbies to accommodate, solid transportation desired.

    Years and years ago, the answer would have been "Prizm" and later, up to a point, "Pontiac Vibe." Well, the former is gone, and the latter is either a rust bucket -- first-gen cars are now over a decade old -- or the lackluster second generation, plus they are somewhat prized in this here GM town.

    Keep in mind also, we're in the rust belt. Another friend is moving away and has a very nice 2005 Buick LeSabre with only 105k miles -- but that car is 14 years old. In the south it might be a long-term keeper, but the writing is on the wall; he's at the shop every few months for this and that.

    I have only vague ideas, like maybe a first-generation Cruze with the non-turbo engine. I understand nobody likes Corollas anymore, as they are considered frumpy. So maybe one of those? I know nothing about Hyundai/Kia but it seems to me there might be value to be had. VWs with the unkillable 5cyl engine and conventional automatic?

    Help me out here, guys.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    Q, needing a price on my 2015 Volkswagen Golf SE.

    2015 VW Golf SE
    South Florida
    49,600 miles
    Blue/tan
    Run Flat tires
    accident in CarFax report
    alloy wheels from a Jetta SEL
    Repair work done so well it's hard to tell.

    Looking to maybe purchase an Acura ILX

    2017 Acura ILX
    South Florida
    8801 miles
    Blue/tan
    Safety Features
    Technology Package
    Certified Pre-owned
    Asking $20,999.

    No more 2018's on their lot as that's what I'd like. Have a feeling the accident is going to ding the Golf though the work was done very nicely. Hoping maybe my Golf and $12K might get the job done as the ILX is now two model years old now. Will get over to CarMax and get a value from them hopefully on Thursday.
    Thanks for your help here. The ILX has been on their lot a couple of months now so hoping they're willing to let it go for a fair price for both of us.

    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)

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    steine13 said:
    Learned Friends, Here's a question put to me by a buddy of mine -- his daughter has $5k to buy "a car", what would I suggest. This is for an A-to-B car, automatic preferred, no special hobbies to accommodate, solid transportation desired. Years and years ago, the answer would have been "Prizm" and later, up to a point, "Pontiac Vibe." Well, the former is gone, and the latter is either a rust bucket -- first-gen cars are now over a decade old -- or the lackluster second generation, plus they are somewhat prized in this here GM town. Keep in mind also, we're in the rust belt. Another friend is moving away and has a very nice 2005 Buick LeSabre with only 105k miles -- but that car is 14 years old. In the south it might be a long-term keeper, but the writing is on the wall; he's at the shop every few months for this and that. I have only vague ideas, like maybe a first-generation Cruze with the non-turbo engine. I understand nobody likes Corollas anymore, as they are considered frumpy. So maybe one of those? I know nothing about Hyundai/Kia but it seems to me there might be value to be had. VWs with the unkillable 5cyl engine and conventional automatic? Help me out here, guys.
    $5K buys you complete, miled up garbage nowadays.  How much driving does she do?  How’s her credit?  How about leasing something like a Corolla or an Elantra?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited January 2019
    steine13 said:

    Learned Friends,

    Here's a question put to me by a buddy of mine -- his daughter has $5k to buy "a car", what would I suggest. This is for an A-to-B car, automatic preferred, no special hobbies to accommodate, solid transportation desired.

    Years and years ago, the answer would have been "Prizm" and later, up to a point, "Pontiac Vibe." Well, the former is gone, and the latter is either a rust bucket -- first-gen cars are now over a decade old -- or the lackluster second generation, plus they are somewhat prized in this here GM town.

    Keep in mind also, we're in the rust belt. Another friend is moving away and has a very nice 2005 Buick LeSabre with only 105k miles -- but that car is 14 years old. In the south it might be a long-term keeper, but the writing is on the wall; he's at the shop every few months for this and that.

    I have only vague ideas, like maybe a first-generation Cruze with the non-turbo engine. I understand nobody likes Corollas anymore, as they are considered frumpy. So maybe one of those? I know nothing about Hyundai/Kia but it seems to me there might be value to be had. VWs with the unkillable 5cyl engine and conventional automatic?

    Help me out here, guys.

    I don't think anyone with a $5K budget has much choice about being "frumpy" or not. This is transportation, not a lifestyle, so a Corolla would be an excellent choice (2003-2007). Also 95 to 2001 Nissan Maxima (3.0L engine only!), 94-99 Acura Integra; Mazda Miata, Honda CRV, Lexus LS 400 98-2000 and of course the Mercury Grand Marquis with the 4.6.

    All $5K may have their issue come up, but I think this list is about as safe as possible. Naturally, service records are important. There's some debate about including the Chevy Impala but those V6s had such trouble with the intake manifolds that you'd pretty much have to require a repair order showing it was replaced and the proper coolant installed.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,432
    Corollas are frumpy, but they are also not cheap usually for the years and miles. Hyundais are fine now. And have the advantage of usually being a better deal. I don't mind the old school VW 5 banger either. A reliable, low tech lump.

    but, your primary criteria is condition. Could get anything, just find it with reasonable miles and good maintenance. The rust issue, not sure what you can do there other than travel! Road trip to Tennessee?

    at least by me (I am guessing, a little more expensive area?) $5k is in that gray area. Lots of crap, but the occasional solid buy. Which probably will be snapped up quick when they do appear!

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,432
    just poking around at my local guy. Prices not listed since sold or pending (not sure why they do that). But these are representative I think. But, as always, if you can somehow double the price, you get a heck of a lot better car.

    This one was IIRC listed at $4,500 maybe.

    http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2006-hyundai-sonata-4dr_sedan_gls_v6_automatic-used-18523803.html

    I think this one was less than $5k too

    http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2010-chevrolet-cobalt-2dr_coupe_lt_w_slash_1lt-used-18332558.html

    Could have some fun with your cheap!

    http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2004-ford-mustang-2dr_convertible_deluxe-used-18523802.html

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

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,236
    I've seen some cheap Chevy HHRs. Those were pretty unloved, and have the Ecotec engines, which I think are okay? Not sure.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,236
    stickguy said:
    It's sold, but that looks really great for a 13 year old car. The leather looks like it's held up well.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    Learned Friends, Here's a question put to me by a buddy of mine -- his daughter has $5k to buy "a car", what would I suggest. This is for an A-to-B car, automatic preferred, no special hobbies to accommodate, solid transportation desired. Years and years ago, the answer would have been "Prizm" and later, up to a point, "Pontiac Vibe." Well, the former is gone, and the latter is either a rust bucket -- first-gen cars are now over a decade old -- or the lackluster second generation, plus they are somewhat prized in this here GM town. Keep in mind also, we're in the rust belt. Another friend is moving away and has a very nice 2005 Buick LeSabre with only 105k miles -- but that car is 14 years old. In the south it might be a long-term keeper, but the writing is on the wall; he's at the shop every few months for this and that. I have only vague ideas, like maybe a first-generation Cruze with the non-turbo engine. I understand nobody likes Corollas anymore, as they are considered frumpy. So maybe one of those? I know nothing about Hyundai/Kia but it seems to me there might be value to be had. VWs with the unkillable 5cyl engine and conventional automatic? Help me out here, guys.
    I don't think anyone with a $5K budget has much choice about being "frumpy" or not. This is transportation, not a lifestyle, so a Corolla would be an excellent choice (2003-2007). Also 95 to 2001 Nissan Maxima (3.0L engine only!), 94-99 Acura Integra; Mazda Miata, Honda CRV, Lexus LS 400 98-2000 and of course the Mercury Grand Marquis with the 4.6. All $5K may have their issue come up, but I think this list is about as safe as possible. Naturally, service records are important. There's some debate about including the Chevy Impala but those V6s had such trouble with the intake manifolds that you'd pretty much have to require a repair order showing it was replaced and the proper coolant installed.
    I was poking around recently for my nephew and brother. To shifty’s list, I’d add the Fusion and Focus. 

    Just run a search in your area for anything with 80k or fewer miles. Sometimes interesting stuff pops up like a low mileage Protege, Civic, or Saturn. 

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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    tijuana19 said:
    Looking to purchase a used wagon this time, appreciate guidance regarding a fair price to make an offer. 2015 328i xdrive wagon, automatic Alpine White /Beige 55400 miles, SoCal. For sale at SoCal Land Rover dealer, asking 22.4K Clean carfax, one owner, looks ok. I prefer the E91 rwd with true hydraulic steering, but this is for the wife to haul kids around :smile: Thanks in advance
    Asking price isn’t bad. Start them at $21.5k and go up to $22k. As long as its clean and needs nothing. You will be owning a late model BMW outside of warranty, so be prepared.

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

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    Q, needing a price on my 2015 Volkswagen Golf SE. 2015 VW Golf SE South Florida 49,600 miles Blue/tan Run Flat tires accident in CarFax report alloy wheels from a Jetta SEL Repair work done so well it's hard to tell. Looking to maybe purchase an Acura ILX 2017 Acura ILX South Florida 8801 miles Blue/tan Safety Features Technology Package Certified Pre-owned Asking $20,999. No more 2018's on their lot as that's what I'd like. Have a feeling the accident is going to ding the Golf though the work was done very nicely. Hoping maybe my Golf and $12K might get the job done as the ILX is now two model years old now. Will get over to CarMax and get a value from them hopefully on Thursday. Thanks for your help here. The ILX has been on their lot a couple of months now so hoping they're willing to let it go for a fair price for both of us.
    I would have said shoot for $21k for the CPO ILX. So any additional savings is gravy. I think $8k for your Golf, but you could get lucky. 

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

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,756
    stickguy said:

    but, your primary criteria is condition. Could get anything, just find it with reasonable miles and good maintenance. The rust issue, not sure what you can do there other than travel! Road trip to Tennessee?

    I second the road trip suggestion! They would not need to travel very far to get into much better territory in terms of rust avoidance.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    edited January 2019

    $8K seems a bit low on the Golf but the accident isn't helping matters much here no matter how good of a job they did. Still drives great and worth much more to me than the $8K so best I think to just keep it in the stable another year. By that time it'll be around 60K on the clock and I'll evaluate things again then. Hate to just give it away and since it's behaving itself, it's gonna stay. I think I'll have new batteries put in both key fobs as it's been over 5 years since I got them. I do swap them out monthly which helps. looked at my receipts and I put the run flats on back in January of 2017 with about 26K on the car and luckily, they're wearing evenly. Would I do run flats again? Doubtful to be honest, and definitely not on the Golf if it needs new rubber before it's gone. They run smoothly and have given me zero issues but think I'll save some bucks and just go with regular tires going forward.

    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)

  • MichaellMichaell Moderator Posts: 240,057


    $8K seems a bit low on the Golf but the accident isn't helping matters much here no matter how good of a job they did. Still drives great and worth much more to me than the $8K so best I think to just keep it in the stable another year. By that time it'll be around 60K on the clock and I'll evaluate things again then. Hate to just give it away and since it's behaving itself, it's gonna stay. I think I'll have new batteries put in both key fobs as it's been over 5 years since I got them. I do swap them out monthly which helps. looked at my receipts and I put the run flats on back in January of 2017 with about 26K on the car and luckily, they're wearing evenly. Would I do run flats again? Doubtful to be honest, and definitely not on the Golf if it needs new rubber before it's gone. They run smoothly and have given me zero issues but think I'll save some bucks and just go with regular tires going forward.

    As the salesman say, it will never be worth as much as it is right now.

    Yes, the depreciation curve will flatten out, but don't expect to get $8k for it in another year with 10,000 more miles on it. Will just mean more money out of your pocket to cover the difference on the new ride.

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!


    MODERATOR

    2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2014 MINI Countryman S ALL4

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,432
    he might get that. Depreciation in another year is most likely going to be minimal considering how much it tanked recently! Look at the recent debate about a $5K car for Mathias. This buggy is light years beyond that in terms of what you get.

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

  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 10,236
    I was pleasantly surprised when I traded my GLI that was involved in a severe accident - the trade value was a lot more than I had expected. Granted, I traded for a Yukon which turned out to be a complete lemon, but I think the general premise still holds - if the dealer wants to move a unit, they will step up on the trade, even if it has a bad Carfax.
  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    stickguy said:

    he might get that. Depreciation in another year is most likely going to be minimal considering how much it tanked recently! Look at the recent debate about a $5K car for Mathias. This buggy is light years beyond that in terms of what you get.

    I think you're confusing trade-in with retail. While his Golf might only be worth $8k on a trade-in to the dealer, once the dealer cleans it up and puts in on the lot the asking price will probably be $11k. More than twice that "$5k car for Mathias".

    That dealer markup of $3k doesn't look so bad on a $20k used car. It looks a lot steeper on an $8k used car.
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,432
    Yes it does. Also a great car to sell privately.

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

  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,818
    Thanks to everyone who responded.
    Sorry for asking a question and disappearing.... we're having record cold here, the Lab was "closed" which means that I wound up working a long day yesterday to cover... wife drove me to work so she'd have the little car with the heated seats and the garage spot.. comes time to pick me up, the driveway is totally blown over with snow and it's -20 degrees socialist or whatever and the wind is up. I wound up taking two buses home.. 5 mile trip for a two mile commute.. lemme tell you, standing around waiting for 5 minutes can make a guy question his life choices. Anyway...

    >> nyccarguy $5K buys you complete, miled up garbage nowadays[..] how about leasing Corolla/Elantra
    Not wrong... and looking a new is usually a good idea, but we're talking a student with 3 years to go here..

    >> mr_shiftright I don't think anyone with a $5K budget has much choice about being "frumpy" or not.
    Yeah that was my point. Frumpy = cheap = good. On the other side of that coin is the inevitable Toyota Tax.

    >> Corolla would be an excellent choice (2003-2007)... 95 to 2001 Maxima 94-99 Integra; Miata, CRV, LS 400 Mercury Grand Marquis with the 4.6."
    Spoken like a California car guy! Except for the Corolla, these are all going to be 20 years old (-> brake & fuel lines) or RWD (-> snow) or both. But exactly what _I_ would be looking for, were I visiting sunny California ;)

    >> Chevy Impala but those V6s had such trouble with the intake manifolds
    The Impala is a solid choice -- my favorite car lot recently sold a clean 115k 2012 for under $5. That would have been my vote, but the timing didn't work.
    Every shop in town knows all about these because we're in GM country.. by the same token, they cost more than comparable Fords.

    >> stickguy Hyundais are fine now [..] road trip!
    So I gather -- just don't know anything about them [Hyundais].
    I've been threatening buying trips for years... but I don't my friend will be up for it.. he's plenty busy. Come to think of it, so am I. So I buy boring new cars. No fun!

    >> primary criterion is condition
    >> Lots of crap, but the occasional solid buy.
    Amen, brother!
    I have learned that there NEVER is enough of a discount for a car in crappy condition. Which is a lot of them in the sub-$5k

    >> corvette I've seen some cheap Chevy HHRs.
    You're right about the Ecotech being a solid engine.. the rest of those cars is GM cost cutting at its finest, plus they weren't big sellers new.

    Well, here's what I'm getting in the aggregate:
    - Make and model matters less than it did 20 years ago.
    - Condition is paramount.
    - The used-car market is fairly efficient. No more secret bargains. Credit the internet with leveling the playing field.

    I'll pass on the information, thanks!


    The way I read the mid-Michigan market, $5k is more money than most people have cash. So it's a good place to look for private seller's cars. The problem with dealers is, they know what their stuff is worth... the problem with private sellers is, they have no clue. The market has a way of educating them, but it's a looong painful process for many.

    My favorite dealer is a guy who doesn't put a lot of effort into squeezing out every last dime. Last year he had an '08 Jetta in really nice shape with highish miles at $2,700 and an equally nice 06 low-end Focus with 100k for the same. I asked him, on what planet are those worth the same money??? He said, well I got a better deal on Jetta... so that kind of tells you how the process works, and explains why I watch the inventory patiently. Best he has at the moment is this: https://lansing.craigslist.org/ctd/d/lansing-2012-chevrolet-malibu-lt/6803591137.html but I haven't seen it in the flesh. Given the temps, I'm not in a hurry.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Tell them to buy my Mini Cooper. Fly out to California and drive it home. If it doesn't make it, you can call me on my toll free number: 1-800-CALL911.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,432
    Malibu looks nice. Assuming she won’t put a ton of miles on, should do the job.

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

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,756
    stickguy said:

    Malibu looks nice. Assuming she won’t put a ton of miles on, should do the job.

    Really looks like a nice car for under $5K.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • henrynhenryn Member Posts: 4,289
    I remember when I was young buying running cars for $100. Last time was ... 1972? or there abouts.
    2023 Chevrolet Silverado, 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Yes, you could. I recall buying a '59 Chevy 2D post for $75 and a '58 Ford for about the same. They weren't pretty but they ran. They were great winter beater cars for NYC when I stashed my British sports cars away.
  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    There was mention of not knowing about HyunKia's in the $5K range. Any Elantra/Forte '01 and up should be fine. There was a subframe rust issue but it was handled under recall. For Sonata's/Optima's you'd want the '06 redesign (or newer). Avoid the XG. Not sure about the Accent but I think the Rio was an OK car.

    The main takeaway is that their quality push started with the '01 model year but each vehicle didn't get it until it was redesigned. '01 for compact, '06 for midsized.

    My wife is on her 3rd Hyundai: '01 Elantra, '12 Elantra Limited, and her '19 Kona Ultimate hasn't cracked a thousand miles yet.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,849
    We’ve had three Hyundai’s.  The 08 Elantra was perfect.  The 09 Genesis had its share of issues and so far the 17 Elantra has been perfect.  

    Cheapest used beater I ever bought was my 79 Continental Coupe.  In 1999 it cost my $700.  It ran and drove and was a 5/10 cosmetically.  

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,432
    My 2 Hyundai’s were very well made cars. No issues with the 15 or 18. I would have no hesitation buying another, new or used.

    Fushigi, how do you like the kona? I likely would have gotten one if they were out when I got the Elantra.

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 15,849
    stickguy said:

    My 2 Hyundai’s were very well made cars. No issues with the 15 or 18. I would have no hesitation buying another, new or used.

    Fushigi, how do you like the kona? I likely would have gotten one if they were out when I got the Elantra.

    I have a funny feeling I'll end up in another one. I like most if not all of the lineup.

    They also are usually pretty easy to land a 1% lease on. I keep telling myself I'm going to try and hack a stupid cheap deal on a lux loaner or something like that, but I always seem to procrastinate and then need a car.

    When I got the Elantra I listed my car old car as soon as I started shopping. It sold to the first person who looked at it and I jumped in fast to replace it.

    2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,432
    I would have been better off if the lease option on the sport worked out. Oh well. I actually wanted a GT, but it was way more expensive. Pretty sure I would still have that, since it addressed the feature gaps on my base sport.

    We did look at a new Santa Fe (redesign), but it just didn’t float our boats. Didn’t actually drive one though.

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

  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,756
    I managed to pay a scant $500 for my C20 back in 1997. Definitely the best automotive deal I've ever scored. I have owned several beaters, though. My 1998 Escort was $800, and $3K for the 2008 Forester (purchased 2015). However, I keep my vehicles in excellent mechanical condition, so no matter how little I spend, I tend to put a fair bit of money into them anyway.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • sdasda Member Posts: 6,934
    henryn said:
    I remember when I was young buying running cars for $100. Last time was ... 1972? or there abouts.
    Yep , in 1978 I bought my first car, a 62 Galaxie for $100. It was rough, it ran abd and it was mine!

    2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech, 2006 Acura TL w/nav

  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    stickguy said:

    My 2 Hyundai’s were very well made cars. No issues with the 15 or 18. I would have no hesitation buying another, new or used.

    Fushigi, how do you like the kona? I likely would have gotten one if they were out when I got the Elantra.

    Well it's my wife's car and she's only had it for like 3 weeks. It hasn't cracked it's first 1K miles yet. She likes the remote start (via app). 3-stage heated seats are good and seat comfort is fine. No heated steering wheel though, which would have been good these past couple of days as her work did not shut down during the extreme cold. IMO the ride is a little too bouncy due to the short wheelbase. Overall vehicle length is about 14" shorter than the Elantra, which is great for our garage.

    The 4x4 mode of the AWD works well on slick roads. The 1.6t engine & 7-speed DCT, combined with relative light weight, make it quite fast off the line (C&D got 6.6 0-60).

    A definite down side for me is that there are very few soft-touch surfaces in the interior, even in the highest trim level (she has the Ultimate). I could live with that mostly but a major pet peeve of mine is the top of the door where your arm would rest w/windows down is hard plastic.

    Due to being busy and the inclement weather I have yet to actually sit in the driver's seat or drive it. Have only been a passenger 2 or 3 times.

    Her's is Surf Blue with grey leather interior. I would have preferred tan but grey & black are the only options.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 6,952
    edited February 2019
    Sat in the new 2019 Jetta at the dealer today...very nice vehicle but not crazy about the SEL's alloys. They had an S that the new owner was moving his stuff from his 3 year old Jetta and I liked those alloys much better. Just comes down to personal preference when it comes to any wheel design as I found out 5 years ago. Hated what came on my Golf SE so had them switch it out to a Jetta SEL alloys. Case in point, saw the same rims on a similar Golf as mine and they weren't half bad...something about them back when I bought it made me ask for a swap first thing.
    The Jetta is a bit longer than my Golf and just didn't like that size and the sedan part. I like hatchbacks, always have, so that limits the choices I have. But now with fresh synthetic and a topping off of all the fluids, they said car checks out fine but need new wipers and an air filter which I'll take care of soon. So for just over 5 years of ownership, only costs have been new tires, oil changes and a battery. Of course, I also bought the 10K and 20K services up front at purchase time. The price to fix the accident and the warranty stuff right before it ended I can't count. But, the A3 has been so much cheaper which I'm glad. Only have put a new set of tires as everything else was either warranty stuff or the services she bought.

    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)

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,432
    the new Jetta is is 18" longer than the Golf. About the same size as the ILX (3" longer). Compared to our 2015, the 2019 Jetta really is a big car, inside and out.

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

  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    BTW, to follow up my wife's purchase process, the dealer has listed her trade for $12K; $4500 more than the trade offer. So they can let someone negotiate a lower price but still make a good profit.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • sfratsfrat Member Posts: 208
    Hi. I'm looking at a used Toyota Prius to use as a runabout/commuter car in the metro DC area. Both are being sold by local mom & pop car lots. Both are 2 owner vehicles with good Carfaxes. What's a fair price to pay?
    Option 1: 2012 Prius 3 hatchback, 123k miles, navigation/backup camera. Silver ext. Grey Int.
    Option 2: 2013 Prius 3 hatchback, 110k miles, navigation/backup camera. Grey ext. Grey Int

    Thanks for the input!
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    8500 and 9500, respectively, as long as they check out and need nothing. 

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    qbrozen said:

    8500 and 9500, respectively, as long as they check out and need nothing. 

    Seems pricey? Wouldn't leasing a new one make more sense?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • sfratsfrat Member Posts: 208
    qbrozen said:

    8500 and 9500, respectively, as long as they check out and need nothing. 

    Thanks for the help!
  • sfratsfrat Member Posts: 208
    nyccarguy said:

    qbrozen said:

    8500 and 9500, respectively, as long as they check out and need nothing. 

    Seems pricey? Wouldn't leasing a new one make more sense?
    I think the new ones are ugly. Besides, I prefer buying used and the flexibility of ownership and not dealing with mileage restrictions and damage.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,498
    These cars are getting old enough now that battery life should be a consideration, and there should be some real-world data to work with. Has anyone heard when replacement is likely to become necessary and what it costs?
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • tottenham_coystottenham_coys Member Posts: 5
    ...looking for realistic trade-in value for our 2015 Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC Black/Beige leather, panoramic sunroof, heated seats, 138k miles, in MA, tires decent, exterior clean, missing front badge, interior ok, some dog hair from our Eskipom...thanks in advance...
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    sfrat said:

    nyccarguy said:

    qbrozen said:

    8500 and 9500, respectively, as long as they check out and need nothing. 

    Seems pricey? Wouldn't leasing a new one make more sense?
    I think the new ones are ugly. Besides, I prefer buying used and the flexibility of ownership and not dealing with mileage restrictions and damage.
    That part I understand. Believe me. But at over 100K mark, you are going to have to put a lot into them (unless you don't particularly care or can turn your own wrench). Tires, Suspension, water pump, flush every fluid (you have to assume it wasn't done), brakes... These will all push the price of your $8,500 - $9,500 up considerably.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

Sign In or Register to comment.