Real-World Trade-In Values

steine13 · November 2020

Sorry to kind of monopolize the conversation, but since @stickguy and @corvette took an interest....

After a quick conference, the Ford is now a more palatable $4,100, still pretty dear, and we also have a 2012 Cruze LS 1.8 with ~ 100k, automatic, for $3,950, which strikes me as a decent prospect.

Finally, a 2012 Subaru Legacy, no equipment details so I"m guessing low spec, 165k, CVT, 'drives real nice', $3450. That certainly warrants a look.

It's easier in the fall than during tax season, but COVID throws it out of whack. Which is why I really appreciate @qbrozen's valuations, because it calibrates things for us mere mortals

.

stickguy · November 2020

that 18. in the cruz a NA motor? Fusion must be a much nicer car to actually drive, but at the same price, is it worth the extra miles?

corvette · November 2020

Never mind, I see now there were two different Cruzes in the mix. 1.8 liter is the non-turbo. I think it makes similar power numbers as the turbo, but the turbo probably drives better overall.

qbrozen · November 2020

steine13 said:
Ah, sorry... AWD didn't enter my head... I'm reasonably sure it's FWD; I saw no stickers and even the VIN doesn't tell for sure; it's 3FAHP0JG8CR323703.

ok, comes up as FWD for me. Auction value would be $2k-$2500, depending on condition.

stickguy · November 2020

on a car like that Cruz, I absolutely would want to go for the bigger NA engine instead of the turbo, just due to potential maintenance issues.

xwesx · November 2020

stickguy said:
on a car like that Cruz, I absolutely would want to go for the bigger NA engine instead of the turbo, just due to potential maintenance issues.

My brother has a '12 Cruze 1.8L, 5-speed. He has put untold miles on it (definitely into the upper 100K now); very reliable car overall. He did need to replace the water pump a couple years back, but nothing that was overly costly or complicated.

explorerx4 · November 2020

Moved to CCBA

sda · November 2020

steine13 said:
The next one in the pipeline is a very clean, one-owner '12 Cruze LT, auto, 1.4 turbo, 180k -- did not sell at the $3,900 asking price at the VW dealer, now will try its luck at the low-end lot... I'd have no problem with that if it were the 1.8 but the turbo scares me with those miles... and that's a $2k car on its best day even then. How bad is the COVID premium really?

From what I've read it is best to avoid the Cruze 1.4 Turbo. As the car ages and miles add up lots of issues that aren't minor.

steine13 · November 2020

>> best to avoid the Cruze 1.4 Turbo.

Ya, even the selling dealer thinks that

It's too bad, because it's quite a pleasant engine to drive... given that the high-mileage car made it this far and still runs good™, the 1.4 is probably not too bad if it gets maintained to a 'T'... something that's not all that likely with cheap cars that are leasing favorites.

One of the reasons I patrol the trade-in storage lot at the new-car dealer that is the source for all this hooptie goodness is to see the sleds in all their traded-in glory... the burger wrappers, bumper stickers, front license plate holders (out-of state! southern??) and everything else that tells a story.

Anybody else remember user 'crabspirits' spin stories based on junkyard pictures on TTAC years ago? That used to be a hoot.

corvette · November 2020

steine13 said:

Anybody else remember user 'crabspirits' spin stories based on junkyard pictures on TTAC years ago? That used to be a hoot.

Yes. Some of the stories went to some pretty dark places, but a lot of the best humor does that.

Sandman6472 · November 2020

My kid has a 2019 Cruze Premier RS, top of the line I think, and it's a delight to drive. Plenty of power when needed and it loos great in that blue color, Pacific Blue I think. Great vehicle so far.Her hubby just got a 2020 Camaro RS and it's outstanding!! A bit of a darker blue with stripes on the hood. He special ordered it to get exactly what he wanted. I might go with a Trax next year if things work out. Like the Premier model but in the dark gray color. Most out there are white or black but the dark gray is beautiful. Made in Korea and imported by Chevy.

roadburner · November 2020

A MAN bought a V6 Camaro? Your daughter better verify his Man Card ASAP!

explorerx4 · November 2020

@roadburner,
Could be a 4 cyl turbo.

tjc78 · November 2020

roadburner said:
A MAN bought a V6 Camaro? Your daughter better verify his Man Card ASAP!

When I met my wife she had a V6 Mustang. She thought it was a hot little car. One day we were driving hone from somewhere and following one another. She tried to pass my 06 Avalon and got blown away.

Sandman6472 · November 2020

No, he bought the top of the line Camaro, maybe I got the name of it wrong, but it cost over 40K. Just found out, it's an "SS" model. My bad for getting it wrong but I know both vehicles have black bow-ties also. Trust me, it's fast and loud!
And no need to test his man card, he's a good man. A man's man. He's also quite successful... your child should do so good!! They've been married one month today and we're quite happy for them. Guess some folks just need to say negative stuff in here which is sad...truly sad! I thought we were all above that!

xwesx · November 2020

Sandman6472 said:
No, he bought the top of the line Camaro, maybe I got the name of it wrong, but it cost over 40K. Just found out, it's an "SS" model. My bad for getting it wrong but I know both vehicles have black bow-ties also. Trust me, it's fast and loud!
And no need to test his man card, he's a good man. A man's man. He's also quite successful... your child should do so good!! They've been married one month today and we're quite happy for them. Guess some folks just need to say negative stuff in here which is sad...truly sad! I thought we were all above that!

No, that was said in humor... it's okay!

I think the SS is probably top-mid level of the line... maybe the top of the "practical" category, as far as a Camaro can be practical. The top of the line is the Camaro ZL1 2LE.... about $75K. Seems a bit crazy for such a car, but there you have it. Disclaimer: I only know this because my brother owns one.

roadburner · November 2020

Sandman6472 said:
No, he bought the top of the line Camaro, maybe I got the name of it wrong, but it cost over 40K. Just found out, it's an "SS" model. My bad for getting it wrong but I know both vehicles have black bow-ties also. Trust me, it's fast and loud!
And no need to test his man card, he's a good man. A man's man. He's also quite successful... your child should do so good!! They've been married one month today and we're quite happy for them. Guess some folks just need to say negative stuff in here which is sad...truly sad! I thought we were all above that!

I'm sorry, but a man card check is absolutely mandatory if a guy buys a Camaro, Challenger, or Mustang without a V8. It's not just a good idea, it's the law.

roadburner · November 2020

tjc78 said:

roadburner said:
A MAN bought a V6 Camaro? Your daughter better verify his Man Card ASAP!
When I met my wife she had a V6 Mustang. She thought it was a hot little car. One day we were driving hone from somewhere and following one another. She tried to pass my 06 Avalon and got blown away.

A few years ago I saw a portly, balding, middle aged guy get into a dull green V6 Mustang. It looked like around a '97 or so. As he drove away I saw his license plate frame which read, "My Mid-Life Crisis". I couldn't help but think what a painfully dull life that guy must have led if he considered the purchase of a dowdy old Mustang to be a walk on the wild side...
As for me, my wife says I can't have a second childhood, as I'm still going through my first one.

roadburner · November 2020

xwesx said:

I think the SS is probably top-mid level of the line... maybe the top of the "practical" category, as far as a Camaro can be practical. The top of the line is the Camaro ZL1 2LE.... about $75K. Seems a bit crazy for such a car, but there you have it. Disclaimer: I only know this because my brother owns one.

I wouldn't need a ZL1 but it would have to be an 2SS 1LE at an absolute minimum- and you are looking at an MSRP of close to $50k. The 1SS is a bit too bare bones for me.

qbrozen · November 2020

I don’t think the most recent V6 models are very shabby. I mean, we are still talking 300hp, which is more than their v8 counterparts from not all that long ago.

roadburner · November 2020

qbrozen said:
I don’t think the most recent V6 models are very shabby. I mean, we are still talking 300hp, which is more than their v8 counterparts from not all that long ago.

I concur with this opinion from the October 2017 issue of CAR: "You buy a Mustang for that 5.0-litre V8. Don't even consider the weedy four-cylinder 2.3. That's like buying a Fender Stratocaster without any strings- all style and no sound. Rev it and dream of Days of Thunder at Daytona."

Michaell · November 2020

roadburner said:

qbrozen said:
I don’t think the most recent V6 models are very shabby. I mean, we are still talking 300hp, which is more than their v8 counterparts from not all that long ago.
I concur with this opinion from the October 2017 issue of CAR: "You buy a Mustang for that 5.0-litre V8. Don't even consider the weedy four-cylinder 2.3. That's like buying a Fender Stratocaster without any strings- all style and no sound. Rev it and dream of Days of Thunder at Daytona."

Except it was a Lumina that was featured in Days of Thunder....

Typical Brits....

andres3 · November 2020

qbrozen said:
I don’t think the most recent V6 models are very shabby. I mean, we are still talking 300hp, which is more than their v8 counterparts from not all that long ago.

The RS is the rental fodder model he's seen a lot in the Hertz fleets. The SS keeps your man card in tact. Now I haven't driven the current generation, but a while back my rental RS model didn't feel like 300+ HP, mainly because it was super heavy. If it's lighter now, that should help.

steine13 · November 2020

This is going to happen later today:
2012 Cruze LS, 100,060 miles, clean, one-owner, 1.8 l NA engine and 6sp automatic. Steel wheels, decent Cooper tires, blue/gray metallic. Nice enough for what it is, $3,950. No cruise on this Cruze but that should not be too expensive to add.

sda · November 2020

qb, I meant to thank you earlier for providing a working value on my Accord. It made determining an acceptable difference between the Accord and Passat easy. Thanks again!

steine13 · November 2020

The Cruze from two posts up.
The tires are Goodyear Assurance and pretty new; front brakes were done yesterday. All in all a decent little driver.
I got the tires confused with the OTHER 2012 one-owner Cruze at the same store. Not easy, the car business. And yes, I need a new driveway. Spring '21.

explorerx4 · November 2020

@steine13,
Your post doc friend will feel like they got a big car.

steine13 · November 2020

I so wanted him to have the Concord

andres3 · November 2020

steine13 said:
I so wanted him to have the Concord

The supersonic airplane?

steine13 · November 2020

no, the new hampshire capital. be about the same size..

kyfdx · November 2020

@qbrozen

This should have gone through an Ohio auction within the last 60 days, I think.
Any ideas?

https://www.patriotautomartllc.com/inventory/subaru/forester/u356/

qbrozen · November 2020

kyfdx said:
@qbrozen

This should have gone through an Ohio auction within the last 60 days, I think.
Any ideas?

https://www.patriotautomartllc.com/inventory/subaru/forester/u356/

Don’t see that particular one. Figure about $5k auction

Buy it for 6995 and after a $3k head gasket and t-belt job, you should be good to go. ;b

stickguy · November 2020

DIY that. lots of videos on youtube on that job. I spent way too much time watching them for some reason.

FYI, easier to pull the engine out first and do it on a stand.

kyfdx · November 2020

qbrozen said:

kyfdx said:
@qbrozen

This should have gone through an Ohio auction within the last 60 days, I think.
Any ideas?

https://www.patriotautomartllc.com/inventory/subaru/forester/u356/
Don’t see that particular one. Figure about $5k auction

Buy it for 6995 and after a $3k head gasket and t-belt job, you should be good to go. ;b

Thanks.. it's a one local owner with a great Carfax.

kyfdx · November 2020

stickguy said:
DIY that. lots of videos on youtube on that job. I spent way too much time watching them for some reason.

FYI, easier to pull the engine out first and do it on a stand.

Yeah, I'll get right on that..

sb55 · November 2020

kyfdx said:
@qbrozen

This should have gone through an Ohio auction within the last 60 days, I think.
Any ideas?

https://www.patriotautomartllc.com/inventory/subaru/forester/u356/

Is it the same motor as in 2006? On our Subie, T-belt, gasket, water pump job was about $1500.00 and was done at 105K miles.

kyfdx · November 2020

sb55 said:

kyfdx said:
@qbrozen

This should have gone through an Ohio auction within the last 60 days, I think.
Any ideas?

https://www.patriotautomartllc.com/inventory/subaru/forester/u356/
Is it the same motor as in 2006? On our Subie, T-belt, gasket, water pump job was about $1500.00 and was done at 105K miles.

No, updated engine since then, I think.. (but, I'll check).

But, car is currently at 125K

Serpentine belt at 80K
New pads and rotors all the way around at 80K
New clutch and slave cylinder at 97K
Plugs, pulleys, tensioners at 101K

Regular maintenance, all at the same independent shop.

28firefighter · November 2020

I’d get a PPI. Sounds like a winner otherwise.

kyfdx · November 2020

sb55 said:

kyfdx said:
@qbrozen

This should have gone through an Ohio auction within the last 60 days, I think.
Any ideas?

https://www.patriotautomartllc.com/inventory/subaru/forester/u356/
Is it the same motor as in 2006? On our Subie, T-belt, gasket, water pump job was about $1500.00 and was done at 105K miles.

Timing chain on this one... No belt.

xwesx · November 2020

kyfdx said:

Thanks.. it's a one local owner with a great Carfax.

It looks great! That's a straight up base model, too; often those, in particular, just get ragged on for some reason. 2012 used the FB25 engine, so heads shouldn't be an issue. However, these did have a significant oil consumption issue that was subject to a class-action lawsuit and extended warranty. However, the terms were 8/100, so this one is outside of that.

If its history report does not indicate this being done, I would recommend that you see if you can get an "extended test drive," e.g., at least over night. Check oil and top it off if necessary, then run it hard for a couple hundred miles, and check the oil level again. If you can discern a drop in the oil level on the dipstick, then it has the issue.

kyfdx · November 2020

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

Thanks.. it's a one local owner with a great Carfax.
It looks great! That's a straight up base model, too; often those, in particular, just get ragged on for some reason. 2012 used the FB25 engine, so heads shouldn't be an issue. However, these did have a significant oil consumption issue that was subject to a class-action lawsuit and extended warranty. However, the terms were 8/100, so this one is outside of that.

If its history report does not indicate this being done, I would recommend that you see if you can get an "extended test drive," e.g., at least over night. Check oil and top it off if necessary, then run it hard for a couple hundred miles, and check the oil level again. If you can discern a drop in the oil level on the dipstick, then it has the issue.

Thanks for the info

steine13 · November 2020

>> ..easier to pull the engine out first

Let me fix that:
...easier to buy something else.

Seriously, Subarus sell used like Toyotas and Hondas, but they simply aren't that sturdy. Not that they're all that bad, but they're too expensive used for what you can expect ni terms of repairs. Where a similar Toyota would just keep on going stodgily about its business.

Not so sure about the head gasket issue being solved for the '12 MY but definitely better than before, when it was guaranteed.

Unless for some reason you have to have one, the AWD is the only reason to buy this brand. It's truly like cheating. I expect Audis are still a tick better at that game, but then you're in a world of hurt in terms of upkeep and repair.

Case in point, here's the #hackjob I wound up doing yesterday... 2003 Sienna 208k miles... Brake/ABS/tire pressure lights all on simultaneously. Google say, fluid level.. sure enough, 'needed topped off', and I did, and still no joy. More google, now say look for dangling wheel speed sensor in the rear. Bingo. $6 in epoxy glue later, we're golden again -- the insert shows the open hub with the hamster wheel that provides the signal. Subaru wheel bearings do not look like this at 18 miley years.

explorerx4 · November 2020

Carmax is crazy.
https://www.carmax.com/car/19479609?adcode=RTGDISCRTA&utm_campaign=Retargeting&utm_source=Retargeting_Active_CRT&utm_medium=DIS&utm_content=DSK

qbrozen · November 2020

explorerx4 said:
Carmax is crazy.
https://www.carmax.com/car/19479609?adcode=RTGDISCRTA&utm_campaign=Retargeting&utm_source=Retargeting_Active_CRT&utm_medium=DIS&utm_content=DSK

Oh c’mon. Give em a break. Its only $9k markup.

sda · November 2020

Locally CarMax has a 2020 Accord Sport for $29K. It has scratches about 10k mi. You can buy one new for less.

explorerx4 · November 2020

@qbrozen,
Darn, forgot about reasonable profit.

100chuck · November 2020

I tried the car appraisal tool on the Edmunds site and received two offers on my 2010 Taurus SHO with 81,000 miles. CarMax Fort Wayne Indiana $6910, CarMax Grand Rapids Michigan $7,600.

CarMax logo
$7,600*
2010 Ford Taurus
VIN: 1FAHP2KT2AG130488
Offer Code: NPB6L54S
Valid until 12/03/2020

qbrozen · November 2020

100chuck said:
I tried the car appraisal tool on the Edmunds site and received two offers on my 2010 Taurus SHO with 81,000 miles. CarMax Fort Wayne Indiana $6910, CarMax Grand Rapids Michigan $7,600.

CarMax logo
$7,600*
2010 Ford Taurus
VIN: 1FAHP2KT2AG130488
Offer Code: NPB6L54S
Valid until 12/03/2020

2 accidents? Take the money and run!

100chuck · November 2020

I know, I was wondering if the offers were realistic both locations are about a three hour drive, my local Ford dealer offer me $5600 for the car. Working from home because of Covid, I probably only drive the car once or twice a week.

qbrozen · November 2020

100chuck said:
I know, I was wondering if the offers were realistic both locations are about a three hour drive, my local Ford dealer offer me $5600 for the car. Working from home because of Covid, I probably only drive the car once or twice a week.

Check Carvana and Vroom, too. They’ll come pick it up.

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