Real-World Trade-In Values

philsilver · December 2002

Your response re: KBB vs. NADA is totally insightful. I walk into a dealer thinking about the spread between retail and trade value and think, "wow, even if they put $300 into this, they could make $5K on my trade alone!" Based on your comments, I now expect them to be thinking, "what will this bring at auction?"

I've since checked out a few auction sites and would encourage readers of this forum to do the same. It gives one an appreciation of the risk dealers take on with a trade. As in any business venture, the higher the risk, the higher the expected return. Which means lower trade values, especially with the market conditions that you outlined, Terry.

Thanks again for the insight and for providing this service. I think it benefits customers and dealers alike, so guys like me don't go in with over inflated expectations of my trade value, wasting my time and theirs.

Best of success in the new year!

mitris · December 2002

Just purchased a 2000 TLC with 54000 miles on it for 30,000. This was a repo. As far as I can tell the only thing that it doesn't have is the auto adjust rear view mirror. It need something repaired in one of the side view mirrors.

Any thoughts on value for the $? I'm looking for reassurance...

rerenov8r · December 2002

For relatively "in demand" vehicle I routinely check the results at ebay motors.

Looks like 30K is just about spot on--

http://search.ebaymotors.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2Fws%2F&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&query=2000&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&ebaytag1=ebayreg&category0=6000&s_partnerid=2%26category3%3D6443%26siteid%3D100%26categorymap%3D6001&BasicSearch=&from=R2&catref=C3

mitris · December 2002

Thanks for the information. I checked it out, I appreciate your help.

rroyce10 · January 2003

....... Sounds like you did real well .. if there is no-paint work, good color, service is ok, interior is lookin' 20k, deep in the rubber department, then you did Reeal good -- depending on the area, this "could" pull $28/$29 at the auctions ..

Enjoy it, these are nice rigs ...

Terry.

thel · January 2003

It's got 23,000 miles, 3rd row seating, leather, etc. Local Honda dealer offered $25,000 but there are several around on the local lots just like mine and the dealers are asking in the low 30's. How much should I hold out for on trade or private party?

Thanks Terry, and Happy Holidays.

rroyce10 · January 2003

..... 2WD --- or --- 4WD ..?

Happy Holidays to you also ..

Terry.

mitris · January 2003

Interior is good, I'm having it detailed and the leather conditioned. We bought the TLC to replace a 2000 Sienna which is coming off lease. The It's the XLE version, leather, 6CD in dash, single power door, I believe it has every option except for the moon roof. 34,000 miles. My residual is 17k. If I'm right it looks like they are going for 18k to 20k. If I turn it in I need to pay a 350 drop off fee. I'm thinking about trying to sell it for 19k but don't know if it's too much of a hassle with the buy/sell thing...any thoughts.

mauicedar · January 2003

Terry, I have a 1985 mercedes 500 SEL, 138,000 miles Silver with Black leather, Second owner, non smoker, always garaged and serviced, It has newer model alloy wheels with 80% Michelin MX4, Recent radiator, timing belt, water pump, steering gear and fuel injector computer. The car has no rust, three small parking lot marks. The top side (hood, trunk & hood)paint is starting to fade, no accidents or body work. What do you think the value would be?

thel · January 2003

Its 4WD. Sorry about that mate.

rroyce10 · January 2003

..... Happy Hangover ... I see your from MO - Wow, how about those Rams.

Ok, we have a real deal 01 LT, with 23k and a 4x4 hangin' off the bottom .. $25 might be a little on the light side (it's a Honda store) .. if it's clean, needs -0-, then $26 is a little more real, even $25,5/6/7 .. but, if ya go down Retail Rd, then $29,900 in the paper and it should be gone in less than a week for $28,5/$29,500 ...

Keep me posted ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · January 2003

...... I'm trying to figure where your are from .. is that - Ha vi eee. ? cuz, with this type of vehicle it makes a Big difference ..

Ok, Let's say your from GA or CA, miles are ultra low for the year .. with no red lights blinking on the dash, air is cold, service is ALL there, dash isn't all cracked - lookin' more like a 95 with some paint fade, then trade side you should be seeing around that $2,5ish figure --

No 2 ways about it, this is a Great vehicle for Retail Rd .. a great detail with a slow wheel buffer, nice "fat daddy" ad in the largest paper in your area for $6,900 and let some nice surfer snatch it up for $5,5/$6,5 ..

This should be an easy one ...

Terry.

mauicedar · January 2003

Thanks Terry for your reply. I'm going to follow your advice. I will miss this 5000 lb. example of German engineering.

What's a Fat Daddy Ad?

Sherry

thel · January 2003

I've got it on Autotrader.com asking $29,500. I just put it up for sale on Monday so we'll see how it goes.

Not a Rams fan meself. Huge Cheifs fan however. Can't wait until next season LOL. My kingdom for a defense! In the words of Garfield, "Arrgghh!"

rroyce10 · January 2003

.... You poor soul, not Maui..! - Yuk.! - who want's to live with all those green plants and beaches .l.o.l..

Terry ;-)

rroyce10 · January 2003

..... Yep, I'm a Chiefs fan myself -- well, there is always next year.

Terry :-)

spookpepper · January 2003

I am trading in a 1990 Acura Legend L with 145,000
miles. I'm the second owner. All service records are at the selling dealership up to 82K miles. I have the rest. No rust a few door dings. The paint is good.
The leather interior is beginning to crack on the front seats. The back seat is like new. Engine runs strong and all equipment works as it should.
What could I expect as a trade-in?
Thanks

gericho · January 2003

Any general remarks how a tow hitch on a used minivan affects its value for trade-in and retail. As a buyer, I would not consider the vehicle because of the unknown towing history on a drivetrain that probably should be subjected to only light towing at most. As an owner/seller (Honda 99 Odyssey) the hitch has only been used for a bike rack attachment, but this type of minimal use is not able to be proven. Should a hitch be removed before trade-in? I assume a good used vehicle appraiser can tell that a hitch has been on the van, and perhaps there is a towing question on the trade-in questionaire. Do dealers remove hitches before retailing a minivan?

rroyce10 · January 2003

...... Soooo, we have a 00 XLE with 34 klicks and you say it's in nice shape - right.?

Food for thought, most of the time the residuals are negotiable
($17 isn't bad) .. when the lease is about up get in touch with them, NOT the dealer and get past the nice folks that answer the phone, they have no "horsepower for decisions" -- Chat with with the regional or district Mgr from the lease co. and see what happens .. right about now (if it's a NICE one and needs -0-) they are doing about the high $15's, ultra low $16's at the block and this will change come the latter part of Jan .. then try to get $18+ and change on the retail side.

Terry.

rroyce10 · January 2003

..... A real Acura buyer isn't to afraid of 145k - IF - all the service is done, vehicle looks "stand tall" and deep in rubber .. this one "sounds" pretty good.

On a trade-in, you might be seeing the $2,0's .. but, down Retail Rd you might fetch $3,5/$4,500 with a nice ad for $4,9 and a super duper detail ...

Good luck and Happy Hangover ..!

Terry ;-)

rroyce10 · January 2003

..... A Tow hitch ..huh.?

It gives most dealers the chills .. the first thing that floats by their brain is - Oh, he's towing an Airstream, I can see it now.! .l.o.l.

If this a real deal for bikes, not a 37ft Formula then just take it off and keep the hitch ..

Terry.

jayskay · January 2003

Sand color with auto, 2500 miles. Private party asking $11500, would $10900 be a fair price?

rroyce10 · January 2003

..... 02 LX, with auto and 2,500 miles .........

Right color and a nice little vehicle .. $10,900 is a good price, but start em' at $10,5 and see what happens .. probably saw $9,5ish at the dealer and decided to go down Retail Rd .. sounds like a nice one, so don't loose it.

Good luck ...

Terry.

akangl · January 2003

Here we go again.....I sold that nice little Escort. Got $1500 and an 85 Jeep for it. Felt sorry for my little brother and his fiancee, she totalled her Jetta and they really needed a car.

Anyway, I'm prowling for either a 99 Contour SVT, a 99 Taurus SHO, or a 99 Grand Prix GTP. Gots to have some power and speed!! What are these gems doing on the block and which would you say is the better car?

Thanks.....btw, I've turned down 3 offers on the 'Burb....sheesh, what part of "its not for sale" don't people understand!!

tboner · January 2003

I'd say the Contour, the other two are downgraded/disabled with their automatic only status, LOL.

But you better let Terry answer since I'm a bit biased.

TB
Believes the Automatic Transmission was the work of the devil.

rroyce10 · January 2003

.... Your quite the entranpanuer, $1,500 AND a Jeep l.o.l..

The real clean, 20/25K SVT's are doing in the mid to high $8's, SHO's are in and around that same figure .. the GTP.'s are doing "around" the low to mid $9's, so pick your poison.

Did you notice if any of those had horns or a long tail .?

Yep it's quite amazing, I have probably sold 8..9 Burbs right out of a gas station while getting gas, I slap a big "for Sale" sign on the vehicle, pump the gas, check the tires, whatever, get asked or get a call 20/30 minutes later ..l.o.l.

TB, where do you come up with that crazy idea.?

Terry ^ ^

tboner · January 2003

I've had to replace or rebuilt 3 ATX's in my life, and have yet to replace even a clutch on an MTX. Well, ok there was the one infant mortality failure of a 5 speed on a 1988 Beretta, but at least it was thoughtful and failed under the 12/12K warranty.

Besides, I think a stick makes for a better driver. You have to pay attention to your car instead of the cell phone and the double latte between your knees.

I know, everyone says the stick is obsolete, but I really feel (some what elitist, I know) that the automatic allows some probably really nice people who have no business behind the wheel, to drive.

But I've always thought the standards to get your D/L here in the USA were a bit lax.

BTW, how much is that worth, changing lanes back into the topic.

There was a guy over at Contour.org that wanted to trade his automatic Contour for a similar one with a stick. I asked him to drop in here, but he didn't. He still may show up as he should be getting all of the details such as tread depth, color temperature, the number of earth orbits, and the phase of the moon and the angle of the sun as seen from each car as it was built.

Cheers,

TB

rroyce10 · January 2003

Hey ..! what are you doing up so early ..?

Did you notice if any of those had horns or a long tail .? -- get it ....?

You must have missed reading the whole post -- Yeh, I like driving them myself, I had a 540 with a 6 speed for awhile, it's that latte, the phone and reading my golf mags that gets me..

Terry.

tboner · January 2003

I just now got it. For some reason I was thinking of cattle (ok, my BIL has a few head, mostly for show, so that my excuse and I'm sticking to it)

I couldn't sleep anymore. I woke up at 4:20 local, and I know I'll be sitting here until 10:30 waiting for parts from the FedEx guy.

Then it's two hours east to Carbondale for a service call. Sad the college ladies won't be there as they are still on break. (However, wifey doesn't seem too upset.)

Maybe I can catch a nap, the Buick has cruise control and an automatic that was rebuilt 15 months ago, LOL.

Wishing you well,

TB

rroyce10 · January 2003

** I was thinking of cattle* ..l.o.l.

They have cattle in Alabama .? - I thought that was just Florida and Texas ..

Hey - tonight is the night - Miami VS Ohio State for all the Peso's .. I'm taking Miami ..

Goooooooo Canes ............!!!

Terry.

tboner · January 2003

I'm in Illinois, it's just Edmunds that thinks I'm in Alabama.

We have a few head running around up here.

I heard Florida actually has quite a few head of cattle, but don't tell the boys and girls in TX.

TB
Go Rams (or maybe it was the Ewes this season)
Go Blues

mitris · January 2003

Thanks for the info, I'm going to make a call the lease company this morning. I actually only have like 2 payments left. I ended up negotiating the TLC to 28K. It was repoed with 44k owed. How does that happen? I've got it in today having the interior detailed and the side view mirror fixed. Probably need to get new tires but otherwise I think that you helped me get a great deal. Thanks.

bmiller4mn · January 2003

Any thoughts on a fair trade-in value for a 2000 Jetta GLS 2.0 (Red) with:

50,000 miles
5-speed manual
Leather
Heated Seats
6-disc CD changer (trunk)
Keyless entry
Moonroof
Power windows and locks
New Bridgestone RE950s with ~7,000 miles
In "Clean" condition

Would most likely be trading to Subaru dealership with limited VW stock on hand (~3 mid-90's Jettas currently on hand). Thanks for the thoughts and help!

jagdean · January 2003

Haven't see too many of these it's a fairly nice 98 Audi Cabriolet, metalic red, auto, 42k mi, decent condition, leather a litte worn. What number should I put on this guys trade.

thel · January 2003

Its got 197,000 miles, automatic, 8-inch crack in the windsheild, the driver's door doesn't close properly, sone typical rust on the rear wheel-well. Otherwise it seems to be in very good shape. Dealer was asking $4000 but says they will take $3,300. Sound like a good deal? Thanks Terry.

robr2 · January 2003

...I know Hondas hold hold their resale, but a 92 LX for $4K with 197K?? I'll have some of what the dealer is enjoying!! LOL

thel · January 2003

Edmunds TMV and NADA are all in the $3,300 ballpark so...

janaschicago · January 2003

Terry: looking at trading in our 98' loaded (leather, tow, CD/Cass, moonroof, 4x4) toyota land cruiser up here in Illinois. It has about 55,000 miles and is in clean shape. Any thoughts about what we might be offered?

GO CHIEFS!!!

rroyce10 · January 2003

...... Your not giving me any "warm and fuzzys" on this one, it's the right color and it's an auto -- but, the miles are waaay stiff, "seems" kinda warn for a 98 .. the glow in the dark Ultra Cleans with 25/30k aren't doing much more than the high 12's, low low $13's -- me, I would be lookin' at the mid $10's, might cave to $11,0 IF I had to make that deal ...

I hope this helps ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · January 2003

...... Owes $44 on a $30,000 vehicle -- how does that happen ..?

Just go to any dealer, (bring your own lunch) and sit around for a few hours and listen and see .. "Hey, I know I have a little negative equity in my Cavalier -- but, if you can keep my payments under $400 a month, I will be more than happy to go 72 months, besides I have $300 to put down" -- that's just how it gets started .l.o.l..

Then of course you have the Fat daddy Dr's ~ Hey, Terry I know I have a little negative equity in my CLK, but if you can keep my payments under $700 a month and get me extended terms I will be more than happy to put down $1,700 ... same picture, different faces.

Then after about their 3rd trade, their posting all over Edmunds - The dealer put bamboo shafts up my nails and squeezed my private parts with an anvil and made me sign all those bad papers, I didn't catch it til 8 months later, they tried to pull something over on me, yatty yatty yatty . ..l.o.l...

Goooooooo Canes .................!

Terry :-))

rroyce10 · January 2003

capt1 · January 2003

I want to buy a Honda CRVEX but, at close to 23k, it breaks the 20k barrier.
I'm hoping my trade will close this gap.
My trade is a 1997 VW Golf, black, standard, AC, AM-FM Cassette, 93k miles.

Okay real-world experts, will the dealer meet my goal? In other words, is my "real-world"trade worth $3001?

Thanks for the input.

xccoachlou · January 2003

is a sign of Divine Predilection, as per Fr. Ken Walsh, C.P.

Holy Cats, a Contour SVT is going for 8K? Pretty soon I'm gonna have to pay someone to take my 6 cylinder Contour away.

skeewb_4287 · January 2003

Looking to buy a car, but I need to give up the current car, which is:

1995 Mazda 929(I did NOT spell that incorrectly: 929) w/ 170K mi by the time I decide to buy, standard w/ heated front seats option, beige/beige, rear seat like new, and excellent exterior condition (it has two 2mm diam chips in the paint of the rear pass. door), regular servicing, and two owners, of which one, I, owned the car for 163K mi.

How much can I expect to get from the dealer vs. selling it on my own? Is it worth it?

akangl · January 2003

Thanks, that's about what I thought on those little devils.

As for the Escort, well, go figure, I got it cheap and made a buck on it....only had it for 10 days. The 85 Jeep runs and goes (and its 4WD) believe it or not, will probably drive it for a while then drop it in the paper for $1000 and kick it out the door for $500/$750.

So far I could have sold my Suburban about 10 times over for $6500, no way, she's not for sale. Sure doesn't stop people from trying. Wonder if they make "Not for sale" signs??

I hit the dealer up again for another cheapy. Only thing he's got is a fairly clean 90 Taurus for $1600. Not sure of the miles but the color's right....its silver/gray. Don't think I want to tangle with that one unless its closer to $1000. He's ticked at me for turning the Escort so easily....hehehe.

rroyce10 · January 2003

..... Our little Alaskan Princess ..

Well you know your stuff, I'm sure you will find something ..

Terry :-)

Gooooooo .......... Buckeyes.! -- One hell of a Game ..!!!!! Miami lost to the better team........

rroyce10 · January 2003

.... Drive much ..? .l.o.l...

OTay, panky .. color is good, it's got the bun warmers, new sneakers, slider, seems like all the right stuff .. except, your deep in miles and it's a handshaker.

I'm thinkin' your going to be in and around the $8's, probably the low $8's ..

sorry ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · January 2003

..... Your velm come ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · January 2003

.... Hey, that's a great price .. if you live in Somalia and there is only 2 in the country ..

Even the Honda buyers with brass "bats " get a little shaky with all those miles and a cracked w/shield ..

I have a feeling the dealer doesn't have more than $1,2/$1,5 in it -if- he had to make a New Years eve deal .. this is a "role of the dice" vehicle at the auctions, if you like it and wanna buy it, go back and offer him $2,000 plus "the tax, the wax and the roof racks" .l.o.l.

Terry.

rroyce10 · January 2003

..... Another Chicago boy ..

A Landbruiser huh..? - It's winter, there's snow and folks like these dudes .. double nickels won't bother this stud, so IF it's clean, looks and drives 00, no or few parking lot kisses, no broken hearted Miami fans passed out in the back seats, service is ALL done, no need for Tire Kingdom and needs -0- .. if it has the 3rd seat, you should be lookin' around $24ish ..

Good luck and let me know ...

Terry.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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