Real-World Trade-In Values

rroyce10 · March 2003

....... You are very welcome ..

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... That's why I wasn't sure with 03 stuff, not too many in Alaska, are you sure it wasn't stolen .l.o.l.. how far is CA to Alaska.? they musta shipped it.?

But I will say, you do see a lot of RR's in Vancouver ... I'm not even sure the 04's are out, I'm not even sure the plant is even finished yet --- one thing is for sure, I would Never pay $300 large for ANY vehicle, now there is a few boats out there I "might" consider if, if, if, if, if and if.

Terry ;-))

zueslewis · March 2003

I did this interview in 2001, but didn't realize they put part of it on their website - has to do with vehicle value -

http://extratv.warnerbros.com/dailynews/consumer/06_01/06_25a.htm- l

gdevinney · March 2003

That long post must have been unclear .. the trade sheet didn't SAY $1K more .... it had NO amount.

Accura offered $1K LESS than the same BMW dealer trade on a ...... and would give me that in cash, so it was "honest".

All I know for sure is one, or more of:

1) Accura would take $1Kk EZ money passing it to BMW
2) BMW's wasn't really a "cash" price
3) BMW caught on it's me, and low balled Accura

Don't know if anyone's a "[non-permissible content removed]", but it makes me laugh the way they play the customer against himself and even against other dealers. AND don't even tell you. Why not say: "We're going to wholesale it to BMW for $9K anyway. Maybe they can offer more trade, but we can give you a better all around deal on a great car." And then DO IT 'fer gosh sake! They were STILL sticking me for $2K - $3K MORE (part by not telling me about a dealer incentive).

zueslewis · March 2003

I thought you said there was a $10K number in there somewhere.

gdevinney · March 2003

jrct9454 said:

> "..... which seems to result in a lot of disappointed people."

Sure does, but are Edmund trade prices so old they can be >$4K above real market for used cars in the $15K range? That's over 25% difference!!!!

And jrct9454 said:

> " .. - but then they think their kids are all models of decorum, as well.... "

And SOME kids are <G>. I check Edmunds (etc), try to follow the condition advice, and get a few "quotes". I may unfairly call it "outstanding", but they go $2K less than "Average" Edmund prices! Then, they STILL want to deduct recon cost built into "book" prices. Again either Edmunds is way off, or I'm way off.

And look too at how so many dealers "negotiate" .. if you balk at a low trade, they pull out the lowest "book" (like KBB)! On a sale price, they get the highest(like NADA) as back up. Seems they want to have their cake and mark-up too!

Even if I temper my condition evaluations, the BEST offers are $2K below Edmunds, the worst $6K below. IF the prices here (and most others) are so out of line, what good are they?

andrewsi · March 2003

Here's the info, I'm looking for a trade in and retail price.

2001 Ford Explorer Sport
Dark Green
V6,4x4
Front bucket seats, luggage rack, power sunroof,CD player,cruise control.
38,000 miles, excellent condition (running and interior/exterior).

Thanks for the help! I am looking to get rid of it shortly, but I want to see what I can get compared to what is left on the loan.

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Ooooh, got some miles going here and it's an XE .. on a trade, it might be worth $4,0/$4,5 .. so if you waddle down Retail Rd, and it has new sneakers, it's clean inside and out, no KFC invasions, no I dropped 55 gallons of coffee on the seats, no parking lot kisses that riddle the sides and the service is all there - then a good "asking" price would be $6,900 and let it go for $5,5/$6,0, lot's of vans for sale right now ...

Good luck .!

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... 3rd seat right .? -- Sounds like it could be a nice one .. right color, it's an SLE, right V8, miles are a little on the tall side and it's a 2WD .. but with the new Michs and all "dolled" up, it should see the low to mid $18's on a trade .. make it look "glow in the dark" for retail Rd, and $21,900 in the paper, and let a brave Marine buy it for $20,5/$21,500 ..

I hope this helps ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... Good approach, at least this way you have a pretty good idea were you stand .. unlike some folks that might be feeling a little "shock and awe" ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... If it's a straight ol' vehicle, good paint, not covered up and not a Bondo baby, miles in the 90's, service is good and it has lot's of rubber, then trade side, it will see in the $4's -- a trip down Retail Rd with it being clean and needing -0- .. $6,9 in the paper and $5,9/$6,5 put's it in someone else's driveway ..

Terry.

akangl · March 2003

Its about 4000 miles from CA to AK I think, will have to ask hubby, he's from So. CA and drove up here.

No way would I, even if I had it, pay $300k for a car, I mean think of the depreciation......EEEEEEKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!

I'm grumbling about paying $21k for a new car this fall.

Trying to talk hubby into buying a 1996 Featherlite 5-horse gooseneck trailer with a dressing room for $8750, so far he isn't saying yes or no. Wonder where you find book values on horse trailers.

I told him I'd even keep driving the Escort.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... Ok, we have a 01 Sport not much help there, most folks don't like 2dr's, especially in a SUV .. it's a V6, 4x4, lot's of help there, miles are stiff, so there is no help there .. not getting much help here.

If it's clean no kisses, tires are yesterday, then trade side you should be seeing in and around the mid to high $10's on a trade ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... These are great buys on the used side, they have had some quirky little problems in the 97/99's, but these are quirky SUV's anyway, but they ARE the true SUV, ever see a Tarzan movie without one .? .. I have had a few, liked em' a lot, they are not a Tahoe as far as ride and "American" comfort .. take one out for an hr or so and see what you think, you might really like, or hate em' ...

Terry.

sban3k · March 2003

I don't expect to get a lot for this car, but I'm worried that I'm going to get offered $200. I just need to know a ballpark for this car.

Details:
V6 Automatic
Dark Green
98,500 miles
AM/FM cassette
power/windows/doors
cruise control
front air bags
No dents but some paint scraping on front right bumper from unfortunate parking lot fiasco.

Thank you!!

zueslewis · March 2003

while that's not a $10,000 car, don't get too down on your ride.

True, a dealer may not offer a great trade-in price on it, but you can make up for any tax advantage you may get for trading the car for $200-1000 by selling it on your own. Give it a good cleaning (including the engine compartment) and take out a nice ad, both on-line and in print.

By the way, if your scrape is just a paint transfer, you can use a cleaning compound like Meguiar's "cleaner wax", or something stronger, like polishing compound or fine steel wool and take the paint transfer off. Wax the area when you're done and you may lessen the "scraped" appearance.

Throw a $3,495/OBO price on it and take what you get - you may be surprised, and anything above $200 beats $200!

sban3k · March 2003

Thank you so much for your quick response. That definitely sounds like a plan! Thanks for the tip about the paint, too!!

zueslewis · March 2003

I started detailing cars when I was 13. You don't forget old tricks that work!

h109 · March 2003

Bought it for 6K. Hope I don't regret it :-)

Kirstie_H · March 2003

Join us tonight, 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for another round of automotive trivia and member-to-member chat. Test your skills (or multiple choice guessing ability) against other Town Hall members.

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

Hope to see you there!

chile96 · March 2003

As I try to figure out what my vehicle is worth online before going to the dealer, I end up only confusing myself more. 1999 GMC 4dr 4WD Yukon LOADED (leather, wood trim, etc.) w/ 66K miles and KBB says $13K while NADA says $17K with the other sites in the middle(all trade-in values). What value should I reasonably expect/accept. Thanks in advance.

ps - I'm not a person that demands excessive prices but just want a fair deal for everybody - Salesmen have a family to feed too right?!? Well maybe not.

toolman02 · March 2003

Hi all. I'm thinking about trading in my car and was looking for some input. I had my transmission replaced at 52k miles (under warranty until July 03) as well as the AC. I wasn't sure how much it hurt/helped the resale value. If anyone can give me a ballpark figure for either dealer trade in or private party I would appreciate it!

Details:
V4 Automatic
Silver
60,000 miles
Aftermarket cd player & speakers
power windows/locks, cruise control, front air bags
New tires (less than 10k miles)

In good condition, with one door ding that could probably be popped out and a minor scrape on the rear right bumper.

Thanks!

andrewsi · March 2003

Thanks for the help Terry....

How about retail price on that explorer? I live in upstate NY if that helps.

Around $10,000-11,000 is what I was afraid you'd say. The car is in good shape, but I am not at all fond of it. The value has dropped like a rock.
Obviously I had a good amount of negative equity on it, so I have started making extra payments to pay it off quicker. I believe I owe around $18000. If I could get close to $15k at retail I'd be relatively happy... I don't know how realistic that is though.

Thanks for the help!

hammersley · March 2003

OK guys.. this one's not mine directly, but my dad's. He's pushing 79, and decided for himself (thank you Lord!) that "maybe I don't need to drive anymore".

59K miles, 3.8 liter supercharged V6
All the power goodies
Heated seats (leather)
White over beige
Tires like new
gently used (see age above)
"parking by braille" chips on all 4 bumper corners, plus some paint rub from the concrete posts protecting the garage door (did their job), one spot more than a rub, has some cracked paint. Interior is great.

He's willing to get the worst of the body stuff fixed before sale, but only if the payback is there. Internet values (KBB, NADA,TMV) are all over the map, so I'm here for your opinion. This would be for private sale, not a trade.

Thanks in advance,
Paul

bcb1 · March 2003

Terry,

Thanks for the appraisal on my 2000 GMC Yukon 2WD. I agree that it should be in the high teens. I know you don't know me from Adam, but I can assure you this thing is factory, mint-fresh even with 54K miles on the clock.

The dealer wanted to give me "top dollar" of 16.5K. I told him to stick it.

A dealer here in town has a 97 Land Rover Disco SD (I think it's an SD) for $12,995. 62K miles, green, needs some minor trim fixed, which the dealer is taking care of. What you think on the price? I'm thinking mid 11's....

And while you're at it, we'd be trading in my wife's 98 Intrepid SE. All options, including power sunroof. 92K miles. Red. Very nice car, but I know it's a little high on miles. Dealer wants to give $4K in trade on the Landy....I think that's a little shy....

bretfraz · March 2003

I'll be interested in what Terry has to say but I think $4000 on that Intrepid SE is a bit generous. Are you sure its not an ES? They're worth a bit more. Considering its rep for tranny troubles (has it had tranny work done?) it can be hard to sell those cars.

I think your Landie price is about right but Bill knows them better than the back of his hand so hopefully he'll comment.

chile96 · March 2003

So what's the value you should expect when trading in a car? KBB's low ball or NADA's high end(both trade-in values!)?

mirth · March 2003

Forget KBB, NADA, or Edmunds - ask Terry or Bill.

im_brentwood · March 2003

Is this working yet?

im_brentwood · March 2003

Is worth $800 as a trade.. $2,450/bo "Cash Talks" in the paper...

im_brentwood · March 2003

Where is this Yukon.

Denali? SLE? SLT? Turnpike Cruiser?

im_brentwood · March 2003

Hmmm...

Here in Florida this is a $2200-2500 unit Im afraid.

You can always ask $4,900/best cash offer in the autotrader and cut it loose for $4K..

The Galants are a bit weak from where I sit.

Bill

im_brentwood · March 2003

Well..

What do ya wanna make?

KBB could sho $15K+ retail... and people in Hell would love some ice water, no?

I think this is a $12,750 in the paper.. TAKE $12K for it truck.

Bill

bcb1 · March 2003

You're right -- it's an Intrepid ES, not an SE. We bought it new in 98; it's been a very good car. Few paint chips in the front (hood) from my wife commuting to work on the interstate - otherwise it looks great.

Kelly Black Book was around $4500 with the 92K miles. I guess the dealer isn't too far off at $4K....maybe I can work him a little bit.

Selling it ourselves would be a better deal; I think we'd be pushing $6K if we did.

sandman46 · March 2003

I need a value for my Corolla please.
'96 Toyota Corolla DX
66,750 miles
White with blue guts
New Bridgestone Insigna's (2 weeks new)
Average condition outside
New Windshield 2 weeks ago
New Blower Motor in A/C today
Interior very clean

Any help would be appreciated. Hoping to get at least $5k on it.

The Sandman :-)

dkuhajda · March 2003

As the car sits in the Midwest, it would be extremely difficult to move with the drive by braille marks, at most a $4500-$5000 as it sits for a quick sale. That said I know a custom paint and body shop that can polish out and airbrush chips and other marks extremely well. Not to the point that you cannot see it, but to the point that you cannot see them unless you look at the exact spot in the right light. Very reasonable prices as well, I had a knife cut in the paint done on two doors and one quarter panel for under $225 total and the rest of the chips fixed on the paint.

I would also get ALL the maintenance brought up to date, not to exceed $400. To include wheel alignment, flush cooling system, replace tranny fluid and filter, and have the rest carefully inspected (brakes, belts, hoses). Plus include all prior maintenance records.

After all repairs and a good detail, not only will the car be MUCH easier to sell, but you can probably expect $6500 to $7000 around here.

I would write my add like this after all little repairs, a good detail, and maintenance has been done.

95 Buick Park Avenue Ultra, A must see with 59K. All maintenance up to date. Drive away in luxury for only $7,900.

FYI The buy here pay here lots buy a lot of these rough looking large Buicks around here for $4,000 to $5000 at auction. Do the clean up and repairs and retail them out pretty easily.

bretfraz · March 2003

After a little more digging I'm thinkin' that $4500 is a little on the high side. Rough book is right at $4000 and all the miley '98 Intrepid ES's are right around this number.

If you want to trade it on the Landie I'd suggest focusing on the difference between the two prices. The dealer wants $13K for the Landie, right? So the diff is $9000 between that and the Intrepid. Try to work the diff closer to $7000 and I think you'll have a deal. And you may only have to pay tax on the diff which will save you a few hundred more.

$6000 is a perfect starting price for selling it retail. Advertise it at, like, $5995 and let it go for $5500, 5600, something like that. If you can buy the Landie for under $12K you'll have done very well on both vehicles.

Just some ideas to ponder. Best of luck.

bretfraz · March 2003

Nice to see you over here. :-)

I can't recall, is your Corolla an auto or a stick?

If the paint looks a little dull but the interior is really nice, it might be a good idea to spend $60-70 on an exterior detail at the local detailer's shop. It certainly is the right color for FLA. The mileage is terrific. And the new tires and cold A/C really help.

I don't know if you can get $5000 on a trade (prolly closer to low $4000's) but I think you could definitely get $6000 or so if you sell it yourself. Lots of people like those little cars and if it looks and runs great I think you'll have no trouble selling it.

Just my 2 pennies. Glad to hear the Bridgestone's are working well for you; I'm sure the Conti's on the Altima are doing well too.

sandman46 · March 2003

Hey there, nice to hear from you. The Corolla is an automatic and I also had the timing belt and water pump replaced at 62k miles ad well as having the radiator and tranny flushed back at 55k miles as well as new front brakes last April.
The wife's Alty is getting up there in mileage and she wants to switch cars with me and either get a Corolla, Protege or Sentra. Any ideas?
Thanks again for the great help!
The Sandman :-)
P.S.- I've had the car detailed within the last 4 months but the paint is still dull, even when I bought it back at the end of '97 with 18k on the clock, the paint was never real glossy.

im_brentwood · March 2003

Agreed...

As it sits.. $4K is all the money wholesale, might get $5500 retail. Make it shine up like a diamond, spend $500 on it.. and you can see another $1K I think.

im_brentwood · March 2003

Erm.. bcb1.. heheh..

OK.. the Landie.. $11,500 ought to kill it more than dead. I would hit em at $11K.. go to $11,500.. after that fire up eBay and buy a nice one out of FL (Not from me, I dont have any) for about $10-10,500 and ship it up north for $400-500.

WATCH FOR RUST AROUND THE UPPER SIDE SAFARI WINDOWS IF IT IS BUBBLED THERE DO NOT BUY IT! PERIOD!

If it is Rusty there and you buy it you have to go to your room until June, k?

That Intrepid... is worth.... $3,500. $4K is higher than I would hit it at. I'd send it to the auction and expect it to do 3800-4K at the sale, so after I detail it, pay the fees, slip the guys in arbitration $50.. Im getting a check for $3500.

Bill

im_brentwood · March 2003

Now I am double-pissed. I coulda sold the Blue car for $14K today! >:(

im_brentwood · March 2003

That is a $5K-5500 retail piece.. maybe a tad more.

I'd ask $5,900 and say goodbye around $5300-5500

It is a $4K car up there.. ALL the money. Really I think $3700-3800 myself. Midwest, just "ok" outside...

We just bought a GEM of a 95 91K mile Corolla, in Florida, for $3300 at the sale (They bring more $$ here than in Chicago/Detroit/Columbus/St Looney/Indy)

Bill

im_brentwood · March 2003

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

zueslewis · March 2003

bretfraz · March 2003

YEOWCH!!!!!!

I should have kept my mouth shut. But still.....it gave off bad vibes to me.....too bad we weren't up in the ATL, lots of those cars ran a couple days ago. Could have snagged a nice one.

ymiller · March 2003

Hi, I'm looking at this Volvo on a local used dealer's lot (not a Volvo dealer) in the Atlanta area:

1999 S70 Base w/ Automatic
Pewter Silver w/ Tan leather interior
33K miles, under factory warranty until 10/03
No sunroof, premium stereo w/ CD, power driver's seat, brand new set of tires.
Carfax shows one-owner off-lease, accident involving front end in 2000 (can't determine severity of accident, dealer thinks front right panel was probably fixed/painted).

Asking price is $13.9, but dealer seems to want to get rid of the car so what would be a fair price? It's in great condition, might need some brake work (haven't had it inspected yet). What would be a good price for this?
Thanks in advance for your help...

chile96 · March 2003

The Yukon is in Houston but am moving to Atlanta in June - may be worth more in Atlanta? Anyway, the details are:
1999 4WD SLT w/ 66K miles Blue/tan interior
Good cond. - leather a bit worn on entry side of driver's seat
Nerf bars
New off-road tires
Brushguard
Italian wood trim inside
Rear a/c
Single cd w/ cassette
Clear title/no body work
After market fender flares w/ exact paint match
Flowmaster mufflers (x2) - will this be a deduction?

The other car - Yes I unfotunately have 2 cars out of warranty now (wife's)

1999 Mercury Cougar V-6
60K miles
silver w/ gray cloth, auto
spoiler
single cd
clear title/no body work
factory alloy wheels
ABS
Excellent condition - absolutely no wear & tear!

Prob either trade-in to BMW dealership or carmax depending on price offered.

Anyway, thanks so much, in adance.

Take Care

careercarguy · March 2003

Thought I might be able to help you on some values per Manheim Auction Reports.

'99 Yukons with miles in the 60's in the past month have done low to mid 13's. I do suggest you replace the exhaust with OEM equipment. It will definately lower the appraisal if you leave the aftermarket exhaust system on.

Cougars in general have been very soft. 99 Cougars with miles in the 60's have been doing around $6000.

Hope this helps, Have a great day!

jth11103 · March 2003

I'm looking to trade my 2001 Accord. I'll be trading it for another Honda.

Details: EX-coupe, Sun roof, 4 cyl, 32,000 miles,
excellent interior/exterior condition.

What should I expect from a dealer?

Thanks

Real-World Trade-In Values

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