Real-World Trade-In Values

careercarguy · March 2003

You didn't mention if it was an auto or 5 spd., or the part of the country you are in.

Assuming that it is an automatic and it has no paint work, good tires, etc., nationally they are doing low to mid 14's at the auction.

Hope this helps.

chile96 · March 2003

Thank you tons for the input - although naturally it's not what I wanted to hear/read!!! LOL. Take care.

jth11103 · March 2003

Thanks for the response.

by the way, it is automatic and I'm in the southeast.

quaffapint · March 2003

Love to get a trade-in estimate...

1996 geo Prizm LSi Sedan 4D
4-cyl, 1.8L Auto
105K Mileage

Equipt:
Air Conditioning
Power Steering
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Tilt Wheel
Cruise Control
AM/FM Stereo Cassette
Multi Compact Disc
Premium Sound
Dual Front Air Bags
Leather
Premium Wheels (2 mnth old Michelin X-Radial Plus's - 80K War)

Condition:Excellent in all regards, minus one - slight paint fading spot on back driver side roof (maybe 2-in diameter spotted circle)

Forgot to mention - Philly Suburbs, PA area

Thank you.
Matt

bcb1 · March 2003

Thanks for your input, Bill. I don't see Land Rover Disco's in my town a whole lot - but I'm only 70 miles from D.C., so there are plenty within striking distance from me. I wanted to try and stay in the sub-$10K or very low $11K range.

While we're at it....if I don't buy a used Disco or Disco II, I've always wanted a 2-door Tahoe Sport or Yukon GT. If I get into the mid 90's, they go in the $7-$11K range.

Between the two choices...a used Land Rover Disco and a used 2 dr Tahoe/Yukon...which would make a better daily driver (work, going to store, Home Depot on the weekends, a little off-road; but nothing serious).

Thanks, guys. You are the best. It's nice to get honest, reliable advice.

biscayne · March 2003

Looking at a 2001 Lexus IS300. White with tan leather. Automatic, 29K on the clock with sunroof and the regular goodies. What are these puppies worth?

Thanks in advance,
Biscayne

careercarguy · March 2003

A Geo Prizm is everything a Corolla is except unfortunately it's resale value.

You could probably expect to get from a dealer $1200 to $1800.

Sorry I don't have better news.

careercarguy · March 2003

The price that you will pay will vary greatly if you are buying the vehicle from a Lexus dealer and it is certified. There will also be a difference if it is white or pearl white.

I would clearly recommend that you purchase a certified pre-owned Lexus and pay the additional money. That way you have certain assurances about previous paint work and repair records and it carries a very nice warranty.

A certified pre-owned IS 300 generally will range between 24000 and 27000. If you want to take a chance and buy a non-certified car from an independant dealer you can save some money.

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Good morning .. took a few days off, played a little golf and watched a little of the Baghdad Urban Renewal program .. you gotta love it

        If I remember right, your from FL .. so we have the right color and miles .. so if it's a nice one, clean history, good service, no re-paint, then the dealer might have $21 and some change in it .. so figure some service, detail, pack, a little this and that, then it probably comes to the table for "around" $22ish, they gotta make some profit, so you should be able to take it home for around the tall $24ish range, maybe $25 if it's puuurffect and glows in the dark .. don't get too crazy about a "certified" vehicle, $1,5/$2,000 is a lot of money to spend on a detail, oil change and a tire rotation.

         Let me know ...

            Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... Not even a thought process here, Tahoe/Yukon .. anyone can fix them, parts are cheap and all over the place, and if needed, they are an easy sale even with miles in the 150k's .. try to find a 4DR, 2dr anythings are tuff to sell ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... Hey Matt -- doesn't sound too bad, it's an LSI, the miles are ok, it's deep in rubber and it has all the toys .. depending on the dealer, you "might", "could", "maybe" see $1,5/$2,000 ..

But this a Great vehicle for Retail Rd .. a good detail, a great 4/5 liner Ad, $3,900 in the paper and $2,9/$3,5 sends it down the road .. shouldn't last long, lot's of folks lookin' for nice, clean dependable transport and all the Yota buyers knows what a Prizm is ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Hmmm .. you need to take this dude to a Pro and have it looked at real close, it could have been a fender bender, which doesn't mean to much if the job was done Well -- Or, it could have been slammed and you "might" be lookin' at some frame damage --

But IF it checks out, then a price in the $13's is fair, right color, low miles and it's a Volvo, you should start seeing problems with it at around 180k .l.o.l..

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

....... Ok your from the SE (color.?), we have an 01 coupe EX, we have 32k and it's an auto .. as long as there is no kisses, no freedom fry invasions, new sneakers and it's a light color, then trade side you should be seeing in and around the $13's depending on the dealer ..

Good luck ...

Terry.

quaffapint · March 2003

Thanks for the Prizm estimates...

I plan on trying out the retail route (maybe through EBay). This is slightly OT, but if I sell it myself do I need to collect sales tax from my state residents, and if so, what do I do with it?

Thanks again...
Matt

zueslewis · March 2003

It's the buyer's responsibility to pay sales tax when the vehicle is licensed.

akangl · March 2003

A friend is looking at a new 02 Ford ZX2 Premium, fully loaded, leather, moonroof. What are these babies doing on the block? Nice cars IMHO.

careercarguy · March 2003

I'm not Terry but maybe I can help, I'm sure he will be along shortly.

Down here in the southeast teenager ZX2's do mid to high 6's at the Ford sale. Not many leather moonroof cars run through though. I would expect that car to do about $1000 more because of it's options and availability.

kongjunren · March 2003

Looking at an 02 Taurus SE wagon.
17000 mi. Kelly trade-in is about
$10,400. Edmunds is about the same.
Could someone tell me what these
are doing in central Indiana.
Thanks, Jim

akangl · March 2003

So, I take it they have typical Ford resale value (or lack there of)? I'm thinking this new 02 can be had for $13,000 or so with the rebates. Its a beautiful car. I personally have a 94 Escort LX/Sport 2-dr and I love it, most reliable car I've ever owned.

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Did we get that new pipeline started up there yet ..?

            The super clean ones, with all the stuff, abs, slider, auto, 4/6k, are doing in and around the mid to high $7's .. of course if you like the handshakers, they are doing around a ghee whiz less ... Sooo, that should put them at a $9,999.99 retail asking price .. ;-)
                Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

....... Of all the Ford products, the wagons seem to be holding there own and then some ..

It's hard to find a clean, low mileage one at any of the auctions, and the one that you are looking at, will do an easy high $11 at any of the auctions .. what are they asking for it ..?

Terry.

kongjunren · March 2003

Thanks for the quick reply. They are asking
$14,900. I asked about auction prices because
along with the other info I have I'd like to
form a fair offer up before I go in.
It is a good dealership. My family including inlaws have bought several cars here and also
have service done here. I think because we are
repeat customers that should help, but I don't
want to steal the car. I know a dealership needs
to make money to stay in business and that doesn't
bother me. I'm never going to know what they are into it for and I don't obsess over trying to get it for a few hundred more than what they paid for it. They have several 02 Windstars but after reading about head gaskets and tranny problems
I don't want to risk it. The ironic thing is my
wife's 92 escort wagon has been the best car we've
owned. 196,000mi and finally the tranny is going.
That's why we are in the market again. My 93
Mustang LX 5.0 has 151,000 and I have $18 in a
thermostat and $26 in a water pump. I saw that
the trade-in values for the Windstars is actually
lower than the wagon but the mileage is in the low
20k's. If any of you had a choice which way would
you go.

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Let's figure they bought it at the auction .. let's say they paid $11,5 for it -- So, by the time they pay the fee's, transport, a little service, a detail, pack, they probably have around $12,5ish in it .. $13,9 is a fair price, maybe $14,5 if it glows in the dark, not a blemish ~~ needs -0- and the service and the history is puuuuurfect.

         To answer your question, go with the wagon.

         Good luck and let me know ....

              Terry.

akangl · March 2003

OUCH!! Goodness, this 02 has an MSRP of $16,710, figure invoice is around $15k, subtract the $2500 rebate.....hmmmm, $12,500, for an 02 ZX2, blue/gray, leather, slider, handshaker (of course), 54 miles on it, and all the goodies.

Gonna have to steer her to an 03 me thinks.

I love the look on the salesman's face when we pulled in with my 94 Escort....lol, I think they are afraid they will have to take it in trade.

More I'm around these ZX2's the more I want one. 'Course hubby wants a new truck.....wait, didn't he just get one?? *thinks she is getting the short end of the stick*

mark156 · March 2003

Terry, I have a friend who is wanting to sell her bug convertible. What kind of price would you put on this vehicle for "retail" road?

1979 VW bug convertible
69,000 miles
one owner
always garaged
new tires
top 5 yrs old.
all white(body, interior, top)
all service up to date
never wrecked or repainted

location: Memphis, TN

Thanks for your help. M.

grogman1 · March 2003

A good pricing source for VW's is thesamba.com - tons of vintage VW's for sale. Just compare your vehicle to those listed to determine a price...............good luck.

kyfdx · March 2003

1992 Acura Legend L
White exterior/taupe leather
30,000 miles (its true..its my aunt's car)
perfect interior, always garaged
no accidents or paint work
has everything but a cd player
50% rubber (original tires)

In Lexington, KY (go Wildcats!)

Whats a fair private party deal on this?

Thanks,
kyfdx

mark156 · March 2003

krwest1 · March 2003

11000 miles.
Dark gray with black interior.
Located in Northern Virginia.
Like-new condition.

What can I expect on trade-in and private party sale?

Thanks!

b51hardy · March 2003

1999 S80 with 64K mi
Very clean "moondust" with gray leather. No dings or tears. Minor scratches on rear and front bumper. Crack in front rt fog lens. Non-smoker with great ride.
Never wrecked or painted.
Strong trans, everything works
Sunroof, dual climate, heated, etc
Brand new Goodyears.
Titled once and turned in at end of lease.
Mississippi.
Thanks.

steine13 · March 2003

Terry,
This 22-year-old FJ40 should be right up your alley:
http://www.msu.edu/~steinerm/reg.html
What is it worth?

Thanks in advance,
-Mathias
East Lansing, MI

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... Wow, where do you find this stuff .l.o.l..

        This will all depend on the dealer and most won't even know what it is .. this thing is older than Bill ;-)

         A un-savvy UC guy would hit it at $400/$800ish, it has a great history (except for the rust) .. but with a little work here and there, a little paint, a little spray (cuz' it doesn't have any miles) spend $3/$400 .. then I bet this puppy would do ALL of $2,0 and it wouldn't surprise me a bit, if it did $2,2/$2,6 at the block, as long as there is no click click in the 4WD .. Now I can't say, but I have a funny feeling a Professor or an Art student wouldn't be afraid to hang $3,9 on it for a driver ...

            Terry.

steine13 · March 2003

Thanks, Terry,

The idea here is a private sale; it strikes me as one of the few cars that could benefit from a wider audience; alt.autos.toyota, some 4x4 usenet group, maybe even ebaymotors.

I've been giving Reg a hard time about his truck for years... you think it looks bad, try the ride. Good grief.

However, you can buy 'glass bodies for these, and reconditioned they go for $16k+, or so I'm told. Apparently, they're fantastic off-road.

Every Friday we leave the lab and go out for a drink and some grub -- we call it "Nuclear Beer". For the past 3 years, I've asked the boys "if you believe Reg should buy a new truck, raise your right hand"... and it finally wore him down...

I'll let y'all know how this one shakes out... I'm thinking ask $4,900/BO and let nature take its course... other than the body, it IS in good shape.

-Mathias

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... Ooooh baby, sounds like a nice one .. no miles, right color, Granny car ..

            *BUT* ---- from here, I can't tell if it's a 2dr or a 4dr .. must be my new $250 sunglasses, Yeah that's it, the glasses .. auto ~ ?

           OFF to your room and don't start waving any white flags ..

               Terry :-)

rroyce10 · March 2003

...l.o.l........

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... S80's, a very well kept secret .. great vehicles ..

Right color, has all the nice stuff, will ride as nice now, as in 150k .. if it's as clean as you say it is, probably the $11's on a trade, the miles are the tuff part here, you have to compete with the 30kers ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Great color for the area .. miles are a little on the tall side .. but still, if it's nice and still lookin' showroom, the you should be seeing the mid to high $26's on a trade ..

Good luck ...!

Terry.

ghulet · March 2003

Hi Bill and/or Terry, I was considering a brand new car, but just can't do it right now. I need something reliable but inexpensive (now-dead ancient Accord proved to be a money pit, want something slightly modern). Considering a couple of cheap city cars and wondering what you think on price (in Chicago):

99 Mazda Protege LX
a/c, pw, pl, CD and cassette
black/gray cloth
automatic (bummer), <61k miles
very nice condition in and out, at a dealer, asking $5983 (and there's another one, same as above but tan w/50k miles for $5600 private sale nearby)

93 Geo Prizm LSi, as loaded as they come, ergo:
4-spd auto (I'd like a stick, but the 4-speed is better than the usual 3-speed on these; does this mean 1.8 as opposed to 1.6L?)
pw/pl, a/c, stereo, even alloys, power roof and ABS
unfortunate (maybe even deal-killer) Rose metallic color
107k miles, one owner, garaged, immaculate, records, private $3k obo

The Corollas I've seen of this vintage are more like $4-4500, which I can't see paying for a ten year-old car. I don't see Corollas with the roof or ABS around here either, at least not '93s. But that damn color, does anyone know what it really looks like? Geez.

Kinda leaning toward the Pro cuz it's much newer and I can get financing, but also have the feeling $2500 cash might take that knock-off Corolla away and I'd be set for a while, sans payments. Thanks for any advice.

ghulet · March 2003

http://autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=126089402&amp- ;amp- ;dealer_id=&car_year=1993&make=GEO&distance=50&ma- - x_price=3000&model=&advcd_on=n&end_year=2004&min_- - price=3000&certified=n&address=60657&search_type=used- - &advanced=n&start_year=1983&color=

kyfdx · March 2003

Bill..its a 4-door.

thanks,

kyfdx (from my room)

kyfdx · March 2003

And an automatic

rewster · March 2003

I'm trying to purchase a new car, and trade in my 1998 Avalon XLS. The car is in very good condition, but I can't seem to find a dealer that wants to use the NADA guide, the TMV, or any other trade-in resource. They all want to pull out the Manheim record of auctions and say we'll give you the wholesale auction price.

Now, this takes about three or four thousand dollars off the NADA price, and gives me no assurance that the dealership won't just turn around and sell it off their lot. Plus, that's several thousand $$$ out of my pocket.

Obviously I can sell the car myself, but was looking to avoid that hassle. It may be that I live in a relatively small city (~100,000) with little competition among brands, especially for the Audis and Volvos that I've been looking at. Anyone else run into this problem? Any recommendations?

bretfraz · March 2003

For the guys to really help you they need info:

Location of car
Color in and out
MILEAGE!!!
Any accidents or major repairs?
Any recent work done like tires, brakes, etc?
Options like leather, sunroof, CD changer, etc.

Be descriptive of the car's condition. The more info you provide, the more accurate they can be.

Personally I think auction price is the true honest price of any used car. Its the price where real money is changing hands. The guides can say whatever but since money isn't always changing hands at those prices they don't matter too much.

mpp2 · March 2003

Gentlemen,

Where do you peg this one?
1999 Saab 9-5 SE V6
Silver w/ Black leather
Auto
Moonroof
47,000 miles
Newburgh NY Dealer asking $16,900
Thank you in advance

bossen · March 2003

I was wondering if anyone could give me a good estimate on what to expect for a trade in value. My 1997 F-150's engine blew out over the weekend. We had it towed to the Ford dealership and the estimate to fix it is $3,900.

It has 76K miles and is just a base model, regular cab. No power windows/locks, standard transmission. It does have a towing package and two-tone paint. It has been kept in excellent condition -- inside & out. We were faithful on oil changes and maintenance (which didn't do us any good b/c the engine busted anyway!) The paint is shiny still and the tires are in decent condition.

What is reasonable to expect to receive for a trade in value? It's worthless to us, but with a little effort from the dealership, they can probably turn it for a decent profit.

Thanks for your help!!!

bretfraz · March 2003

For the guys to really help you they need info:

Location of car
Color in and out
MILEAGE!!!
Any accidents or major repairs?
Any recent work done like tires, brakes, etc?
Options like leather, sunroof, CD changer, etc.

Be descriptive of the car's condition. The more info you provide, the more accurate they can be.

Personally I think auction price is the true honest price of any used car. Its the price where real money is changing hands. The guides can say whatever but since money isn't always changing hands at those prices they don't matter too much.

krwest1 · March 2003

---------------
..... Great color for the area .. miles are a little on the tall side .. but still, if it's nice and still lookin' showroom, the you should be seeing the mid to high $26's on a trade ..

Good luck ...!

Terry.
----------------

26...really? on a trade? i'm not doubting you, i'm just surprised. you can get them for around 29 new around here. Thanks again.

clpurnell · March 2003

I think terry is right on. the dealer has to do little to certify your car because of low miles and little wear so he can flip it for 27.5 and make a quick $1500. Also most people aren't paying 29 for tl's only those that are well informed and that makes up a rather small percentage of the market. I would try carmax in your area and would be willing to bet the number you get is within 1k of what terry said.

bossen · March 2003

OK...to add to my earlier post:
1997 Ford F-150, regular cab, XL Styleside
76,000 miles located in Temple, TX (76502)
bright red with black stripe at bottom/ grey interior
No wrecks -- brakes replaced in 2000
No options (other than towing package).
Pioneer 6 disc CD Changer is installed & works sometimes.

Any info would be greatly appreciated! We're going to the dealer to negotiate in 2 hours. Thanks!!

zueslewis · March 2003

and it'll take at least $3,000 (their cost) to repair it.

I'm from Texas, so I'll be nice, but realistic:

Looking at a $6,225 wholesale, it's a $1,000 back of book truck because it's an XL, the CD player works "sometimes" and it has a blown motor. That means, in addition to the motor, they'll have another $400-500 in extra "check out" time.

More than likely, they would just wholesale the truck, as is, for about $2,000-2,500. That's probably what they'll offer, knowing the Texas market. they don't want to buy a "fixer upper" when they can buy running trucks all day long.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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