Real-World Trade-In Values

Sylvia · March 2003

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bossen · March 2003

Thanks a bunch!! I was hoping to get at least $2,000, but I didn't know if that was unreasonable. My husband thought it would only be worth $1,000 or so -- but I was thinking it might be a little higher than that. We'll see what happens!

I appreciate your insight! It's nice to get a "real world" opinion from someone who isn't trying to get you to buy anything. I think you are doing us all a great service! Thanks!

scanty · March 2003

My friend is looking to sell his 1995 300ZX
Here are the vitals:

98,XXX miles
one owner
no accidents
white with brown leather
T-tops
5 speed
AM/FM/Cassette/CD with the Bose system
meticuliously maintained
flawless paint
New sneakers, new clutch
Columbia, MO 65203

Any ideas?

zueslewis · March 2003

I was in Temple in August to see my cousin - she was in the hospital and her husband is a Cobra pilot at Ft Hood.

Have some brisket and a Coors Light for me and we'll call it even.

bcb1 · March 2003

You might do even a little better....depending on the dealer.

I know it might take a little shopping, but there are plenty of used car only dealers (not New car dealers) that will pay cash on the spot for vehicles, especially trucks and SUV's.

Whereas the Ford dealer looks at your F150 as a pain in the butt and will wholesale it immediately, a used car lot with a good mechanic on duty sees it as a cheap way to make a lot of money. If the Ford dealer is going $2,000...I bet the right used car lot might go $2,500 or $3,000.

No promises...but heck, it's worth some phone calls to see. That's how I got rid of my piece of junk, problem-prone, crapola '77 Datsun 280Z. (that was years ago, before they were "collectible).

dkuhajda · March 2003

I normally do not like recommending Ford products but..... 98 and 99 Escorts are some of the most reliable ultra cheap on the used market cars you can buy. I see 98 Escort Wagons with 60K (or less) go for $3000 to $3500 all the time. Find a base Escort with a 5 speed and you are looking ultra cheap. #1 reason these can be good cars if you find a decent one: parts are plentiful and cheap: just about anyone can work on it: very good fuel economy.

If you want another base transportation choice, look for a Suzuki Esteem. Another very basic economy transportation with a good reliability record. Difference, almost all parts have to come from the dealer. 2000s with 36K can be had in the base configuration for under $4,000. $5,000 and you usually get an extended warranty to at least prevent any big repair bills for the next couple of years. Very low maintenance costs. 1.8L has a timing chain (no belt to change at 60K), 5 speed manual only needs regular fluid changes (about every third oil change as is as easy to do), clutch's are known to last 100K if you do not abuse it.

My own preference is the Esteem because with a good set of tires, 5 speed, for a compact car it really can move around and handles predictably well for spirited in town driving. Bit noisy on the highway though.

ghulet · March 2003

I kind of thought about an Escort, though the idea doesn't thrill me. Some definite advantages: cheap price, good gas mileage and reliability, there's a Ford dealer within walking distance, though they're fixable anywhere by almost anyone with cheap parts. They're a bit tough, though not impossible to find with 5-speed. I hate Ford automatics, they chug and hunt and are generally annoying. But you're right, they're everywhere cheaply, I even found a '97 w/89k miles for $2400 at a dealer. Not bad.

I like the fact that the Suzuki is Japanese, but that's about it. It would be equally embarrassing to drive as the Escort, only the closest dealer is like ten miles away and I'm guessing parts and repair are difficult and expensive to obtain elsewhere. Price here is about all to recommend one, it seems.

stickguy · March 2003

There must be a ton of F-150s in the junkyards down in Texas (frm wrecks), based on how many are sold. Might do better to find an independant mechanic that can source a comparable (or better) used engine and have it swapped in.

Did that a while back with my Mazda 323 when the engine went. Cost about $600 for the engine, and $600 for the install (IIRC). A pick up must be pretty easy to deal with, since there is plenty of room in the engine bay, and no FWD to get in the way.

lmp180psu · March 2003

A 1999 Nissan Maxima SE-Limited, automatic, Bose, no other special options(like sunroof or power seats etc.), 61000 miles, black with charcoal cloth interior, it is a certified used vehicle until 70000 miles. My friend currently owns this vehicle and is thinking about getting a 2003 Altima 2.5S either in the summer or fall, when the payoff on his loan is close to the trade in value. Any opinions on the value of this car and tips on negotiating the value with a dealer would be helpful.

Thanks, Lou.

beowulf7 · March 2003

Hello,

My father wants to sell a very old car to a private party and is willing to accept any reasonable offer. My question is what constitutes a "reasonable offer"? Here are the details on the car:

1983 Toyota Camry (original year)
5-speed manual
Located in NJ
Orangish red exterior color (or reddish orange?)
Beige cloth seats
No major accidents, all maintenance records are available (e.g. oil change every 3 kmi.)
Approximately 165,000 miles on it
Has cruise control, A/C, power brakes and steering
Does *not* have power locks, sunroof, cassette player (just AM/FM radio)
I believe the tires are relatively new
The car, believe it or not, runs great! It survived the wicked winter of the northeast and never stalled out upon starting (according to my father).

So what offer should he accept? $100? $1,000? Somewhere in between (what amount)? Thanks in advance.

rroyce10 · March 2003

.... If the tread is real deep, -0- rust (or close to) and it runs "strong" .. then $1,0/$1,5 depending on how much they like this private party ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

.... Wagon .. 4dr ...?

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

... *** 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 ...

Bingo ....

Terry :-)

mpp2 · March 2003

Saab 9-5 Sedan, 4 door. I think the 9-5 only comes as a 4 door.

Thanks

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)

automatic, 4-door
in Lexington, Ky

cmon, Terry..hit me with a number. I'm lonely here in my room.

thanks,
kyfdx

grogman1 · March 2003

Can you shoot me an E-mail, I'd like to chat?

mark156 · March 2003

Terry or Bill, 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?

Grogman1 suggested the thesamb.com site but I would like to know what you guys think.

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

uga91 · March 2003

Just to update... on 1-24-03 on post 10549 you said I could expect to see $3000 to $3500 for a 1999 Saturn SL2 with manual transmission and crank windows. That is in line with what a Honda dealer wanted to give for it. I did pull $4000 for it from a Saturn dealer on a trade for a new Ion. I don't think they wanted to give me that much, but a guy on the phone (before seeing it)said it should be worth "about $4000" so that is what they offered. They said they would hold that trade in for only 10 days, so I'm sure they were hoping I would wait longer than that before trading in! Thanks for your input.

ben95m · March 2003

Hello, new here and was wondering if anybody could help me price my expedition. Here are the specs:

1999 Ford Expedition-Eddie Bauer 2wd
4.7liter Engine
Spruce Green Ext/Tan Leather Interior
Inside and Outside in showroom condition
About 61,000 original miles
No accidents/damage/major repairs ever,Clear Title
Oil changed every 3k, regular maintance just done
3rd seat
6cd changer(factory)
Fairly new goodyear tires
Luggage rack, Power everything,ABS,Tint,towing package,fog lights.
Located in Houston Texas.

Thanks.

anonymousposts · March 2003

Bought a 94 Camry for a family member. Details ...

Trim: LE - power windows, locks, mirrors, AC, cruise, cassette player
Engine: 4 cylinder - automatic transmission
Color: Gold exterior/tan interior
Mileage: 148,750
Condition: Some exterior scratches, nothing abnormal for a 94 with this kind of mileage. Brand new tires. Cold AC. Interior is a little dusty but no stains, floor mats are in good shape, and everything works.

Car is in Atlanta. We paid $2600. Good deal?

amsdigital · March 2003

First-time poster, long-time lurker!!

Terry,

I would really appreciate your advice about a trade-in value for a car with the following deatils.

1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE coupe
3.4 liter engine
White exterior, gray cloth interior
Inside and outside are in good condition
About 67,000 miles
No accidents, minor repair work done two months ago
Oil changed on a regular basis, as needed
Power locks, power windows
NO sunroof
NO spoiler
10 disc CD changer, after market
Fairly new Michelin tires
Antilock brakes
Cruise control
Clifford alarm installed (after market)
Tinted windows (scratched slighlty on the passenger side door)
Located in Houston, Texas

Thank you soooooo much Terry, I *really* appreciate your expertise and advice!!

-Alex

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Good morning Walt ..!

        30k, 4dr, the right color, no paint work and it needs $200 in tires, but Cleeean all the way around (right.?) .. oooh, I can see it now, a super detail and glow in the dark time, yeah. -- IF, it's as pretty as you say it is, it could do $7,500 or more at the Atlanta auction .. down Retail Rd, it "could" see $10,9 as a good "asking" price and would probably get $9,5/$9,9 for the right buyer .. these are hard to find with ultra low miles and well respected, why do you think they call them "Legends", there is bunches out there with 180/190k slowly and quietly roaming the streets ...

        But since it's between you and your Aunt .. ....... ;-)

             Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Woo woo .. you did good.! reeeal good .. perhaps it was a little more in the "trade allowance" side of the deal, but that's ok, not a whole lot of folks lookin' for a handshaker and crankers, $4,0 is A L L the jingle, don't stray from that dealer ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

... I'll be bock ...

God bless our troops ..!

Terry.

kyfdx · March 2003

Thanks for the info. Now I'm going to feel guilty for stealing it for $6.5K. Oh well, I'll pay for that bad karma later. LOL

kyfdx

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... $6,500 .....???? ---- You little devil YOU.!

       Hey, you got a reeeal nice vehicle, so take care of it and enjoy it .. do the right service, detail it 3/4 times a year, drive it for the next 2/3 years, sell it with 50/60k and you will still see $7,5ish+ ...

       I promise I won't tell your Aunt, but you owe her a lot of dinners, grass cutting, garage painting, etc, etc, etc, ..l.o.l..

            Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Hey Lou ~ that wouldn't be Penn State would it ..? My ex, ex, ex, went to there after Lehigh .. small world (I guess .. she use to snore) .. 60k on a 99, lot's of miles going on here.

Are you saying it has a slider and leather ..? bun warmers ..?

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

.... These are funny little bugs (get it, Bugs, oh well)

There has been a craze on these for a looong time now, I'm assuming that's why VW came back out with them .. I have friends that have been re-building them for 12/14 years, I'm really guessing here - I have seen them spend $800/$1,500 for a old frame, spend $6,000 and then sell them for $12/$15,000 .. this is more of a specialty type, I haven't seen one run for a long time, and this one has no miles and a lot of new stuff (I hope no rust) .. check out some of the specialty links on these, I would "assume" the market will be changing on the older ones, cuz' the brand new ones are doing the $21/$22ish figure at the auctions.

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

.... Dealers can throw a lot of books at you .. they can throw the Nada, KBB, Galves, Edmunds, Better Homes and Gardens .. but the auction reports are the real deal ..

Now, if you give me a GOOD description, color, miles and were you live, then I can tell you what it is worth .. got it.? - get it.!

Terry :-)

lmp180psu · March 2003

Yes, I am currently a 5th year student at Penn State majoring in insurance(how fun

), graduating in May, thank goodness!

No, unfortunately, the 99 Maxima, doesn't have the sunroof or leather etc.; it is pretty much a base SE-limited with the only option being the BOSE stereo system. I helped my friend buy this car last May for I think $15,300 with 45,000 miles on it. Looking back on it, we could have gotten a better deal, but he was without a car for almost a month, and I was sick of driving him around to almost every dealer in the philly area. He wanted to get a new Altima at the time but it wasn't in his budget because of his credit. Now he wants to trade the Max in for a 2003 Altima( buy or lease) sometime in the summer/fall, depending on what the trade-in vs. buyout on loan values are. He has made all payments on time, so he might be able to fit the Altima in his budget because of his improved credit.

We are estimating that his loan will be down to around 11.5K in 6 months (he is paying $380/month), so that is why I want to know how far below this figure, the trade-in value is. Thanks for you help.

akangl · March 2003

We are just about to pull the trigger on a 2003 Hyundai Elantra GT, I know, I know, its a Hyundai. Just kind of curious how these monsters hold their value or not.

Ours will be fully loaded with moonroof, ABS, and traction control. It will be, of course, a 5-speed.

What happened to the Jetta we were thinking about you say?? Too darn much money is what I say.

We have to order our car, nobody has what we want in Carbon Blue or any other color for that matter.

We drove a used 2002 today, nice car, auto, no moonroof or abs/traction. Dealer wanted $13,995 for it, thing had 18k on it and still drove and smelled like new.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... Ok, we have a base SE, auto, no slider, no leather, with 65 klicks .. the miles are the enemy here ...

          If it's clean, no fraternity pranks in the interior, no parking lot kisses, rubber is deep, no paintwork - then on a trade, you will looking at in and around the $9's ...

          These are great vehicles, reliable, sharp lookin', will run to 150/180k properly serviced, but even the 02's with 17/21k with all the stuff, leather, slider, heated bun warmers are trying to do the $17/$18's at the auctions ..

          Go Nittany Lions ...!

               Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

....... Oooh no ..! There is Ton's of "Proven" vehicles out there, but Hyundai Isn't one of them - yet.! .. pick another vehicle, any vehicle (except Kia).

         Forget the re-sale on the Hyundai's for a moment .. and think about the reliability factor. Contrary to CR and any others, these have a HORRIBLE reliability record.

         There is bunches of these rolling through the auctions, they have become kinda the "joke" at the auctions .. tranny problems, door hinges, power windows, injection problems, wipers, power steering pumps, etc, etc, etc.

         Now, let's talk about re-sale (there is none) .. the low mile 02 GT's are doing in and around the $9's, so they want $13,900 ..? ~ that's a great price if you live in Baghdad ..
  03 loaded up GLS Elantra's, with 2/4k are barely breaking out to hit the $10's ..

            Are you crazy ..?

               Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... These are nice vehicles, and folks still love them ..

          Color is fine, miles are "kinda" ok, if it's a clean one, no rust, no paint, the seats look hovered in .. then on a trade you should be seeing somewhere in and around the $9's .. down Retail Rd, $12,900 and the 1st $12/$12,5 gets a set of keys.

            I hope this helps ...

                Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

.... I'm sure I have missed quite a few this week ..

I will check back this afternoon, I have a golf lesson at 7am ..

Terry :-)

mark156 · March 2003

mpp2 · March 2003

1999 Saab 9-5, 4 Dr Sedan silver w/ 47k miles, black leather, moonroof ,SE package w/ v6 engine, auto, Newburgh, NY Local dealer asking $16,900. Thanks. Hit 'em long and straight:).

ghulet · March 2003

If you get a chance, please see posts #11533-11534. Golf? At 7 a.m.? I need a nap!!

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... Great description - THANKS .!

          Miles are a little stiff, color is not a big winner, newer tires and of course it's a EB .. if it's nice clean one, like you are saying, then on the trade side you should be seeing the high $11's, low $12's ..

         If you wander down Retail Rd, then $15,9 in the paper and cut that puppy loose at $14,5/$15,5, the 2wd and miles are holding this one back ...

           Good luck ...!

              Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

   ..... Protege's are probably another best kept secret, good vehicles, run til' the cows come home .. it's the LX, so it's the 1.6, the ES has the 1.8, both good motors. The prices are fair on both, but there is always a little wiggle roam somewhere .. 4double nickels for the dealer vehicle and $4,999 for the private ..

      The 93 Geo Prizm LSI, is a nice looking little ride -- it has the 1.8, slider, ABS (rare for the year) and the miles are low for a 11 yearold vehicle .. throw a quarter at them and see what they say ..

                Terry.

akangl · March 2003

I drove everything else and hated it. We thought about a Mazda P5, but it drove worse than my Escort.

Let me tell ya a little secret about us.....when we go looking for a used car, we use Consumer Reports Used Cars to AVOID list and have never had a problem.

I'm not all that worried about resale, we plan on keeping the car for over 100k, so it will be basically worthless then anyway. Was just curious what they were doing on the block.

The one we drove yesterday was a year old with 18k, sure couldn't tell, it was tight and fun. If you didn't look at the odo, you'd never know it was used.

My Escort is tired, the old girl's starting to wear out and won't stand up to 30k a year.

We have $15k to spend and are going to buy new (used cars bring nutso prices up here), so any others in that range that are reliable, oh yeah, and it has to be a hatchback or a wagon.

mlattin · March 2003

Okay first the info:
Seattle area
'02 Xterra XE 2wd
Automatic 6cyl
8400 miles
silver with grey interior
Power windows
power door locks
cd player
Tinted windows
Side molding

It's had all it's scheduled mantenance, and is clean excpet that it has one small scratch in the paint, and one small burn on the roof above the front passenger seat.

I was also wondering why it is I get different values from different resources. KBB tells me the trade is 14,900, while NADA puts it around 17k. That's a huge difference.

Also, when will it depreciate again? Do the trade values stay pretty much the same through the year except for mileage adjustments?

Thanks,
Megan

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... If the history looks good, the service as been great, you have some good rubber, no serious accidents .. then you got a great deal ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... We have a 99 SE with the V6, we have 46kish and they are asking $16,900 .. it's the right color, we have a slider and all the nice toys to go with ..

            $16,900 is an excellent price .. if you are about to be hit by a flight of B52's .. most of these are doing the high $11's, low $12's at the block and that's for the baby dolls with 30/35k .. $16,9 ..? I don't think so ~ let's say they paid too much at $12,5, let's say it needed a BIG service $500, let's say we have Danny "the destroyer" detail co. $150, lets add a pack $350 , let's add 4 new tires $500 .. that's $14,000, let's add a fair profit (on a vehicle, that not a lot of people are looking for, $1,500) .. I would think that $15,500 would be just about All of it, $16 if you just "can't live" without it ...

         Hit 'em long and straight:). -- Well, I got the long part of it going for me .. now I just gotta figure out straight part, you know I'm on the course when everyone starts putting helmets on .. ;-)

          Terry.

scanty · March 2003

rroyce10 · March 2003

..... You are quite welcome ...

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... We got a few miles on this one, and that won't help .. you have a little body work - could make a difference, it's a SE coupe, no help there, a V6 and that's the saving grace .. there is lot's of Grand Am's out there, Ton's -- so trade side, in and around the high $3's, low $4's ...

sorry :-(

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2003

...... Need to know were you live, regional differences in prices ...

Terry.

lanzz · March 2003

Guys - thanks in advance. Thinking about unloading my Camaro - 2000 Camaro SS, auto, t-tops, CD, all the usual power stuff.

White with black leather, very good condition, not a mark on the outside, very clean inside. Tires are about 50%, new brakes, dealer maintained. 25,XXX miles.

Located in New York City. And... I promise not to start any more controversy about my dealer experience - or I suppose I risk a trip to my room. ;-)

Thanks.

nick1972 · March 2003

I am trying to decide between an 01 Highlander and 01 Pathfinder. I've found two cars and I was hoping you could guide me in making an offer...

01 HL 4x2 4cyl 19k mi...basic stripped down model, Atlanta dealear asking 20,799.

01 Pathy LE 4x4 18k mi...loaded with leather, Atl. dealer asking 21, 675.

I'm having a hard time deciding between the two. I have always liked the HL, but I feel like I can get more for my money with the Pathy. Hubby is no help...if it doesn't have wings, he isn't interested!

Any advice on these prices would be really appreciated!

Thanks a bunch,
Nicole

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