Real-World Trade-In Values

isellhondas · May 2003

Agree with Terry here. A wholesaler will look at your Accord, see the 150,000 miles, the rust and the dent and will bid 600-1000 for it.

Your Honda dealer no doubt wishes your trade wasn't in the deal and really doesn't want it.

I would run an ad in the paper and sell it yourself.

rroyce10 · May 2003

...... It's nice too see that you and Spatulaman shop at the same store, there's a lot to be said about this male bonding thing ..

          Ok, this a great deal -IF- you have a nice Tag in the glove box, a Piaget in the center console and a Bvlgari in the trunk, wrapped in those cool blue boxes they make.

            Are they Nut's ...?

          $27/$28 ..? .l.o.l. they weren't that much Brand New .. they had a MSRP of $37ish, invoice was "around" $33,5 and at the end of the year they had some big trunk money for $7 grand .. so that means that you could have bought one for $27/$28 "brand spankin' new", as in -0- miles, not a swallow on that fine corinthian leather, not a paw on that Bose stereo, not even a glove on the chromes -- NEW.!

             This guy has Brass bingo's I gotta say .. but anyway, the silver one sounds like a Sport and the white one is also very nice .. right now, they are doing "around" $15ish at the auctions with the xtra low miles and loaded up with ALL the stuff, heated bun warmers, Bose, slider, chromes yatty yatty yatty ... so let's say by the time they get it home they have $16 in it - let's certify it, I don't know why, it's a waste of money, you pick up 2 more years and that's from the ~original~ date in service time, so let's add the $900, now they have $17 in it - now let's say the dealer is month behind in his child support, let's add $900 there .. so we have $18 ..

             Personally I like these vehicles .. sporty, lotsa bang for the buck and they had all the bugs worked out in the 00 and 01's -- $27/$28 ..? - maybe if you are snorting Prozac and Draino at the same time, but in the "real world" $19,900 would be a good deal for both ..

               Terry :-)

rroyce10 · May 2003

...... Side collision ..?

             $1,500 .....?

                     $3,500 .....?

                            $9,750 .......?

                 Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2003

....... Woo hoo.! .. a 96 "Doh Ge' duelly" - it sounds like a real nice rig, hard to get and hard to find unless, they have 200k and they look like they were just hit by a terrorist attack.

            88 klicks doesn't mean nothing on a Cummins, it's hardly broke in on this 1 tonner 4X4, it's a duelly, Xcab, auto, all the eye candy, mirrors for the feet, right color for the area, SLT, service is all there, tires are deep - .. ALL the stuff is going on here. ~~ no tow package, wow.!, you must drive this to church and back, 3.5 kinda rare ..

            Trade side the high $15's, maybe - just maybe, the low low $16's to the right dealer .. I don't have to tell you, this a case study for Retail Rd, it will take you about 15 minutes to sell .. $19,900 and wave goodbye at $18,5/$19,5 ..

                  Terry ;-)

deebo_67 · May 2003

Terry, isellhondas, dkuhajda, and everyone else who chimed in to help educate me--many thanks.

I guess that a little information (KBB value) can be a bad thing when it misleads, and I really appreciate the real world perspective from you guys. This forum is incredibly helpful, and I can't thank you guys enough for the time you put into this.

I know the best thing to do from a monetary perspective is to sell the car myself. However (and please do not laugh), I have a real attachment to this car, and I need to 'cut the cord' quickly or else I am afraid I will find yet another reason not to move on to a car that was built in this century. Add that to the fact that it would KILL me to knowingly sell the car to a jerk who might not treat it right, and I came to the conclusion that the anonymity of a trade is best for me. How's that for making no sense?

The dealer who quoted me the $700 sight unseen is going to look at it tomorrow--I'll let you know how I make out.

navajoowner · May 2003

I have a 1993 Mazda Navajo w/118K on it. It has been garaged all it's life, a few nicks but looks real good inside and out. New tires in 11/02. Only problem is that it does need transmission work. Don't know how much work it will need, but it is very hard to shift at this point. (Clutch replaced 10/01 - brought it back and they said it was the trans). I would like to sell this car. Would it be better to sell as is or fix the trans before selling? I'm torn about the return of the fix if it cost alot.

Any of your great advise appreciated!

:}

onyeiii · May 2003

Hi Terry, et al

I've been watching this board for a few months now, and learning tons! Thanks for the education. I'm still kinda shopping for a used car for a soon-to-be 16 year old. OK, I admit, I'm taking my time with this one. We inquired on a '99 Mazda protege a few months back, but let it slip away. This evening we cruised the (closed) used lots of a few dealers, and came across a 1999 silver Escort ZX2 that my wife thinks the teenage daughter would love. Couldn't tell too much peering through the windows, but it does have tinted windows, 5-speed, AM/FM casette (didn't see a CD). I assume air, not sure about ABS, etc. Hmmm...what else? 79,000 miles on the clock, very clean. This is sunny OKC, OK, btw.

Any insight to a fair price for this one? While we're at it, if anyone has any experience on reliability, suitability for teenager, etc. I'd love to hear it.

Thanks again for all the insider info. I wished I'd found this sight before purchasing my last vehicle.

mayerzd · May 2003

I planning on trading in my 1997 Toyota Tacoma. It's in good shape but it's a 2-wheel drive and it doesn't have an extra so it's not going to sell for much. My question is, should I fix the cracked windshield (two cracks but they don't affect the driver's site line) before I trade it in? It's going to cost me about $200 and I'm just not sure that it is worth it.

Thanks in advance for your help.

zueslewis · May 2003

a used car manager will likely guess, and guess high at what the replacement cost will be - and you're guaranteed to take that hit.

It's cheaper to spend $200 now than take a $500-600 hit on your trade value.

chile96 · May 2003

Hey guys - any help appreciated. I've got a 99 GMC Yukon SLT 4x4 w/ 68K ticks on the clock. Blue w/ neutral leather interior that is spotless. No stains on the carpet but a couple of tiny parking lot kisses on the passenger side only visible if searching for them. No wrecks but insurance did replace hood after some drunk wahoo stood on it and bent the midline crease pretty good. New off road tires w/ brushguard, nerf bars, and towing pkg. I'm in Houston and have realized that up north these things are priced quite a bit higher than down here. Anyway wanting to retail b/c I KNOW I will flip my lid if the dealer offers something insulting. What should I go for. Am moving to Atlanta in June - higher retail value there? Is it true these 4x4's sell better before the winter too?

Thanks for all your help
fo

kbehnke · May 2003

Terry,

The damage was around $10k. All body work, no engine damage.

Thanks.

porknbeans · May 2003

After lurking and reading the info here for a very long time I am about ready to pull the trigger on a purchase. My wife has chosen a Honda Pilot to replace her car. I realize that her car is probably a good one for retail road, but I don't have the time or the patience for that approach. That being said, I was wondering if I could get an idea of what it would be worth on trade.

1995 Altima GXE (no added extras)
power windows
power locks
AM/FM Cassette
typical amount of wear and tear for a seven year old car that has been the family hauler (2) kids.
A few dings, two rust spots and paint is in good condition
120k in mileage
Madison, Wisconsin
It has been maintained to within an inch of its life and I have the records to prove it.
New sneakers.
Scheduled to have it detailed.

There it is, I have an idea of what I'm in for, but I'm just looking for some confirmation. Thanks to everyone in advance and what you do her is a real treat to read.

tioman · May 2003

Rroyce10,
Thanks for the valuable advice(in your msg below). We've been kinda sitting on this one since I last posted the msg. The dealer called us back to say that they were lowering the price to 14,500, including the 6 year/100K warranty.
Should we haggle?
.............
(#12052 of 12170 Tioman .. by rroyce10 Apr 25, 2003 (6:47 am) ...... These are great vehicles, will run to 150/200k++ properly serviced, contrary to CR, remember CR thinks Hyundai is a great vehicle - so in my book they don't count anymore.
Is $16 a little tall ..? yeah, I think so .. if it had 25/35k then it might be worth it, even with the warranty, $15,0 "feels" right.
Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2003

...... Thanks for the update.! ..

          You can try it and see what happens, but it "seems" like the dealer has taken a real good look at all the 60/90+ day vehicles and they are lookin' to cut some from the herd -- might be a real good deal at $14,5 .. but, just like my great Grandfather use to say ~~ "You can be a Lion, you can be a Tiger, but never be a Pig ..

                Good luck ...

                  Terry.

jeepinbankdude · May 2003

I would like to know what it is so I have an idea of just how much I might be being taken (though I realize everyone needs to make a profit) as I parouse around different dealers trading it in if it doesnt get purchased by my brother.

99' Sienna Red,57K,V8,Tow Package,Sunroof,10 CD Changer,Heated seats,Quadra-TracII.

Ive been offered between 11 and 14k.

Also the car im most interested in BUYING is a 2001 STS with 76K on the clock and all options except for Navigation. Dealer wants 18930.

Help is appreciated if anyone can help thanks!

Thanks to he who pointed me in the right direction here.

rroyce10 · May 2003

..... 2WD ....? 4WD ... ?

DX ..? LX ..?

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2003

........ Ok, we a have a 99 with 79k .. miles are stiff and it's a handshaker, I gotta think they wouldn't have much more than $3,0 in it .. their asking $4,5 I would assume .. right ..?

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2003

..... Whatever Zues said ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2003

...... Heeey ..! I wasn't drunk ..! - I just needed a taller step to reach that football .!

Hotlanta and Dallas are "kinda" comparable in the 4x4 market .. if it's clean, if the hood is fixed Right, service is all there .. then you should be seeing the high $12's low $13's on a trade, what holds this one back is the miles ..

Terry ;-)

navajoowner · May 2003

Sorry Terry - should have given more details to start with.
It is a 1993 Mazda Navajo LX 4x4 Manual transmission. Tilt, pwr dl,pwr steering, pwr windows, locks, lumbar seat control, 12 disc CD changer (I had installed), roof rack, sun roof, sport seats. cloth interior. Inside and out looks great. Was detailed. A few small paint scratch marks on body, no accidents, no dents. Small rust spot on side of black fender in back. Everything works, oil changes every 3000 miles, maintained well. I have replaced the clutch, brakes, 4wd motor over last couple of years. I got new tires in 11/02.

I sold the car in late January for $4500, and made the HUGE mistake of taking a personal check. Needless to say the account was closed, and we tried to be nice and negoitiate with the buyer to give him time to get money to us. After 3 months of bull, we took the car back (Figured that the only way we'd get anything out of it would be to take it back - long story). When we got it back, the car had real trouble getting into gear, and while sometimes it drives and shifts fine, sometimes I can barely get it into gear even when driving. Now I have to re-sell. What do you think? (Besides that we were stupid!)LOL - we can laugh now!
Should I fix the transmission and try to get a decent price, or just try to sell as is?

Thanks again!

jeepinbankdude · May 2003

I would like to know what it is so I have an idea of just how much I might be being taken (though I realize everyone needs to make a profit) as I parouse around different dealers trading it in if it doesnt get purchased by my brother.

99' Sienna Red,57K,V8,Tow Package,Sunroof,10 CD Changer,Heated seats,Quadra-TracII.

Ive been offered between 11 and 14k.

Also the car im most interested in BUYING is a 2001 STS with 76K on the clock and all options except for Navigation. Dealer wants 18930.

Help is appreciated if anyone can help thanks!

Thanks to he who pointed me in the right direction here.

rroyce10 · May 2003

........ Yeeee Ooooow ..!

          $10,000 ....? as in Ten Grand ..? American money ..? -- that's not a collision, that's a fire fight with the 82nd Airborne -- golly ghee, no one will ever see this little scratch .l.o.l..

             I don't know what to tell ya on this one .. let's just say it get's by the "The good - The bad - and the blind" .. sooner or later this one is going to be coming back, I don't think you want to open yourself to that kind of liability, it can get Real Ugly .. without really seeing it, I'm going to just guess that it might be worth $8/$10 grand on a trade ..

             sorry ...

               Terry

akangl · May 2003

Ya missed my post....hehehe.

1994 Chevy K3500, reg cab, LB, 6.5L TD, manual trans, 4WD, 146,638 miles, green/tan, the truck overall is in fair shape for its age. Guy is asking $6900, what say you? We are looking for a beater truck that gets decent fuel economy without being a itty bitty thing.

1993 Toyota T100, reg cab, LB, V6, manual trans, 4WD, 108k, black/tan, in fair shape for its age. Asking $6995.

With the places hubby goes he'll have that new paint job on our 94 gone in no time, gotta find him a truck to beat on. Plus I need our truck for the summer horse show season.

rroyce10 · May 2003

...... I remember you - your an arcahtek, arkateck, anyway you design stuff ..

It's a 95, it's GXE, we have the power pack and we have 120k screaming through the dash .. if it looks, drives, feels like it has 50k, deep in rubber, no rust .. then trade side you should be seeing in and around the $1,5, "could' "might" see $2,000 if it's a real nice one - if it needs stuff, start deducting.

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2003

....... You mean a Sierra, as in a GMC ...? ** 99' Sienna Red,57K,V8, ** ...?

Terry.

akangl · May 2003

In the title of his post it says 99 Grand, so I take it to mean 99 Grand Cherokee V8, 57k, Quadra-trac II, sienna red, ect, ect, ect.

rroyce10 · May 2003

..... Kinda of a tuff one to find .. a long bed with a reg cab Dsl, on a 1 ton frame, hmm, hey it's Alaska .. if it's a "baby doll" it might see the $3's, maybe the tall $3's in AK .. $6,900 ..? Oh yeah, why not just round it off to an even $7,000, what's a hundred here or there ..

Nope, a strong Nick, maybe double Nickels if it's reeeal nice --- $6,900 for the Yota ...? well .. the miles are low, it's a 4wd and the miles are low, aaah the miles are low, oop's I already said that .. if it was just friggin' puuuurfect, waaay deep in rubber, looks and drives new, it "might" see $3,0 at the block, in Denver or Milwaukee in dead winter, lot's of white stuff on the ground, minus 15 .. $6,900 ...? -- noooo waaay .. $5,0 ...? just like the other one, double nickels if you can't live without it .. most of these are seeing $2,5 at the auctions down here ...

Terry.

akangl · May 2003

Thanks, that's what I thought. The K3500 is in ok shape, kinda beat up, looks like someone had a kicking party with the bed. The guy is pretty firm on the price, I think I'll let him stew for a while and then hit him with a $5k offer.

As for the Yota, the lowest they will go is $5995 for it and that's only if they can get the owner to agree (its a consignment). Its a nice truck, but not a baby doll by any means.

Other than that hubby's looking at a 1990 F-350 7.3L non turbo diesel, crew cab, 4x4, auto, xlt lariat, tan/tan, nice truck for its age, 145k. Asking $6995. What is it with the $6995 anyway?????

Our 94 K2500 is a *baby doll* and we were offered $3500 in trade the other day, not that we would trade it. Had thoughts about selling it after the summer was up, but its too nice to part with, I'll just use it for my tow vehicle.

rroyce10 · May 2003

.... 1990 F-350 7.3L non turbo diesel, crew cab, 4x4 ... $2,0 ...? 2,500 ...? - maybe $5,0 on the retail side ..?

       Since the weather is nice up there I should send some vehicles up ..

            82 Buick Lesabre, like new, only 185,000 miles - $6,995.!

            92 GMC Safari Van, AWD, loaded up, only 145,000 miles - $6,995.!

               ..l.o.l...

                   Terry.

jeepinbankdude · May 2003

Yup it is a 99 V8 Grand Limited,and a 2k1 Seville STS on the buy side.

Thanks for any help received.

akangl · May 2003

I'm telling ya man, you'd make a bundle sending them up here. Prices are nuts. Pretty scary when I can pick several examples off the top of my head that are just outer space prices.

Of course if it says Subaru or Toyota on it, well, the price goes outer space times 2.

jeepinbankdude · May 2003

Yup it is a 99 V8 Grand Limited,and a 2k1 Seville STS on the buy side.

Thanks for any help received.

rroyce10 · May 2003

..... Ok, lets take another look .. we a 99 Grand Cherokee, 4wd limited, V8 - no 5.9..right.?, with 57k .. color is ok, miles are a little stiff, depending on where you live, if it has new rubber, no kisses, no science experiments on the interior and lookin' 01, the you should be seeing in and around the $12's on a trade .. might see $13,0 if it's puuurffect and it glows in the dark.

           Now the STS, especially with all those miles should be cheap .. $18,900, now that's down right fair - If there is a years free subscription of golf at Augusta thrown in .. they can't have more than $13 in it, it's a wash ..

            Not to sound smart, by why the heck are you lookin' at a 75k 01 STS Caddy ..? - you might be better off selling yours and seeing $15,0 .. then buying a loaded up 00 STS with 25k, for $21sh or whatever ...

              >Scratching my head<

                   Terry.

jeepinbankdude · May 2003

Haha,glows in the dark...I like that

.

Well bein totally honest with ya I just love the STS and the 01 is the first year that is really optioned the way I like it. HID's,Onstar,Auto-updown windows,Park distance sensor,Roof (Sun,not astro

. Pretty much everything except for the navigation system and ...the navigation system is it.

I had it for a weekend and loved it,even a 00 or 99 STS would leave me feeling less pampered now.

Thanks for the advice tho,ill take that to the bank!

kbehnke · May 2003

Terry,

Thanks for info. I knew it wasn't going to good news. I have an inattentive truck driver to thank for that(who, by the way, never stopped after side-swiping me). Anyway, just out of curiousity, how much would it have been worth without the accident?

Thanks again.

rroyce10 · May 2003

...... Wow, that's some story .. 3 months ...? - I would love to know the details, so you were saying .. ???

         It's a 93, it's a 4x4, it's a LX, has all the power stuff and the miles are low for the year .. ya know if Mazda hadn't gotten so snooty in 94, they could have had this as an SUV for the last 8 years, it's a Explorer in drag, -duh - .. what were they thinkin' .? they sold well ..

          Well anyway, I would try to get this puppy fixed for $200/$300ish .. on a trade, fixed it might be worth $2,0 .. unfixed, who knows, it will depend on how much the UC Mgr want's to complain .. or he may just look at it and put a figure on it. -- Or, you can go back down Retail Rd and get your $4 grand for it .. ? this time, get cash.

                 Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2003

..... Probably "around" the $16 zipcode figure ..

Terry.

navajoowner · May 2003

Thanks for the info. I'll try to see if I can get if fixed fairly cheaply. Don't need a trade right now.

The stories....my hubby was trying to be nice and work this out man to man (with a little police action as a motivator) and this guy just kept giving him story after story...i.e. the money got stolen by the person who was putting it in the bank for him...the IRS refund check is due in 2 weeks....the check hasn't come in yet....I'll see if I can get a loan from the bank...I can't get a loan because the check bounced....Maybe my parents will help me out....I'm in jail... can't get you anything til I get out sometime in May....

The sad part - he gives the truck to his girlfriend - her only mode of transport - and neither can pay for it. She tries to negotiate monthly payments with us, but has only a part time job and has $37 to her name. We gave up!! We figured we'd never see a dime!

Live and learn. Will get cash next time! Thanks for the info!! Have a great day!!

tioman · May 2003

Terry,
Thanks for your reply. I'm the one who wrote in about the well-loaded 2000 Volvo 270 for 16K.

The dealer has now called to say that they're brining it down to 14,800, including the 6yr/100K warranty. Should we bargain more? We're also thinking of trading in our 2001 honda CR-V-base model. Have a feeling they'll hit us hard on that, b/c they're a volvo (not honda) dealer. Any further advice?

Thanks in advance for all your help.
p.s. sorry if this is a repeat. i tried to send it yesterday, but i think i deleted it.

[#12052 of 12198 Apr 25, 2003 (6:47 am)]

rutger3 · May 2003

I may sell my car to a friend;would like to charge a very fair price. It is a 99 Camry 4 cyl LE, 122,000 miles, good condition, abs, remote entry,cd,pwr seat,moonroof, well maintained. What would you charge? Thanks. Have tried Edmunds, KBB, NADA and prices seem to be all over the place. One thought was to get a trade in value from a dealer who always low ball you and use that.

onyeiii · May 2003

Thanks for the help Terry!

We haven't talked to the dealer about the price as of yet - they were closed when we saw it on Sunday, and I'm still not sure about these cars. hmmm...I wonder if there's a thread "best $5k used car"??

My wife wants to buy her an '01 civic or similar - of course, this is wayyyy out of the price range, as far as I can tell. We won't even mention the issue about whether or not we should be buying her a car at all, especially at 16 - let's just say there are some compelling arguments for both sides.

There is an '00 Escort, ZX2, red, 5 speed, in the paper here (OKC) for $5400, private seller, with 36,000 miles on the clock. No power windows, cassette (no CD), original tires. I assume it has air/cruise, but don't know yet. We'll try to look at it this evening. The woman who owns it bought it new, and according to her has never had any problems with it, no accidents. She is buying a larger car, and I'm guessing that she didn't like the trade offer.

Whatdya think on this one? Any other ideas for the perfect $5k used car? We're hoping it will last through college for her (another 6 years, give or take).

TIA

Ossie

akangl · May 2003

Remember that little 94 Escort LX that I sold to that buy here, pay here lot?

Well....I saw it the other day, they put a new grill in it and what looks to be a fender from a junkyard, judging from the dings in it, and the poor paint job on that fender. I think he put a stereo in it, I never bothered in the time I had it. Anyway, I looked at the price on the windshield and about died.......$4995.

Sad part is someone desperate will buy that car and pay big bucks for it. When I sold the car it needed a timing belt, automatic seatbelt tracks (they didn't work), and the air bag light was on. He didn't fix any of that stuff.

Now I feel bad I sold that car to him and feel even worse about someone ending up with it. Guess I should have put it in the paper for $900 and given someone a deal on it.

rutger3 · May 2003

A local dealer had this car and was asking $9500. According to NADA,high retail should be closer to $7100. The miles seem low though. What would be a good price to pay?

ghulet · May 2003

Thanks for the advice, Terry. VW dealer offered $2k on the 97 Avenger, 'maxed' out at $2500. She walked, then dealer called her back two days later and offered $3k. Sold American!

mark156 · May 2003

Hey Terry, in 1999, Jeep Grand did not come with a 5.9 V8. The largest was the 4.7 V8.

1998 was the last year for the Jeep Grand 5.9.

Mark

rroyce10 · May 2003

...... Gooood Job ..!

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2003

Tioman .. by rroyce10 May 05, 2003 (3:54 pm)
...... Thanks for the update.! ..

          You can try it and see what happens, but it "seems" like the dealer has taken a real good look at all the 60/90+ day vehicles and they are lookin' to cut some from the herd -- might be a real good deal at $14,5 .. but, just like my great Grandfather use to say ~~ "You can be a Lion, you can be a Tiger, but never be a Pig ..

                Good luck ...

                  Terry.

_____________________________________________

        I know I'm a little slow .. I know I miss a bunch, but I didn't miss yours ... So there , Nah.!

                   Terry :-)

rroyce10 · May 2003

...... God bless ya, you sure are patient ~ I would have had a "hook" out there in no time .. I have a buddy in that business, he has 2 ton Grabbers with 10 halogens on the roll bars, with music .. remember the movie Appocalypes now, a little "shock and awe" in their driveway .l.o.l..

Terry.

steine13 · May 2003

I can make a chant out of it... it's a Zen thing...

Prizm Prizm Prizm Prizm Prizm Prizm
Pro-'te-he-ge! Pro-ho-ho-te-'ge!
Prizm Prizm Prizm Prizm Prizm Prizm...

It's all in the rythm.

Seriously, '99-'01 Prizms are all over the place... fine, boring cars; very reliable, excellent value.

-Mathias
who swears he hasn't had a drop of alcohol since going canoeing <hic> over the weekend...

rroyce10 · May 2003

..... Ton's of miles, don't you have a dating service a little closer to your home ..?

Be honest with yourself, is it a clean one .. new sneakers, service is all there, what's it need ..? - if it's a nice one, you would probably see the high $4's, "maybe" the low low $5's on a trade, it has the abs, slider, p. seat, kinda rare .. with no one getting their feelings hurt - $6ish ..?

Terry.

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