Real-World Trade-In Values

andrewsi · June 2003

Hi, getting ready to trade in or sell my 2001 explorer sport. I live in upstate NY, SUV's are pretty popular. The explorer has about 40k miles, is in excellent shape, runs great, its a 4x4, has a power sunroof, leather steering wheel, cruise control, automatic transmission, cd player, etc...
Anyway, I am wondering how much I could get on it for trade-in or via a private sale....
How accurate is edmunds on these numbers:
12500 trade in value and 14000 private party? Looking around the town dealerships prices, I could believe maybe 13000-13500 private party (dealers are selling quite a bit higher), but 12500 trade-in value sounds almost too good to be true... I'm a little skeptical on that number.

Thanks for any help you can give!

akangl · June 2003

Not on that side of the Canadian border yet, but will be soon.

As for trading my truck, I would only do it if I could get better than what I have.

Thing I'm looking at is my truck gets 9 mpg around town and around 14 mpg on the highway, that's a killer. If I could have found a 96ish Explorer, Cherokee, or something of the sort, with a 6-cyl, that will get high teens/low twenties I would have been happy.

Ah well, I'm done looking, found what I thought was a decent deal, until the stupid sales manager wanted to get all high and mighty.

They wanted a gold price for their 96 Cherokee, nice enough truck, but it had more issues at 78k than my truck does at 137k. My main thought was if I could have found something that would get decent gas mileage and still be able to haul what I need I'd be good. Otherwise I'm gonna have to buy a car or something when I get to Texas and then have 2 vehicles on my insurance (which is expensive enough).

Oh, and NO I don't want a new vehicle every 4 months, I really like my truck, just not the gas mileage and how hard it is to park. I ain't giving my truck away, its not a bad vehicle.

The offers on it ranged from $4000 to $5000 ACV.

rroyce10 · June 2003

..... Great Vehicles .. good color for the area .. it has the Nak, the chromee's, bun warmers, tan gut's and the miles are waaay low for the year .. if it's a real nice vehicle, then they might have $22ish in it, then it's certified, then a little this a little that, probably $23,5 to the table .. $26ish should send it home ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · June 2003

...... The miles are a little on the tall side, the 2dr Sports (or any 2dr SUV's) just don't have a big following .. but we have the slider and it's a 4WD that saves this puppy ..

            So if it's clean, deep in the round stuff, then you should be seeing "around" $10ish on the trade side .. down the street there's a place called Retail Rd for a quick sale, $12,900 in the paper and wave goodbye for $11,9/$12,5 .. dealers can "ask" anything they want, but asking and getting are 2 separate items and most dealers expect to see a trade-in to come at them, so it's much easier to "show" an overallowance on that trade, but with a little negotiation, any dealer will drop a Sport for $13,5 or less ...

         Good Luck ...

                       Terry.

peter_in_atl · June 2003

Color is Merlot.
Interior is Black Leather.

Need more info?

wale_bate1 · July 2003

The Mrs. has a hankering to unload the van.

How's about a 2001 Chrysler Town & Country EX.
Factory options: Inferno Red paint
Dealer options: Mopar VHS entertainment system installed prior to delivery

Let's call it clean: only one melted Skittle in the seating track.

31K miles, new tires.

Perhaps trade for a RX330... Oy!

fezo · July 2003

Drive it on over and I'll take a look. Could be interested. I'm only 3,000 miles away.

akangl · July 2003

That dealers up here are smoking something.

Just to satisfy my urge to trade my truck I went and looked at a couple more SUVs.

1995 Ford Explorer XL, 4wd, white/tan vinyl, auto, V6, 103k, a/c, am/fm, in good shape, rear bumper was pushed in, but other than that a nice truck. Dealer was asking $6495, I offered my truck straight across, no deal, they wanted my truck plus $1400.

1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, V8, 4wd, all options, no roof, am/fm/cd, silver/gray, 111k, in fairly good shape. Dealer asking $6995...nice truck, but it wouldn't run, went back 3 times and it either wouldn't start or wouldn't idle.

The salesman that we worked with on the Explorer was great, as we were leaving he came over and took a good look at my truck. He then said "I hate to say this, but you are better off keeping the Chevy, its a very nice truck"

Ah well, at least I can pull a house if I feel the need........or maybe a gas station.

fezo · July 2003

Go to California and trade for Wale's Town and Country. He's a nice guy. I'm sure he'll do it....

akangl · July 2003

Nah, I'm gonna keep my Chevy, its a gas hog, but reliable. Now if I could just figure out how to change lanes and park it, I'd be fine.

wale_bate1 · July 2003

Kind of at a loose end there, ain't ya? [-P

Don't mind him akangl, too much time on the beach with the goats I'm thinkin'...

fezo · July 2003

Just trying to take that unwanted T&C off your hands for ya don't ya know.

wale_bate1 · July 2003

You are a pal, and no two ways!

I had thought this particular storm had blown over, but she called around lunch and made it fairly clear that we're edging over from "passing fancy" to "awannit".

One doesn't argue with one's CFO over acquistions...

spatulaman · July 2003

Seriously considering trading my Z4 for an M3, need feedback of my cars worth

03 z4 2.5, 4100 miles, msrp $43120 sterling gray, black interior
auto, pp, sp, nav, carver, heated seats

Anyone sold/traded their Z4 lately, Im just trying to get an approx value trading (retail to retail) to get a fair/good deal.

Any info, please email me @ damills@charter.net

jratcliffe · July 2003

I think with that truck, changing lanes and parking shouldn't be too difficult. Just decide where you want to put your truck, and the rest of the world will scamper in terror to adapt.

corylaneg · July 2003

I have a Artic Silver, 1999 BMW M Coupe with 24,500 miles on it. Located in Houston, TX. Car is clean. Was looking to trade it in for something larger as I'm getting married. Any ideas on fair trade in value?

Thanks.

rroyce10 · July 2003

.... Ok, now we got it .. 01, SE, Merlot with black gut's .. color "might" hold this one back in Hotlanta ..
Same stuff, gotta be clean, no trips to Tire Kingdom, no 40lbs of bondo, just a nice vehicle .. trade side, in and around the mid to high $14's .. down the street at Retail Rd, $17,9 in the paper and $16,5/$17,5 gets a wave goodbye ..

Good luck ..!

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... A Skittle huh ..? hmmm, let me ponder this .. if it's only 1 Skittle then it might pass, usually 2 or more then it's a $5,000 deduct

..

         Color is right, miles are semi-low with warranty, we have the Disney package, it's a loaded up EX, new round things, plus, this IS thee time to be trading a van .. most, even Windstars are getting crazy money if they are nice and clean ... trade side, in and around the low to mid $14's ..

                Let me know ...

                   Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... Stay way from the car lots ... !

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... Ya just got the darn thing and already you want to trade it ....!

         Typical American ...

          Anyway, 4k, right color (where do you live .?) .. trade side, in and around the $33/$34ish zipcode ~ "might" "could" crawl up towards the $35 figure depending on the dealer --- and where you live .............

                        Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... It's the right color right now in the Big H .. if it's Cleeeeean, no kisses, no re-paints, deep sneakers, service is all there, seats look hovered in .. then trade side, $21/$22 ..

Terry.

wale_bate1 · July 2003

Many thanks!

Have a happy, safe and (if you're working) prosperous Fourth!

fezo · July 2003

Off to teh Lexus dealer......

wale_bate1 · July 2003

Mid 14's, plus delivery expenses. Chris will pay for the detailing on your end (it will have been his fault anyway)...

I can't talk now, I have shopping to do...

jratcliffe · July 2003

Hey guys, got a potential summer toy, looking to evaluate the deal:

Boston area buyer, car is in FL
*1997 BMW 328iC, 72000 miles
*Ticket Me Red
*Automatic tranny
*Sport package
*Rollover package
*On board computer
*AM/FM Cassette
*Tires are so-so

Thanks!

jratcliffe · July 2003

Oh, and tan interior, if that matters.

stebu · July 2003

"...this IS thee time to be trading a van .. most, even Windstars are getting crazy money if they are nice and clean"

Bummer, just when I'd been looking at this category. I'm guessing because it's traveling season for the families. Am I right? So, when are the price of these things depressed? Mid-winter? I might have to wait a bit now.

robr2 · July 2003

Is ticket me red anything like the street walker red on a Saab I asked about a few weeks ago? LOL

peter_in_atl · July 2003

Thanks for the info. I take it being a 20th Anniversary Edition(AE) doesn't have much of an effect. Only 10K of them were made.

denrich8608 · July 2003

01 Lexus ES300
Diamond White Pearl over Ivory
Options per the original sticker
Lexus value pkg which included
   leather
   heated mirrors w/memory
   garage door opener
   moonroof
   6 disc changer
Wood steering wheel
Trunk mat
Wheel locks
14,000 miles (wife doens't drive much)
no dents, or door dings
oil changes by the dealer every 6mo.
one fender-bender 1st month we had it (dang-it)
    they put on a new fender and bumper
    which, of course, required paint
    done by the Lexus body shop
    didn't hurt the hood, passenger door, or
    intrude into the engine compartment
never been in the shop for anything mechanical

My lease end payoff amount is $20k + 6%sales tax
I'm thinking of keeping it a while. Can you give me a trade value, sell-it-myself value, and a retail value. Thanks and I'm in Texas

jratcliffe · July 2003

Exactly. The comparable lipstick shade is often known as FMR. I would fill in the blanks, but the hosts might not approve.

akangl · July 2003

Do I have to??

gmanusmc · July 2003

Terry - you've already helped me once on this but I'd like to get an update if possible. Have you seen many TL's going thru auction? I want to be sure we are asking a fair price. The car is a very very very clean, 2002 3.2TL with Navi, Anthracite, 18K miles. I did a nationwide search on auto trader and 143 popped up - only 8 had fewer miles and the avg asking price was 26K. Applying your extensive expertise, what is a realistic wholesale & private party value?

Thanks in advance!

Bill G

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... Did you write that on your original post ..?

    >>I take it being a 20th Anniversary Edition<<

         I just figured you meant an SE .. AE/SE .. see, my crystal ball got repo'd last week, I was 3 months behind on the payments and since you wouldn't answer your phone I had to guess ..

         But anyway it's worth more $$ if it is .. what's the miles again ..? -- figure about a ghee whiz more all the way around ..

                       Terry ;-)

ghosh · July 2003

Terry:
Need your help with trading in a white Audi A4 Quattro.

Major options are 1)cold weather package(heated seats), 2)comfort package(sunroof, auto dimming mirrors) ,3)quattro all wheel drive and 4)5 speed tiptronic(auto).

The color is white with onyx interior.

It is very clean outside(a few scratches) and inside. Current mileage is 49,900 miles. Tires are Goodyear A2s put on about a year/10K miles ago.

I am in NC.
Thanks a bunch.

peter_in_atl · July 2003

I thought you'd know what 2001 SE AE meant. No big deal. 43K miles. The AE comes with ground effects, metal pedals, metal shifter, embossed sills, embroidered mats and more ponies than a regular SE.

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... Good morning .. it's just a Avalon base, nothing going for it, no roof, no hydes, maybe even hubcaps in that 97 - tires ..? .. still, not a bad vehicle at all ..

     Let's see if I understand what you are saying .. it's Not at a Yota dealer, needs 60k service($699), needs a ultra clean and detail($85), a touch up here and there ($75) and maybe some other stuff ($100) ..

        The XYZ dealer is putting in the radio that either got stolen or perhaps a loose nut behind the wheel + he put on new brakes ($90+) .. I must be slow this AM, I'm not getting it .. he just takes it in on trade, or purchase, does the brakes but not the 60k .. I'm guessing here, he bought it from a Yota dealer ..?

        I'm thinkin' he can't have more than $5,0/$5,5 in it because the miles are way low for the year, add the stuff and figure $6,0/$6,5, add the right profit after it's all done .. $8,5 would be a fair price .. whats he asking .?

        As far as your question on the sludge stuff - in my stupid humble opinion, thats more of an "urban legend" than anything else .. do I know of dealers that have seen it, oh yeah, but when you don't change your oil for 25,000+ miles, your gonna get sludge, thats the way God makes them ~ no El Chango, then you get El Sludgo .. I have spoke with dealers from Wisc to Sarasota on this topic and they all agree on it ..

         Spend the Xtra money, get a real close look at it, clean history, etc, .. no fear.

                      Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

.... I know what AE means .. but after reading about 200 posts a day I get a little blind .. ya know, it's like lookin' at 200 Playboys in an hour, after awhile the babes all look the same ..

But I did just pickup on the 43k, ooh a little stiff for an 01 .. might even "rollback" a ghee whiz ..

Terry.

peter_in_atl · July 2003

Yeah, the miles...that'll be the last time I buy a "next years model".

avaddict · July 2003

This vehicle has 56,400 miles. Every bell & whistle except sun roof. I've owned since 4200 mi.
Vehicle was MFG. Executive lease that I purchased direct from MFG (I'm a retired employee). Trans and converter replaced at 8200 mi. Car has been mechanically flawless since. Body is Teal/Dk Green w/ gray leather. New Michlein OEM tires at 46000 mi. Minor door nicks and stone chips on hood. Never in an accident. I now live in the Used car capitol of Fla., Suncoast area, 60 mi. North of Clearwater. When I'm looking for a trade they immediatly go to their 'black book'(vehicle auction values) and shoot very low $ value at me. Stock answer is 'too many used cars available'. Edmunds says $5600 trade, $6600 private (I accessed at clean condition). I don't need to replace, just got the bug. What do you think?

fantastic06660 · July 2003

I found an ad at a car dealer in Chicago area. This is not some cheesy used car lot but a new car dealer and this car was probably a trade in. This car dealer has like 6-8 new cars companies (but not deal with Volvo and this is only Volvo they had for sale).

With that in mind. It is 1999 Volvo S70 AWD Turbo (this is the top of the line model for this car with all the options and new ones in 1999 retailed at $33,000)

Options include:
AIR CONDITIONING,AUTO TRANSMISSION,POWER STEERING,POWER BRAKES,CRUISE CONTROL,POWER LOCKS,POWER WINDOWS,POWER SEAT,SUN ROOF,LEATHER,TILT STEERING

The car has 55K miles.

I already check CARFAX and no accidents and nothing funny.

From what I can gather from CARFAX. This car's history includes

1/8/2000 registed as private vehicle.

3/3/2000 title was first registered with 4067 miles on it. (maybe this was used as a dealer car or like some kind of test drive car until sold?)

Then from that point until now.. 55277 mile was put on it. I cannot verify when the car was first traded in or went on sale.

However one thing weird I found was there was 3 separate entries that car went on sale by the dealer in the same city, (no dates disclosed).

The mileage changes all the time first sale entry was at 55277 miles. Next one at 55280 miles. Then the last one at 55282.

Does this mean that this car was test driven at least twice but never bought? I am sure there are other used cars that were test driven but not bought but I have never seen where mileage was updated in this matter.

With all this in mind the sale price by this dealer was $12211.

Me not knowing anything about cars or volvos or buying used cars and from what I can gather, I am thinking this is a steal and I should even buy it right now.

I priced this car at a retail price at Kelly Blue book, this car as exactly specified with mileage and option valued at $18000. I even priced the based model (S70 base) with normal default milage (62K I believe) and that even priced it at $12995.

So is this

A) a steal even you want to get it right now and I am fool for not getting it ASAP?

okay to good price.

C) fair price given it is a Volvo which isn't the most popular car in the world.

D) dealer would never sell it this low and there is something seriously funny about the car and they are trying to unload it to a sucker like me..

Any advice would be kindly apperciate it.

Thanks.

robr2 · July 2003

LOL!! Is the color name in your latest post the official Dupont or BASF name??

isellhondas · July 2003

Stay away from those car lots. You are in recovery, remember?

And you will NEVER NEVER EVER get the smell of cat urine out of a car! There is NOTHING WORSE!

Craig...who is cringing just thinking of that horrible stench!

dhook · July 2003

Terry,

I have a 2001 300M that I am thinking of trading in in the Houston area. It is inferno red w/ beige interior and has moonroof, Chrome wheels, CD Changer, driver information center. It has 29,000 miles. It is in good condition. What is a fair trade-in price?

akangl · July 2003

I could have gotten it out, did it before with the Windstar that I had, one of my Bengals peed in it repeatedly. However, they would have had to have given me one heck of a killer deal (like my truck and $1000 in MY pocket). They were in the thing $7k (96 Exploder XLT, 4wd, 92k, V6). That little truck sure did smell bad though, nothing like opening the door of it on a 70 degree day......YUCK!!

I doubt I'll ever be fully cured, its an addiction, I would like something smaller to drive, but my truck is just so nice I can't part with it. I'll buy an Escort when I get to Texas or maybe a Jeep, who knows, just something that gets better than 9/14.

grogman1 · July 2003

Bill & Terry - Looking for a private party sale for a '98 Mercury Grand Marquis LS - 39,500 miles. Silver with gray leather, AM/FM Cass.(No CD), climate control, alum wheels, traction control(no handeling Pkg). Very clean - No dings, scratches, kept in heated garage in winter. Will need tires before long. Drivin to the grocery store and church. You get the picture. Located in southwest Ohio. Thanks !!

PS - individual is moving out of town on Monday July 7 and wants it sold NOW. What to pay ?

chrisbgood · July 2003

Base model -- 4 cyl, auto, air, am/fm/cassette. No power windows -- no power locks -- no options other than those listed below.

Teal in color (blue with green tint I'm told).

88,000 miles. Well maintained, clean car. Tires have less than 10k on them. Reliable transportation.

7 passenger seating. 4 buckets with bench in back.

Tintend windows (from factory). Rear defroster of course.

My MINI Cooper is landing within two weeks. Need to have a final answer on this one sell or trade at what price for each. Trade would be to local BMW/MINI dealer who only sells high line cars used -- the Caravan would never qualify. It will be an auction vehicle.

Location: Albany area of NY (upstate).

PS: you answered this very same question six months ago -- looking to see if any change now that deal is to be done (wait time on an ordered MINI is a pain).

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... Great description -THANK YOU .. !

       So we have "come get me red", tan gut's, ho-hum tires, 72k, auto .. if the top is like new, they take a beating in FL and the paint is fresh, same thing, they love to oxidize south of the Mason/Dixon line .. service is fine, no slammers at the beach .. trade side, $15ish ~ next door on Retail Rd $17,9ish ..

               Let me know ...

                     Terry.

gmanusmc · July 2003

Terry - have you had a chance to consider Post 13014 yet?

Thanks!

Bill G

Real-World Trade-In Values

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles