Real-World Trade-In Values

grolle · July 2003

Selling or trading in my 2000 Buick LeSabre Custom. Yes, new body style, just alot of miles on it...Live in Toledo, OH.(43560) Car has 71,019 miles on it. Cloth interior, AM-FM Cassette, PW, PL, Cruise, Air. No damage. Teal w/ creme cloth. What can I expect to get from a local dealer? What should I try to retail it for? Thanks in advance...

gcomstock1 · July 2003

Thanks for the feedback guys!

sergeym · July 2003

My girlfriend's girlfriend is interested in a green base model Saab 900S. No leather, no slider, no CD, no nothing. 80K miles, auto, dog-friendly interior. Body has lots of small dings and scratches but no accident. The owner wants $5,200. I did not like the car but what do I know. So what do you guys think? We are in NYC.

rroyce10 · July 2003

.... You did good, I don't feel perhaps they put enough $$ in the Chevy .. but, that's a whole different market and I do Know Cal and how he runs his stores .. l.o.l..

Terry

rroyce10 · July 2003

........ Who knows what any vehicle will be worth in 1-3 years and I really never try to guess .. but based on the last 3/5 years history, a CLEAN 98 Lexus GS300 with 60/70k and all the stuff is worth in and around $16/$17 on the wholesale side and "around" $19,0ish on the retail side .. I feel if you were going to gamble on a vehicle, this one would do well ..

I hope this helps ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

....... We are all very sorry to hear about Ernie .. he was quite the character, a lot of dealers still copy his methods, nothing succeeds like success ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... These dudes still get big money, 330 or no 330 it's not making a difference ..

This one has low miles, color is kinda ho-hum, but if it's clean, nice, get the dent Dr. to have the dings removed, get a great detail and a great ad .. down Retail Rd $26,9 in the paper and $25,5/$26,5 should put a Senator in the seat ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

........ The Mitsu's aren't doing so well right now .. the Benz dealer couldn't have much more than $9ish in it, figure $7,0 for the Mitsu ..

He probably traded for his vehicle and $3,5/$4,0 ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... Thanks, great description ..

It's an EX, kind ruff on the outside, tires are newish, miles are good .. come trade side, you should be seeing the mid to high $8's - might see $9,0 depending on the dealer ..

Terry.

tblazer503 · July 2003

alrighty, looks like terry might have missed ya on this one, since you are in a rush, I'll try to give you a general idea.

'01 Vette guessing convertible, all the bells and whistles...

the book calls for ~33k wholesale average cond. probably see about 30k on a trade because of the miles primarily. Fish around and see what you get.. depending on the area you live in, you may get higher, may get lower. just a ballpark figure.

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... Thanks TB, didn't see the "hurry part" ...

For starters, where is this pup, let's hope it's not in Texas or any place south .. miles are going to flat slap you silly here .. if the tires are deep, it looks like the seats have been "hovered" in, feels and drives like a 20k vehicle .. then trade side, you should be in and around the high $26's, low $27 figure .. depending on where this dude is, the color and the miles are going to bite this one ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... 2dr ...... ?

4dr ....?

Terry.

blackvettec5 · July 2003

The vette is a coupe and it's has 4 new tires and brake pads and rotor resurfaces done in the last 3 months. I have all the records for all the services. Now I know I'm going to bite it because of milage, but the dealers I've been to so far are only offering 20k. THis is in NY.

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... Half of the churches in the south have a pass van from me .l.o.l..

The the 01, 15 pass, toyed out, super clean, ultra nice 1 tonners with the V8 gas engines and 25kish are doing in and around the high $12's, low low $13's .. pretty much about the same across the board with all 3 lines .. this should at least give you an idea to work with ...

Terry.

qbrozen · July 2003

sorry. forgot that the occasional LX coupe does exist

(although I'm not so sure for 2000). Anyway, yes, 4 doors.

thanks.
oh, here's the info. again so you don't have to look back:

hers:
'00 Civic LX sedan auto maroon over tan cloth 58K clicks. couple of dings, nothing major, clean on the inside, and rubber is about half there.

possible purchase:
'01 Tribute DX auto 4x4 v6. Let's say in silver and with about 20K miles.

standard equipment otherwise on both. And both in Jersey.

zueslewis · July 2003

he's going to jump off the fence this week - I also steering him towards new, considering fleet pricing and these radical rebates...

clpurnell · July 2003

Thanks for the numbers on the Benz and galant. You hit the trade right on the head. He paid 12k for the Benz. Bad thing is he rolled about 3k worth of negative onto the benz and is paying interest (mitsu was 0%).

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... Eeeee yeeeeeow ...!

        $15,0 plus the TTL ..?

         He's got a "firm grip" on that puppy .. hang on, cuz' it's gonna be a Bumpy ride .l.o.l.

                        Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... You are quite welcome ..

Terry.

akangl · July 2003

Didn't buy it at Cal......thank goodness, they were a tad too shady for me, but the salesman was cute. :-)

I bought it at another dealer where I dealt pretty much directly with the used car manager.

He put $5500 into the Chevy which was the highest offer I got, with the lowest being $3500. The market for 454's is non existant up here. There are a couple 96's in the paper, pretty much identical trucks to mine that haven't moved at $6995. Reality was it was still a 1994 and it still had 138k on it. It was above average for its age, but needed about $2k put into it mechanically.

Paid $11,551 OTD for the Explorer and don't regret a second of it, its a lovely little SUV......except for the darn lighted Lund visor, rattle, rattle, rattle. BTW, I found out the Explorer was sold new at Cal 12/27/98 to a woman who has been the only owner. Kinda nice to find a low mileage (41k) SUV that's a one owner and hasn't been wrecked.

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... $20,000 ...?

        As in Twenty thousand .. ? one dollar more than $19,999 .. ? is this American money ..?

        Maybe I read this one wrong .. it's a miled out 01, it's an auto, black coupe with the wheels .. unless this one has been hit, re-painted, runs like a pregnant moose, tires are burned off, air is missing, tops are cracked and trading in Butte Montana, it's still gotta be worth at least $23,0 -- $20,000 .. ??? ~~ I must be missing something here ...

                       Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... Let's see if I can bounce another golf ball off my stupid head ..

Terry.

scott1256 · July 2003

This is an SE model with options of CD, keyless entry, power seat, split bench seat. Has 21,000 miles, silver in color, no dings or scratches. Dealer is at $10,875 today, is it realistic to shoot for $10,000?
Thanks,
Scott.

mlattin · July 2003

Seattle area
02 Xterra XE 2wd, auto V6
13000 miles
power steering, door locks, windows
keyless entry
single cd player
winch
running boards
privacy glass
body side molding
cruise control
A/C

Non smoker, very clean, has had all it's service work. The tires are great, not sure about the breaks. there's one small (almost unnoticeable) burn in the headliner. (NEVER letting anyone smoke in one of my cars again!)

I don't think I forgot anything... I'm really curious to see what numbers you have, as the dealerships seem to be low balling me. (3k less than kbb, black book & NADA). I think it could be they think I just don't know any better (23 year old female).

One dealership told me they couldn't even price it because it was so new. They had to call a nissan dealership to get pricing. Said they would ship it off to a nissan dealership, wouldn't even keep it in their used lot. They quoted me 13k, but i'm thinking if Nissan said 14, and they gave me 13, then they could keep the difference without me knowing. Does that seem possible?

Sorry it was so long, thanks for your help.

Megan

monu58 · July 2003

hello, I am buying a 2002 Maxima GLE w/ practically all the options except the rear spoiler, the dealer asking price was about $21K..after negotiating i brought him down to $18,700, I want to know if that is a good price or should I work him for a little more...the car has 22000 miles on it w/ a couple of minor scratches on the rear bumper. thanks for your help and quick reply.

clpurnell · July 2003

When my wife told me I was like WTF. Trade in a bought new 0% mitsu on a miley benz. Same payment for the benz but when he has it paid off it will be 11 yrs old. Some people status is everything LOL. No new car for him for the next 5 years LOL.

Kirstie_H · July 2003

Don't forget tonight's member-to-member open chat!

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

6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET. Pop in for live chat with other members. Hope you can join us!

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

rroyce10 · July 2003

.... They ain't cheap new, I'm guessing invoice around $28ish, of course there is big rebate money "around" $3ish, that leaves around $25ish plus the TTL ..

Good luck ...

Terry.

zueslewis · July 2003

I found the guy a '98 Dodge with only 40K - 2500 series, 8 pax seating, V-8, plus plenty of room in the rear for the karaoke gear.

I went to the dealer this evening and worked 'em like a proper 3rd base coach should - he got the van, TTL, and a 3/36 added care for $12,500 OTD.

It has the premium group (carpet, power goodies), CD player and rear air.

My bud is taking the wife and I out for steaks next week..

rroyce10 · July 2003

........ Your not thee Mike Tyson are you ..? Sir.

Sounds nice, right color, miles are low, it's an auto .. miles save this one, the 2dr holds it back, if it's clean, no I punched out 2 guys at 5:30 am and they are stuck in the trunk stuff .. then trade side, you should be seeing the ultra high $13's, low $14's .. Sir.

Terry :-)

rroyce10 · July 2003

.... You did good, miles are ULTRA low for the year, dual breeze, got some toys .. actually between you me and the lamp post, the Do Ghe's seem to hold up better, especially with the 360 motor on the 15 pass ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

..... I have no idea what it's worth ....?

         No Miles, No options .......

        Can you spell ---- INFO ......?

                            Terry.

zueslewis · July 2003

since all the '00s and '01s were over 60-70K.

Real sharp ride, if you're into big Dodge vans....

rroyce10 · July 2003

.... If it's an auto, clean, 12k, no K-Mart kisses, no I left my Dairy Queen on the seats since last year stuff, looks and drives new .. trade side, the high $17's, low $18's ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... Sounds like a rental cuz' the miles are tall, which is fine with a good eyeball and a good history .. good color and a great road car, dealer probably paid $9ish for it .. you can try $10,0 and see what happens .. he may have close to that in it with transport and stuff .. give it a try, but if it's a nice vehicle don't lose it ..

Terry.

blackvettec5 · July 2003

Thanks for the help. I don't know why I can't get around $23,000 for it, the most I'm getting around here is $20,750. KBB lists it as $21,420 in good condition. I tried my best from dealer to dealer from a low of $19,000 to $20,750 with $20,000 being the average offered. I appreciate your help and time though.

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... I think you need to shop around a little .. *based on what you are saying* - it's clean except for the miles .. forget KBB, they have been in the tree's since Robinhood, any dealer can take a vehicle like that and run it thru an auction in your area and see at LEAST $23ish, probably more like $25ish .. like I said before, I must be missing something here ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2003

...... Whooo .. nice vehicles, right color here, nooo miles (try to find that in LA) all the stuff ..

Hey, if it's clean, no kisses or re-paints it's worth some jingle, a dealer "might" step up to the high $23's, low low low $24's on this dude - they are few and far between, I could sell this vehicle on a phone call .. keep it and/or put it for sale .. $27,9 in the paper and $26,5/$27,5 gets a new owner .. this won't last long .!

Terry.

speedipeet · July 2003

I have the message below posted in the Smart Shopper section. One of the responses said I should post Terry in this section. So That's what I'm doing. But I must admit, in the Washington DC area I've not been able to find the vehicles suggested at the recommended prices.

I'm strongly considering purchasing one of two used vehicles, and would value your thoughts.
Vehicle #1 is a 1995 Geo Metro LSI with 28000 miles on it for $2500. 1.3 liter engine.
Vehicle #2 is a 1997 Dodge Neon Highline with 54000 miles on it for $3500. 2.0 liter engine.
Both are similarly equipped: AT, AC, am-fm-cass, rear defroster. Clean interiors. Basic cars with basic options.
Both drove fine. The Geo has a small dent in the right front fender (noticeable but nothing really objectionable) and will need two tires.
Which one would you choose and why?

Response by ramped1 Jul 17, 2003 (10:56 am)
There's a gazillion low-priced used cars out there for $2,500 to $3,500 that blow these two vehicles away.
The Metro is a death trap in these days of monster SUVs, and a Neon is a reliability crapshoot when it's new, let alone with 54K on the clock.
Look for an early-mid '90s Accord, Camry, Civic, or a late '90s Geo Prizm. They will have more miles on them, but in the end they will be better and safer vehicles, providing a good mechanic gives them a once-over.
Post Terry on the real world values used car thread and he will give you more recommendations.

tomcat_mav · July 2003

Hello Terry or anyone who is willing to help. I am considering to buy a 21k miles, 2002 Maxima GLE with everything for roughly little less than $18,700. Was shopping around (by calling other dealership), and one of the dealer said, the 2002 GLE cannot be for that price and gave me some heads up. He sounded like a nice guy over the phone and also asked me to buy it but be cautious and wasn't even selling me a car from his own lot. He told me be aware of, Warranty, Nissan Ceritifed Use Car, Carfax, etc.. because he felt that price was too good to be true. It does have some scratches in the rear bumper. ANY HELP will be appreciated. Thanks

scott1256 · July 2003

My wife and daughter went to the dealer today and now the 2002 Intrepid I asked you about is ours - final price $10,800. A good buy - I have been impressed with Intrepids since buying a 2001 last year for our business.
Now to sell one of our other cars! 1995 Cadillac Deville with 77,000 miles. Heated leather seats, cassette with multi-CD, alloy wheels. One parking light lens is broken, otherwise good shape. How much should we list it at in the paper to sell in a week?
Cheers,
Scott.

dikran · July 2003

First, you've left out some important information: color and location. This is relevant because, for example, it's hard to sell a black over black Maxima in Texas at the height of summer.

You have noted that there are obvious checks to be performed the car: Carfax, mechanical inspection by your trusted local garage, and asking whether your Nissan dealer will honor the remaining warranty. I'll assume that you've done all this.

That said, the price sounds good, but not too good to be true. Since I'm not an expert, let me justify this.

(1) In post 11697 (April 03), Terry noted that loaded 02 Maxima GLEs was selling for the low $17s at auction and could be bought for "less than $20,0". Now we have 3 more months of depreciation, and a few more thousand miles.

(2) Edmunds TMV dealer retail for this car is between $19,5 and $20,0, depending on the exact details. Your price isn't so far off these numbers.

jgwaltney · July 2003

Terry -
Thx for youe always astute opinion on pricing - was hoping to go w/ either 2000 or 1999 MY to minimize the 'annual depreciation hit' (the curve should begin to smoothe out after 3-4 yrs) - But may not go w/ a 2000 gs400 for $28500, but rather a low mile 99 gs4 (40k mi)I found for $24,500 or even a 'cherry' 98 (60k mi)fanatically maintained and with some aftermarket upgrades for around $22,500 - trying to lose less than $3k/yr and plan to keep the car for 5yrs to 120k mi or more
(i only put 10k or less mi/yr on a car)

natedog0711 · July 2003

Terry what would the private party for a 1997 GTI VR6, 5 speed, 78K, black, 31210....Once again thanks so much for the help.

utah_street · July 2003

I am currently looking at buying a used 2002 Ford Explorer with 17,000 miles from a dealer. He bought the Explorer at an auction. His price is $21,700. Edmunds dealer retail price is about $21,000, Edmunds private party price is $18,700. What is a reasonable price offer to this dealer?

tomcat630 · July 2003

I was laid off and want to try to sell my year old '02 Focus ZX5 5 door hatch, which has many standard features similar to a ZTS.

Dark blue, 15K mi, Auto, 6 disc CD, gray inside, 16" alloys, remote entry, pwr access. But no sunroof. Has no dings, still shines like new. Tires are fine, also.

Chicagoland area 60101.

Is a ZX5 easier to sell than the many Focus "trunkbacks"? The prices I see online show ZX5's tracking above them and ZX3's.

ghulet · July 2003

I have a friend who is looking for just such an animal (slightly used Golf or Focus 4-door hatch). You say it has the power pack (windows/locks) and automatic? E-mail me: ghulet@hotmail.com and we'll talk (lemme know what Terry says values are). He lives in Chicago (north side, Edgewater) and frequently travels to north and west burbs (he's in sales, and his mom lives in Elmhurst).

spatulaman · July 2003

Don't forget, the GS will be getting a full redesign for the '05 MY. I'd steer clear with the redesign coming so soon if you're worried about depreciation. I had an SC 400...loved it. Too bad it had been clobbered and fixed in a previous life.

tomcat630 · July 2003

Ghulet, I sent an email, hope we can "talk turkey". Edmund's TMV (r) is $11,689, but no reasonable offer refused.

gcomstock1 · July 2003

Your added opinion is appreciated about my '00 RL w/l-o-w miles, as well as the previous posters' advice. As it turns out, the dealer front has been completely consistent: they're *all* saying that this model is selling at $3K or more back of wholesale blue book. Of course I'd figure that vested interest would lead every single dealer / salesperson to generally advise against buying a car coming off lease. BUT, I'm really "feeling" how bloated-with-used inventory virtually every dealer seems to be. You'd *think* they would at least pursue trying to parlay my small potential equity in this car...into a new car purchase. But every single one was adamant in their advice to NOT buy the car. You've clarified that my most frugal decision is to buy the car...remains to be seen if my frugal side will win out over the impulsive new car lust. LOL.

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