Real-World Trade-In Values

jeffnjme · August 2003

Terry you are the GREATEST(well right behind Ali)!!!! I am currently "chasin" the 01 XC in Phoenix we will see where negotiations go. If that fails I just spoke to a wholesaler in NJ who says he flips 400+ Volvo's a year directly from Volvo Finance-he is confident he can get me one at a good price (we will see about that one). NJ is is a lot closer and they do pump the gas, but a trip to Phoenix sounds good too.

I think I will stick with the Volvo's for now as it will look nice next to the wife's 2002 S60 T-5. As for the 2000 w/55K cert. in Sacto he wants 22K (won't move) even for a previous new car customer--oh well I guess I won't see friends in Sac, hopefully in Phoenix.

Thanks again
jeffnjme's dad
stuart

zueslewis · August 2003

and to say thanks to Terry who has helped me in my career.

In testifying and writing reports, he's given me, through our discussions, reasonable arguments against the "other side" in many vehicle appraisal situations.

Thanks, Terry. We couldn't make it without you. Then again, your favorite bar's owner would go bankrupt without you, too.

akangl · August 2003

I wanted the 14000th post.......ya beat me too it!!

zueslewis · August 2003

on you, makes you non-punctual.

I'll tell you a funny elementary school story about the aurora borealis sometime if you want - drop me a line.

dardson1 · August 2003

1999 Mercedes 430 Sedan
Black over black
39k miles
original sticker.....$60k+
Texas
no paint, no chips, no dings, no scratches
Sport Package
Moonroof
Compact Disc Changer
Power Rear Window Sunshade
Integrated Cellular Telephone
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Xenon Headlamps
Headlight Washers
new tires
all records by the book and up to date

Trade? and/or Private Sale?

thanks

prodigalsun · August 2003

Gentlemen, a little help please.

2000
Leather
bun warmers/heated mirrors
handshaker
climate control
bose audio
power driver and passenger seats
sunroof
spoiler
rubber is pretty deep
Dark green

Seattle area
Mileage: 37K

Dealer is asking 16999, I'd like to know how far you think I can get him down (deal would be no trade, financing through the dealership)
Thanks in advance,

Brad

jd8100 · August 2003

I have a 2003 Chevrolet Astro AWD LS with Rear Air, rear heat, alloy wheels, factory running boards, and 8 passenger seating. It has 4000 miles on it. What is it worth on a trade-in?

rroyce10 · August 2003

..... This will all depend on how it "stands", no runs, no hit's, no errors .. miles do hurt this pup, but it is a Yota .. if it looks, drives, feels like a 30ker, then your price is fair, the bad thing about sending a vehicle to a "ghost" technician is, your at their verbal mercy, they can quote ANY price they want .. but the reality is, service work is the most profitable end of the auto business ..

           Going by "book service prices" is like using Nada, KBB, Edmunds for a selling price, it's nothing more than a starting point, a reference, a zipcode to work from .. a 90k service on a 4 Runner won't cost more than (and that can be done anywhere) $300 in real $$, so if you want to split half of the "projected" service pricing, that's fine .. remember, at $900 the dealer, or that service shop is looking at $500/$600 of pure unadulterated PROFIT .. 80k on a 4Runner is a little steep, but if all the service has been done up until that point then I would have no fear .. trade side, this vehicle is probably worth the high $13's, low low $14's if that's any help ...

                Let me know on this one ...

                        Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2003

.... I really can't tell what you paid, based on your numbers .. the only Real figures in a car deal, are the Difference Figures, your vehicle and X amount of dollars ...

         Look at your contract and give me the difference figure before the ttl ..

         The Only difference that makes a difference .. IS the difference.

                    Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2003

  ..... 13966 of 14007 00 Durango by seank2 Aug 25, 2003 (11:31 am)
Terry,

While you were cruising through Alaska, we had a discussion about diminished value on this vehicle about a hundred or so posts ago. BUT, my friend who owns this truck has decided it has to go after the accident, and is looking for a number to look at for trade in or private sale. To save you from looking back through all the posts, here's the description:

2000 Dodge Durango SLT+ silver over charcoal leather, 8 passenger, Infinity Gold CD stereo, keyless entry, all the goodies and toys.
2WD, 4.7 V8
58,000 miles (I know, we've already been there)
and now for the catch... $6000 in accident damage, including new right front fender, hood, bumper cover, right headlight assembly and repaint on all.
Plus, new right front wheel, suspension, shock, brake, and everything else that is attached or works with the front wheel.

In Savannah, GA. Can you please give me rough numbers for trade and private sale? Thanks for the help!

   ____________

             And all this time you thought I forgot you .. this is a tuffy, it's a 2WD, the color is right in Savannah, it's a 4.7 (ho-hum), SLT .. that's a lot of work, lot's of paint, lot's of turned nut's and bolts, plus we got some miles going on here .. if it was a straight one, it's worth in and around the $9's on a trade .. without actually getting a feely touchy thing, I'm would think it's worth in the $6's on a trade ..

            Me personally, I would have all the repair orders in the front seat, all the service history sitting there, a super detail, a ultra nice 5 liner Ad in the paper and *Disclose Everything, *once* they were actually standing there and looking at it (of course when they call, IF they ask) .. sounds like $10,9 down Retail Rd and $8,9/$9,9 sends it off to Michael Vicks fan club ..

                      Let me know .... !

                            Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2003

... Your very welcome ..

14,000 posts .. whoa, that's a lot of key punching .. thank goodness for Speak and Spell ..

mark156 · August 2003

You mentioned a couple of posts ago that you "settled for cheap" on the PT arbitration.

I must have missed the post if you described what happened. Would you mine highlighting your story again? What happened to your PT and what was the final outcome? When you said that you settled for cheap, exactly what happened (if you don't mind sharing your story).

Thanks, Mark 156

zueslewis · August 2003

I really can't divulge the details without being negative towards the firm and DCC, and I won't do that in public.

seank2 · August 2003

Terry,

Thanks for your help on the banged up Durango. Now, I need help for my mother. She is looking at the following and considering one or the other. Both are at the same VW/BMW/Audi/high line dealer in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio.

First, a USED 2003 Passat GL (really)
1.8T, tiptronic auto
black over charcoal cloth
no options, but all the standard goodies, which means NO slider, but ABS, traction control, full airbags, CD etc.
12,000 miles

Second, a 2002 VW Jetta GLS
1.8T, auto
dark blue over gray cloth
slider
single CD player
power windows/locks/keyless entry
full airbags
I don't think it has 17" wheels or alloys
no monsoon sound, either.
10,000 miles

and last, her trade. This will go to the same dealer, which is the same place she bought it from, even the same salesman she bought it from.

96 BMW 318Ti
boston (no-sale) green over beige leather
auto
slider
alloy wheels (not the sport pack)
onboard computer
no CD
66000 miles and ALL service records, which are all from the same dealer as it was bought and will be sold from.

Thanks for your help!

breld · August 2003

Terry - sorry for the confusion. Here's the bottom line:

I gave the dealer my '00 4Runner SR5 4x4 plus $8,500 for the slightly used (700 miles) Acura TSX 6sp, non-nav, meteor silver.

The 4Runner had 48,000 miles, medium blue, automatic, leather, CD, no sunroof. And this is in Denver (80202).

It's funny that you bring up the "difference." I thought I was buying the Acura for $26,500 with a trade-in of $18,000. When I got there, the paperwork indicated a selling price for the car of $26,000 and $17,500 for the trade. Of course, I didn't care, 'cause all that mattered was the DIFFERENCE, like you say.

Again, I'm happy; just curious what your thoughts are on the deal. Thanks for all your great advice.

jeffnjme · August 2003

Hi Terry (you are still the greatest next to Ali)et al.

I can get the 2001 XC70 for 25,300 (dealer says he is in for 24,700) he says the car is Puuuurfect EXCEPT, that the hood has been repainted--he thinks it was repainted due to rock chips--he says absolutely no accident....

Your thoughts, car has 30K fully loaded with Nav., do I take it or run????? All opinions and advice is appreciated.

thanks
sdr

kyfdx · August 2003

Check this out... in Cincinnati.
**Disclaimer** I have no connection with this dealer... just has reputation for honesty and good cars...

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/view/vdetail.jtmpl?productWebsi- te=rallyemotors&dealer_id=76278&car_id=136535907?&ac_- afflt=none&mis=IVNLBDLNDS59

graphicguy · August 2003

I've actually bought cars from that dealer. Great place for great used cars.

spatulaman · August 2003

Although, I still think there is some inherent problems with emmission controls as I have some nasty looking "soot" that gets all over the back of the car from the exhaust whenever I drive it.

Its normal. I've owned an '87 Turbo RX-7, and still have my '94, perfectly normal.

*IF* there's a mileage switch like there has been on previous generations of RX-7s, once you get to a certain mileage, the ECU will lean out the mixture and your soot problems will diminish, and your gas mileage will improve.

chelyen · August 2003

Please help: this is my first time buying a car alone and I'm trying to trade in my 1995 Honda Civic DX. I know what the bluebook says its value should be, but my dealer has estimated $400 (he hasn't looked at it yet, we're doing that this afternoon). Can anyone tell me what I can realistically expect?
The car is:
1995 Honda Civic, DX (but with AC and cassette player)
144,000 miles
Tires a year old (all four match)
New CV joints
Battery about two years old
Damaged rear bumper, two small dents in back sides of car
Stained and worn upholstery
Engine runs ok -- no major problems that I'm aware of. Car starts easily.
Regular oil changes; otherwise maintenance as needed (as in I hear a noise or smell a funny smell)
Never had any accidents, frame is okay. Exhaust system is fairly new.
Hood is not original, is missing its "H" logo and has some rust.
This is in Virginia, by the way.
Thanks!

zueslewis · August 2003

please e-mail me ASAP....

rli1214 · August 2003

Hello,

I'm new to this whole forum. I'm buying a new 2003 Honda Accord LX and am hoping to trade in the old one at a good price.

The old one I believe in fair condition because it has 170K miles, the rear passenger upholstery is slightly faded, the paint is a little faded on the back of the roof, has a small dent in the rear back bumper and small dent in the front bumper. Also, slight oil leak.

On the upside,
frame is great
new transmission
new tires and wheel covers
new radiator
great gel battery
full maintenance spreadsheet

Without looking at it, the dealer was saying between $800-$1000. However, internet estimates $1200 or so. What is the actual cash value or wholesale value and should I just put it on sale in the Auto Trader instead?

Thanks,
Rosemarie
Los Angeles, CA

jeffnjme · August 2003

Thanks for the tip/lead on the 2K XC70 (Rallye), definitely a possibility--but I really like the new body styles(2001+). We had a 1998 same as the 2000, great car but if possible I and my wife (definitely more importantly) would prefer the new body style. Jeff my 11 y/o says the heck with the repainted hood go buy the 2001 (I think he wants me to take a trip for a few days) but I am not sure what the best thing to do is; any advice on the repainted hood would be helpful especially from you resale/trade-in experts---can not wait to hear what Terry says.
thanks

kyfdx · August 2003

Give the guy at Rallye a call.. I think his name is John... He gets Volvo's in all the time.. He updates his website at least every other day also, so you know his stock is current. The big thing...he's trustworthy. I wouldn't get a late model Euro car with any kind of repaint.. It kills resale, no matter what the problem was. Not an expert, but my $.02

good luck,
kyfdx

rroyce10 · August 2003

...... Hmmm, let me ponder this .. ok, I'm done pondering - $25,0 is cheap peso's .. it's so cheap it makes me a little suspect, actually it makes me real suspect .. check the Vin# via Carfax and thru a Volvo dealer for any inconvenient meetings with a 90 year old Corvette driver ..

If it all checks out, Grab it ..!

$25,0/$26 is what they are doing at the auctions and what a dealer (meaning me) would pay for it and $28/$29,0 is what a consumer (meaning you) would be paying for it .. this could be a Great, super, wonderful, fantastic deal -- or, that ol' 90 year old lady might have whacked the &*#@ out of it and thats why it's so cheap and it's a total repaint ..

Sincerely, I hope it all works out ..!

Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2003

..... As in S420 ....?

         Miles are good for the year, color is great in the land of George W. .. if it's Jam-up, seats look hovered in, the service is dripping off the service records, deep rubber, looks/drives like a 12k Fat daddy Benz .. then trade side, in and around the $28/$29 figure ~ a little trip down retail Rd, $35,9 in the paper and the first buyer with a Platinum card get's it for his 3rd wife for $34,0/$35,0 ...

                 Good luck ...!

                       Terry.

jeffnjme · August 2003

Thanks again Terry:
Car Fax shows all ok Mileage is
02/01 90, 09/01 9920, 10/01 11012, 01/02 12584, 2/02 13022 02/03 26386 current 30107. It sounds like a great deal (maybe for someone else). I will check with my local volvo dealer in the AM and see if they will run a report. According to the used car dealer that has the car the car is at the Volvo dealer being serviced--he is going to have them check the paint and provide a "statement" as well as all service info.
JUST IN
Via Carfax I got the original dealers # and called they show the car being serviced late throughout 8-10K as opposed to 7500(he said check for engine sludge). They have no record of bodywork (he said they don't get involved in that) He was kind enough to provide the # of their recommended body shop they have no record of the car either. Now what
Terry any plains to be in the Scottsdale area???? j/k Advice please

the ebay link is below
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1- &category=6464&item=2429029671

bozman9 · August 2003

Any help would be appreciated-

Thinking of trading in a 2001 Audi S4, Santorin Blue, 6-spd manual. Premium package (Bose audio, sunroof, Xenons), silver nappa leather interior, maple wood trim, brand new 17" Eagle F1 tires on stock rims, power everything. Every available option except heated seats. Been trying to sell privately for $30k with no luck so far. Car has 46k miles on it, 95% of those being true highway miles (2 hr roundtrip commute to work every day). Car is in excellent condition, I have all maintenance papers on it. Never been in any dings or accidents.

What do you think I could expect for trade in value from a non-Audi dealer? (Subaru, for example). Location is northern Mass, southern New Hampshire.

Thanks in advance,

Bozzy

bethams · August 2003

I have a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta XLS fully loaded with 13,000 miles on it. Silver paint and trim, black leather seats, in-dash CD/Casette, 17" alloys and automatic sun-roof. There is a slight scratch on the front bumper and a ding in the rear pasenger dor from an inconsiderate person parked next to me and a scrape in the rear passenger wheel from the curb. What can I expect at trade in?

rroyce10 · August 2003

.... Now don't get yourself into a tail spin, a re-painted hood *properly done*, isn't a biggie, the reason is the question, probably just did the front nose piece ..

          Make it part of the deal that you can take the vehicle to a Quality dealer for a final inspection, see if any bolt's have been turned and/or any paint overspray .. as far as the service is, Most folks don't go back to the original dealer for the oil changes and such, they end up at Filters R' Us ..

          Here's the bottom line, it looks nice and you (so far) have a good history, miles are low, it has all the toys and the price is real low .. if it doesn't meet your expectations, then pass .. there's a link I will try to get Mathias to drop so you know what to look for .. I know how to push all the buttons on my computer, but I can never find anything in it ..l.o.l..

                       Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2003

..... Good morning ...!

Where's that link up from Bill on what to look for on vehicles .... ?

Terry.

lancerfixer · August 2003

Here ya go...

http://www.directautogroupllc.com/paintwork.html

Don't know where the heck Bill is, though...

rroyce10 · August 2003

..... It looks like a fair deal for both .. so enjoy it .!

Terry.

steine13 · August 2003

http://www.vauxhallpa.50megs.com/paintwork.html
-m

rroyce10 · August 2003

........ Thanks to Lance, there's that link you can eyeball ..

Thanks Lance ...!

Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2003

rroyce10 · August 2003

....... The old one I believe in fair condition because it has 170K miles, the rear passenger upholstery is slightly faded, the paint is a little faded on the back of the roof, has a small dent in the rear back bumper and small dent in the front bumper. Also, slight oil leak.

On the upside,
frame is great
new transmission
new tires and wheel covers
new radiator
great gel battery
full maintenance spreadsheet

                   _________________

                  Great description - thanks ..!

         What can I say, it's a 14 year old vehicle with 177k, not a 14 yr old Baume Mercier .. forget the internet sites "unless" they are going to send you a check for it, it could be worth $800, it could be worth $1,500, it might be worth $500 or less, without me lookin' at it I can't say ... the only way you can squeeze the last 50cts out of this puppy is too detail it up, do any service to it, a great Ad in the LA paper and ask $3,900 and grab the first $2,0/$3,000 .. school has started, kids and parents are lookin' for some Clean Reliable vehicles .. if this one needs air, brakes, safety issues, etc, then just trade it ..

                  I hope this helps ...

                      Terry.

ryster · August 2003

Hi!

What would be a fair price for a 2003 Mustang GT, dark blue, 5600 miles, auto, leather, mach audio, Cobra replica aftermarket wheels? Car is in Southeastern PA. Dealer is asking $20,900 and refuses to budge on the price. According to Carfax it is a one-owner, private-use registered vehicle originally registered in Virginia. Dealer purchased it at auction.

Thanks for your input!

rroyce10 · August 2003

..... See, the biggest problem here is the miles .. folks that look for these want the ones with 12/25k, now I'm sure this is a nice one, clean, etc, but $18,5 is a little stiff .. in the "sports arena" somebody will pay the Xtra $1,5/$2,500 for a nice low miler, so your selling market dwindles ..

Right now ultra nice, super clean 20k, *in the wrapper* TT's are doing "around" the high $17's at the block and can be sold on a phone call for $20,0 and some change .. with 41k, it's worth maybe the high $15's on a trade - Me personally, I would cut it from the herd for anything over $17 .. Or, do what some dummy folks like to do and keep it for another year and risk a $4,000 hit in the spring ... Or, (if I remember correctly) in Maine you only pay tax on the difference on a trade ... that might make your day. :-)

Terry.

jeffnjme · August 2003

Well you guys truly are "AMAZIN"
Terry,Lance,Steiner and Bill I can not thank you enough. The decision is still up I the air as I wait for feedback from the local (to the vehicle-Scottsdale) volvo dealer. I am leaning towards passing on the car as I am the type that will kick myself in &@&* forever if I buy the car and it is problematic or I am unhappy with it-but on the other hand I love a good deal! The info and help you all have provided is very much appreciated, once the final decsion I will post.

A couple more questions, for Terry, Bill et al--is it possible for a delaer to get cars directly from volvo finance, and is that a less expensive than auction? What are thoguhts about rental vehicles (not loaners), again in-terms of late model XC70's.

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

dardson1 · August 2003

Sorry, but I left out one small detail....this is an E-class 430. I'm asking for a friend so I'm not familiar with the MB hierarchy but it is the E body with the 430 engine and has a little badge after all the numbers that says "Sport". Don't know but I'd guess the "Sport" badge means something and it wasn't cheap. The darn thing has everthing but a kitchen sink and listed new in the $60's. one more time:
1999 Mercedes 420E Sport Sedan
Black over black
39k miles
original sticker.....$60k+
Texas
no paint, no chips, no dings, no scratches
Sport Package
Moonroof
Compact Disc Changer
Power Rear Window Sunshade
Integrated Cellular Telephone
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Xenon Headlamps
Headlight Washers
new tires
all records by the book and up to date

Trade? and/or Private Sale?

thanks (again)

jeffnjme · August 2003

Well you guys truly are "AMAZIN"
Terry,Lance,Steiner and Bill I can not thank you enough. The decision is still up I the air as I wait for feedback from the local (to the vehicle-Scottsdale) volvo dealer. I am leaning towards passing on the car as I am the type that will kick myself in &@&* forever if I buy the car and it is problematic or I am unhappy with it-but on the other hand I love a good deal! The info and help you all have provided is very much appreciated, once the final decsion I will post.

A couple more questions, for Terry, Bill et al--is it possible for a delaer to get cars directly from volvo finance, and is that a less expensive than auction? What are thoguhts about rental vehicles (not loaners), again in-terms of late model XC70's.

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

ryster · August 2003

Hi!

What would be a fair price for a 2003 Mustang GT, dark blue, 5600 miles, auto, leather, mach audio, Cobra replica aftermarket wheels? Car is in Southeastern PA. Dealer is asking $20,900 and refuses to budge on the price. According to Carfax it is a one-owner, private-use registered vehicle originally registered in Virginia. Dealer purchased it at auction.

Thanks for your input!

bill731 · August 2003

My daughter in Fort Wayne IN has a party wanting to buy her 1997 Cadillac Seville STS.Clean, inside & out except for a few dings. Interested party has viewed dings and was not concerned.

Options Are:

Heated leather seats
Power moonroof
12 CD changer
Bose audio system
Chrome wheels

71000 miles and service is up to date. Tires just good. Color is Dark Red

Auto, with North Star Engine. These are standard ??

Thanks Terry

biscayne · August 2003

A few 2003 G35 sedans have begun to show up at the local lots and I was hoping to beat some of the initial depreciation by checking out a low mileage cream puff. What are the 2003 sedans with auto, leather, sunroof and bose with 10 or 15k on the clock doing these days? South Florida area. Thanks in advance.

bgabel1260 · August 2003

I recently traded in my 2001 Accord as I originally posted in message #9038. The car had 24K miles instead of 15K and probably could use new brakes. The 24K service and annual inspection ($400+) was also due. I bought a Subaru Outback wagon and was quite surprised when the dealership said they would auction off my Accord rather than sell it themselves. "People don't come here looking for Hondas." Whatever, it's not like I'm bringing in a Grand Am 4dr SE. Maybe they lied?

Anyway, they gave me $12,500 for it. It had a stick so maybe a slushbox could have commanded $14K. Still, a residual of 58% after 32 months doesn't seem bad. And I love my new AWD wagon. No more impractical FWD coupes for me!

Brian

spindrift3 · August 2003

What can I expect for a Trade in value. I have perused Kelly's Blue Book and other valuable sites, yet [albeit, its a new vehicle] it is not posted at any site I've visited. Any suggestions about valuation? Thanks.

butchbr73 · August 2003

i believe you may have left out some very important info.

miles? color? where does it live? condition? paint/body work? ALL options? etc... are you looking to trade it in?

you may end up getting answer...somewhere between $10-20k!

..... off to your room!.....

jratcliffe · August 2003

Dunno if it has the CD changer, but if it doesn't, you could buy a brand spankin' new one from Carsdirect for $21,700. $20,900 looks pretty high.

bozman9 · August 2003

I'm going to be swinging by the dealer tomorrow morning, so any tips would be appreciated.

Also, had a question about how the "no tax on trade-in" thing works. From what I understand, in Massachusetts, at least, if buy a car for $25k, for example, and your trade-in is valued at $25k, you would pay zero tax on that purchase, right? My question is, is that only if you owe nothing on the vehicle? I.e., if I have a payout of 20k, do I only save 5k in taxes?
Did that make any sense?

Thanks in advance,

Jason

Real-World Trade-In Values

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles