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Real-World Trade-In Values

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Comments

  • fjm1fjm1 Member Posts: 137
    boovu: I did several appraisals and found that the higher end dealers (Lexus, BMW, Audi, Volvo, etc) offered me LESS on trade than Honda, Nissan, Toyota, etc.

    I detailed the car and never tried to hide any of the bad info about my BMTroubleU.

    That said, I will reiterate that I couldn't look a private party buyer in the eye and consciously try to sell my car. That is why I traded it in to a dealer that is wholesaling it back to a BMW dealer. The SAME BMW dealer that offered me 1,200 LESS on trade for another BMW, go figure!! Not that I would have gotten another BMW, but I benchmarked all over the place. It helped me in my negotiations.

    If your car is in fair condition, try to sell it thru the classifieds first. I think you'll get more for it.
  • volvosfvolvosf Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Volvo C70, LT w/26500 miles. Car is in great condition, with some minor body wear. Lots of options (leather, all power, sunroof, heated seats, traction control). Tires replaced 3,000 miles ago. Dark Green color. I'd like to trade in for a Honda Civic or 2004 Toyota Prius.

    Any idea of its trade-in value?

    Thanks!
  • towelmantowelman Member Posts: 28
    OK here goes . . .

    '92 Nissan 240SX Coupe, not SE, automatic, cassette, A/C works, very little rust, well maintained, runs well, 315k miles. (Wanted to sneak the miles in last!)

    I thought a good offer was $500; the woman wants $2200(!); that's what the bank told her it's worth. (Nobody at the bank offered to buy it though . . .)KBB was $1100 for private party. Seems to me it's on borrowed time.

    Toledo Ohio area. Thanks!
  • ehennessehenness Member Posts: 92
    I pop by this forum every so often just to see what's going on value-wise. Never fail to learn something, though I've never posted.

    I see the comments fairly often on 'no-sale-green.' And it sure does seem to be very much less popular lately. So, why on earth do Honda dealers keep ordering (or Honda keep churning out) CR-Vs in that dark green? My sister-in-law just bought one a couple of weeks ago (new, 2003). She kept finding a LOT of green ones in stock, and virtually nothing else!

    She had to order one in the blue she wanted, because nearly all of the ones in stock with the right options (EX I think) were green or silver, and most of the dealer pool they worked with were coming up the same way!

    So my guess is there'll be a glut of green '03 CR-Vs in the Northeast/New England auctions (she bought hers in SE Mass, near RI) in the next couple of years!

    Since she took delivery, I've noticed a lot of green 2003s on the road myself!
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    over 100K, the books get thrown out, at 315K, it's a charity donation - stick to your $500 offer - there are many more things to consider on a car with that many miles than the condition of major components.
  • oac3oac3 Member Posts: 373
    I don't care what the seller's bank *thinks* its worth, to me its not worth a darn cent... 315K miles ???? Thats a lotta miles on a 10-yr-old car. Better to give it away to charity and write it off on the taxes, lol.

    BUT, I'd like to hear what Terry thinks of this car, if its worth his time.
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    $2200? Please...
  • towelmantowelman Member Posts: 28
    I thought it would be a pretty good car for my 17 year old nephew at $500.

    He could drive it to school until something breaks. I found a similar car with 240k miles on it that his brother drove for a year and a half before it finally broke. I paid $1000 for that one . . .

    It just seems like the miles on it would take it off the market for a regular buyer - too much of a chance to take.

    Thanks for the back up; this woman was insulted by my offer and I was thinking I was doing her a favor!
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    with your five benjamins when she gets off her crack pipe.
  • blockislandguyblockislandguy Member Posts: 336
    Jim/Bill/Terry, any thoughts on the new generation Navigator? I like the interior, power tail gate, heated/cooled seats. longer warranty, 32 valves, IRS, rack and pinion, and other stuff that you can't get on a Tahoe/Yukon. And I like the monocromatic look that you can't get on the basically three toned (body color/gold trim/black running boards) Expedition EB. But the initial pricing is too high and the Lincoln dealers don't seem to go for the invoice plus $200 routine.

    Used ones though seemed to depreciate like a rock (which may be why the Edmunds TCO is so high). When you look at cars.com you see loads of low mileage 2003s for right at 40K. In other words, less than a new Sequoia and not too far off a new loaded Tahoe LT. In 8 to 12 months these 2003s will be at 30K or so. This seems to be a screaming deal. Any comments?

    PS The comment "Standing by with five benjamins when you put down your crack pipe" made my day. Face it, the car probably has negative value!
  • meadowlark1meadowlark1 Member Posts: 14
    I have a 1991 Camry Deluxe Wagon with 119,000 miles on it. The car was recently checked out by my mechanic. It has no problems and just a little wear here and there. I've been faithful about taking it in for regular maintenance. I'm considering trading it in as part of the deal on the purchase of a new Camry XLE V-6 and I'd appreciate some advice regarding the trade-in value.

    Edmunds says it's worth $1550 as a trade-in and $2079 if sold to a private party. The dealer retail price is supposedly $2976. The salesman I've been working with asked about the car and, even though I said I wasn't sure if I was going to trade it in or not, he told me I'd make out better donating it to a charity since they'd only be able to give me "wholesale" for it.

    Is there a way to find out the wholesale price of a car? I don't expect to get top dollar for it as a trade-in, but I don't want to be taken advantage of either.

    Any advice will be much appreciated.
  • dkuhajdadkuhajda Member Posts: 487
    Lets face it, your description is very lacking in any details.

    It is a 12+ year old car with 120K miles. Condition can vary a LOT. Most of those really do get only $1000 to $1500 at auction, and that is if they run very well and still look good inside and out. Get it? no rust through, faded/flaking paint, torn upholstery. Start subtracting for any blemishes.

    The Camry Wagon is a hard to find car used. If yours is in good looking condition, get the little things fixed, detail it up and sell it yourself. $2500 should be an easy find a new home if the tires/battery/etc are all good, car runs well and has mechanics check off for condition as well as maintenance records sitting in the seat.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ...... Miles are low with a bad description and no location .. so this will be quick and fast, spend a few bucks on a great detail, throw some new Sears tires on it if needed, do any service if needed .. no rust, cold air, paint is all there, interior is good, nice fat ad in the local paper for $3,900 and grab $2,5/$3,5, should take you about 28 minutes if it's nice .. dealer might hit it between $500/$1,5 ... your choice.

                         Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ....... All good points .. most high end import dealers have their heads up their tail pipes anyway, that's from working in that aquarium enviorement ... I just got a call from a Large Jag dealer and their trying to put a deal together and the buyer is trying to trade a 96 Chevy SS Impala with 31k, their first figure was $8,5, it's a wonder they didn't blow the guy into the Gulf of Mexico .l.o.l..

                         Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........ I have touched on this about 50 times already .. so I will make this quick ..

             There is no special info source, no special way to find out what this is or that is really worth, besides I have yet to find a customer to tell me what a piece of junk their trade is, it seems they are all perfect :)) .. I check out the sources myself, sometimes just for the "grins" of it ..

            Sometimes KBB is more accurate than Edmunds on a "particular" vehicle or vehicle type, sometimes Nada is closer to the real deal figure on the retail "asking" figure on some vehicles or models, or Edmund's might be more accurate than both (notice I said "asking") .. it all depends on the vehicle, type, area of the country, time of the year, color and that can change weekly, monthly. Right now Edmund's is way off on the newer Bimmers, there to high and Kbb is too low (for a nice one) but in all fairness, it's tuff enough for dealers to keep up ..

                           Terry.
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    $8,750 on that 96 Impala SS!!
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    $8,751!

    The local screamer Chevy outfit (but I repeat myself) has two black '96 Impala SSs parked side-by-side on their front lawn. I don't think the prices are that far south of $20,000, and I know they'll get it.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    but I never saw the numbers for the following cars. Could be I'm the on with the crackpipe but I didn't see it.

    I will be private-partying these two cars..

    2003 Honda Accord EX-L Coupe
    5-speed manual (I know, I know)
    Black exterior over black leather (I know, I know)
    15,000 miles (I know, I know)
    Loaded. Roof, wheels, leather, climate control, 6-disc, keyless, fog lights, spoiler, tint
    Car is immaculate inside and out. With a quick wax it could pass for new.

    1997 Dodge Dakota (first year of newer body)
    Club Cab
    3.9L V6
    70,000 miles
    manual transmission (I know, I know)
    black exterior with gray cloth interior (I know)
    new tires, new brakes, cold AC, fog lights, AM/FM cassette/CD, bed liner
    truck is spotless inside and in good condition outside with the exception of a couple of little scratches

    Both cars are in suburban Atlanta. I am going to place the ads today so any advice would be appreciated.

    Also, thanks for the congrats. We are both excited. And we get to go car-shopping again. Which, with 28 cars in 7 years, is something we both enjoy.
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    with 40K that went for $25,500....it's definitely one where you can throw the book away.
  • meadowlark1meadowlark1 Member Posts: 14
    Thanks guys! The feedback is much appreciated.
    :-)
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    Hello Terry, I need some help on this car as a replacement for my mom's totaled 97 Escort.

    88,000 miles
    4 cylinder
    Auto
    Power locks, mirrors, and windows
    Dark Red exterior
    Dark Grey interior
    Cassette
    Cruise
    Aluminum wheels

    Very good condition for its year, full tune-up was performed etc. Are there any persistent problems with Contours that I/ my mom should be concerned about?

    What is a fair private party offer for this car in the Philly region? Asking price is $3,300. I think high 2's- 3K would be fair, what do you think?

    We are seeing/driving the car on Sunday around 12:00 noon, and if you could get back to me before then it would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks again!
    Lou
  • dkuhajdadkuhajda Member Posts: 487
    Make absolutely sure the timing belt was replaced. The manual shows 100K, but due to the years on the car it really should be replaced sooner rather than later. Very expensive repair if it breaks at just the wrong time with the engine under load and running.

    The 98's and later were much more reliable with fewer problems. A 96 is a 7-8 year old car now, there is always the potential for age related problems no matter what car.

    FYI it is a $2500 car if in good shape. Add a bit if you don't have to replace timing belt or much better than good condition.
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    That is one question I will remember to ask, hopefully the seller will know if it was replaced or not.

    I thought 3300 was too high; if timing belt is newer, than 2800-3000 seems like a very good offer. Edmunds private party TMV is 2481( clean) and 2670 ( outstanding), right on the money.
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,825
    ... I learned from Terry a long time ago:
    There is no such thing as an "excellent" or "outstanding" car with 88k miles.
    Seriously.
    The only reason it *may* be worth $2,500 is that down in the low end of the market, about anything that looks good AND runs well tends to bring $2k.
    Personally, I'd look elsewhere. Ford has a nasty habit of not having replacement parts available for older cars, esp. if they don't make 'em anymore. Try finding a speedo unit for a '95 Taurus... in 2001. No can do.
    Also, I believe the real deals on bread-and-butter cars can be had just North of $5k.
    '00 Prizm, anyone? Of course, then it's collision insurance and all that other stuff, but it's worth a thought. Good luck,
    -Mathias
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    Very good advice, that makes perfect sense. That is why I will make sure to ask about the timing belt specifically.

    My mom is getting a check for $3200 for her 97 Escort, so she wants to stay in that range. She likes Fords( owned a 86 Taurus and old Mercury Bobcat before the Escort), and I heard that the Contours are at least a little more reliable than the Taurus. Not sure if this is true, but she really liked her Escort( I did also), so a Contour is pretty similar (size and power wise).

    Thanks for the info.

    Lou
  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    Every Ford Taurus owner I know has had transmission failure. Some Ford Taurus will go as many as 135,000 miles before the transmission fails while others get as low as 58,600 miles.
        On the other hand, CR quotes high rate of failure on DC minivan transmissions but I personally know of only one DC minivan owner who had transmission failure and that was close to 200,000 miles.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I would through my vote toward the Chrysler products though.
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    transmission cases, actually - now the Windstar....oh my gosh.
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,825
    ...the first-gen Taurus was, from my observations, pretty bad about transmissions... I would guess you don't see those cuz noone wants to go to court over a 94 Ford. Trannies, and the $800 heater core problem. No thanks.
    I agree with Craig, the Chrysler minis are THE worst. And more power to DC, they recognized early on people would keep buying their junk, so they didn't fix the problem. Saved themselves tons of money, sound business decision. I guess. Maybe I'm just bitter.
    Good to hear the newer Taurus trannies are ok. If I ever need a car quickly, these are all over the place for decent money.
    -Mathias
  • zueslewiszueslewis Member Posts: 2,353
    DCC transmissions seem to be the worst. To their credit, the only things I've seen on '99 and newer transmissions (repetitively) is leaks at the solenoid pack, which can cause failure.

    I'd say the number of transmission failures by DCC vans has been cut by 3/4.

    Windstars, though, especially '97-00 for whatever reason, go through transmissions like folsk go through Mickey D's dollar menu.

    Pre-'96 Tauruses were horrible, trans wise - you're right there.

    I usually see 2-3 year old (or newer) cars and trucks.
  • johnsonf81johnsonf81 Member Posts: 1
    What is a reasonable price to offer on a 2003 Ford 150 with 1400 miles. Car has been titled and I'll be buying from a Ford dealer. MSRP was 37500. Thanks for your help.
  • lsdptllsdptl Member Posts: 7
    What would be a reasonable price to expect for trade in on this car. I have no problems with it as of yet and in fact really like it. The only reason we are trading it in is we are victims of the Warranty Gold fiasco and my husband's car needed $1500 worth of repairs not paid for by this company, so we would like to trade in the cars so we at least have something under warranty. We would like another minivan and are looking at another Windstar, or Town and Country as these have decent rebates on it to make up for any short fall in our trade. We currently owe $16400 on this car which I know puts us upside down, but it is by a different amount on each site I go to. We are currently looking at a 2002 Town and Country with 3300 miles on it. They are offering it to us for $27500 out the door, including all fees, taxes etc. The deal stalled becuase my bank will not loan more than 110% MSRP on the deal, the guy told us the MSRP on the Town & Country was $24100 and the bank would not loan more than $26500 on this deal. The salesperson keeps insisting that the MSRP is more than $24100, I don't want to be more upside down in this than I already am. What would be an acceptable trade in for my car in this deal or any other. Thanks for any help you can provide. By the way the Windstar has all the options except for the towing package and is at 49850 in miles. Tires still in good shape, paint in great shape(shiny no dullness), No doors dings, carpet in good shape as are leather seats. Thanks!!
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ..... 2WD ...?

                     4WD ....?

                            V8 .......... ?

                                  AWD ............ ?

                You help me and I will help you ..

                      Got it ..!

                           Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........ These dudes have extreeeme re-sale value, even with the miles ..

             Miles aren't too bad for the year, it's an LT, it's a 4x4, sounds like it's been taken care of, good color anywhere, deep rubber .. what can I say, if it's a nice one, looks drives feels like 50k, service is all there, no shotgun practices on the sides, no click click in the 4wd .. then trade side, you should be seeing the mid to high $5's, could maybe "might" see the ultra low $6's if it's puuurffect ...

               Down Retail Rd, a great detail, a super ad, all those nice service records sitting on the front seat ~ $8,9 in the paper and $7,9/$8,5 sends it off to computer school .. this should take you about 30 minutes ..

                       Let me know .. :)

                           Terry.
  • timadamstimadams Member Posts: 294
    What's the real-world value for a 98 Honda Accord V6 sedan, LX trim level? Dark green. 80,000 miles. Standard V6-LX stuff plus I added a Honda in-dash CD player and remote locks/trunk release. I also added alloy wheels, but they are looking pretty scratched up by now. Trade-in and sell myself prices?
  • timadamstimadams Member Posts: 294
    I am looking to perhaps replace my Honda with an 02 or 03 Nissan Maxima SE 6-speed. According to Edmunds TMV, the dealer price should be $18 to $20k, depending on options. When I see an 02 or 03 Maxima on dealers lots, they all want $21 to $24k. The edmunds private sale price is $16 to $18k. KBB shows dealer retail prices around $21.5 to $24k and private sale prices around $18 to $20k.

    What do the real-world experts say about a nearly-new Maxima SE? On this car, should a 6-speed sell for more, less or the same than a slushbox car? From what I've heard, only about 5 percent of Maximas are stick, and I've seen very few to look at.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ....... Your never a pest and you are welcome anytime, I just been busy for the last week or so, a little vacation, rain, family down from from up north, rain, business, rain, auctions, rain, plus I have the attention span of a avachado and I get side tracked ... anytime I miss your post by a few days, just re-post :-)

                ****************************

       .. 2003 Honda Accord EX-L Coupe
    5-speed manual (I know, I know)
    Black exterior over black leather (I know, I know)
    15,000 miles (I know, I know)
    Loaded. Roof, wheels, leather, climate control, 6-disc, keyless, fog lights, spoiler, tint
    Car is immaculate inside and out. With a quick wax it could pass for new. -- it's a handshaker, it's black in Hotlanta and it's the 4 banger .. trade side, in around that $15ish zipcode -or - $17,9 "asking" on the retail side and $16,9/$17,5 sends it packing, the color the 5 speed and it's a coupe will hold it back ...

    1997 Dodge Dakota (first year of newer body)
    Club Cab
    3.9L V6
    70,000 miles
    manual transmission (I know, I know)
    black exterior with gray cloth interior (I know) -- doesn't sound bad IF it's clean and needs -0- sounds like the mid to high $4's on a trade, should ask $6,9 and take that $5,9/$6,5 figure if you can getit, the handshaker holds this one back .. actually this should be an easy one to sell ..

                               Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........ If I haven't hit your post in the last 4/5 days please re-post, just cut and paste it from the last one .. been a little busy .l.o.l..

                    Terry.
  • timadamstimadams Member Posts: 294
    I just got a call from a car salesman I visited last week telling me his dealership just acquired a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE with 6-speed stick shift(see 3 posts up). Silver, 19,500 miles, sunroof, leather, Nissan Certified (don't know what other options yet). It's about an hour away, so I can't really drop over and come back quickly.

    What price is good to pay for this?

    What should I get for my 98 Accord (4 posts up) if I trade it in?

    I would GREATLY appreciate it if Terry (and anyone else) could respond ASAP? Thanks.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ........ Hurry up, hurry up .. everyone is in a Big hurry .. :)

             It's a 02 SE, we have leather, Bose, slider, miles in the 19's with a handshaker, color is good anywhere .. dealer might have the low 15's in it, add the certified junk and it should be around the low to mid $16's with a this and a that .. $18,5/$18,9 should be about all of it ...

              the Honda might be worth the high $6's, low $7's on a trade .. you should be able to trade for your vehicle and "around" that $11,5/$12ish difference, somewhere in that area .. don't like the trade figures, clean, great ad, yatty yatty, in the paper for $8,9 and $7,9/$8,5 get's a new owner .. I'm pretty sure you pay taxes on the difference in PA, so that would be around a $400 tilt in the trade favor ..

                   Let me know ... !

                          Terry.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,341
    Time for a new car in the family, but my wife has decided maybe she should get it instead of me. So, what are our 2 cars worth retail/trade (I don't mind hooking on retail road).

    1) 1999 Nissan Maxima SE, dark silver, 5 speed (yeah, I know), cloth, roof, 42,000 miles. Recent tires, some scratches on the rear fender (about a $250 fix). clean inside, runs nice.

    2) 1999 Nissan Quest SE, silver/gray cloth, loaded up (new msrp was 26,500) including moonroof, alloys, etc. Recent tires, new battery, 1 owner, service records, real clean (just a few door dings). 41,000 miles.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • cesarajucesaraju Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    What would be the trade in value for a 2001 Audi TT quattro with 26,500 mi, raven black, 225 HP, with navigation system and all the goodies except for the car phone?

    I have been trying to sell it to get a bigger more baby friendly car but bites so far, so I am leaning to a trade in...
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,341
    Terry: Both the '99 Nissans reside in southern NJ (outside of Phila).

    Don't want to go to my room, so hopefully this is everything you need.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • jratcliffejratcliffe Member Posts: 233
    1. Where is it (city/state)?
    2. Condition?
    3. Hardtop or roadster?
  • gbernsteengbernsteen Member Posts: 12
    Hi I have a kind of a different question for you.

    On a new Subaru Forester, XS (midlevel) model, silver, would having the top half of one door repainted due to some chips through the clear coat decrease the value of the car for future resale? And if so, what would be a fair discount to reflect that decrease?

    I would probably be ready to sell it in about 3-4 yrs. MSRP is about 25k, and purchase price 22k.

    Thanks for any help!
  • pinkraypinkray Member Posts: 1
    What would the trade in value be for a 1995 Volvo 960 Wagon with 74,000 miles? The car is dark green in very good (couple of scratches)condition. Tan leather. Philadelphia area.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Thanks for the help. The truck is what I was expecting but I was hoping for a little more on the Accord. Was thinking of asking $19,000 and settling for $18,000. Will have to give this one some more thought.....
  • rdernrdern Member Posts: 11
    I got a reasonable (or very good depending on who you talk to) offer on my silver, loaded, 41k miles TT from NH for $18500. Problem is that the buyer is in 125 miles away and wants their mechanic to look at it.

    Ideally they want to buy the car with a 72hr return clause if an inspection turns something up. I completely understand the desire to have a mechanic look it over, but I have no idea how to write something like this up to avoid having the car come back for something stupid or even worse buyers remorse. Just driving back and forth is going to 250 extra miles on the car. I also have a loan on the car, and I can't pay it off until the 3 days are up or that opens a whole new can of worms, it also leaves me carless for at least three more days.

    Second Option is to have them leave a deposit and we won't complete the sale until after the inspection. Again though, I am out a car for at least a day probably two and the miles are racking up.

    Any suggestions here?
  • rivertownrivertown Member Posts: 928
    If you like the deal otherwise and you feel confident of mechanical condition, get a deposit and meet 'em at their mechanic's. They can drive you back home or you can catch a bus, if the sale flies.
  • hpihpi Member Posts: 2
    Repost as requested:

    Hi Terry,

    I will soon be trading my 1998 Nissan Maxima GLE for a Pilot and was wondering what would be a reasonable expectation on the trade-in value.

    It's dark green (they call it evergreen) in color and has all the standard GLE features (leather, anti-lock brakes, front side air bag, cd player, heated front seats, power moonroof, BOSE stereo, etc.). There are no known mechanical problems, but it has usual wear and tear (nothing major) inside and out. Rear tires are in okay condition, but the front ones would be replaced before winter driving starts.

    I am the original owner and have put 55,000 miles on it. I am in Colorado, BTW.

    TIA.
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