Real-World Trade-In Values

isellhondas · November 2003

I'll bet it didn't just happen to backfire.

As you were passing the Datsun, the driver switched off the ignition. When you were alongside, he switched it back on.

This is LOTS of fun, especially when going through a pedestrian tunnel.

Now, we have fuel injection and this won't work anymore...

akangl · November 2003

You are probably right, it was a young guy with his g/f in the car. Scared me half to death.

My dad used to have a 78 Ford Courier that backfired all the time and people used to call him Chetney Chetney Bang Bang.

jlflemmons · November 2003

Hey Terry,

Need some help on two potential tradeins.

95 GMC Safari SLE, all power, clean, 82K miles
and the real winner...
2000 Sierra SLT extended cab heavy loaded, perfect condition, with 21K miles.

Kills me to get rid of that truck, but it has only been on the road 600 miles this year, and I need the garage space.

This is in Central Texas (Austin/Round Rock)

Thanks for your help,

Jim

stebu · November 2003

I used to have a friend who could get his Dad's Rambler Classic convertible to backfire by feathering the throttle. It was especially cool being a convert with the top down. He would do the tunnel thing whenever he could catch some unsuspecting soul. It was funny (in a sick teenage kind of way) right until the muffler blew apart. The humor was lost on his Dad.

hest88 · November 2003

Any help would be appreciated! I wanted to see if you had an estimate of the trade-in value for a white 2002 SPEC-V, automatic, with moonroof and standard everything else, with 23,406 miles, in Marin County, California. (Zip: 94925) Thanks very much for any expert opinion you may have!

alpalo · November 2003

Hey guys - some more details on the above: Dark Blue ext., black leather int., 25k miles, Colorado vehicle, alloy wheels, power everything, 4motion, ABS, sunroof, AC, heated retractable mirrors, memory seats, VW alarm system, heated front seats; in short I believe it has everything VW had to offer for this model year except the 6 cd changer. Asking 25,700 - Autotrader has been a bust and from what I can tell, I think my pricing is right (Your insight on the price would be appreciated). I could use advice as to best way to sell at this price. Thanks in advance, AP

jlflemmons · November 2003

as a teenager, brought home mom's one year old '72 Cutlass Supreme conv one night and told dad how you could shut off the ignition for a few seconds then turn it back on and get a real blast out of the factory duals. He explained that WHEN I blew the mufflers, I would pay to repair them. Well, if you turn off the ignition at 70, and back on at oh, say 45, both mufflers will open up like landing gear. And, being at night, the ball of fire that came out from under the car was most impressive. Where it came home to roost was when dad explained that I wasn't just paying for the mufflers, I was paying for someone else to put them on. Ouch.

Now I have a 13yo son and I am already getting nervous...

Jim

driftracer · November 2003

unless you put the word "negotiable" in the ad.

Your price is $1,000 OVER NADA retail and $1,300 over Kelley Private Party Retail.

As soon as a consumer looks up the book value on this thing, your price wouldn't get a second glance.

jratcliffe · November 2003

Could be worse - my dad SOLD his 72 Cutlass ragtop in 1988, when I was _14_!!! Sold it for $2k, but led to $5k in therapy bills on my part ("Daddy doesn't love me!").

alpalo · November 2003

Thanks for the input Driftracer.

driftracer · November 2003

I recommend dropping your price to around retail ($24,300-24,500) and hope for the best.

I have a strong feeling these are hitting the streets for about a grand less than that (at $23,500-23,800).

prodigalsun · November 2003

Ain't no such animal, the Spec V only comes with a 6 speed manual. Probably an SER you're looking at?

hest88 · November 2003

Sigh. Well they could be wrong. They claim it's a SPEC-V but they also say it's an automatic. I don't care if it's a SPEC-V or not, but it needs to be an automatic.

jratcliffe · November 2003

Hey Terry,
Well, as much as I try to put it from my mind, the S2000 keeps rearing its lovely head:

2000 Honda S2000
Silver exterior
Red leather interior

74,000 miles (yeah, I know, closer dating service)
Looks clean - a few stone chips on the hood, nothing major, no kisses, bumps, slaps, etc.
Tires ~75%
Clean Carfax

Currently in TX, would make its home in Baaston.

What say you, oh oracle?

Thanks!

rroyce10 · November 2003

....... It's got all the stuff, color is ho-hum, miles are tall ....

Does it get lonely when your sitting by the phone and it never rings ..?

(

That's cuz' the price is Waaay too High ..! .. it's worth in and around that $18/$19,0 figure on a trade, there is dealer cash and special financing via VW financial right now on the 03's .... maybe your pay-off is too tall, but if you want to sell it, you need to be at like $22,900 "asking" and cut that bad boy from the herd at $21,5/$22,500 ... or, go to Home Depot get yourself about 300lb's of potting soil and make a planter out of it ... $25,700 ..? it's an 02 with 25k, not an 03 with -0- miles .... by the way, get off the Autotrader, get a real nice Big 4/5 liner Ad in the Denver Post(?) with a great description and that should help alot.

Sorry

Terry.

hest88 · November 2003

Whew. Okay, it's a plain SE-R. Thanks for the information.

rroyce10 · November 2003

....... I think these are nice vehicles .. I also think the owner probably tried to trade it and flopped over like a dead mullet when they hit it at that $13/$14 range on a trade ...

          IF it's super clean, babied, service is 110%, ya know lookin' feelin' and driven' like 25k .. then on the Retail side it's worth in and around the $15's, low $16's ...

          Me personally, I have no fear of a real nice one, also this a great time to be lookin' at converts, it even get's a little cool in Austin, so the market get's smaller and smaller every month ..... ;-)

                        Terry.

rroyce10 · November 2003

....... Hey Adam .. where do you park this puppy ...?



          location .. location .. location

                     Terry.

atrick · November 2003

Please advice what a '95 Ford Club Wagon Chateau with 100K should fetch on a trade. It's in EXCELLENT condition inside and out - we just rebuilt the transmission and then decided we want a smaller vehicle (getting a mini SUV). One dealer only offered us $3,000 for this van, but I feel it's worth much more. Black Book says $6,800 for the dealer purchase and $9,000 for retail. Guess dealer's just trying to jerk us around...

steine13 · November 2003

Allan,
You've come to the place.
The news gets worse from here.

$3k may be a little harsh, but you have to face some, uh, realities here.

There is no such thing as a domestic, 9-year-old, 100k vehicle with a repaired transmission in EXCELLENT condition. Try "fair".

You're in St. Louis. That's a little farther south than where I'm at, but it's still November. NOBODY wants these things come Labor Day, never mind Thanksgiving. In FL, maybe, but for it to be a good season, you'd have to be in, like, Sydney.

To give you an idea: A local dealer has had the twin (2-tone blue, Chateau, 302 V8, 95k miles) for sale since, get this, January '02. He's asking $7k and I've been laughing every time I've seen it in the paper.

To give you another idea: I really like these things. Because of its "rebuilt" transmission, I wouldn't touch it unless I knew who did the work. And even if everything were fine, I'd try it for maybe $4, at least this time of year. Meet me 1/2way in Indy, I bring ramps and a flashlight, and maybe we'll see what we can do. That would be a realistic offer for a person-to-person deal..

Terry can tell you what it's really worth (E150 or E250? color? tires?). Does it have the Diesel, maybe? That would up the figures. Otherwise, I don't know where Black Book comes from, it doesn't sound right. 6,800 trade-in? French Franc, maybe. I got curious and stuck it into Edmunds' calculator, assuming dk red, 302, dual air. Comes up 4,600 trade in as a "clean" car (a stretch) and $3,580 "average".

Having stuck my neck out this far, I'll add that I'm not a car professional, just a resident yahoo (and I just woke up in the middle of the night, so I'm grumpy).

You can find my web page for buying cars can in my profile; the section on valuation may shed some light on this whole adventure. And finally, I hope you don't owe any money on a '95 Ford...

Good luck,
-Mathias
East Lansing, MI
Where the forecast is for 20 degrees at night come Fri. Ugh.

rroyce10 · November 2003

...... Wholly molly ..

rroyce10 · November 2003

...... Just when everything is going good ..

        You forgot the MILES, COLOR, AREA ..

                 go to your room, no milk, no cookies, no Playboys ... kids today, uuugh.

                     Terry.

rroyce10 · November 2003

...... I N F O ....

             Half tons ....? 3/4 ... ? V8's ..... ? 6 1/2 beds, 8ft ... ? auto, color .................. ?

           "Hello from my bathroom", were I'm lookin' for the razor blades to cut my wrists ......... I N F O

                  Terry.

rroyce10 · November 2003

....... That's kind of a tuff question .. depends on the size of the family and what YOU think completes the puzzle ...

        $22,0 or less .. ? 2WD Escape/ Tribute, Grand Vitara XL-7 or Freelander .. too small ...? 2WD Exploder, Mountaineer, Xterra, Pathy ... still too small.? .. 2WD Navigator, Tahoe, Burb/Yukon ...

         Van's .. ? Sienna's, Ody's, MPV was a good choice, and "bang for the bucks" a Nissan Quest ... it will all depend on how ya use them here in Florida ...

         Like I always say: Always buy and drive what YOU like .... !

                     Terry.

jerhot · November 2003

I have an '01 granite green Odyssey EX that will be coming off lease in February. I am way low on miles, just 25,000 at this point. No NAV (which was the only option at the time). I'm assuming you're familiar with the van, but the EX has power everything, including two power sliding doors. It has a few scratches, but no accident damage. How much is it worth?

driftracer · November 2003

condition of the tires, glass, interior, and most importantly, your location - before Terry sends you to your room.

stickguy · November 2003

First time for that, and who needs playboy when there is a "GGW" infomercial running practically around the clock.

Anyway, I was trying to get a ballpark on the Lexus and BMW to see if they might be worth persuing (I assume thats what I'm being punished for).

So, assume silver, ave. miles (20K) for a:

2002 Lexus IS300 5 speed, leather, roof
2002 BMW 323it wagon, premium (leather roof) 5 speed

And what the hell, same BMW in a 2001 with 30ish K miles.

All in southern NJ.

I really should get interested in normal cars that actually exist, but that would be too easy

stickguy · November 2003

A snet is one of the creatures from Cat in the hat.

One more since I have your attention: Volvo S60 T5, normal stuff (roof leather), 2001 w/30K or so, 5 speed and AT )but not in the same car).

Again, just looking for a ballpark on some of the ones that interest me to see what might be worthing searching for, and in case I actually find it.

driftracer · November 2003

fan - no issue with your selections at all! I especially like the Lexus IS.

What's GGW?

driftracer · November 2003

figured it out - Lake Havasu, Daytona, Ft Lauderdale, Austin, New Orleans, etc...

stickguy · November 2003

You got it. I figured that was more PC for the hosts.

Only real problem with some of these cars in manual form is you can't find them. I'm sure Terry could round up dozens of AT IS300s for me in half an hour, but sticks may be impossible to find.

at least looking for the impossible keeps me off the streets and out of trouble (well, actually on the steets, and my wife would think it is looking for trouble...)

kyfdx · November 2003

The Lexus dealers in Cincinnati have 4 5-speed IS300's between them (owned by same dealer group).
2002 and 2003. certified. (auto only in 2001, I think)

fyi,
kyfdx

jgwaltney · November 2003

Terry,
I'm in Nash Tn and have located a 99 LS 400 w/ 29,000 miles - 1 owner, good color (white pearl/tan) std options, w/all records, locally purch and serviced from Lexus dlr here - Asking 29,900, but says they'll look at anything above the 27,000 they can get at local auto auction.

Trying to compare this to a local Lexus CPO of same car, 99 white/tan, with 56,000 miles that has the Lexus CPO new car warranty for a full 3 yrs or up to 100k mi (3 yrs would catch me as I only drive 10k or less per yr)- Dealer asking 29,000 (can be bought for 28,500) - or will sell a 2000 of same exact car w/52,000 mi CPO for 29,900/29,500?

Your thoughts on real value, which and why? private sale vs dealer with more miles but cpo warranty, etc.) - Also, what would you exect in annual depreciation on this vehicle (99 LS 400)over next 5 yrs? - Thx in advance

Your thoughts

ddelise · November 2003

Thanks everyone for your feedback.

I knew this was a hard question to answer due to all the variables. I was leaning towards a Mercury Mountaineer - seemed a good size (bigger than the V40 for sure), pretty nice, and depreciates allot so a used one would be reasonably priced. But a couple of people mentioned the Mazda MPV. My wife and I checked one out last night. It was actually very nice. So that is in the equation as well.

So, I think it is down to those two - Mountaineer and MPV. We are not ready to purchase for a few months, so sometime soon you will start answering my questions about "How much should I offer for xxx"!

Thanks to everyone.

Damon

akfont · November 2003

Hey Terry,

I live in West Chester, PA, outside Philadelphia.

As a reminder, it is a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo LS, red, 37000 mi, alloy wheels, CD changer, 4x4, V6.

Thanks!
Adam

jlflemmons · November 2003

Sorry Terry, here's the details

2000 GMC Sierra 2500 (3/4) Ext Cab 4dr 6 1/2 bed.
leather, 6way heated power seats w/memory(drivers side) both sides
6.0L V8, HD auto 4spd, HD Towing, 3.73 limited slip, cass/cd, PW, PL, Pmirrors, cruise/tilt/alloys, side steps, two tone gray/dark gray, privacy glass (factory), ceiling console/floor console.
No dents, dings, or scratches. kept indoors, so paint shines. truly excellent condition.

should be, baby only has 21K miles, and those are all highway.

Hope this is enough

Jim

driftracer · November 2003

see how much better that sounds with all the details?

About $5-10K better!

jlflemmons · November 2003

2000 GMC Sierra 2500 2 Dr SLT Extended Cab SB
Trade-In Private Party Dealer Retail
National Base Price $14,850 $16,571 $18,257
Optional Equipment $1,185 $1,346 $1,663
Two-Tone Paint $57 $64 $80
Camper/Towing Package $56 $64 $79
Overhead Console $46 $52 $64
Limited Slip Differenti $102 $116 $144
Center Console $64 $73 $90
Fog Lights $53 $61 $75
Privacy Glass $41 $46 $57
Hinged Fourth Door $125 $142 $175
Aluminum/Alloy Wheels $47 $54 $66
Trailer Hitch $123 $140 $173
Heated Front Seats $95 $108 $133
AM/FM/Cass/CD Audio Sys $110 $125 $154
Heavy Duty Suspension $36 $41 $51
6.0L V8 OHV 16V FI Eng $135 $152 $189
Bucket Seats $95 $108 $133
Color Adjustment
Gray $-35 $-39 $-43
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code 78681 $-106 $-118 $-130
Mileage Adjustment
21,500 miles $1,343 $1,343 $1,343
Condition Adjustment
Outstanding $628 $666 $752
Total $17,865 $19,769 $21,842

jlflemmons · November 2003

problem is, we need a vehicle that can do long road trips, AND pull 7K lbs. The 13yo boy is getting too long in the leg to ride in the backseat, and momma ain't giving up the front.

Jim

driftracer · November 2003

that many of the options you listed separately are actually part of the SLT package, or gets a package discount.

jlflemmons · November 2003

I knew that, and it surprised me that Edmunds breaks them out separate.

Jim

driftracer · November 2003

it's common with many books (and Edmunds), which midleads consumers, making them want more than a vehicle is actually worth. It's unfortunate.

clpurnell · November 2003

Hey,

That sounds like like a truck Akangl could use to replace the chevy she has. Jolie wouldn't even have to go to a car lot for it just Texas

akangl · November 2003

Um, thanks but no thanks. Its a short bed (to quote hubby "that's a waste of a good truck) and its a 6.0 (can't pull a 15k trailer). Oh and its a GMC, won't go there again.

Hubby has his sights on a 2004 Dodge 3500, long bed, CC, SRW, 5.9L 6-cyl Cummins, 6-speed manual, 4x4.

jlflemmons · November 2003

But it pulled a 7200lbs travel trailer like it wasn't even back there.

Jolie, after all your posts it finally clicked: akangl= Alaska Angel.

Man, somethings I am reallllly slow to pickup.

Jim

stebu · November 2003

gotta get my eyes checked... I'm seeing an echo.

wolfinblue · November 2003

I've got an APR performance chip, 2.5" turbo-back exhaust (all stainless steel, but reasonably quiet still), slotted brake rotors and Mintex Red Box pads. It was 150 HP stock, now around 250-260 HP. Will it be worth Blue Book? More than Blue Book? Less than Blue book?

The car is in good shape overall (not quite perfect, so I guess that is considered good shape?).

chrisducati · November 2003

My buddy has a 03 dodge dually with the cummins. He pulls a 20ft commercial trailer daily. He loves the truck. We carried over a ton of roll plastic in the bed 600 miles with out the trailer and averaged about 19mpg at 75-80 mph. This is the High output engine with six speed manual gearbox and rear wheel drive. this is not a 4x4. If you have never driven one I must admit it takes some getting use to. The six speed is a notchy long throw gearbox and although it engages smoothly the pattern is unusual. It is geared much more like a big rig than the older dodge five speed. because the lower gears ratios are close you find that first and second shifts are very close time wise. He skips first, third and fifth if the truck is unloaded. The truck will start from stand still in third gear with out much protest. The engine makes that much torque.

akangl · November 2003

Jim......Its ok, took my hubby a year or so for my screen name to click, he didn't get it either.

He's funny about his trucks, this Chevy that he has he likes it, but don't trust it at all. He can't wait to get his Dodge, I told him not until next fall, otherwise we'd have to trade the Explorer in and I am NOT willing to part with my pretty purple Explorer.

Chris........He's driven one and loves them, only diesels he's owned have been GM, don't ask. The one he has now is a 5-speed with low gear, very odd shifting truck, super close, can start up in 2nd no problem. Good truck when its behaving, but its a typical 6.5L TD unfortunatly. He's ready for a real diesel now and is stuck on Dodge which is fine by me.

KCRam · November 2003

Options usually get broken out despite trim level and option packages to make vehicles comparable to other brands that didn't have the same packaged items. Brand A with Option Pack 3 may be all-inclusive, while Brand B may have all those options as standalone.

kcram
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