Real-World Trade-In Values

donnelli · December 2003

Hi - I have got a car that I'm either going to trade-in or sell myself.

It's a 1997 Honda CR-V. Black color, only options above the standard stuff is CD and keyless entry. It's got 99k, but the maintenance has been done right. $800 for the 90k service, new brakes, and decent tires.

What do you think it would trade-in for? I've got an individual offering $5500 cash.

isellhondas · December 2003

If it's the one with ABS or not. In 1997, they didn't call them LX's or EX's. The ABS models had alloy wheels and that's how they can tell them apart.

If it's a 1997, it's an automatic. Honda didn't offer five speeds until the next year.

He will also need to know if it's a 4WD or a 2WD. If you are in a northern climate, the 2WD's are a dog to sell.

You have a car that has held it's value VERY well!

donnelli · December 2003

This one doesn't have ABS or alloys. You're right it's an automatic. And it does have All Wheel Drive.

prodigalsun · December 2003

Where are you living? That'll have amaterial impact on price.

donnelli · December 2003

I think the where am I living question was directed at me... I live in central Illinois, so we see our fair share of the white stuff!

aggie1995 · December 2003

What is the best deal on a car/SUV that I can get for

$18k (+/- $1k)
Less than 4 years old
Dallas, Texas area

Prefer Luxury/Near Luxury type vehicles. (ie. Lexus RX300, Infiniti G35)

What should I be looking for in that price range? Where?

suavechavo · December 2003

The local dealership still has some 2002s and a 2001 Trooper on their lot. They are brand new trucks that were never sold I guess. The two I'm interested in are:

2002 2WD S model, white w/o any options except the auto tranny, MSRP ~$28K

2001 2WD Limited(lthr,moonroof,wood dash), auto and it's white also, MSRP ~$34K

How much would these be worth? And also, would it be wise to buy a truck that has been sitting at a dealership for 2-3 years? Both have under 500 miles on them. I'm in North Texas. What d'ya think??

steine13 · December 2003

"What d'ya think??"
I"m thinking Run Dont Walk.
The 2002, maybe, if it isn't TOO old -- manuf date is on a sticker on the driver's door jamb -- but I'd forget about these fine automobiles. The "stalest" car I've ever bought sat for close to a year, and there wasn't any trouble with it, but I wouldn't want it much longer than that. All that starting, moving around the lot, water in the oil and not enough heat to evaporate it, can't be good for the engine. At least your in TX, so rust isn't an issue.
Another thing is that if these guys were serious about moving these puppies out and would cut the appropriate deals, they'd'a been gone a long time ago. Heck of a way to run a store. I'd probably just forget these bozos.
-Mathias

eanneclark · December 2003

Hi. I would like to know what the approximate trade-in value of my car is. I have a 94 Toyota Corolla, automatic, color black. The paint is coming off in places, especially the roof. There is a small dent in the rear left panel above the tire. The car has around 120,000 miles on it. It is also missing the two rear hub caps.

driftracer · December 2003

missing hub caps.

You could have Earl Shieb fix and paint the car for $400-500, buy a new set of wheel covers at K-Mart for $40, then advertise it for $1500 and be really happy if you get $1200.

As it is, it's a $200 car.

bill731 · December 2003

Terry,

Would you please go back and look at post # 15836.
It was one you missed.

Thanks

draymond2 · December 2003

I looking to possibly buy in Detroit area.
It has 16k miles, like new.
red/gray interior
5sp/sunroof, pretty much loaded.
Dealer asking $7500.
What can I buy this for?? any ideas.
Thanks.........
Also dealer wouldn't provide me with prev owner's name/number, mentioned privacy laws, Is that true? In Ky dealers must provide prev owners info on request....

steine13 · December 2003

I don't often disagree with you, but I'll have to on this one. A 94 Corolla, if it isn't a complete rat, is still a nice piece of merchandise. Forget the repaint, it's expensive, won't be done right, and is a turn-off.
We don't have much of a description here... but if it's otherwise in nice shape, it'd still sell for close to $2 on the street. More if it's really clean and an LE; Maybe $1500 if it's a DX w/air and crank windows and the 3sp auto. But these cars were built for eternity; so long as the body holds up, they'll go 200k+, and people know it.
As far as trade-in value: That's not going to bring anybody any joy, but I still think $750 should be easy. And yes, buy the cheap wheel covers, it makes a difference. And clean it to a "T".
If it's smoking, needs stuff, has rips/tears/rust spots, then start deducting.
-Mathias

driftracer · December 2003

That's not even a buy here/pay here piece without a repaint and fixing the dent.

Don't get me wrong - I love 'em and agree that they'll run all day long with decent maintenance. It's more of a category call, though, considering outward appearances. In decent shape, with the right buyer, I could probably get $2500 for it.

stevestein · December 2003

1999 6 cyl 4WD, leather, moonroof, pwr everything, dealer installed 12CD changer in back w/control right under radio.
35K mi, good-excellent condition - wash and wax to go on floor. No body work or rust, no mechanical problems. Going into Lexus RX. Dealer offered 7K, KBB website says 8200 (good) - 8800 (excellent). What is realistic wholesale/retail value?

isellhondas · December 2003

That is a car that has a lot of good miles left.

There are a LOT of people who really don't care much what it looks like. These people need solid affordable transportation to get them to school or work.

It'll bring 1000.00 in a heartbeat to anyone who just needs reliable transportation.

And...NOTHING will ruin a car like a cheapie paint job! It would no doubt look worse than it deos now!

jmccullough · December 2003

I'm looking at a 1998 S70 to replace my totalled Plymouth Grand voyager (culture shock, huh?)

Here is the information I have:
87,000 miles
2.5 L engine
automatic
cloth
AC, cruise, fog lights.
I don't know about the cold weather package, although here in Vermont it certainly sounds like a good idea.

They're asking $9,995.00. How does that sound?

jmccullough · December 2003

Here's a car I just saw for sale:

1999 Legacy Outback
about 120K miles
ROOF RACK
AUTOMATIC
AIR CONDITIONING
CRUISE CONTROL
AM/FM RADIO CASSETTE CD
4 CYLINDER 2.5 LITER

Some dings in the body and a little bit dirty, but it basically looks good. I'm thinking that if I can get it for $3500 I should grab it. What do you think?

Thanks.

ivelia4407 · December 2003

I would like to know the value of my trade in. I have a Dodge Neon SXT 2004, I bought it in October. I was robbed. They charged me 18,000 and the TMV value is 12,000. I would like to buy a Toyota Corolla. What do you suggest that I do?

driftracer · December 2003

to $9,500 car - '03s are doing around $7K....not very good news for you, sorry.

rroyce10 · December 2003

Two S-10s, need to know value. by bill731 Dec 07, 2003 (7:57 pm)
Daughter & son in law are getting two new vehicles
and wish to sell private party their 1993 S-10
Ext. cab,Auto,4wd,white,good tires and clean inside & out. Only 70,000 miles. Also has AC.

                 _______________

   ***** ~ doesn't sound bad, miles are waay low for the year, it's an Xcab, 4x4, auto, good
sneakers - and you say it's "clean" ... Clean
means: no click click in the 4x4, it looks drives, feels like a 30k 00, service is 100%,
cold air, no rust and very few encounters with the K-Mart crowd ... a fair deal for the next owner .? .. depends on where you live, a fair "asking price" would be $4,900, it's that December/January time, folks are buying X boxes, not cars, so that pup should be waving goodbye at
the first $3,5/$4,500 ... the miles save this one.

The other S-10 is a 2000 Blazer LT. Red, Auto,
Power windows&doors,CD, 4wd good tires and clean
inside & out. Has AC with 52,000 miles.

Location is S. WI. They have interested people
who they already know, and are looking for a price fair to both parties.

PS Service is up to date on both.

Thanks in advance

              _________________

              ***** 00 LT, 52k, 4x4 and "assuming" leather .. miles are a little on the tall side, if it's a clean one, all the same as the the Xcab above, probably worth the high $8's, low $9's on a trade ... down Retail Rd, I would be "asking" $11,9 and the first "el Casho" buyer would be an owner at $10,5/$11,0 .. not knocking Blazers, but this style has been kinda cold for over a year, so if you have buyers, sell it .. the area saves you here.

                 I hope this helps ...


                        Terry.

rroyce10 · December 2003

..... This must be Blazer day .. 4dr.? this one is a 99 LT, 4x4, slider, cd, leather(?) and Mucho low in the miles dept ..

             $7,0 on a trade .. ? any repaint, weird tri colors, zebra interior, blinking purple lights .? .. Blazers are a cold commodity, but Not that cold .. depending on where you live, trade side you should be seeing in and around the low low low $8's, remember you are talking with an import dealer and sometimes they need to get their nose out of the clouds .. get to another dealer, or get this one to come out of their coma ...

                   let me know what happens ...

                       Terry.

rroyce10 · December 2003

........ I must either be drunk, going blind, a missprint or your wasting my time with a stupid joke .....!

            $7,500 ................. ? ... is that in Chinese money .?

             Noooooo waaaay .. Maybe, just maybe it might see $2,500, it could go stupid, and in it's very best day with the right barometric pressure, the rings of Saturn and a blind and deaf person bidding on it, ~m a y b e~ could see $2,900 at some crazy drug induced auction ... then "Maybe" see $4ish on the Retail side from some whacko that FBI is looking for .. 16/26/56k it doesn't make a difference, it's a 10 year old Probe GT, not a 16k MR2 ........ $7,500 ..? .. step away from the Draino.!

                      Terry ;-)

rroyce10 · December 2003

........ No description here, so it's hard to say ... but, unless this thing has been hit by a mortar shell, interior was "Art Deco'd" by Jack the Ripper and it's hit everything But Joe Louis .. then it "could" very well be worth $900+, 120k in a Yota don't mean much if it's earned those miles the right way ....

Here's one for ya ... "86" Honda 4dr Accord LX, 91k, maroon inside and out, auto, cold breeze, 50% upfront and 15% on the back in the rubber dept, power wds, locks, cruise, tilt, all on the slow side, faded paint, interior clean, gray spray on the 3 rusts holes (cig pack size) on the passenger side, oil leak on the valve cover gasket .. did a clean and detail, left the grey spots alone, did $900 at FAAO ... $200, you need to get out more .l.o.l..

Terry ;-)

stickguy · December 2003

Terry: You are in rare form this morning. Keep up the good work.

"Art deco'd by Jack the ripper" - love that one. I think I will have you write the ad next time I go to sell a car.

stickguy · December 2003

So put down the Bloody Mary and sit up straight;

My neice totalled her car (a '97 IIRC Escort), and needs a new one (actually, she needs a bus pass, but I'm not getting in the middle of that one).

Anyway, my sister (aka her mom) figures they have about 3K to spend, maybe push to 3.5. In this range, what is reasonable to expect to find, preferably a private sale.

Criteria is something not to large, crashworthy (the way she drives), AT/air, decent gas mileage, some style (her being 18 and all). 4 cyl is fine.

I was thinking Protege/Altima/Sentra and the ever popular Prism. She likes Camrys and Cavaliers (couldn't possibly tell you why).

Just looking for a feel on what age/mileage range what fall into the price range. Of course, any other ideas would be appreciated.

bretfraz · December 2003

It's been awhile since I've been in here. Hope all is well.

I need a valuation quickly if you can do one. My neighbor wants to do a deal tonight on a new Dodge Ram. Here's his trade:

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4X4
82,000 miles
5.2L V8
No moonroof
Infinity CD system
newish tires
RF damage repair recently. New hood, RF fender, bumper cover, trim, headlight, etc. Entire front clip was repainted (nicely).
Rest of paint decent with its fair share of parking lots dings. No other body damage.

I can't imagine a dealer keeping this so all I need is a trade in value so he doesn't get shanked tonight.

Thanks!!!

rroyce10 · December 2003

....... **So put down the Bloody Mary and sit up straight** .... I'll sit up straight, but I'm not putting down the Bloody Mary ...

          Nowadays $3k is a tuff market to hit .. but it's Xmas time, dealers and privates should be getting a little weak knee'd after dropping ad's all over the place and getting the same guy that lives underneath the bridge trying to buy a vehicle ...

           95 Mazda MX3's, 96ish Protege's, maybe the MX6, IF you can find a nice 323 that would special, 96ish Sentra, 94/95 Altima, 99ish Escort, 96/97 Contours, any 96ish Buick with the 3.8 ..

                I hope this helps ...

                      Terry.

jlawrence01 · December 2003

It is obvious that your niece is looking for another car to total ...

I sure wouldn't spend a lot of money on a teenager with such a reputable driving record. Why pay the premium for a Protege/Altima/Sentra?

I think that I would be scouring the lot for maybe a '89-91 Buick or a Crown Vic or something that could stand the demo derby that is teenage driving.

Stylish, dream on. Why spend the money on style when all she is going to do is bust it up?

I think that a bus pass is more appropriate personally.

stickguy · December 2003

I agree that a bomber is the safest bet, but the combo of my sister and niece (single mom) aren't doing too well with repairs and such. I highly recommended something that wasn't pretty (ie lots of parking lot kisses) but mechanically sound.

stickguy · December 2003

Thanks for the input. Pretty much what I would be looking at (except for the stick shift, of course) if I was in this market.

Now the trick is having them find a good one (I'm near Phila. and they are in NY (near the city), so it's hard to help look).

akangl · December 2003

Too bad you aren't closer to me, I know of a sweet little 94 Escort that would fit the bill to a T. Heck, its already been through 2 teenagers and a teenager's angry boyfriend. Looks kinda bad, but its a good one.....could be had for $1500 or so. I really should go buy it back, lol.

rroyce10 · December 2003

...... Hey dude, where ya been ..? .. didn't I see you on the Jerry Springer show after that big series on breast augmentations ..?

            So anyway, we have this 97 Jeep GC Lmt, we have the 4x4 rolling around, big tunes, V8, we also have some miles going on at 82k, but low for the year, no slider, newish round things and lets not forget that little bitty RF damage repair recently, New hood, RF fender, bumper cover, trim, headlight, Entire front clip was repainted ... what different colors do we have going on here ..? .. sounds nice if it was a lamp shade.

              Soooo, wheres the good news ...?

            Can you pull it up to the screen so I can get a better look .?

            Sounds like a GC that is staring down the barrel of in and around that $4ish figure .. get it cleaned real well before you go.

                    Let me know ...

                        Terry.

free7bird · December 2003

I have a 2002 Mustang GT Convertible fully loaded with about 16500 miles. I was just wondering if it would make a big difference in the amount I would get for my trade if I traded in now compared to trading after the new year in February? Just wondering if it would hurt by going into the new year and being a year older. Let me know.
Thanks

rroyce10 · December 2003

.... Hmmm, I'm trying to zero in my controls for my crystal ball ...

The problem is, I Don't Know Where you live ......

Terry.

truckdude · December 2003

Denver, CO
LE, Desert Sand, 50k miles, 5 door (non-power), quad cloth seats, alloys, new tires, roof rack, towing, rear heat/AC, almost perfect in and out with few minor dings a scratches.

Thanks for your time.

turboshadow · December 2003

I'm intersted in one of three cars and would like to know what they are running for at the auctions, and what would be a good price to expect to pay....here goes.

PS All were GM program cars if that makes any difference.

Car 1: 2003 Chevy Malibu LS, no options 31K
Car 2: 2003 Olds Alero, 4-dr, GL1, V-6, auto, CD/cassette, 13K
Car 3: 2003 Buick Century, 20K CD/Cassette, 23K

Location, Columbia, SC.

Thanks!!

isellhondas · December 2003

Tell me what you think here. I just lost a deal (again) because of the trade-in.

On the phone he told me he had a pristine, 15,000 mile Miata to trade in.

I cringed, knowing it's not the time of year to be peddling a Miata.

I wasn't too worried since he told me he was looking for 12,000 hard. It books for 12,400 plus a 1400.00 add (I think)for the miles.

When I saw him pull onto our lot I knew I was in deep trouble...

"Evolution Orange" Ever see that color?

Couldn't find anyone who wanted it but a guy who owes us several favors hit it at 10,000.

He was happy we didn't make the deal!

What do you think?

rroyce10 · December 2003

...... What year ...........?

         If it's "Evolution Orange", then it "should" be a 00 LS .. actually it's a pretty cool looking bronzee color, Infiniti uses it on their FX35/45 ... at 15k the miles are super low, but unless your in S.Cal, Dallas, Daytona or Delray beach it might sit because of the oncoming winter(?) .. I never spent a winter in Seattle, so I have no idea what it's like.

          $10 is really kinda weak, $10,7/$11,0 is fair on the trade side and $12 is waaay too much .. but it would see $12,0 at Bay City, "kinda" down the street from you, definitely would see $12 at Riverside (if it's clean, needs -0-, yatty yatty)

                   Let me know ...

                       Terry.

Kirstie_H · December 2003

A tv reporter is looking to interview a recent carbuyer who had to sign an arbitration contract at the dealership. Please respond to jackie.sobie@newpronet.com or jfallon@edmunds.com by 12/12/03 with your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

free7bird · December 2003

I live in Houston, TX. Also the car is an automatic. Let me know.

dkuhajda · December 2003

I am guessing he is probably going to be in the low $4K's on trade if it looks nice due to his 71K on the thing and tons of them out there.

$5,100 at retail would be a good safe car to drive. The Sable/Taurus are generally one of the better cars as far as safety. I like how the balance of the car to a good set of tires keeps good control of them on snow and a bit of ice as well.

You could easily hit the $3K mark on a slightly high miles 99 private party, and a good chance the owner kept up all maintenance. It has been my experience that the ones that have had good maintenance last with few big problems, the ones with little to no maintenance will always bit you in the rear with big repairs later on.

bretfraz · December 2003

Re: The Grand Cherokee you hit at $4000. He got $5000 for it and picked up a 2003 Ram for a great price. Thanks much for the info, it really helped.

rroyce10 · December 2003

...... Thanks for the recap .. but actually I said $4ish, so he got A L L the peso's, see what happens sometimes during the "tumbleweed times" ...l.o.l..

Terry.

stickguy · December 2003

one problem with those real clean private sales is finding them. The good ones tend to go fast (often before the ad hits the paper), and it can be real time consuming chasing down leads. Add in 2 people who like to argue (with each other) and don't know diddle about cars, and paying a little extra at a reputable dealer doesn't sound too bad.

rroyce10 · December 2003

....... Morning there dude .. it's the right color anywhere, LE, we have quads, 5dr, 50k, got some wheels, tow pack (unused), dual breeze .. and you say it's clean.

         If it has deep rubber, no repaints, no KFC invasions in the interior, just a real nice LE ... depending on the dealer then trade side, you should be seeing the low to mid $11's, "could" "maybe" hit $12,0 if it's super nice and needs -0- .. miles hold this one back.

                Good luck .. and the law of the land says "Let me know what happens" ..

                       Terry :-)

rroyce10 · December 2003

...... Sooo, we have a 16k GT 02 Stang convert and we live in Houston ..

         I guess I don't have to tell ya, it's gotta be clean, deep round things, no kisses .. Now vs February ..? .. good question and it will depend on the dealer .. that being said, most dealer aren't going to pay Big money for anything right now unless they can "turn and burn" it in a Quick sale .. But, there's a big difference between Houston and Buffalo in February .l.o.l..

          Kinda of a Catch 22 here .. right now the dealers can buy them with miles in the teens at the DFW auction for in and around that $15ish figure (twin to yours) ... what the market, weather, rebates, might be doing in February I can't say ..

                 But let me know ...

                       Terry.

driftracer · December 2003

kras1 · December 2003

I have a 1997 1/2 Inifniti Q45 loaded with 6 mon old 17 inch rims and tires. Body is in very good condition -- no rust or dings. No mechanical problems....89,000 miles. Dark green with tan leather interior. What is a realistic trade-in value?

tomcat630 · December 2003

"one problem with those real clean private sales is finding them.."

With selling a car there is also dealing with: getting pay off quotes, arranging to go to bank to pay off for title, waiting for buyer's phone calls, hassles, and more hassles.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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