Real-World Trade-In Values

blackcurrant · May 2001

Thanks for explaining that further. Sometimes it takes awhile to get thru all the crap in my head. You need to know you're dealing with a 'blonde' italian of all things....how dense can one be????

im_brentwood · May 2001

It's OK....

LOL hey, you're a Paisan! (I have a little Italian in me and my business partner is an Italian from Brooklyn...)

Bill

clscflm · May 2001

Thanks Bill for your reply. I was already going to get new tires, so might as well put in for ding repair. No broken paint, just annoying dimples! Thanks again!

elion_84 · May 2001

I'm looking to trade-in a '96 Protege ES with 58k miles. It has an automatic, CD-player, and it's white color. It does have some body damage - the front bumper paint is scratched, some small dings (mainly on the passenger side door), and there's a dent on the driver side between the bumper and the front wheel. Any idea what this car may be worth? KBB says 5300. I wonder what effect the body damage would have?

rroyce10 · May 2001

.......No slider..no spoiler..no wheels..?

The ES's are super little vehicles..people arent to shy on the mileage, but some of the other stuff is a -- no help -- so I'm thinkin' that a dealer, is going to be in or around that $4,500 ish number..

I hope this helps...

Terry.

kate5000 · May 2001

I have a wagon Subaru Loyale'92, FWD, AT A/C, power everything, cruise, 112K. It's been very reliable, all maintenance/service records kept, exc condition for this age. Could you please check in your database(s) how much this could be worth as a trade in and also a private sale. I did check KBB but not sure how much to believe those numbers. I'm in CA, bay area.

thanks

--Kate

im_brentwood · May 2001

Jeez... do I want to be the bad guy here?

I'm gonna peg it around $800-1,000 or so wholesale, and I don't see why you can't throw it inthe paper for $2,900.

Based on Auction data... they seem to sell for $500-1,200 or so there.

Sell it yourself. Especially in this case. If you had like a 99 BMW 540i and it was like a $37,000 wholesale/$41,000 retail car...(Theyre in that range) with a $2,400 or so trade-in tax credit.. I'd say it might not pay.

But inthis case you can triple your money.

Bill

jpmiller99 · May 2001

Hi Guys. Question for you.
What would it cost to get a fully loaded Subaru Forrester, 1998 model. (Both private party and dealer prices, please.)

Is the differential so small (between new and used), that I would be better off going new.

I want a used car, because after 6 months any car is a used car. However, if it would only cost me a few thousand more, I should probably buy new.

Thanks for your time.

rroyce10 · May 2001

.........Well, this can be very good , and let's say, not so good ---- it depends on where you live..

If, you are a Yankee boy(or girl), then these vehicles get all the monies...

I will assume, you are up north, and its a auto, (for starters)...and S model,with the cold pack,leather, cd etc..and let's assume it got about 28K and it's clean to the bone --- They are running at the block in the middle to high $14's ... The retail window will put you in the high $16's+, depending on were you live ..

I hope this help's ...

Terry.

lancerfixer · May 2001

Whaddya think a fair buy price (retail) would be on an '89 Volvo 740 GL-- gold, 5 speed, 100,xxx miles (Low 100s, anyway; I haven't actually seen the car yet.) I'm gonna give the sales guy at the local Volvo outfit the benefit of the doubt and believe, for now, his claims of the car being in near perfect condition and it being a one-owner trade on a new S60. All options except cruise (not important, this will be a replacement for our "second" car, just for use around town.) Ballpark price? I was thinking in the $3600 range...Terry, I'm located in Iowa.

rroyce10 · May 2001

......Without really eye balling this little critter....I'm going to assume they have about $1,200/$1,500 in it, then I'm sure it needed another $300 worth of "stuff" ---- that's if, it's super nice and clean...the handshaker kills it, the Volvo or any other buyer, on the majority will be lookin' auto.....

So, I would have to guess that $3995 is all the retail monies that any one buyer would ever want to consume...and then some..

I hope this helps..

Terry.

lancerfixer · May 2001

Yeah, I'm certainly not gonna go over $4,000. If I get it for the $3,300 range, I'll be happy, I think, assuming perfect (for an '89, anyway) condition.

dardson1 · May 2001

I have not gone w a y back on this site but I'm seeing very few $ questions on Tahoes, Suburbans, or Expeditions. Considering the gas $ thing going on right now, I thought it might be a good time to pick up an almost new, low mile, not very PC gas guzzler???? Oddly enough, out here in West Texas I still see the the SUV's front and center on all the car lots. Hum? Any thoughts on what I might have to pay for...say....an '00 Expedition or Tahoe ...leather, 2x4, under 20k miles and very clean?????

im_brentwood · May 2001

Hmm...

Shoot for $3K but if it's nice.. 3300 is fair.

And it's got a joystick too!

)

Bill

im_brentwood · May 2001

Hmmm....

Expedition will be a better "deal" than a Tahoe.

Tahoe is nicer.

Hmm... figure a just under 20K mile 00 Eddie Bauer? $27Kish retail...

I dunno how that would compare to a new one, but I suspect you can get anew one for not much more...

Bill

rroyce10 · May 2001

.......Now were talkin', I do love those Surburbans..

The gas pricing, I'm sure affects it...but, it's almost June -- and now it's time for a convertible of some kind. So what happens ..? Bob tells Judy..Judy tells Bonnie-- and the next thing you know..there's 2 new convertibles on the street-- Where the heck did their Suv's go...?

Sounds silly, but that's just about normal....But anyway, Suv's have been plentiful since late Feb, so now would be a good time to get one..

2000 LS Tahoe's 2wd, with all the popcorn..and in the 9K/15,000K range are running in the $25,000/$26,000 ish range, and Expeditions are all over the place. The Ford sales are covered with them..An Edie Bauer 4X4 with ..all.. the stuff, 10K are doing in the low $25,000ish range...So I agree with Bill -- Expedition is a better value -- But, Tahoes are kinda slick..and of course a 2000 Suburban LS 2wd 3/4 toyed out, will still pull the $$, rolling around that $28,000 ish area..

So at least you have some Idea's....

Terry.

rws3nh · May 2001

After checking KBB, NADA and the Black Book, my head is spinning...I've seen trade in amounts ranging from $6200-$4000. The 200SX is very clean, 65K miles, sunroof/AC/CD/Cass/5sp. Any thoughts? Thanks!

akangl · May 2001

Just curious but how is the resale value on a Ford Excursion Limited 4WD 7.3L diesel? We are thinking about buying a new one, but if they don't have a very good resale value we might look used. Thanks.

rroyce10 · May 2001

.....These are great little cars..and if, it's as clean as you are telling us ..you know the drill-- no parking lot kisses, tires are about new, interior looks 99 ish...it's a 5 speed ( doesn't help)

Well the miles are right, and a slider helps a lot( and not a bunch around) and it needs -0-...So, I would have to think $4500 ish (real money)..

I hope this helps..

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2001

......The 2000 Excursion, all tricked out with a 4X4, and especially with the 7.3, leather, limited, 20K etc..are pulling in the $28,000/$29,000 range depending on the miles ..

So, I gotta think on the retail side..you are looking at $33,000 and less..

I hope this helps...

Terry.

akangl · May 2001

Thanks, that helps. Maybe I should look for a used one in the states, here in Alaska they are bringing a premium used. Looked at 2 of them, one was a 2000 Limited PSD 4X4 8400 miles, the used car place wanted $39,700 for it, the other one was a 2001 Limited PSD 4X4 8550 miles with a $40,995 price tag. The way I see it a new one can be had for $500 over invoice or about $42,700, why buy used??

fdxboy · May 2001

I can understand that manual transmissions bring the price down a little bit since you paid less for the car when you bought it, therefore the resale should be alittle less but I really don't see why "handshakers" are a killer. Let's take my car that I purchased in March. An Audi A4. The salesman even told me that 50% of all A4 sold are manual trans. Why? People who buy the car feel as though the car is better to drive w/man. vs.Tip. Now sure, Aunt Betty who uses it pick up the kids at swim lessons may want the Tip. and perhaps lazy people but I don't get it. Before my Audi I owned a Jeep Wrangler. I did not know how to drive stick before I bought this vehicle but I would NEVER buy a Wrangler that was not stick. Infact if I remember correctly I hardly saw any Auto. Wranglers. Considering that Auto Wranglers are very few, why would you buy one that would probably be more expensive to fix vs. Man. that is more prevelant? After owning 2 cars with "handshakers" I would never buy Auto.Tranny again. I guess that when I buy a TT in a couple of years I will have to worry about the resale fact that NO Audi TT come in Auto. IMHO I think that the Auto vs. Man. is a crock, but what do I know.

dardson1 · May 2001

ty for the info...this is a terrific site

rroyce10 · May 2001

.....How are you..?

I should have remembered - Alaska..hey, half the time I don't remember my own name..l..o..l..

Yeah, based on what you are saying ...It would behove you, to take a flight, and drive that little puppy back and save a bunch of jingle....if you need some help, email me..

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2001

.....Nothing personal here, it's just reality sticking it's ugly head up.....

When you buy a Bimmer,Benz,Vette etc...the meat clevers are great..and wonderful, for the few..

And when you go to sale them again, it's for the less than few...

I'm sure there is a buyer for your nice vehicle ...but it's going to fall in the 2/3 out of 10 --- if it was a auto, the market would expand to 8/9 out of 10....I'm sure the salesperson told all the warm and fuzzy reasons why to buy it ..... ----- Just like the salesman was telling me last week, why I should get 6 bangers in a 40 ft boat....

Hey, I'm on your side ..

Terry.

im_brentwood · May 2001

I'm with Terry on this car. $4,500-5,000 seems to be what they're actually doing wholesale. That;ll put you in the right neighborhood.

Bill

im_brentwood · May 2001

I think that it would behoove you to buy one in the mainland and drive it or ship it back.

Local dealer was advertising a 4WD Limited for something like $31,995 here... and that's an asking price.

But, why do you need one??

Bill

im_brentwood · May 2001

Supply and demand.

Manuals can be tough to sell. They dont hurt an A4 1.8 that much, but they do hurt a 2.8.

And theykill an A6...

THey slaughter Volvos too.

Basically, you're limiting yourself marketwise. The vast majority of buyers out there want Automatics. And the used market is different than the new market.

Bill

lancerfixer · May 2001

"They slaughter Volvos too..."

I'm counting on that. :-)

akangl · May 2001

Hi Terry.........yes, its back to rediculous Alaska car prices again. I am supposed to be driving to the east coast next summer, course might have to fly if I don't have a car and then pick up an Excursion somewhere in the states, if I can save that much money its certainly worth it I think.

Bill......why do I need an Excursion? Well, we plan on towing a 4-horse trailer with 3 or 4 horses in it, I think I figured the weight at around 8500 lbs total. I don't know many SUV's that can tow that without struggling. Also, we have this crazy addiction to diesels, hubby has a diesel truck and its great. So, in short, I need people capacity, cargo capacity, and towing capacity, oh yeah, and decent fuel economy too. Guess that sums it up and leads us to the Excursion.

Looks like I will be making a trip to pick up a nice used Excursion somewhere in the states, luckily I am in no hurry, have to sell the Jetta first.

im_brentwood · May 2001

Lancer: LOL.. Gotcha!

akangl: OK, makes sense.... Towing 8500lbs with a Jetta might not be a good idea.

) It is a nice truck btw.

Bill

akangl · May 2001

Yeah, I don't think the Jetta would be too happy towing that much. We went to Cal Worthington Ford yesterday to test drive an Excursion, got attacked just one step out of the truck. They were circling like vultures. We were following the sales lady that got us and she asked what year our truck was........hubby said 96 and I said not for sale. He has a 96 GMC K2500 6.5 TD that's quite a looker, seems to be quite a market for them and not enough of them to go around. Anyway, test drove the Excursion and loved it, I was amazed that the sales lady wasn't pushy at all, she gave us her card and said to call her when we were ready.

im_brentwood · May 2001

Go see Cal..
Go see Cal..
Go see Cal..
Go see Cal..
Go see Cal..
Go see Cal..
Go see Cal..
Go see Cal..

Sorry, couldn't resist!

)

Bill

akangl · May 2001

Cute, very cute. I can't stand Cal Worthington Ford, but it was open on Sunday and we wanted to check out the Excursion.

willyho · May 2001

I have a 92 Infiniti G20 with 135K miles on it. It has Auto, AC, but not the leather package. What's a realistic trade-in value for it? Edmunds and KBB say around $2500.

Thanks!

carguy5000 · May 2001

$1500 is all the money on a trade. High mileage and cloth make it a prime candidate for back of the line.

im_brentwood · May 2001

Hmm... I'd like to help.... but...

Color and location would help. Still, it's not the miles as much as the lack of leather that hurt the car.

I think you're in the $2,000 range myself.

Bill

willyho · May 2001

Bill,
Sorry for leaving that info out. It's in Delaware and the color is white.

carguy5000 · May 2001

Not a terrible car to try to retail outa yourself-say around $3k, those shopping Nissan and Honda for cheap wheels might bump themselves up.

jpmiller99 · May 2001

I appreciate the input of all of the car guys here. I've learned a alot.

Can anyone give me advice on buying a used/new Chevy/GMC truck.

I would like to pick up an extended cab SLT that's a couple of years old. However, I am concered that with the high re-sale, I can pay almost as much as new.

Any advice on which I should get?

qbrozen · May 2001

'98 Mitsu Galant ES. auto. silver. premium package (sunroof, security, wheels, etc.). 51,000 clicks.

What say you for trade-in and private sale. As always, in Jersey.

Thanks

gfake · May 2001

Has anyone been finding it difficult to get wholesale trade value for full size trucks? I've got a 2000 Sierra ext. cab 4x4 w/6200 miles and can't get a dealer to come near the wholesale.

rroyce10 · May 2001

.... These type of prices really depend on where you live...

But, on the overall with all the incentives, rebates etc..I would think, a pre-owned would be less --- here is some #'s to work with..

99 Dodge SLT Quads with all the toy's and 5.9 V8's are in the $14 's..

99 Chevy's Ext cab's Silverado's are about in the $15's..

And last but not least, the Ford XLT's are in or around the $16's..

In my opinion, I would be all over the Dodge -- not only for the price aspect, but I feel it's a better truck --- oooop's that's more than I should ever say..! --- l..o..l....

I hope this helps..

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2001

.....Good timing, since we are talkin' trucks ...

A 2000 Sierra..huh, sounds nice, and with only 6,200 "highway miles" ( I love that)...It's a 4X4 with a extended cab, just enough room for the 'Danes'..

IF.. it's a SLT with 4dr's..and of course very pretty --- I would have to think a dealer will be lookin' in or around that $22,000 ish range, could put the push on at $23,000+ with the low miles ..if it's real "purty".....

Terry.

gfake · May 2001

It's a SLE, white w/decal, Z71, towing, etc...

I've been looking to trade and most dealers have offered 21k. All research on the web indicates 23k or more. Am I missing something?

dardson1 · May 2001

If this shows up twice, sorry. In short, if I trade often, fairly upscale cars, does it make any sense to sell my own car? Recently traded a $24k car for a $35k new one. I paid $715 in sales tax as in Texas you pay only on the difference. Without a trade I'd have paid $2275 (a $1560 savings by trading). If I had sold my car myself and spent a $100 on classified ads, I'd have to get the best part of $1700 just to break even. Of course, for my time and effort I'd certainly like a minmum of $500 more but $1000 would be nice over and above break even. We are talking $2200 to $2700 over a trade-in offer to be relatively happy.
Seems to me the sales tax issue hits personal sale of a vehicle very hard. If I do my homework and get top dollar from the dealer for my trade (tricky), it's hard to justify selling my cars myself. Yes, perhaps I can get another 500 bucks or maybe even a 1000 after I add in the $1700 hit...but then again, maybe I won't. I'd just as soon let the guys who do it for a living take the chance. Is this screwy thinking?

rroyce10 · May 2001

........Aaaaaaah, it's a SLE..not a SLT..and I still hope it's a 4 door..Z71 "holds" the value, but as a rule, doesn't "raise" the value...

If my friend, your are seeing that $21,000 number, I would think they are all in, cuz' that's all the money..there is about a $1,500/$2,000 swing on a SLE vs SLT...

This should help...

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2001

.......Gb how goes it..?

The miles are a little stiff on this ...But, you have the roof and wheels and such..

IF..it's super nice-- I guess by now, you know the drill, keep the dent's and dings out, seats are in great shape -- tires are new etc.. you are in that $7,000/$7500 area, there is a lot of incentive money and rebates on these little darlings right now-- plus the rental co's are dropping all the 00/01's off...
Detail it out -- make it look like a diamond..keep all the records on the dash..advertise Big for $8495, and see what happens

Maybe this helps..

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2001

.....No it's not screwy thinkin' at all ...

It all depends on the vehicle, miles, condition etc..

I have an Uncle who has bought 10 ( count em') Lincolns.. he loves em', he went to trade last month at the same store he has been doing business with for 30 yrs....

It's a ruby red, tan interior, slider, alpine, chrome wheels..15k etc,etc.. 99 Signature Town car..I mean it's new, it get's driven to FL twice a year..detailed before he leaves and detailed when he returns.. ( it's so clean, you could get married in this thing )...

Soooo, off he goes...and Bang, he is getting $20,000 trade -- he was a little upset -- soooo, off he goes again $20,500 etc...well you get the picture ----- since he never listens to me, or buys from me..I recommended he just drop that little diamond in the paper for $25,900, and see what happens, three days later he has a check in his hand for $24,900 --- So was it worth it, well I think so, I got a free Golf afternoon with lunch -- I'm happy, he is "overjoyed"........

Depends on how you look at it...

Terry.

im_brentwood · May 2001

gfake: I'd peg your truck in the same range if not lower. Here in FLorida, you.. well you wouldn't want to know where I'd hit it. $20,000 Max. $21,000 is top fo the market on a truck like yours I'm afraid. Why not throw it in the paper for $24,900/obo and see what happens?

qb: Terry hit it right. Nice car but the miles hurt it. 00s with 18K or so are running for $11K or so at the local auctions... so figure in the $7-7,500 range is the real money.

dardson: Depends I suppose. Personally, even before I was in the car biz, I hate selling my cars myself so I'd generally trade them. On expensive cars though, you can also get to a level of diminshing returns... Although look at Terry's example.

Bill

Real-World Trade-In Values

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles