Real-World Trade-In Values

spatulaman · July 2004

I had a '98 SC 400....I loved that car.....for a second there, as I read down line of VIN characters, I thought you were posting about my previous car....the first 9 characters are the same as my previous car.

Anything to be aware of....well....for that car, odometer fraud....those miles are reeeeely low. Of course its perfectly plausible that those miles are legit.

There's really nothing on these cars that commonly breaks....the needles in the instrument cluster crap out after about 10-14 years, but you're a looooong way away from that.

Lexus built these cars pretty much perfectly...so if anything isn't right, then its probably had some mechanical issue that required a fairly extensive disassembly, or its been wrecked and put back together....I'd still have my SC 400 if it hadn't been wrecked.

lazio · July 2004

I have a 2000 BMW 328Ci which I'm looking to trade in. It has 55k miles, premium package, harmon-kardon sterio, brand new tires, inside is impeccable, exterior has a few minor dings. I've been offered $17k for it. Is that reasonable? thanks

butchbr73 · July 2004

well.... color combo inside and out/auto or stick/where are you located? drop Terry those facts to get a closer estimate of what its really worth

lazio · July 2004

I have a 2000 BMW 328Ci which I'm looking to trade in. It has 55k miles, premium package, harmon-kardon sterio, brand new tires, inside is impeccable, exterior has a few minor dings. I've been offered $17k for it. Is that reasonable? thanks

lazio · July 2004

silver outside/black inetrior, manual, in new jersey, thanks

bowke28 · July 2004

try not to hit "refresh" after you post. it makes the post repeat itself.

lazio · July 2004

silver outside/black inetrior, manual, in new jersey, thanks

kyfdx · July 2004

I'm no expert, but that seems like all the money on that one.. In a private sale, you might get a little more.

austinbighorn · July 2004

Just sold it today to a private party. The Lord will provide...

Thanks for the good luck Mr. Vette.

onedergyal · July 2004

Hello!
A private seller in my area is offering a 2004 Corolla S model with only 2500 miles. The original price they posted was $14,500, but I got them down to $14000 so far.
I don't know if this is a good price because Edmunds and KBB have yet to post appraisal values for 2004 model cars. It is Drk Blu, and has a sunroof, a/c, am/fm cass/cd, cruise, keyless entry, it has power everything Anti-Lock Brakes; Air Conditioning; Cruise Control; Compact Disc Player; Passenger Air Bag; Rear Window Defroster; AM/FM Stereo Cassette; Power Door Locks; Sunroof/Moonroof; Tilt Wheel. Let me know what you all think.

Thanks

anonymousposts · July 2004

Why are they selling so soon? Based on the carsdirect.com price for a new Corolla it seems like a good deal. Especiaaly if your state is like GA and you don't pay tax when you buy from a private owner.

bdevil81 · July 2004

Terry,

Today's contestant is

2000 BMW Z3/2.3/5-speed, manual/convertible
28k/2 owners/1 minor accident
Bronze with tan top and tan leather interior
Power top/in-dash CD
75% remaining on matched Conti Sport tires
Interior and exterior look good on visual, assume it checks out with my indy BMW mechanic

No CPO - dealer says they have stopped CPO on cars more than 3 model years old and recommend third party wty instead ($2,400 for 4/48)

As always, thanks for the wisdom

bdevil81 · July 2004

corvette · July 2004

Skip the third party warranty. Bronze should cost you less than red or silver. Do you know how minor the accident was?

spektre · July 2004

Austinbighorn,

What did you get for your jetta?

russla · July 2004

Hi Terry,
I'm hoping you can help me, I'm looking at a 96 JGC Limited (leather & goodies)with the 4.0l six (rather than the v8)
What would you expect the dealer to have in this vehicle?

I want to buy it with some profit for him, but not $3000, if you know what I mean.

Thanks in advance

Hopefull Jeep owner

anonymousposts · July 2004

Terry will need the color (interior and exterior), the condition of the vehicle (including condition of tires), whether there is any evidence of an accident, the mileage, and where you are located. Without that information he can't give you an accurate estimate.

Try this template:

1996 Jeep GC Limited 6 cylinder
Mileage
Exterior color/interior color
Options: (sunroof, memory seats, cd, etc)
Exterior conditions: (list any scratches or damage)
Interior condition: (smoker or non-smoker, stains, etc)
Mechanical condition: (needs tires, cracked windshield, etc)
Location: (example: Atlanta, GA)

woodyww · July 2004

Terry, in April I asked you about a friend's 2004 Subaru WRX (not the STi). Silver w/Black interior, ("short shifter") stick shift, carbon fibre interior option, upgraded factory stereo w/CD, heated leather seats, 5K miles, real nice condition. Also, an extended warranty, & optional 17" rims w/Pirellis.

You said, *Trade side, in and around the mid to high $18's, retail, you can *ask* in and around the $21,9 figure for it and see $21/$21,5 for it.*

Now he's looking at 2 used cars in Montpelier VT area (small used car dealers):

1. '93 BMW 318is, 113K miles, green w/white leather interior, stick, working A/C, sunroof, leather, alloys, power windows & mirrors. Says it drives real nice, interior is very nice condition. Exterior nice, but a couple of small paint boo-boos on the roof--touch up paint it sounds like? Tires "decent". Price, $5K, they offered $19K for his WRX. I'm going to do a carfax on the 318is.

2. '99 Maxima, 110K miles. V6, Black/Black, cloth, Stick, sunroof, Bose w/CD, no service records. Says it's "loaded" except for the leather, & I don't know the models or trim levels of Maximas or which one this is. Price $9500,
offered $20K for the WRX.

And the local Subaru dealer is offering $22K trade for his WRX, but of course that's only if he pays asking price for one of their used cars--says they don't have any priced under $15K, & I don't know any details.

Personally, I'm voting for the BMW, assuming it checks out.......& any advice from you or anyone here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

anonymousposts · July 2004

The BMW may be RWD but the Maxima has more power and will probably require less $$$ in maintenance and repairs. The price for the Maxima seems a bit high but Terry is the expert.

rroyce10 · July 2004

Terry - What is a fair price on...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=166027469&dealer- _id=&car_year=2000&make=LEXUS&distance=300&max_pr- - - - - - ice=&model=SC400&end_year=2000&advcd_on=n&min_pri- - - - - - ce=&address=33629&search_type=used&advanced=n&sta- - - - - - rt_year=1999&color=&cardist=300

Wow - that is quite a link!
Father-in-law is interested in buying one of these again (had two previously).
Also, here is the VIN: JT8CH32Y5Y1002888.
Can you tell me if there is anything to be aware of?
Thanks Much - And Happy 4th to you and everyone else.
Damon

        ==================================

VIN JT8CH32Y5Y1002888 2000 Lexus Sc 400
Event Date Event Location Odometer Reading Data Source Event Detail
01/26/01 HAIKU, HI 35 MOTOR VEHICLE DEPT. TITLE (Title #: MHC35401)
01/26/01 HAIKU, HI MOTOR VEHICLE DEPT. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
02/11/02 HAIKU, HI MOTOR VEHICLE DEPT. TITLE (Title #: MHC35401)
02/11/02 HAIKU, HI MOTOR VEHICLE DEPT. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
12/19/02 WESTWOOD, NJ 13,950 MOTOR VEHICLE DEPT. TITLE
12/31/02 NJ MOTOR VEHICLE DEPT. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
03/23/04 ANDALUSIA, AL MOTOR VEHICLE DEPT. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
04/12/04 ANDALUSIA, AL 16,352 MOTOR VEHICLE DEPT. TITLE (Title #: 32388556



               It "seems" to be in line, but "seems" is only a word .. it was sold in Hawaii(?) then spent a little time in NJ then went south to 'Bama ... I would run the vin# at the Lexus service dept and make sure it all matches up, and while I'm there, I would spend a few bucks and have them do a look see and make sure all is well with the world .... or maybe not depending on how flexible the guy is on the price .l.o.l...

                2000 Lexus SC400 $32,736
Pricing Firm! ---

                   These are nice vehicles, well built, great resale, short in the service department long in the miles department, will run 150/170k+ usually without a hick-up - But, $32,736 (how did he come up with number, 736.?) thats waaaay too much .. a dealer might "maybe" drop $22,0 in it, if it's a baby doll, I could even see a dealer drop $23,0 in it at the right place at the right time and "hoping" to see $28/$29 with a big fat warranty and it being puuuurfect - but *FIRM* at $32,736 .??? .. you need to go through this guys garbage and see if there is any of that funny stuff in there .. it's a great vehicle and they do ALL the money if they are "jam-up and jelly tight" but $32,7 ..? thats a great *asking* price with a subtle smirk and a Giant smile, does this guy want to sell it or keep it as a pot for his new plants .? .l.o.l.....

                                          Terry.

bshel · July 2004

Terry,
139,000 miles on a Cashmere colored Accord EX 4dr sedan. I'm the only owner. Very clean inside and out. Nicely detailed. No accidents. One spot of rust starting over right rear wheel well. All maintenance records up-to-date, timing belt done at 90K, etc. (Minor add-ons - moonroof visor, pinstripe) Stock EX.

Owned in Atlanta GA for 6 yrs, then here to Philadelphia suburbs.

What do you think?

rroyce10 · July 2004

.......... Good morning everyone .. I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July .. 50++ new posts, gimme some time and I will get to em' ..........................

Terry.

chili1 · July 2004

37000 miles, Onstar, leather, cd-cassette, power seats, moon roof, wood trim, trailer hitch. . . what can I expect on a trade in ?

ddelise · July 2004

Terry -

Thanks so much for the information. I knew the price was high - we shall now find out how firm is firm.

Thanks too for the laughs. You should moonlight as a writer for a sitcom or something - in all your spare time that is.

Damon

woodyww · July 2004

Thanks for the feedback--you're probably right about the Nissan being less maintenance--if only because it's 6 years newer, & Japanese. But I did the $$ #'s on Edmunds--the BMW seems much more fairly priced; & I think the Maxima dealer is smoking something. Also, am I right that a '93 car with 100K miles is more (re)saleable, than a '99 with 100K miles? It's like, a '99 with 100K miles has a "stigma" perhaps. A '93 318is could always be (re)sold for $4k or something? But, I haven't found out anything about history, service records, etc. on the bmw.....trying to help this guy out because he's really not a good used car shopper.

onedergyal · July 2004

They are selling because the husband lost his job and they cannot afford the car anymore.

casualfc · July 2004

Same vehicle, new situation. The day before I was going to advertise it in the paper, it got hit. Needs tailgate, bumper, brackets, and both endcaps. Got paid around $2500.
I was trying to sell it to a body shop as-is. Most were uninterested and the one that was pulled out last minute because I don't have the title. I needed his full amount to get the title. Now the mileage is near 73,000.
So I owe over $7000. Is it worth it to try selling as-is, or should I get it fixed and then sell it? What's the best place for selling? I'm prepared to lose money. I just want to be rid of the debt and move into a nice practical '00 or '01 Corolla.
Any ways to attack the title issue when selling privately? I'll obviously need the buyer's money before I can grab the title.
What can I expect to get, selling it, damaged or repaired, here in Jersey?

anonymousposts · July 2004

If the price is right he will always be able to find a buyer for both the BMW and the Maxima. 100,000 on the Max is about 20,000 miles per year so it isn't outrageous eough to impair his ability to resale it. However $9500 seems like alot of $$$ for a 5 yr old 5-speed sedan with 100,000 miles. Another thing to consider, coming out of a WRX the 138HP 318iS might not have enough power. Best thing to do is tell your friend to drive them both and see which he likes more and then try to get the best deal on that particular car.

onedergyal: The price on that Corolla seems pretty good. Have it checked out to make sure there is no paintwork.

casualfc · July 2004

1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 6 cyl. 4 DR, 4 WD
73K
navy/gray int
alloy wheels, cargo cover, tinted rear glass, amfmcdcass
needs rear tailgate, bumper bar, brackets and endcaps. paint is nice except for a few scratches
interior is fairly clean, no damage, no smoking, no pets
mechanically fine, new brakes, well maintained
NJ

tried selling as-is. no deal. Body shop guy wouldn't give all the money because I don't have the title. I owe over 7000; am prepared to lose money. Best way to sell, quick, take loss and be out of big debt?

jonisccp · July 2004

2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe (Automatic)
Mileage 28500
Exterior Pearl White/Tan Leather color
Options: sport package(sunroof, dual heated seat, 6 cd changer, Bose system, Airbag, 17 sport wheel)
Exterior conditions: (excellent condition)Interior condition: (Excellent)
Mechanical condition: (Excellent)
Location: (Sellersvile, PA 18960)

Can you please tell me how much my car worth. I am planning on trading this car in two weeks.

Thanks

driftracer · July 2004

isn't it a small world? I live in Lansdale and we're moving to Telford next month.

JPham · July 2004

I'm looking for a '94 LS400 if your husband will part with it ... except I'm in northern CA.

pgill · July 2004

Hi Terry -

What would be the trade-in and private sale value for:

2004 Infiniti G35x (AWD)
Auto
Diamond graphite exterior
Graphite interior
Moonroof
9,000 miles
Located in NJ
Clean condition, couple of rock chips and a minor scratch on a door.

Thanks!

bensmom243 · July 2004

Hi Terry,

I am looking for some trade in and private sale numbers for 2 cars...

2004 Toyota Sienna LE
Located in MA
18,000 miles
All service records
Automatic
Gold exterior/tan cloth interior
Power sliding door, passenger side,
CD/Cassette, as well as Rear Seat Audio with wireless headphones
Traction control
Side curtain airbags
Excellent clean condition inside and out

1998 Honda Accord 4-DR LX
188,000 miles
Automatic
Located in MA
clean inside, a few door dings and minor fender scratch outside
dark green exterior/tan cloth interior
CD/Cassette
Runs well, probably needs new tires

Thanks in advance for your time, let me know if I missed anything.

russla · July 2004

It was sold, so dont bother,
Thanks

seraphiem · July 2004

Hello Terry,

I have a 2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS that I am thinking of trading in relatively soon, for another Subaru. Forgive me for going into too much detail.

43,000 Miles
5 Speed Stick
White Exterior & Black Cloth Interior
Options If they matter include,
Rear Spoiler
Fog Lights
Factory Upgraded Speakers & Tweeters
Factory Sub & Amp
Keyless Entry and Security Upgrade
Located in NJ

The interior of the car is clean (no smoking or pets) while the engine bay still looks brand new. The paint itself as a whole is all very good. Car drives great, as any Subaru should. The tires are currently becoming rather bald but by the time I finally trade it in it will have freshly purchased tires.

Now the bad. The car has been in one slow speed accident. Kissed a Jersey barrier going about 25 mph during a snow storm, hit in the driver's side front at about a 45 degree angle. The car looked fine except for the ground down bumper skin.

Yet required $2000 to fix it, as it needed a new bumper skin, bumper beam, and headlight. Supposedly it needed a very short moment on the rack to straighten it out.

#1 Frame pulling evidence can be found by looking at the rails underneath the body and identifying the clamp down points. The car feels and acts exactly the same as before, and the car itself spent a very short time on the rack. But the evidence is there none the less.

#2 The shop who fixed the front was lazy and didn't use flex agent or even primer on the bumper skin so the paint is just starting to flake off in two tight corners on the bumper. Paint work itself looks good, decent quality but still easily spotted.

#3 The hood is krinkled from where something or someone fell onto it and stressed it. Not at all noticable but if you look (as they will), you can see three dents from where the hood was pushed in and then popped back up. Paint is fine.

#4 The final damage is the most difficult to explain. It involves the rear passenger door. The car has a dent that runs along the entire length of the door that is about 3" wide, like a very broad swipe mark, on the lower portion of the door. The paint still looks fine on it with no breaks in it, yet in reality the sheet metal is pushed in about 1/8"~1/4". Due to the stock curvature of the door and the broad swipe mark it would mostly require replacement of the door skin, or one good body guy using glass.

As a whole the car still looks sharp, its just these items. Again sorry for the long narrative, I know the wholesale value of the car is roughly $9k ~ $9.5k. I can understand them taking off a big chunk for the comestic problems, yet I really want to prepare myself if they come back with a really really big chunk taken off.

Thanks Again for Your Knowledge And Time,
Tim

ddelise · July 2004

I think we have a winner for the best and most detailed description of the year! Nicely done!

anonymousposts · July 2004

JPham: If the price is right I'm sure he would bring it out to you. His father actually lives in Mountain View, CA. It really is a gorgeous car and is the cleanest one I have seen of that vintage in a LONG time.

anonymousposts · July 2004

Carmax offered $17,500 for my 2004 Accord EX-L auto with 19,000 miles. From what I remember that is pretty in line with the ball park you gave me a few weeks ago.

I am looking at the following and am curious which is the better deal and which would be easier to sell to a private party a few months down the road.

First is ....

Car: 1997 Toyota Camry LE 4 cylinder
Color: White exterior/tan leather interior
Mileage: 148,000 (ouch)
Options: Power everything, leather, sunroof, Toyota alloy wheels, spoiler, AC
Condition: Very well-maintained. No obvious dings or scratches on the exterior and no stains or damage to the interior.
Price: $3000

Other is ...

Vehicle: 1995 MB C280
Color: Green exterior/tan leather int
Mileage: 100,000
Options: Roof, leather, etc .. normal Benz stuff
Condition: Clean - a few light/small scratches but nothing abnormal for a 9 yr old car. Interior is spotless. Leather is in good condition and everything works.
Tires look fairly new.
Price: $5000

I am still in Hotlanta, GA if it makes a difference.

akangl · July 2004

Oh boy, I see the CCB meetings aren't helping, perhaps you need inpatient treatment.

As for me, I'm staying away from the car lots and am still very happy with the Titan which will be 1 month old in 3 days and has just over 5k on it now.

I do need to stay away from the dentist, had to have a wisdom tooth pulled yesterday and have 2 more that need to go too. OUCH.......thankfully they gave me good drugs, but the trade off is I can't drive while taking them.

anonymousposts · July 2004

Once you have become a part of CCBS it's hard to change the behavior. After this I plan to be done until the Odyssey goes back. Unless .......

Who am I kidding? My eye wanders around cars more than Bill Clinton's wanders around Hawaiian Tropic models.

rroyce10 · July 2004

2004 Corolla Pricing
Hello!
A private seller in my area is offering a 2004 Corolla S model with only 2500 miles. The original price they posted was $14,500, but I got them down to $14000 so far.
I don't know if this is a good price because Edmunds and KBB have yet to post appraisal values for 2004 model cars. It is Drk Blu, and has a sunroof, a/c, am/fm cass/cd, cruise, keyless entry, it has power everything Anti-Lock Brakes; Air Conditioning; Cruise Control; Compact Disc Player; Passenger Air Bag; Rear Window Defroster; AM/FM Stereo Cassette; Power Door Locks; Sunroof/Moonroof; Tilt Wheel. Let me know what you all think.
Thanks

   ============================================

             I'm a little behind, but lets take a look see .... 04, no miles, no-sale blue, ABS, slider, tunes and all the toys .. $14 ...?

                  I'm sure you didn't hesitate to purchase this dude, thats cheap $$ -if- it hasn't been dropped off the George Washington bridge ....................

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2004

....... Depending on the potential frame damage, the parts and your description, it sounds like a $6,000 driver on the dealer side and a $7,500 vehicle (with everything disclosed) on the retail side ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2004

I'm back in the market, Terry by JPham
Looking at a '95 BMW 525i, AT, 103kmi, dark green/tan leather, CD changer, sunroof ... all records, clean Carfax, good shape all around. I have to get it checked dout first and the guy wants $8k ... sounds reasonable but I want to see what you think first.
Thanks.
JP

      =====================================

                  Depending on the service history and based on your description .. 100k+ (ouch!) color is no big winner, lots of miles but low for the year .. you know the routine, no Maaco, no lets rebuild a car project etc ..

            Dealer might be seeing it for the $4,5ish range, "maybe" $5,0 on a push, so they do a little service and make it right, they have maybe the tall $5's in it maybe, and they would cut that dude loose so fast for the $7,5ish range it would like Spiderman blowing by ya ............ so $8's not bad if it's all there, just remember it's not a Pontiac Sunfire or a Civic if the air or a power seat coughs up a lung .................

Terry.

akangl · July 2004

We are so busy looking at travel trailers I forgot where all the car lots are........fine by me, the Titan appears to be a keeper.

Of course if I could talk hubby into dropping that crotchy Dodge on a diesel........yeah right, he'll sell me into slavery first I'm afraid.

gari · July 2004

Hey Terry--

Me again. 2003 Nissan Xterra XE (V6) in Los Angeles.

Okay, so I took your advice and called NMAC to find out the EXACT payoff amount on my lease. They quoted me somewhere around $17,945, plus taxes and fees. When I asked them to clarify the "fees", they referred me back to the dealer. Does this sound right??

I called the dealer and was told I have to bring the car in to have the final payoff price quoted to me from the Leasing Manager. When the person asked me why I was paying off the lease, I explained that I am moving back to NYC, blah, blah......

She mentioned that I could "trade" my car in for a different car. When I asked for more info, she kept saying, "Just come in, we'll talk about it."

Now, I'd like to think that I'm no dummy, but the car thing is pretty intimidating and now that I've found such a great resource in Edmunds, I wanted to check with you and see what you think.

I would imagine the "trade" would include my remaining lease payments folded into whatever car I end up with. My question is, Does this ever work out??

I'm in the market for a used car since I really don't need a new one. I'm trying to lower my monthly payments (currently $349.50 per month)and get a smaller, cheaper car.

Since I'm a little freaked by the whole process, what are some questions/things I should go in there with??

LAST question: Any important things to know when looking at Dealer Certified....other than what this site tells me.

Thank you, once again.....I appreciated any info you may have.

JPham · July 2004

Mountainview? That's my neck of the woods ...

JPham · July 2004

Yeah, that's what everyone tells me about these old BMWs -- everyone except the BMW-owners.
I guess I'll keep looking for a high-miler LS400.

bshel · July 2004

Terry,
139,000 miles on a Cashmere colored Accord EX 4dr sedan. I'm the only owner. Very clean inside and out. Nicely detailed. No accidents. One spot of rust starting over right rear wheel well. All maintenance records up-to-date, timing belt done at 90K, etc. (Minor add-ons - moonroof visor, pinstripe) Stock EX. Owned in Atlanta GA for 6 yrs, then to Philadelphia suburbs, PA

What do you think?

qbrozen · July 2004

what the heck is "cashmere colored"?
is that like the color of fuzzy greenbacks?

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