Real-World Trade-In Values

driftracer · July 2004

Blue book, black book, pink book, purple book, it doesn't make a difference, and anyone who "used to sell cars" that gives you a quote like that isn't doing you any favors by giving out misinformed and misleading information.

Value is value - period. It's worth what someone will pay. Books are for bank reference when giving out loans.

Forget trading a 10 year old car, you'll get hosed, even on a Honda. Clean it up real nice, or better yet, have it detailed, make sure the service is up to snuff, then take out a good ad in your local paper starting at $4,995 or best offer - the Accords in nice shape command stupid money - good luck.

anonymousposts · July 2004

akangl: Those SVT's are pretty nice rides. Could have bought a 98 with 68k here in Atlanta for around $4500. Silver exterior/blue-black interior. Insides were clean but it had a few cosmetic issues.

lancerfixer · July 2004

I'd tell you what I just paid a month ago for my '98 S70 GLT, but I wouldn't want to depress you. Sell the Lumina yourself (I sold my '89 Volvo 740 privately; got WAY more than I'd have ever been able to trade it for,) and you can get that Volvo for $10k out the door, I'll bet, possibly less. If it's at an indy dealer, I wouldn't bother with that warranty unless it's the Volvo CPO warranty transferred from the previous owner.

This next part is very important for anyone buying a Swedish car.

Get.
The.
Service.
Records.

Check the glove box, and if they're not there, call the previous owner. Call the local Volvo joint with the VIN. Hire Mulder and Scully; whatever it takes, get 'em.

Also be aware that the 70,000 mile service is coming due; that means a timing belt (I knew it needed to be done on the one I bought, and thus the price was marked down accordingly.)

These are really, really great cars and drive wonderfully. Maintenance IS expensive, but worth it for the added safety and the driving experience (especially coming from a '95 Lumina.) I'll let Terry the pricing guru give you the REAL lowdown on the numbers, but know that you're certainly looking at the right vehicle.

-Dave, certified Volvo nut.

akangl · July 2004

*Drool* The SVT Contour has got to be my all time favorite car, that and the SHO Taurus. I'd love to have a play car that got decent fuel economy. I really need to stay away from the car lots!

stickguy · July 2004

an SVT isn't going to get particularly good mileage, and I believe requires premium. Better than a V10 DOdge, but not in the Civic/Corolla league.

akangl · July 2004

Never said I was looking for fuel economy.........look at the trucks we own......hehehe.

The SVT Contour is a car I've always wanted to have, just one of those things. I won't buy this one most likely (then again, if the price is cheap enough), but I would like to have one.

akangl · July 2004

I mentioned the SVT to hubby and all I got was a grumble out of him. I think his idea of a car to buy is going to be a Corolla, Civic, Jetta TDI, something along those lines. The Jetta I could live with (if it was a 1.8T), but the rest.......BORING.

I'm a speed freak, one of the MAIN things I love about the Titan, its fast and handles perfectly. Got playing around last night and took it up to 105, then saw headlights and was afraid it was the trooper, so I slowed down. One of these days I'll hit the gov at 114.

Now I just gotta find a chip for the Titan.

automan227 · July 2004

didn't you just get rid of your '04 accord and get a civic?

am I missing something?

stickguy · July 2004

You gotta keep up dude. Things move fast around here.

(the Civic had issues so it was returned, and they leased an Accord EX 5 speed instead).

automan227 · July 2004

sorry...my bad.

I've been reading the RWTIV forum everyday and definetely missed that.

anyway..back to your regular scheduled programming.

sandman46 · July 2004

Same here, I read in here religiously everyday and I too missed the problems with Anony and Gee's new ride.
What happened Anony?

The Sandman :-)

scanty · July 2004

if you want to keep up with all of the plot lines. That's the "Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous" Board.

redsoxrob · July 2004

Thanks for helping. I'm trying to figure what I should accept on trade for my wife's car. It's an '00 Volkswagon Jetta GLS with 37,000 miles. It's black, has and automatic transmission, a 6 disc CD changer and a power moon (or is it sun - you know, the kind that slides back or tilts up a couple of inches) roof. Aside from tires that realistically have 5-10K miles left on them, the car is mint. Engine and transmission seem flawless. Perfect paint, no dings or dents, the fabric inside is perfect too. Of course, the car needs be detailed inside and out.

I live in the Boston area and see similar Jetta's listing at $13,900. I've been offered $8200 on trade.

Thanks for the help.

woodyww · July 2004

Blh7068, Anything happening with this yet? Do you know which engine it has? Stick, or auto? The orange color doesn't sound real appealing, unless you like it. Does he have maintenance receipts? How are the shocks, tires, etc? One of the potential problems with buying a garage queen like this is that "maybe" nothing has been replaced yet, but that potentially wear out even with low miles (suspension components, brakes, exhaust system, etc.)

On the other hand: there's a column by Peter Egan in a recent issue of R&T about a couple of used Vettes he's passed up in his life, with ensuing regret. I'm not an expert on all the different models/vintages of Corvettes, but, $12K-ish to drive a low-mileage Vette convertible, if it checks out? If I liked the color better, I'd be real tempted myself.......maybe even if I didn't......

clpurnell · July 2004

Hoping you can help me out here terry.

Good News
2004 Honda Pilot
9k Miles / 7 months old
EX-L RES (disney pack)
Black over Tan leather Guts

Bad News
It just took a 12k hit to the front end. Could you let me know what it would be worth without the hit and what should it be worth after. It is getting fixed now (will take almost a month) and they will have to stretch the front of the frame. Anything to look out for on the repair side. Any other advice. It is a lease anything special I need to do. Thanks it is located in balmy Houston.

partsmanonce · July 2004

I have a 2002 PT Cruiser, Limited Edition
Automatic
22,000 miles
It has all the regular Limited options including front side air bags, no ABS
It also has a PTeaser custom body kit that was dealer installed when I bought the car new.
The customizing consists of a fiberglass front grille fascia that replaces the stock front bumper and matches the stock grille. A fiberglass reverse scoop hood. And a rear roll pan that replaces the stock rear bumper.
The car is in like new condition and is metallic silver in color.
I am thinking of trading it in or maybe selling it on my own.
My problem is that with all this customized body work on it I am not able to find out the true value of by going thru Kelly Blue Book and the like.
Would someone be able to give me a trade in value and retail value of my car?

anonymousposts · July 2004

You guys are making it seem like I have an addiction or something ... geez

The Civic had a grinding in the transmission. Got a quote of $1200 to fix it. The Civic was worth the $3700 we paid but not $3700 + $1200.

So we returned the Civic. We let them keep our 2004 Accord because we wanted our next car to be a manual transmission. So we tried to find a used 850 or S70 manual transmission with decent miles and a gray or black interior. Couldn't find one that was in the price range of what we wanted to pay for. So we contemplated a 99-00 Accord but discovered they didn't start using LATCH until 01 and my husband does not like the freshened 01-02 Accords compared to the 99-00 and the 03-04's. In addition to that, both cars were difficult to find in a manual. So we ended up right back where we started but we have exactly what we want. The 3 year lease payments are equal to/less than what we would have paid for either a nice used Volvo or a nice used Accord.

The new car is a Redondo Red Pearl EX-L 5-speed Accord with gray leather. We added a rear spoiler, fog lights, chin spoiler, splash guards, fenderwell trim, and the moonroof visor. It has the all-important XM radio, LATCH, curtain airbags, and manual transmission all for the selling price of $22,300.

tanklicker · July 2004

Thanks for the info. It is invaluable especially since I grew up driving early 90's Crown Vics/Grand Marquis. My p-rents are freaks about owning the largest, least expensive, most reliable car on the road. They balk at spending even 10K on a 99 Volvo with 67K on the engine. I don't know what I am going to do (probably nothing and just hold onto the Lumie until she bites the mud) but thanks for the advice!!!!
Sheila

tornado25a · July 2004

Terry,

Can I get retail number for a used 04 Dodge Status SE?

NE WI
10000 ish miles
V6
power windows/locks/mirrors/drivers seat
AC
Cruise
auto

My roommate works at an area dealership and their UCM made a "mistake", buying something like 20 of these things at auction, with 8300-15000 miles on them.. He got a good deal on them. I've got a friend that needs a car--has a baby and is bombing around in a...<sigh>...Tempo. Your thoughts?

avalon · July 2004

I live in Columbus, OH. I have 20months remaining on my 1998, black Avalon XL. It has some dings, scratches on the rear bumper, the paint job on the hood is slightly discolored although it polishes up good. It has 127K; suffered a $8,000 repair job because of oil sludge. Toyota was great: paid for the repairs and my rental car for 3 weeks. My service service advisor told me I should consider a new car. The repair job has 12 month warranty on it. I have about 11 months to go. I'm upside down on the car by about $8,500. Toyota just sent me a "special customer" flyer saying that they would offer me "...up to $7,000 off a car or 0% financing." Should I trade or wait for the warranty expire and then trade with less money being owed on my Avalon? Thanks. PS I'm sold on Toyota's reliability despite the oil change fiasco. I'm a big guy 6'3" 370. My avalon has accomadated my long legs (wish it were an 8-way power seat like my dad's LaSabre). However, I'm attracted to the new Chrysler 300 (can't afford the hemi version). But I heard it's not wise to buy a car the first year it's out. What say you? Thanks, AGain.

anonymousposts · July 2004

If you are $8500 upside down and only have 20 months remaining on your loan what is your payoff? do you mean you owe $8500?

Also, Terry will need a description of the car's options.

lancerfixer · July 2004

A Grand Marquis? You're killin' me.
I wouldn't worry about 67k on the engine of a Volvo, as long as it's been maintained (actually, that really goes for most cars.) Generally what does old Volvos in (and I'm talking OLD Volvos, like from the '70s and '80s) is electrical failures or owner apathy.

maybessmashing · July 2004

could someone help me out with a realistic trade-in value of a 2002 toyota corolla ce? it has about 40,000 miles on it and a decent sized ding on the back bumper. i'm not sure what other information i should leave.

thanks!

kitkat · July 2004

I'm starting to wonder...if I've made a really big mistake. 2003 model, fully loaded...all power, leather, sun roof, tow pkg., etc. Have had service problems though, and at this point just want to get something else because only two service shops in town (central Texas). Van has 16,255 miles and in excellent condition. Please let me know the "real-world" price on this one - it will determine whether I try to trade or just wait a few years... I should not be "upside-down" on my note, at least. I will definitely research the next vehicle I purchase better, and will certainly consider resale value for "down the road". Any makes consistently hold their resale better? Any help appreciated.

stickguy · July 2004

details of equipment, especially trannsmision typw (AT or manual), color and location.

rroyce10 · July 2004

'00 Volkswagen Jetta GLS with 37,000 miles. It's black, has and automatic transmission, a 6 disc CD changer and a power moon (or is it sun - you know, the kind that slides back or tilts up a couple of inches) roof. Aside from tires that realistically have 5-10K miles left on them, the car is mint. Engine and transmission seem flawless. Perfect paint, no dings or dents, the fabric inside is perfect too. Of course, the car needs be detailed inside and out.

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

               Good description, thanks .... in the land of the Red Sox we have a 00 black Jetta GLS with 37k small miles, we have the auto, cd, slider and the sneakers are a little weak, based on your description: you haven't had any encounters of the Maaco kind, no K-Mart kisses, no repaints and no soccer Mom interior and the service is 100%(?) ... trade side, in and around the super ultra tall $7,'s, low/mid $8's if it's a "baby doll" and it needs -0- ... $8,200 ..? .. sounds like a-l-l the money, it's a 5 year old Jetta, not a 5 year old Jaeger-LeCoultre ...

                  $13,900 *asking* l.o.l.?? hey, it's a free world and you can ask anything you want for anything, it's the "getting" part thats tuff ~ the reality is, clean low milers can be bought from Boston to Miami for the mid/high $10's on the retail side .. now if it was a nice low miler GLX VR6, that would be a whole different enchilada................................

let me know how it goes ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2004

......... Morning James .. .... They offered $15,5 for a 10k handshaker SVE 4x4 King cab.? .. that my friend, was the "Whole coma' se Yama", and the bag of chips .. down Retail Rd, $17,900 *asking* and off it goes for the first $16,5/$17,5 .. these are kinda funny in the market, most "truck" buyers will be looking for a non-turbo truck, so that selling market gets real small .. I don't have a location on this vehicle, but maybe this is a tax difference State.?

Terry.

sandman46 · July 2004

Could it be a fuse when all 3 brake lights don't work, but everything else electrical works on the car? Car is only 14 months old.
Thanks all.

The Sandman :-(

kitkat · July 2004

In regards to Kia Sedona Van-Worth Anything. Details: 3.5L 24 Valve DOHC V6 engine. 5-speed automatic transmission, dual sliding side doors, power rack and pinion steering, alloy wheels, front airbags, sage green color, located in Austin, Texas. Power windows, locks, keyless remote, ABS, air, cruise/tilt, power seats (both sides), 2nd row sliding/removable captain's chairs, 3rd row sliding, split/folding removable. Overhead console w/trip computer, Homelink, AM/FM/Cass/CD audio w/6 speakers, manf. warranty to 5/60,000, leather interior, roof rack, tow pkg. Think that ought to cover it.

lglblond · July 2004

1998 Ford Escort ZX2 - okay don't laugh - 2D Hot Coupe, Manual, A/C (but blows hot!); Am/fm/cassette; after-market 12 disc changer; cruise control; tilt wheel; remote entry (not power locks); power steering; 109k miles; two previous accidents - front end - repaired very well; paint decent, some scratches though; glass in good shape; probably needs new tires & brakepads.

Looking to sell it to Carmax for cash, not trade-in?

rroyce10 · July 2004

** Price $13,977
Mileage 67,310
Silver/Grey (leather)
Four Door
5 Cylinder Gasoline/4 Speed Automatic
Stereo AM/FM Compact Disc Player
2WD
Price Includes A Premium Certified 100,000 Mile Warranty *** Traction Control *** Dual Heated Seats *** Memory Seat

I want to trade in my 95 Lumina (117K, royal blue, fairly loaded, 3.0 or 3.1 V6, good shape). The dealer is an indy. I want to offer (including my car) 10K initially and I don't want to pay more than 11K out the door. Is this reasonable? **

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

              It depends on what you consider "reasonable" .. it's a 95 Luma-glo with a 117k, it's a no-sale blue V6 - so, whats it worth.? .. super nice 95 LS's that have been garaged, deep sneakers, no hits no runs no errors, super nice with 60/70k that look like 00's, are barely breaking the $2,500 barrier in your area, so it's probably a $800/$1,200 vehicle on a push (based on your description) and off to the auction it will go, cuz' 99% of the dealers won't have a home for it ....

                   Now the Volvo is a whole different deal, it's low in miles, it's a GLT, right color with all the stuff and we have a cpo warranty til' 100k -and- it's a Volvo ... ** I want to offer (including my car) 10K initially ** ... dealer probably paid the super ultra high $9's low $10's for it, then we have some service going on, we have the warranty cost, we have a this and a that, by the time he's done, it probably hit's the table in the tall $10's low $11's, but he's still lookin' at a $800ish trade, so where's he going with this deal.? .. he probably doesn't know any Russian Astronauts thats lookin' for a 95 high mileage dark blue Luma-glo .l.o.l. ... "real deal" money.? I would think you could "might" trade for your vehicle and the $12's, if you can get him to do the $10 figure then I will be more than happy to let you take a look at my investment portfolio, cuz' obviously you can sell ice cubes to the Eskimos ...................................... ;-))

                       let me know which way the wind blows ....

                                          Terry.

jaserb · July 2004

Sounds an awful lot like a bad brake switch, or possibly a loose connector on the switch. I had that exact thing happen once. Probly more of a question for Maintenance and Repair board, tho.

-Jason

[Deleted User] · July 2004

Can anyone tell me a realistic trade-in value on the following:

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan (WR blue)
5spd
15k miles
options: armrest (yipee)
mods: strut bars, painted side skirts, 17" wheels
car is flawless.. not a scratch or ding anywhere.
Clean Carfax

Thanks!

jaserb · July 2004

After the wife and I decided to keep the Santa Fe for at least a couple more years, the local dealer just put out a screamer ad with a way below invoice even after rebates price on an MPV equipped exactly the way I'd want. So I'm counting on Hyundai's legendary lousy resale to talk me out of the deal ;-)

We'd be trading a:
2001 Hyundai Santa Fe LX FWD
49,700 miles
Provo, UT area
Merlot (dark red) w/ grey leather guts
Heated seats
ABS/TC
Needs tires soon
Couple parking lot kisses
Small dent in driver's door, maybe 4" long 1/4" deep, no broken paint. Dent wizard could fix, I think.
Never hit, no paintwork
Interior needs a detail but no permanent stains

The screamer is for a
New '04 MPV
Titanium grey (2) or Sunlight Silver
LX+ package (fog lights, body effects)
4 seasons pkg
$25,345 MSRP, ad price $17,700 after all rebates including College Grad (I qualify)

So, what are we looking at, oh great one?

-Jason

goatman2 · July 2004

Can anyone help me with a real trade in value on a 2002 Tahoe Z71 - Black - with 35000 miles? It has everything available on that model year. Great condition. I am trying to trade up to a 2004 Yukon Denali. ANy help is appreciated.

redsoxrob · July 2004

Thanks a lot Terry, you've helped aleviate my fears that I was taking a beating on the trade. Of course I may have just taken the beating on the purchase instead.

I ended up getting $8500 for the Jetta towards and agreed on $18,500 for a Subary 02 Ouback Wagon with 3980 miles on it (lease was terminated). Its an automatic, but otherwise base model. Of course, since it's so young, it still has 360 days of its 3 year bumper to bumper warranty left on it. I'm happy with my deal, but still unsure if I got a 'good' deal. Used Outbacks seem to sell for so much...

jwats · July 2004

I need to sell a 2002 Grey Neon SE with automatic transmission and 30,000 miles. In Minnesota. Originial tires, no dings nor major defects. but not pristine either. Just an Ok "appliance car". What would be a fair private party price and what might I get at auction? I want to get rid of it in the next couple of months
thanks
JOhn

dat2 · July 2004

Yes this may be a small niche vehicle for a compact truck. I am located in Louisville, KY, which is not a tax difference state, if you mean I pay only the sales tax on the difference between my trade and the new car. I have to pay the entire sales tax on the new car with no discount off the trade. Thinking of living on the streets in Indiana for a few days, which is tax discounted!! So do you think 15,5 is a good offer for my rig? Should I try to sell private and shoot for 16,5 or is that gonna take forever??

Thanks! I bet this would be an easy sell out west...

cstowe · July 2004

OK Terry...I am still looking around for a new (to me) ride and I think I have come down on wanting a GS 430. I like the 300 OK but I figure if I am going in to Lexus Land then I should go in big. I am in the market for a 2001 GS430 that is Lexus Certified with "whatever" miles and "whatever" options. (But I would really like the ML/Nav package.) What ballpark do you think I will be in? The 430s are scarce at the Lex dealer here in Tulsa...but several 300s.

Thoughts?

clpurnell · July 2004

can you give me some help on this one. clpurnell Jul 21, 2004 4:24pm

cpanta29 · July 2004

Terry, could you please help me with a real world trade-in value for a 2002 Ford Escape XLT 4WD with running boards and tow package? It has 64,000 miles, is in good condition, relatively new Dueler A/T Revo tires, and full maintenance records. I'm in the Burlington VT area.

redsoxrob · July 2004

FYI, I just signed the P&S and they broke it down to $8300 for the Jetta and $18300 for the Outback. Sound like a good deal?

famof3kids · July 2004

From request on 6/14, message 19868

Well, I went to the dealer and he only offered me, initially, $2500 for this van! I showed him the KBB/NADA trade-in value, which is 6600 & 6900 respectively. He offered another $1500, which is now $4000. I'm a little shocked that he is so far from these values. Am I being ripped off, or, is this right? Can anyone help or offer suggestions?

Western area of VA
1999 Chevrolet Astro LS AWD
Rear Dutch Doors & Rear AC
Silver w/factory chrome wheels
Rear dark tint
CD, overhead console with trip computer & outside temp/compass
Wheels look great, shiny paint, carpet looks good, no rust, excellent mechanical shape
95000 miles

fotoeye · July 2004

I've recently paid of my jetta an need a bigger car/truck/suv. Jetta GLS VR6, heated seats, 6 disc changer, power everything, no sunroof, cloth interior, silver ext/black int. 123K miles very clean inside, runs perfectly. Regular mall dings on body but paint is in good condition and still shines like brand new. I want to trade it in for 2004 Honda Pilot. I have all maintanence schedules because I use this car for work. I live in Philadelphia. Please help me with a fair trade-in value.

Thanks

bird22 · July 2004

Terry,

I would greatly appreciate a Real World Trade-In Value for my 2000 Passat:

I purchased the car used from an individual at 30K miles. Car now has 93,000 miles. I have changed the oil at every 3 to 4,000 mile interval at the dealership. Now, I'm down to 20lbs. of oil pressure and the dealership and private mechanics tell me I need another engine. The car is in good condition otherwise (in fact, it drives great and I had no idea I had a problem until the big red "STOP" showed up on my instrument panel!).

Here are the specs:
- 1.8T
- Leather
- Power moonroof
- CD changer
- Monsoon audio system
- Aluminum wheels
- heated front seats
- dark blue
- 93,000 miles

I would really appreciate your opinion on how much I get out of it as a trade-in.

Thank you!

Bird22

ghulet · July 2004

....64k miles on '02s, 123k on an '00? Doesn't anyone live within 50 miles of work any more? Significant other living in the next state?

jsalsman · July 2004

Hi there,
I am trying to get an idea of what I should be realistically fighting for in the dealership. I think I get an unfair shake at the negotiation process just because I'm a woman, so I need to go in there with as much info on my side as possible.
I currently own a black 2002 GLX with 33,000 miles on it. It's loaded, leather, power everything, the works. It runs great, and is in great shape with three exceptions. 1. there are a couple pits in the windshield 2. there is a spot on the side where it got splashed with egg, and it etched the clear coat. Not super noticable, but there... Most people don't see it until I point it out. 3. a couple of minor dents from people bumping their car door into mine.
The inside is mint, however, no tears, etc, and it was purchased new from the dealer, and has never been in an accident etc.

I am looking to get a 2000 or newer Ford F-150, preferably the Supercrew or the Supercab 4 door. I really want a King Ranch Ed. but would consider other loaded F-150's as long as they have a V8.

By the way, I live in Sacramento, CA, if that helps any.

I found a 2001 Supercab 4dr King Ranch at a local Ford. It's not in great shape, but its okay. The dealer wanted my car plus 11,000... I said no way. The maddening thing is he called me today and asked what I wanted to pay in order to "seal the deal" so to speak. Long story longer, after checking with the manager and calling me back, he offered me the same lousy deal. What should I realistically be looking to spend in cash on the difference between this type of truck and what should I be expecting to get as a trade in value?

Thanks so much!
Jessica

etze_ · July 2004

....."there is a spot on the side where it got splashed with egg""....
How do you get splashed with egg ? Did you hit the chicken crossing the road?

jsalsman · July 2004

someone threw eggs randomly from their balcony at my apartment complex into the parking lot. It didnt hit my car, but it hit the ground near it, and splashed on one spot on the side. I didn't see it happen, so it was dried before I did, and the damage was done. But again, most people don't notice it....

rroyce10 · July 2004

" I am looking to trade in my 1995 Honda Accord, LX, 4 cyl. My car is in excellent condition -- no rust spots, no damage, no scratches, rides smooth, interior looks great. I saw that the blue book value for my car is approx. $3500 "

I

N

F

O

                 Is it a 2dr -- or a 4dr .. auto, handshaker.?

          By the way, one small little thing: how about those miles.!

                          INFO .........!

                                        Terry.

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