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Carmax said $5,200 this week, and I was wondering what your opinion was. No rush necessary, thanks!My trade in is a high (125K miles) 2000 Town & Country Limited with all the usual T & C Ltd. extras, plus a DC extra called "premium paint"--sort of ivory color with a nice iridescence--I think they called it "pearlized." I also bought the full set of Chrysler color matched rubber floor mats for front and second row and the deep color-matched plastic tray liner for cargo area.
No after market changes. No wrecks but several small parking lot dings and one "thigh" shaped dent in door where a friend slammed his thigh pretty hard into the sliding door in order to close it. You have to look hard to see it, but from an angle you can see a shallow foot wide dent. Didn't try to repair it because it was so shallow.
Both the front and rear plastic bumpers have several scratches low near the bottoms where we pulled up too closely to various curbs.
Car looks good from ten feet away but up close you can see bug stains on the "nose."
The trip computer right now says that it's getting about 19 mpg and it runs well. The current set of tires has about 10K on them.
Driven mostly without kids in it--there are NO stains or signs of wear on the carpet or leather upholstery, but there is a 1 mm (size of a match head) scratch on the dash and the driver's seat has a very slightly "broken in" look compared to the other seats--nobody else seems to be able to notice this but me--it might be my imagination.
I'd appreciate an idea of what a trade in allowance might be in a suburban Honda or Toyota dealership in Texas. Will be buying Ody or Sienna soon. Thanks for your help.
The history "looks" clean, it's black (no help) looow miles for the year, it's a 4dr 2wd LS, power pack, rack, new round things, tow pack, we have the solar glass and you say it's in nifty condition - (no such thing as "excellent" condition unless your driving a a 02 SC430 with 9,500 miles and it was driven, garaged, covered, stored and blessed by the Pope) .... if this one is really nice, no 200 swirl o'matic car washes, cold breeze, looks/feels/drives like a 01 without the Bonnie and Clyde interior, then trade side .. in and around the mid to tall $5's, if it's super wonderful, you might "maybe" get a dealer to drop the low low low low low $6's in it, the only thing that will hold this one back is the color ... down Retail Rd, superb detail, great Ad, $8,900 *asking* and away it goes for $7,5/$8,5 ...
Terry.
=====================================
Terry - thanks again for your help on this one. And glad to hear that you're OK after the weather!
4 different dealerships all offered me $5500 for the Blazer. I guess book is book. Had one traditional hard sell at a Chevy dealership where they kept upping what they'd give me on the trade, from $5500 to 6900 to 7500, but obviously they'd be building that back into the deal somewhere further up the page... and I wasn't expecting that from them since I was dealing with the Internet guy AND I have GM supplier discount eligibility. Needless to say, they didn't get my business.
Wrapped up a deal on an '04 Mustang V6 Coupe Deluxe auto, MSRP was $20555.... after dealership's clearance discount, Ford rebate and the trade, I'm paying $9898 total incl TT&L. I can live with that.
It's actually very easy to tell if your great offer is "too good to be true". Tell them to write it up with the 7.5K trade, and see what the numbers come out to be. If they bottom line gets skewed by some funny business, than walk out.
Anyway, Terry said ask 8.9, and you might get 8-8.5. So, a dealer would be expecting to get at least that much, if not more. maybe they had a need for that type of car for the lot, and figured to flip it at 9K or whatever, still well above what they gave you as a trade offer.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
And sorry, kcram, I didn't even use that intentionally--just a normal thing I use on boards.
_____________________________________________
For posters that haven't seen this template, since most people aren't like me, bowke, akangl, drift, et al and don't see it everyday, here's a guideline of what should be included for Terry to give you the quickest, most accurate response.
Year, Make, Model, Trim line (incl style--coupe, sedan, hatch, etc)
Engine (cylinders, size--especially in trucks, there can 2, 3 or 4 different V8s)
Color, exterior and interior (it does matter--black on black in Dallas is a lot different than white on tan)
Mileage!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Zip codes are NOT, NOT, NOT a location. If you are in a metro area, something like "Milwaukee" is fine. if you're suburban, something like "Whitefish Bay, WI (northern Milwaukee suburb)" is great. Something like Beaver, WI is not-so-great. In this case, "rural northern WI" is probably better.
Features (the trim line will often tell the story) but more info is better than too little--does it have a 3rd row seat? Rear air? For lower end cars, these that are obvious in higher end cars are not so much here: Is it stick or auto? Does it have air? Cruise control? etc (I have an 01 Pontiac Sunfire, that in probably the most unlikely assembly ever, has air, a power moonroof, traction control, ABS, CD player. But....it has no cruise. What the hell! Somebody less desperate than I was would think twice about this car...)
Condition--bear in mind, absolutely no car more than 6 months old with more than 3000 miles is "excellent". It's just not. Tell us about the dents, the little scratches, any carpet stains, Picasso masterpieces, Dairy Queen mishaps, whatever.
Problems, repairs done, accidents: If it's a 100K mile 00 300M but you did the timing belt and new water pump, say so. It's ok. Trust me, as someone who likes the 300M, I have no problem with a 100K miler, but I'm a lot more interested if that biggie is done. How old are the tires, the brakes, etc? If it's higher mileage 50-60K a lot of this stuff should be newer.
Finally: If your car has over 100K, you should NOT write a post. First, read post #20851. No, really, I'm serious--read it and it will help you in the long run. A car's true value is not a personal attack--it's just a reflection of the market is paying for your car.
The mantra: Terry loves details!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
A Lexus or Honda owner usually knows that their cars are in a different category than a miled-up Ford Escort, so while a 130k Lexus LS400 can't be a normal retail unit at a dealership with normal warranties, financing, and dealer support, they have a strong place in the used car market with private buyers and BHPH places.
Here are the details:
38500 miles; dark blue exterior; beige leather inside with wood trim; dual front air bags, side-impact airbags; traction control; dynamic stability control; power doors, windows (1-touch up/down for all windows), driver seat (10 ways); automatic climate control; 6-disc CD player, cassette & AM/FM with premium sound system; navigation system and park distance control; vehicle and key memory.
The interior is spotless - no scratches or stains. The exterior only has a small scratch on the rear fender. The car suffered some hail damage on the hood and trunk which was fixed by replacing the hood and trunk panels.
I don't want to go through the hassle of selling to a private party so I'm leaning toward trading it in. I wish there was a CarMax in my state (NJ) bcoz then I would have tried it. Is there anything else like it?
Thanks a lot in advance for any help you can provide. Have a great day!
spc
Premium package includes the sunroof, right? He'll need to know where in Joisey, and whether it's manual/auto.
Good luck!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
>>Our 94 LS400 has been fairly flawless although we've only driven it 10,000 miles in the last 3 1/2 years........ I wouldn't be scared of a 10 year old SC300 or 400. >>
Yes, the premium package does include a powered moonroof. I forgot to mention that the car also has an auto-dimming rear view mirror and rain sensing automatic wipers.
The car is a 5-speed automatic with "Steptronic" and it's garaged in Monmouth County, NJ.
Thanks for pointing out the missing details - I'm new to this message board.
spc
But most important, the the words: supplier plans, "A/X" plans, etc, don't guarantee anything - and it's important that folks know *Exactly* how they work and take full advantage of them (if they qualify) ..
I just spent the last hour on the phone "unwinding" a deal that went down in Ohio for a friend (a 25 year Ford employee) who's Dad went in to buy an Escape (that I picked out last Wednesday) and he went home in a *04 leased* Exploder on Saturday and I didn't find out til' late this morning, so much for that deal ... they need to read those programs VERY closely and know them "inside and out" ~ just because you go in saying I'm on the "A" plan doesn't mean your going to get one, they might end up driving home on the Bozo plan .........................
Terry.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Needs you expertise on this one:
2004 BMW 325Ci in seattle
Manual 6-spd, 8k miles. Brand new, Titanium Metallic Silver, Glass moon-roof, rain sensor, Xenon lights, Adaptive Headlights, fitted iPod jack, matt-silver gear knob. Remote window/sun-roof lock. Selling for personal reasons - car is in GREAT shape.
the owner is asking 28,000 for it. What should be a reasonable offer?
Thanks a bunch.
Dave
Terry ;^}
$28,000 ..?!? .. Were talkin' about an "04" BMW 325Ci with 8k, right..? .. slider, night blinders, sensors, etc, etc ..... even with handshaker $28,0 is cheap money, dealers are paying that for em' on trade ....
Hey, this "could" be a deal of a life time - or, this one could have had $8/$12/$15,000 of super glue and bondo -- this one needs a REAL close look, take it to the Bimmer store down the street, spend a few bucks and have them go over it from stem to stern ......
Let me know ....
Terry.
2002 Toyota Camry LE, 17,000miles, dark blue exterior/beige cloth interior, automatic, power window, power lock, cruise control, CD and cassette, some scratches on rare bumper, change oil every 3000 miles, runs great. Bought new on September, 2002. It still has one year warranty left.
Speaking of Seattle weather, it is actually very nice here during summer time, plenty of sunshine, pleasant temperature, and lots of outdoor fun. Winter is another story though 
Thanks,
Dave
1. Oil leaks
2. LED gauges have a tendency to start going bad if the car was exposed to a lot of heat over the years
3. If you buy one that's near the 120,000 mark make sure the 120,000 mile service was done. This includes the timing belt and water pump and can run upwards of $1200 if you take it to a dealer
Otherwise gas up, change the oil, and go.
Hope you had a great Labor Day!
I was wondering about the following car. It's a little too late since I already bought it (my sister was in a big hurry) but I would still like to know.
1998 Saturn SL2 sedan
Automatic
90,000 miles
Dark blue exterior/tan cloth interior
Location: Atlanta metro
Options: Power windows, locks, and power passenger mirror, cruise control, AM/FM cassette, keyless, alloy wheels
Exterior Condition: No dings (plastic body panels), one 3" scratch on the rear bumper that you can barely catch with your fingernail, 2 new tires (the other two have about 80% tread left), no accident history
Interior condition: Non-smoker, no stains or marks on seat upholstery or carpet, no rips or tears, everything works
Mechanical: No known problems. Had a fairly thorough inspection done and the only thing they recommended was to replace the serpentine belt (which I did). Otherwise, AC is cold, stereo works, no strange noises, runs as smooth as a Saturn from that year can.
What is this puppy worth? I paid $1700 + $200 for inspection, two tires, and the replaced serpentine belt.
Looking at:
2003 VW Passat GLX V6 / Tiptronic
GLX stuff (heated leather, sunroof, wood trim, 16" wheels, power everything including seats, etc...)
WVWRH63BX3P048603
24,500 miles
Medium blue exterior / grey leather
Looks very sharp, at least in pictures.
It's parked in NJ, but I am buying from Lexington, KY.
What's a fair price?
Here are the details:
38500 miles; dark blue exterior; beige leather inside with wood trim; dual front air bags, side-impact airbags; traction control; dynamic stability control; power doors, windows (1-touch up/down for all windows), driver seat (10 ways); automatic climate control; 6-disc CD player, cassette & AM/FM with premium sound system; navigation system and park distance control; vehicle and key memory.
The interior is spotless - no scratches or stains. The exterior only has a small scratch on the rear fender. The car suffered some hail damage on the hood and trunk which was fixed by replacing the hood and trunk panels.
I don't want to go through the hassle of selling to a private party so I'm leaning toward trading it in. I wish there was a Car Max in my state (NJ) bcoz then I would have tried it. Is there anything else like it?
Thanks a lot in advance for any help you can provide. Have a great day!
spc**
==============================
Sounds like a pretty nice driver, we got the no-sale blue with the tan guts, miles are kinda lowish, we got the Nav and the back-up beep beep, plus all the other stuff ..
Yikes, major repair work - depending on the hail damage repair, the final finish on the hood and the trunk finish (because it will make it, or break it) it's hard to put a figure on this one without putting an eyeball on it ....
... "lets just say" you never had the repair, if it's like clean to the bone, deep in the rubber department, service from yesterday, seats look hovered in, no swirlomatic car washes .. then trade side, in and around the super tall $24ish/low $25ish range, might get a dealer to wander close to the $26 figure if it's puuuurfect -- but it's not, it's had parts and paint work and that doesn't count the stuff the insurance co. wouldn't finish and you might not see ..... my guess, and it's only a guess without seeing it, would be the tall $19's, maybe the low low low low low low $20's depending on the finished product ....................
Let me know how it goes ..!
Terry.
thanks a lot. I really appreciate your comments. I've taken such great care of the car that it's a real shame it was caught in a hail storm and is likely going to lose so much value. I wonder would it have been better off if I hadn't fixed the hail dents? Would it have lost less value? Just a thought... (by the way, the repair cost around $2800, if that gives you an idea of how much work was done and therefore how much value has been lost).
I'll let you know how much I could get for it. Take care.
spc
lives in a heated garage in Chicago
Dark Green ext/tan leather int
auto
45K miles
single CD player w/Bose (not a multichanger)
Shape? better than rough for sure, prob avg.
Brakes redone
Gone through two Chicago winters
Interior floor mats one step north of crap, carpet's a little better
typical parallel parking dings you would expect, plus a couple of bigger items
1. Replaced driver's side window, and the rep window is a little irritating on the ears going up and down
2. In a full-throttle genius move, I backed into a light pole at the parking lot of a BK by the interstate in Rock Falls, Illinois. I was hoping they could just straighten out the bumper, but the body shop bill ended up bein 4 gees. F'in body work. Well, I guess it was the insurance company's prob for most of it. I'm sure the frame is fine.
=======================================
00 SE with 45k, it's in that Polo/Hunter/dark no sale green color with the tan guts .. we have the Bozo sound, slider, spoiler, "Interior floor mats one step north of crap" (I love an honest person) and it sounds like you had a little food fight at the local Burger King, and they won (you should've never asked to kick the mayo) ..... 4 big ones huh.? .. it will depend on how it looks, as silly as this sounds, that pea pea poo poo green doesn't match up too well, this will a "guesstamation" - trade side, in and around the tall $8's to the mid/tall $11's .... the miles save it, I hope ...........................
let me know what happens ....
Terry.
------
I traded this in on a new G35 sedan for $10.5, got the new car at invoice. The sales manager took my 1st bid, if that means anything.
The actually looked pretty sharp after I had it detailed, the only stuff they couldn't get out was some dirt in the driver's floomat and smudges on the driver's seat by the left shoulder.
But....when the car looked at clean as it did, I noticed that at one point, the rear bumper wasn't sealed to the frame right, ugh....that actually might be under warranty from the people who did my body work, but I'm glad I don't have to argue about it.
2003 Honda Civic LX 4dr sedan
Silver, 5 spd manual transmission, 30,200 miles located near Newburg, NY
Local Honda dealer has ask price of $12,444.
Thanks in advance.
____________________________________
Eh, I guess I COULD have been more clear. That said, here's my statement in context: "If your car has over 100K, you should NOT write a post. First, read post #20851"
So, what I meant was, read drift's post FIRST, so a person has the mindset of what they should realistically expect, THEN they won't be so upset with Terry's number, whether it be a Lexus or a Olds Ciera. I did NOT mean they simply shouldn't post at all.
Further, MY point is everybody should post if they have a question but only after they realize KBB is not going to buy their car.
I have decided not to look at those sc430 or clk in NYC.
I am currently looking at a 2002 Cadillac Escalade AWD, GM Certified in my local cadillac dealer.
It is white with 42000 miles. and I am in rochester NY. The suv was a trade-in, and was brought and service at the same dealership, with no repair or accident.
They are asking $37995. what should i offer them tomorrow, and what is a good price?
Thanks!
Now the issue...it is currently undergoing engine replacement with a used engine (via an extended warranty - has another 40k miles coverage left). The new engine comes from a wrecked car (I think) with 36k miles. (I had a bad luck bolt break and cause a timing belt slip and bend the valves/pistons)
About a year ago it had repair for an accident...replaced a rear quarter panel and trunk lid. The work is excellent, but still the car has been repaired.
I'm thinking I need to get out of this car before the next anvil falls. What can I expect at trade-in...how much do you think the engine work and body repair work affect the price?
THANKS!
Have silver 3dr svt focus with no extras with only 7k miles adult driven looking to trade on a 04 marauder. Location is in the iowa region.What would I be looking at for trade in value? Thanks for any help!
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Boomer is right .. 1986 Buick Grand Nationals still get some serious money .. -IF- they are clean, pretty much stock and don't have all that "Go Fast" stuff added to it ... looks like it has the stuff added to it and it's a rebuilt, no biggie if it's been done by Jesse James (the car builder, not the shoot em' up guy) ..
Folks that own and know these GN's, keep them ultra nice and cleeeean, the motors glow in the dark and you can usually eat off the valve covers, this one .... eh' .... this one "seems" like a $3,500 vehicle trade side and a $5,5/$6,5 down Retail Rd - depending on the "stuff" ... if they are super nice, super clean, garaged, detailed from day 1, interior "hovered" in - cared for, with 40/60k it "could" do the mid/tall $7's at auction time .. I have seen them do the high $10/$12's down Retail Rd, but those bad boys are stand tall, history reports from the first day, stored, Gift wrapped, rubber from yesterday, puuuurfect and it's a "loved" vehicle in the family, etc, etc ..................
Terry.
And I thought we had it rough in Texas back in 1974 with 2 hurricanes...
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Good vehicles, should run forever properly serviced .. Depending on where you live and the color -- the miles are low for the year, we have the CPO thing going on, it's a GLT with all the stuff .. if- no visits to Maaco, if the sneakers are deep, the service is complete, just a "stand tall" S70 .. then the dealer probably has the mid $11's low $12's in it, add the CPO service, a little this and that, pack and it probably hits the table at the low to mid $13's ...... $16,900 .? .. not a bad *asking* price, but I have a feeling that the mid to high $15's will find it a new home ...........
Let me know, got it.!
Terry.
This make sense, or am I off base again?
BTW, my neighbor has a GN sitting in his garage under a cover. Don't see it out much, but it is immaculate, and looks totally stock.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Anyway, needing to go bye-bye:
1999 Nissan Quest SE with 52,000 careful clicks.
Silver, gray cloth insides
Loaded for it's day (orig Msrp of 26K - ouch)
Moonroof!, audio package (changer, etc), convenience package, alloys, ABS (standard equipment)
1-owner, all records (including 30K service at dealer)
Never any body work, just a few parking lot kisses on the sides, and a few chips on the rear bumper. No dents.
2 tires have 10K, about to get new fronts (and maybe pads for the 2nd time).
Pretty much drives like new, not that it was that exciting then, but solid and reliable.
I prefer to trade it in, but what say the oracle for trade and retail road?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There's never really a rhyme or a reason for vehicles being traded, some are super nice and some are better off left at the side of the road .l.o.l.. I guess some people justify things better than others ..
I've seen plenty of super clean GN's, SS's, M3's, 911's, Lambo's, 360 Spiders, "Rolls Conardly's", bunches of real nice low mileage stuff and that doesn't include all the RV's and in another month or so, all the Jet Ski's, golf carts and boats in general, big and small .. my neighbor a few streets away just traded his 02 Prowler in with 8,800 miles, it's perfect, he got it dirty driving it too me, but he traded instead of selling it .. who knows ~ maybe it's a privacy thing, could be a "people" thing, some just feel their time is much more important than spending 5/10 hours making appointments and showing things, it's their right .....
I will tell you what I told him: "you must have more money than sense" ..l.o.l...
Terry :^}
I have decided not to look at those sc430 or clk in NYC.
I am currently looking at a 2002 Cadillac Escalade AWD, GM Certified in my local cadillac dealer.
It is white with 42000 miles. and I am in rochester NY. The suv was a trade-in, and was brought and service at the same dealership, with no repair or accident.
They are asking $37995. what should i offer them tomorrow, and what is a good price?
Thanks!
'95 Civic DX Sedan, Manual, A/C, Dual Air Bags, 16" rims, pioneer stereo, body/paint are nice, actually runs ike a Honda (that's why I bought it!), 125k
Need trade-in and person to person price, please. Tanx!
DrFill
It is: 2000 Toyota Tacoma
Xtracab
2WD
4 cylinder
manual
SR5 (so it has A/C and AM/FM/Cassette/single CD), sliding window (latch is cracked)
fiberglass shell
white paint with blue interior.
Body has no damage or repairs, interior has wear and tear, some minor stains on carpet, one spot of gum on seat (I'll work at getting rid of this if I sell rather than trade), but not thrashed.
No mechanical problems, runs great (only repair was a defective radiator replaced under warranty at 70,000 miles). Tires are OK, but not new, brakes and rotors replaced around 125,000 miles. 175,000 miles on it now, all highway.
I'm in Southern California, more or less L.A. area (could be sold in Bakersfield area - I'm in between).
What can I reasonably expect to get out of it?
DrFill
'95 Civic DX Sedan, Manual, A/C, Dual Air Bags, 16" rims, pioneer stereo, body/paint are nice, actually runs ike a Honda (that's why I bought it!), 125k
Need trade-in and person to person price, please. Tanx!
DrFill
===============================
I see your from the land of the Jets .. we have a 95 Hoooonda Civic 4dr DX with 125k, of course we have the handshaker, cold breeze, tunes and some hinky 16" rims .. if it's clean, no terrorists attacks, no major visits to Maaco, it drives/looks and feels like 50k, the service is 110% and the rubber is deep .. trade side, depending on the dealer, in and around the $1,0/$1,5 range - if it needs stuff start deducting ...
If it's really nice and super clean, then this would be a great candidate for Retail Rd, a super detail, a great Ad in the largest newspaper in your area, $3,900 *asking* and send that pup south for the first $2,9/$3,5 .....
let me know how it goes ..
Terry.
Now the issue... it is currently undergoing engine replacement with a used engine (via an extended warranty - has another 40k miles coverage left). The new engine comes from a wrecked car (I think) with 36k miles. (I had a bad luck bolt break and cause a timing belt slip and bend the valves/pistons)
About a year ago it had repair for an accident... replaced a rear quarter panel and trunk lid. The work is excellent, but still the car has been repaired.
I'm thinking I need to get out of this car before the next anvil falls. What can I expect at trade-in... how much do you think the engine work and body repair work affect the price?
THANKS!
================================
Huh.? "before the next anvil falls" .. you haven't come out of your coma from the last one.!
"S" models bring some hefty money --- But -- they have to be clean, no Dutch Boys and now, we're dropping in a Salvation Army engine ..?!? - bud, thats like painting over the Mona Lisa with a paint ball gun ...
That super nice and perfect body work "might" "maybe" could get you back to square one, maybe, on a good day and the right alignment with Venus (if Ivan doesn't grab it first) .. but Someone will run the numbers and someone will catch the motor replacement and see it's a rebuild with 36k, not good on a "S" ...
It's hard to guess on this one without really seeing/feeling and touching it .. my guess, we got the paintwork and a hinky Bingo Boys engine and it might end up as TMU ... depending on all the factors and all the finish work, it's sounds like a $7/$8ish vehicle come trade side and a $9,900 vehicle down Retail Rd, I dunno, I would need to get chummy with this dude .................................
Terry.
$10k ballpark for an '00 S4 with 45k... that puts the "depreciation" around 70-80 cents a mile. Good gravy.
No, I'm not making fun of TheShawn; I really do feel sorry for him. My advice would be to hang on to the car... chance has no memory, this could be fine from here on in... ask yourself the question; would you *buy* the car for $10? If the answer is yes, just keep it. Also, as long as *you* own it, you should have some sort of fairly long warranty on the engine, no?
Best car I ever drove was an 00 or 01 S4... just wonderful. An on the upside (such as it is) I'd rather have a replaced engine than frame work, and you car has not had THAT...
Good luck,
-Mathias