Real-World Trade-In Values

bretfraz · June 2001

Not if you sell yourself on E-Bay. Then you're "enlightened".

leomort · June 2001

Bill made the comment that only a few cars are worth buying new. What are some of those cars?
Thanks.

Leo

agt_cooper · June 2001

It took me a while to figure out what "roof Zenons" were (re: post 2207).

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out where Nissan had managed to hide those Zenon lights along that sleek roofline.....

Then, I realized it was simply a case of a missing comma....DOH!!!

bja104 · June 2001

Hi. What do you guys say about trade in and private sale values for a '98 Expedition, Eddie Bauer, 4WD, 5.4 liter, tow package, third row seat, cd changer, 51k miles. It is green, and I am in the Chicago area. Thanks.

im_brentwood · June 2001

I'll pay more attention as I type!

Hmm... what cars do you buy new...

Japanese: Lexus GS, RX, IS, SC, LS. Not ES. Toyota: Corolla, Rav4, Highlander, Sequoia (maybe...), Acura: TL, Integra, NSX Infiniti: New Q45 may do well, 00 I30s surprise me... doing better than I thought. Hondas: Odys, Accords, Civics, Preludes. NOT that Rodeoesque SUV they have.

European: Jaguar: Maybe the X-Type, XKs, BMW: Most any of them except 740s unless you get the current $10K off deal or your mother HAS to have one. Mercedes: About any of em. Volvo: Cross-Country, umm.. S60, S80 isnt too bad. S40 and C70 are weak. SAAB: None of em unless you lease. VW: Passats, Beetles, Jettas, Golfs. Anything that says "Porsche" on the hood. Audi: A4, TT

American: Some trucks... Mainly heavy-duty and diesels and the like, Corvettes, Mustang Cobras, New Escalades, Prowlers, Vipers, PT Cruisers. Unfortunately very few.

vocus · June 2001

I had a 1999 Mazda Protege DX model with 37K on it, and I traded it in on 2/21/2001 for a new 2001 Protege. I got $7500 for the car, with a sunroof, cassette/CD, and a little scrape on the bumper. Is this a good deal? I thought it was, because of the DX being the base model Protege that no one wants. The dealership turned around and listed it for $10,995. Thanks.

im_brentwood · June 2001

OK... Right now, I'd say that current wholesale on the Expedition is right around that $17,500 neighborhood. The miles hurt it.

However, check the papers... See what people are asking for them. I'd throw it in there for $20,900 and see what happens.

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

99... 37K miles... $7,500? I'd say that you did quite well. From what I'm seeing, right now they're closer to a $6,500-7K car based on auction results.

Dealer probably now has $8K or a little more "in" it, when all is said and done. So $10,995 is about where I'd expect to see it priced. My guess is that $9,500-10K is where it'll actually sell.

Remember, we don't make money on new cars, but we do make money on used cars...

Bill

akangl · June 2001

Unfortunatly, my Jetta's only option is the cold weather pkg. I was trying to save money when I leased the car so I didn't get a moonroof or alloy wheels or leather.

I figure I have a few options, I can (if I get the darn $5,000 loan I need) sell it to the used car dealer for $16,000, or I can wait until October, see what the car is worth and either sell it on my own or sell it to a used car dealer. My other option is to pay the $250 early termination fee and give it back to VW. Then I take my chances on what the car would sell for at auction. Anyway I do it I still have to come up with cash to pay the neg. Its a nice car, but by no means perfect (couple scratches and a minor dent thanks to the VW dealer) and the miles are getting up there.......8300 right now.

The other thing I thought of was if I could find a buyer in the lower 48 I would drive the car down to them and then pick up cheap used car for me to drive back.

At the moment I don't know what I am going to do with it.........I always say if you want to know what car is soft on the market look at what I am driving.

leomort · June 2001

what? no Camry in there as good buy new? but incluede Accord? How can that be

Leo

isellhondas · June 2001

I din't realize in the other forum that your JGC was a 2WD. It's a GOOD thing you're in So. Calif. Here in the Northwest it would be almost saleproof!

I never could understand why anybody would buy an SUV like that with 2WD but I guess in some areas they actually sell a few.

michaellno · June 2001

I agree with you. We know a family in our neighborhood who moved from CA - 5 kids. They drive a 2WD Suburban and a 2WD Expedition. Boy, will they be suprised when the leases are up on those and they try to trade them in here in Colorado!

I've seen lots of 2WD SUV's in SoCal and in the Dallas area. Just doesn't make sense to me...

im_brentwood · June 2001

Heck,

Nobody here in Florida WANTS 4WD SUVs.

Think about it isell. You sell CRVs, and Passports... 4WD I assume.

Think they ever see off-road use? MAYBE 1 in 10 does.

Now, let's look at Florida. Flat, no snow. Umm...

Whatcha need 4WD for? In fact, 4WDs down here are worth very little more than their 2WD Counterparts. More stuff to go wrong, worse mileage, more weight...

Now, I'd hate to have a 2WD Navigator in Minneapolis.

Bill

michaellno · June 2001

I agree. My wife (all 5'2" of her) loved the Expedition for the visibility. Traded down to an Explorer because we were tired of paying $40+ for a tank of gas (she filled up today for $32). Also, she wouldn't be caught dead in a minivan (her words).

However, we use the AWD in the winter here in Colorado. We live in a semi-rural area and the roads don't get plowed in a timely manner, so the extra traction is nice to have.

Bill: my folks are thinking about a new (used) car. Current car is a '91 Camry DE, 84K miles, auto, pw, pl, auto, cc. Light blue w/ dark blue interior. They're thinking $4K retail. Agree? In addition, they're torn between a '99/'00 Avalon or '99/'00 ES300. Opinions?

badgerpaul · June 2001

When I bought an SUV a couple years ago here in Dallas, the 4WD versions were almost non-existant. I guess why pay the $2,000-$3,000 premium for it if you're not going to use it.

isellhondas · June 2001

You usually don't admit this...but...I'm a native So. Californian.

And, I guess I don't remember seeing that many 4WD vehicles.

I still have to wonder why people would buy one.

To me, anyway, an SUV means a rough and ready truck capable of getting through snow, mud or a trail. If these conditions would never be encountered, why have one?

And, I would agree. Probably 9 out of 10 around here have never been put into 4WD.

zman3 · June 2001

As a long time lurker, I think you are doing a great service here both for buyers and dealers. I really do want to go to the dealer with reasonable expectations. Thank you. Here is my vehicle in question:

95 Explorer, 4WD, the older (non OHC) V6, 68K miles, dark green, most options except leather and sunroof. I would consider it to be in better than average condition - clean inside and out, one minor door ding. Never in an accident. Located in Minneapolis.

I would be looking to trade in on something like a Sequoia, which I can probably buy for $700-$1000 over the Edmunds invoice here in MSP. I am interested in what a dealer would give me for it on trade and a target price if I try to sell it myself. I know you've said they have been taking a beating lately.

One final question. Would the value continue to go down towards fall, or would it possibly rebound a bit as the snow starts to fly? Is summer inherently a bad time for 4WD in northern climates?

Thanks in advance.

michaellno · June 2001

As a native SoCal person myself, I would tend to agree with you.

However, I owned an '88 Isuzu Trooper for a few years and actually took it off road. Off I-5 towards Gorman is the Hungry Valley Off Road park (or something like that - I know hicaira knows it). Anyway, many acres of off-road trails and such. Had 2 cousins with 4WD vehicles - 1 had a Jeep Cherokee, the other a Ford Ranger. We'd go out there on weekends and climb up and down the trails. Lots of fun.

Now that I live in Colorado, I find 4WD (or AWD) necessary for the winter months. Even after being here 8 years, I find myself skittish when bad weather arrives. Wife is a WY native, so is used to the snow. I'm willing to put up with poor gas mileage for that piece of mind.

badgerpaul · June 2001

I bought mine because you can't get a full size station wagon anymore. So since I live in Texas 2-wheel vs. 4-wheel wasn't a real issue. I suppose that if I still lived up in the frozen tundra I would have gone with the 4-wheel.

im_brentwood · June 2001

Michaell: Sounds like a fair retail price. Avalon and ES are nice reliable cars. Also tell em to look at a used Acura TL and an I30.

Yetiracer: Geez... you sure you wanna know? The miles are killing it. I assume this is based on a Trooper S, correct? I'd say somewhere in the range of $10-11K or so because of the miles. Edmunds said $14K? Hmmm

spellbound · June 2001

Many people, probably most in warmer climates have been buying SUV's for use as tall station wagons with good visibility. They have no use for 4WD and 4WD vehicles have additional maintenance requirements in the long term, and of course the 2WD versions are less expensive.

isellhondas · June 2001

I guess I understand...Especially since the old time huge Country Squire wagons are a thing of the past.

Michaell...I think that area was called Frazier Park. My buddies used to go there.

Me, born, raised in San Pedro.

zman3 · June 2001

Sorry guys. I forgot one piece of info, it is an XLT Explorer

im_brentwood · June 2001

Hmm,

If it's clean... I think $7K is the money on it.

They have softened up quite a bit lately.

Sorry

Bill

afk_x · June 2001

Bill -

I have a customer who wants a supremely quiet and comfortable commuter that will last her 150K miles over the next 8-9 years. The problem is she doesn't want to spend a whole ton of money - plus hates leather and really could care less about a sunroof.

The only car that comes to mind as fitting that bill is a 98 or newer ES300.

What price do you think we could get for such a car at auction.

Lexus ES300 98+ less than 50K miles. Must be cloth

Did I read you had bought one for a customer but then they backed out?

zman3 · June 2001

Thanks for the honesty. As people have said many times it's worth what it's worth.

Do you think I could expect things to firm up as the cold weather sets in this fall, or is it only downhill from here? Does the value of mass prodcued used cars ever go up?

prayerfor · June 2001

Bill,

Curious, what are 2000 Audi S4s pulling on the wholesale market these days? I don't have a specific unit in mind, so for sake of discussion assume Silver, well equipped, average miles, clean w/ no accidents etc. I'm in the midwest (although if you have a sense of how much values vary regionally I'd be interested in hearing that too). Thanks in advance!

SPYDER98 · June 2001

How much do you think I could sell a 98 eclipse spyder GST with ABS, automatic, black, and the big hurt

89k miles?
The car does have a few modifications(aftermarket exhaust being the most noticable). But the car looks and drives great and doesn't need anything.

Just wondering what a good asking price should be in the CT area?

Also..Living in the NE...do seasons fluctuate prices on convertibles?

Any advice would be appreciated.
thanks..

Rob

michaellno · June 2001

Thanks for the advice on the parents ... unfortunately, Mom and Dad are long time Toyota fans ('73 Corona, '84 Celica, and the current '91 Camry, interrupted only by a huge mistake - a '72 MB 220 Diesel).

My sister's in-laws have an I30, and Mom really likes it, but when she found out it was a Nissan, it was a non-issue. I've been a Honda fan for some time (3 Accords over the years), but for some reason the folks aren't as enamored of them, so, no Acura. Dad is leaning towards the Avalon (or V6 Camry), while Mom would like the ES.

Can you give any sound reasoning (other than price) to choose one over the other?

isell: Frazier Park is on the backside of Hungry Valley. I grew up in Ventura County, so we took CA 33 over the mountains to Frazier, then the dirt trails to Hungry Valley (when we could make it, that is).

OK, I'm beginning to see the advantages of a 2WD SUV.

tompo2 · June 2001

Bill-
How about a "real" value on this one?
95 Previa EL Supercharger 2WD
factory Leather, Dual Sunroofs, 10 speaker am/am/[non-permissible content removed]/ad player, alloys , AS
Evergreen Pearl with Oak interior
83500 miles
All major service done in last 5000 miles
(Tune up, Supercharger serviced, etc)
3 digs on AR fender well & 3 inch surface scratch on NH side behind driver door.

I'm happy with my '93 Previa with 195K miles but we want a RAV4 for the wife.........

Thanks for your time on this
TP

mmcbride1 · June 2001

How about this one. A woman I work with wants a New Beetle. So she needs to get rid of her Cavalier. It's a 1999 Cavalier with 25k miles. It is teal, with an auto tranny and in very good shape, no paintwork. I don't know about other equipment, but hopefully this is enough info. She probably just wants to trade it in and not sell on her own.

tompo2 · June 2001

This Previa is in Jacksonville Fl....

TP

bja104 · June 2001

Okay, what's this one worth on a trade: '99 Toyota Solara, 5 speed (I know, I know), cloth seats, no moonroof, very good condition. Would call it excellent condition but for a few small door dings. 29K miles, black/charcoal gray. In Chicago. Thanks.

im_brentwood · June 2001

Uhh... Generally a Rough Book car for a really nice one. But, try finding one and get a deposit ahead of time.

I got rid of that one pig I was stuck with thank god.

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

Well,

Trade when you want to

The market does get better for SUVs in the late fall, but then the car's gonna be a year older and worth less anyways.

Yes, mass produced cars can and do go up in value. But... well... I mean like '57 Chevy Bel Airs, 57 Thunderbirds..etc..

Not modern stuff from what I'm seeing as a rule.

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

S4s? Not a lot of them out there...

Well, I've seen a handful. Seems like $32K or so, roughly nationwide (A whopping 5 or so ran last month) for one with under 10K on the clock.

They're like $40k new, right?

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

OMG... 89,000?

OK, so we both know the answer isnt gonna be good I' afraid

...

Well, I'm seeing ones with 50-60K miles sell for $12-13K or so wholesale...

So I gotta take a stab here and say $12-13K retail, and $9-10K wholesale.

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

I guess, whichever one they like better. Lexus has a better warranty and snob appeal though...

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

Hmm...

Sounds like right at $8,000 or so to me.

Hope this helps!

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

Hmm...

We spend the time to look it over and see that it's not been hit but heaven forbid we see if its' a 2-door, 4-door, Convertible, RS, LS...

JK

Seriously, joking aside, unless it's a Z24 or ragtop... $6,500-7,000 for a base to about $7,500 for an LS.

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

OK..

Umm, gimme some help

SE? SLE? V6? 4Cyl?

Thanks, it can make a bit of a difference.,...

Bill

ahlin · June 2001

99 Chev Blazer Loaded LT with sunroof, leather, etc.MSRP 32017 paid 26800 with rebates dlr discounts etc. Any idea of what the real world trade in value would be on this vehicle? The truck is in excellent condition.29000 miles

bja104 · June 2001

Oops. Sorry. Yeah, I guess that info would be sorta' releveant :-). SE V6.

smwls8 · June 2001

Not trying to stir anything up here, but I have been driving a 2001 Maxima for 3 months supplied by my employer (take home) car. Great car so far(had 700 miles when I picked it up, 4,000+ currently). Supervisor took his 1999 Q45 in for service and was given a 2001 I30 for loaner. I asked if I could drive it around the block, as I am seriously considering this car (used) for next ride. I have always thought the I30 looked better than the current Maxima, and I knew from reading here that they shared the same platform, but....What a let down. It is a MAXIMA. Give me a break. I have driven ES300,s and TL 3.2's, and I was not let down like I was buy the I30. The Lexus and the Acura do a much better job of hiding their respective base models. I love the Maxima, don't get me wrong. IMHO, it is more car for the money and more of a driver's car than an Accord or a Camry, but after driving the I30, it is almost shameful for Nissan to try and pull this.

michaellno · June 2001

Thanks. That's kinda what I thought. I've been perusing the toyota and lexuscpo web sites and been doing some searches on behalf of the folks. Not a lot of difference in price between '99/'00 Avalons and ES300s - between $24-30K depending on mileage. Warranties seem to be similar, so snob appeal (and treatment at the service dept.) seem to be the differentiating factors.

mmcbride: you gonna send your co-worker to McDonald as well? That's where we got our NB.

mmcbride1 · June 2001

Yes, I was. I'm not real happy with their body shop right now (long story), but the dealership did a very good job with me.

smw - We have an I30 and love it. Yes, the interior looks a lot like the Maxima, but who cares? Everyone knows it's a Max, anyways. I still think it offers the most bang for the buck out of the I30, ES300 and TL.

michaellno · June 2001

Uh-oh. Does this have anything to do with the new A4 you got recently? I've been real pleased with their service dept. so far (2 1/2 years).

im_brentwood · June 2001

Glad to help..

But 2WD or 2WD? Also, what state are you in? And Color?

Thanks! It can make a big difference.

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

Thanks

It helps quite a bit. Can make up to a $2K difference!

It looks like your car's current wholesale value is right around $13,500 or so if its' clean.

They're actually a bit stronger at the auctions than I thought, which is good for you of course

If you want to sell it yourself, I think that $16,900 is a good starting point. Especially if its' in nice shape.

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

Uhh,

Guys.

Just get the one you like the best! To me, the Maxima is ugly and the I30 looks nicer.

Personally, my tastes lean towards the Euro cars anyways.

Bill

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