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2000 Toyota Tundra SR5 Access Cab Dark Blue
Atlanta
4.7 V8 , 2 wheel drive, auto, 93,000 miles, alloys,
Interior slightly above average, exterior very good, couple of light scratches behind cab, tires are 40% gone, Breaks seem strong, No maintenence, records.
No apparent paintwork or body damage. All serial #'s are the same on body parts.thanks in advance.......Dweller
I am interested in purchasing a new car to drive back and forth to work everyday and rack up the mileage. I am looking for the most inexpensive cars I can find to serve this purpose."
I'm not Terry, but I look like him from the side...
...you're not giving us much information; like how many miles a year you're driving.
The benchmark for "most inexpensive", and good quality would be somethign like this deal a buddy of mine just did: 2002 Prizm LSi, 35k miles, loaded, no-sale green, auto, slider, alloys,... from a Chevy dealer, not certified, asking $8,1, bought for $7,7, will need tires.
That's about as cheap as it'll get for the next 120k miles.
If you simply enjoy driving, try out a 2002 Protege5 and see how you like it. Not practical enough for me, but if I were burning up the asphalt, I'd look at those; great deal used. New, I dunno.
If it's gotta be new, the Focus may not be a bad choice... get them for cheap, they're fun and safe, and the quality has gotten up to "good".
Me, on a new car, I'd look at buying or leasing (depends on the miles) a Civic or Corolla; and with where these cars are now, the Corolla gets the nod... $13-14 buys a stripper and you still have air, cruise, and the top crash rating in its class.
Also, looking into my crystal ball, the Corolla is going to retain some decent value even if you mile it up. Simply a matter of a 30-year history and an ironclad, well-deserved reputation. The Focus won't be worth anything past 100k miles.
If you're in snow country, think hard about a Subaru. Hold their value like Hondas, at least in those areas, but won't be cheap to mile up.
As far as the Koreans go; I know what CU says about them, but I know what Terry says about them... I've never owned one and don't plan to in the middle distance... not worth the risk over a lousy $2k initially... Koreans have BAD resale value at this point. Toyondas are like money in the bank. Absolutely not a car to buy new.
Exhaustively yours,
-Mathias
If you can get enough stuff fixed for say $500 or so to pass inspection, & running well enough to sell, that could be worth it. If it starts turning into a new exhaust, new tranny, etc. etc., forget it! I'd even de-register it if you have to in your state, & try to sell it for whatever you can get ($200? $500?). Or have it towed away if you can't (or can't sell a car that won't pass inspection in your state). Sinking $2 or $3K into this thing seems like a real losing proposition to me.....
>>I want to purchase a red Honda S2000 with 9000 miles from a private party in St. Louis
I guess they budged enough to take $21,800 ..l.o.l.. all in all you didn't get hurt, it's a great vehicle with super low miles ..... $24/$26,000.? the deeper the snow gets, the less they're worth, those are also the same guys that will be sitting on their Searay in March wondering who will be making the next payment ....................... ;^}
Terry.
---------------------------------------
Maybe, but at least we don't have hurricanes. :-) How about this nice Florida Car?
http://tinyurl.com/5hl5e
Low to mid 7ish maybe? I called the seller, and he is supposed to send me pictures. He also said he's planning to put it on ebay. Judging from the 904 area code, I'm guessing the Jacksonville area?
'95 Legend LS
Dark Gray, looks like tan interior, but can't really tell.
79k miles
4Dr Sedan
Auto trans
Thanks,
Q
I drive this car 175 miles/day 5 days per week and have yet to have a problem with it, the car will turn 16k in the next couple days. I spend about $250 or so per month in gas in the winter, am averaging 30 mpg unless it drops down below zero then the worst I've gotten was 25 mpg with a lot of idling. That's with running snow tires too.
Its truely the most reliable (and fun) car I've ever owned (and the guys here can tell you that I've owned a lot of cars). Does great in the snow and cold (live in Alaska) too.
Yep, could be in the land of the Jax Jaguars, the same guys that beat the Packers "in" Green Bay in minus 10 degree weather, I never thought that would happen against Brett Favre ~ an amazing game.! ...... you need some pics and some history on this dude, it kills me how people don't clean their vehicles before a picture, it looks kinda ho-hum ... dealer might have dropped the mid/tall $5's, so they decided to go down Retail Rd and they're asking $8,800 .. low/mid $7's should work depending on the condition .....
Terry.
This was the Silver SE, roof, only 54K one-owner clicks, never been near MAACO. I know it doesn't have the cache of a Toyonda, but it is probably hard to find something with the lower miles and known history, so I can't imagine it will be too hard to sell.
Plus, since it is fairly low tech, there's less to go wrong! The drivetrain should probably go forever. Slowly, but forever.
Wish me luck. At least this one (as opposed to all my other recent sales) isn't a handshaker!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I was initially going to look for a Mazda 6i, but I was turned off by the condition of most of the cars. They were all obviously formal rentals. The exteriors looked good, but the interiors were in rough condition. Lots of stains and that rental car smell. Most of them were indicating that they had paint work. All of the buyers have an electronic device that identifies the thickness of the paint.
The base models were going for the mid 11s to the low 12s, and the ones with the appearance package were going for the mid 12s to the mid 13s. I didn't see any V6s.
I haven't been to an auction in maybe 15 years. It's really an interesting experience. We got there just as the Mazdas were running through the lane. There's usually one car on the block and another inside just behind it. Then there are another six or seven lining up outside. Additional cars are constantly being added to the end of the line. The same thing is going on at 22 lanes at the same time. Trying to check out the cars as they are moving up in line is really tough. You really need to get there early to check them out before the auction starts. Each car spends maybe one minute at the block depending on how the bidding is going.
We sold a 99 Acura TL with nav. and 70k miles for I believe $11,700. The winning bidder said he already had a buyer for the car.
We ran a red 2002 Cadillac Escalade with 20k miles through twice, but the highest bid was only around $31k. We were looking for at least $32k. He didn't have time to get a full detail, which the truck really needs, and may just use it for himself to drive during the winter.
There was every imaginable car there. Here are a few that caught my attention:
2004 Ford Thunderbird hardtop with 2k
2005 Chevy Corvette with less than 100 miles
An early 70's Chevelle which caught my attention because of the exhaust sound, that went for around $13k
A piece of junk Kia which went for $300
Cars being towed in. One was on a flat bed with the top crushed.
Lots of trucks, SUVs, Hummers ... many only several years old.
2000 Toyota Tundra SR5 Access Cab Dark Blue
Atlanta
4.7 V8 , 2 wheel drive, auto, 93,000 miles, alloys,
Interior slightly above average, exterior very good, couple of light scratches behind cab, tires are 40% gone, Breaks seem strong, No maintenance, records.
No apparent paintwork or body damage. All serial #'s are the same on body parts. thanks in advance....... Dweller
============================
Always good to check for the vin#'s ... Michael Vick territory ..
Color is ho-hum, miles are tall, 2wd, auto, Xtra cab SR5, V8 .... if the breeze is cold and the bed doesn't have that Hiroshima look, just a nice hi-mile Yota .. these stupid things get ALL the money, even with ALL the miles ......
So, If ~ it looks/drives/feels like 40k, then the dealer might have the tall $8's, low/mid $9's in it .. a "fair" price down Retail Rd.? low/mid $11's if it's nice, clean and doesn't need -0- ... if it needs stuff, start deducting ........... whats he asking.?
Terry.
What's a good asking price for this Maxima? Dealer down to $25K already. Thanks.
---------
Terry,
Friend of mine down in TX is interested in purchasing this vehicle. What's a fair offer? Assumption is interior/exterior in good shape.
Temple, TX
04 Maxima SE, 5AT
Exterior Black, Interior Frost Leather
VIN 1N4BA41E34C830490
Mileage 14,350
Sale price $26,980
A/c, power, tilt, sunroof, Bose are the major options according to its website listing. Hopefully the VIN can fill in any details I have missed.
07/01/2003 BELTON, TX Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
07/22/2003 BELTON, TX 5 Motor Vehicle Dept. TITLE (Title #:01400137801101125) (Lien Reported)
07/01/2004 BELTON, TX Motor Vehicle Dept. REGISTRATION EVENT/RENEWAL
10/24/2004 TEMPLE, TX 10,389 Dealer Record VEHICLE IN DEALER INVENTORY
=========================
I'm not going to ask you how you got your name ....
The only thing I can see is that someone drove 4,000 miles in 2 months ... thats alot of miles, even for the Kalifurnia crowd, "could" be a mistake, maybe not .....
Anywhooo ..... $26,980..?!? .. you can buy a brand spankin' new 04 Infiniti I35 for that kind of money, in the wrapper .... dealer might have the $22ish figure in it (from 2 months ago) .. I dunno, I'm kinda silly, I don't like the idea that somebody has spun 4,000 klicks on that dude in 2 months, but thats just me - goofy .... $24,900 would be ALL the taco's in Texas and $23,9ish would relieve the gas .................
Let me know.!
Terry.
Might this be it: 12/17/2004 MANHEIM $ 11,600 19,445 GRAY 6G A X ......?
**All of the buyers have an electronic device that identifies the thickness of the paint** ..
it's called an Elco .. and not too long ago, I remember when other dealers would follow me around and ask me .. "Hey - What they heck is that thing" ..l.o.l...
Terry.
Terry.
Thanks so much, Terry. I may be back with some entertaining things for you to evaluate, since I have 2 cars to sell now.
Lynnie
The prices are usually right on the money to what the trade in value is listed at. When people get a trade in value, they have to keep in mind that a dealer can only give them what they can expect back from the auction. Not what somebody off the street is willing to pay. It's a great opportunity having a friend in the business. I probably saved myself at least $2k. If I was buying something more expensive, I could save even more. You just have to be flexible in you color and option choices.
We ran into a dealer from NY at a rest stop on the way home. He comes down and buys around 100 vehicles each week. Only two to three year olds with 30-40k miles, mostly high end stuff. He no longer buys anything older than a 2001. He has four buyers with him, and doesn't sell anything at the auction. He has several used car lots in the Long Island, NY area, all indoors. He marks everything up by around $6k. He gave me an example of a 2002 Escalade that he might pay $29,5 for, he would list for $35k. They trailer them directly to his service department. If they don't move after a month, he moves them to another of his lots.
He said he's been going to Manheim since it was only four lanes. I think there are 22 lanes now. My friend has been doing this for maybe 20 years now and he even made the comment that he's just "small potatoes" compared to this guy from NY.
Thanks for the info. I will let you know how it goes. My userid dates to 1998, in NASCAR Johnny Benson (my favorite under dog driver) drove the Cheerios Taurus, #26.
Matt
We live in New York City (Borough of Queens) and have a 1990 Olds Toronado Trofeo. In case you're not familiar with this model, it's a coupe with a 3.8L V6, four-speed auto trans and FWD -- a corporate twin of the Buick Riviera. We've been its only owners and put about 57,250 miles on it. It's maroon (burgundy, if you like) inside and out. No options worth mentioning. We haven't maintained the exterior; lots of scratches and scrapes and dull spots. About ten years ago I was rear-ended (I hadn't even stopped short, I was waiting at a red light!) and the repairs cost almost $5K. The left bolster on the driver's seat is worn and the "spinner" that rotates the cup holder/coin holder has broken off. The interior is in dire need of a vacuuming. The tires are about 7 years old but have plenty of tread left. Brakes seem fine, although I don't remember ever having a "brake job" done. The only maintenance we've done, really, are semi-annual oil changes and a repair of the A/C for a leak, but that's all it has really needed, until now. The cruise control doesn't work, but I don't care. But there's a problem with the body control module that must be taken care of, so I'm wondering how much we could get for it in a trade before we sink into it what could be big bucks to fix the BCM issue. Also, the A/C seems to have developed another (slow) leak, but I don't expect anyone to discover that in the coming months, should we choose to unload it.
Thanks in advance.
___Great write up on the experience. 22 lanes! How does anyone keep track of anything in that circus while running through the lanes at the rate they do?
___Do you remember seeing any late model Accord’s and Camry’s there with low mileage as well?
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
however...
SEMI-annual??? sorry to sound harsh, but if you dont go 3000 miles, you should still change it every 90 days at the most...especially in the kind of driving you do in the big apple.
original brakes after 15 years???
given the knowledge i have on this cvar, i would be hard-pressed to get more than $300-$500 for it.
spend $50 on a good interior detail, another $100 to make sure the oil is changed and plugs and wires are right, and you may have a $600-$700 car on your hands, trade-in wise.
on the retail side, your ad in the paper should be listed at $1995, and grab the first $1400-$1500 that comes along.
hope this helps, and let me know.
D
Terry.
2001 Mercedes ML320
3.2L V6
55,000 miles
Desert Sand w/ grey cloth interior
Sun roof & CD options only
New Michelin tires and front brakes
Excellent condition with no previous collision damage. I suspect the non-leather interior will hurt me somewhat.
One dealer offered me 16K on a trade. Any opinions on what I should expect for a fair trade-in value? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the last reply. This one has more miles than I want 164k - bad, but 6k less miles than the car it will replace.- good. :-)
No sale green - bad, tan interior
It's local, so I can look at it - good. :-)
It's a 1994 Legend GS - good
Auto trans, 4 dr.
The GS has just about everything, but it has an aftermarket 10 disk CD changer. That's about it.
I talked to the dealer. He said it's a 1 owner car, and they serviced it there, so they have the service history.
The dealership did some paintwork after they took it in trade. Painted the hood because the clearcoat was shot, and fixed the rust on the rear fenders. Said it is a very nice car.
The internet price is $6k, but I got the impression from his call that they might go lower. I figure if they take the Avalon + $3.5-4k, that wouldn't be a terrible deal.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Q
Please help with this one:
Illinois
2001 Lexus LS430 Ultra Luxury
45,000 miles
Black/Black
Pretty good shape/no prior damage, new tires, full maintenance record
Non-Lexus Dealer trade-in
In-service in September of 2000- No warranty...
Asking $37K
After being burned on the 2001 Land Rover, am scared of commitment. Thinking of the 2005 Hybrid Escape.
What do you suppose, or what are your feelings about this vehicle if you had a crystal ball and could look into the future? Gonna have to plunk down $28,000 this week, and wonder how much abuse I am going to take from my husband 4 years from now at trade-in time.
You are doing a real service here, believe me.
Terry.
My crystal ball is being used as a tree ornament this year .. and I can't look into the future ............ yet.!
Terry.
Terry.
2001 Mercedes ML320
3.2L V6
55,000 miles
Desert Sand w/ grey cloth interior
Sun roof & CD options only
New Michelin tires and front brakes
Excellent condition with no previous collision damage. I suspect the non-leather interior will hurt me somewhat.
One dealer offered me 16K on a trade. Any opinions on what I should expect for a fair trade-in value? Thanks in advance
=============================
01 55k ML with cloth interior .. thats kinda like wearing a plastic tuxedo to your best friends wedding -- at least the color is right ... $16.? I dunno, thats some pretty strong money, I think I would: "be there" ... no leather, thats a killer ...
Terry.
--------------------------------
Thanks Terry. I know you're right, but I get impatient... :-) All of the interesting ones seem to be in CA or FL, or TX? Very slim selection within a couple hundred miles.
We've already had 2 Camrys and 2 Corollas, and I currently drive the '03 Sentra which she's not thrilled with. We've never owned a Honda, I want the Accord, but she wants a Civic sized auto. So, are they that good?
Our Altima just hit 72k in Ft. Lauderdale with the GXE Ltd. Edit. package. Some scratches on the hood , new rubber, brakes, battery. Interior is just clean, though the mats will need to go. Car drives nicely, she just wants a change.
Figuring about $6.5k with a nice detail and maybe $10.5k out the door on a nice EX sedan.
Am I dreaming here?
The Sandman :-)
You're worried about depreciation, but you're ready to jump on the first model year of new technology. From a domestic manufacturer. What is wrong with this picture? Mr. lblair will have a field day...
And why a Hybrid....? Extravagant claims aside, you'll get roughly similar mileage from something like a CRV, maybe an Outback, or a FWD 4cyl Highlander... anything they taketh in gasoline, they giveth at trade-in time... $28??? The trio I just mentioned shouldn't set you back more than $22-24. If you really want a Hybrid, then Godspeed, but if you want to justify the purchase through resale value, forget it. In two years, we'll know how they hold up. Of course, by then gas might be $5 a gallon and used hybrids go for a premium, but I wouldn't count on it.
I get scared thinking Prius. But a FORD?
"You are doing a real service here, believe me."
That he does.
BTW, off-topic: I had the perfect scam going. All week I worked on convincing my 5-year-old daughter there was another reindeer. Neglected perhaps, doesn't get much respect, but just as real as the other 9... In alphabetical order, we had Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Dancer, Donner, Prancer, Rudolph, Stinky, and Vixen.... And he don't smell any worse than the others...
I *almost* had her convinced, but tonight at tuck-in time, the Mrs. let slip that Papa was full of it... oh well, if any of youse guyse can use it, feel free... :-)
-Mathias
BTW, I've been pricing new 4Runners, you can easily get a new SR5 or Sport below $30K. It will still be running & have value in 10 years, let alone 4.
Buy anything else but this car...
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No SUVS get "great" gas mileage - but if thats your goal, and you don't want any flack from the ol' man in 2/3 years from a reliability/fuel mileage/resale standpoint, then the CR-V is going to be your best bet .... Mathias may try to fool his kids, but he does tell the truth when it comes to vehicles .....................
Terry.
right now, FoMoCo is setting residuals at an ungodly level. they think their new products are going through the roof in resale. residuals like 62% for a freestyle, 60% for a 500, and 62% on a mustang...ridiculous.
i would be taking advantage of their mistakes and leasing everything i can from ford right now.
I almost had my 7 YO son convinced about Festivus but he's a smart one. "If it's a real holiday, how come we have not talked about in school?"
Lititz PA (where ever that is) Looks to be just east of Harrisburg.
1994 Acura Legend GS Sedan
Auto trans
74k miles
White/tan
Mid 7s?
From the dealer:
Thank you for your interest in our 1994 Acura Legend GS. This vehicle just arrived and makes a nice addition to our inventory. It was traded in at a local dealership for a new car. We purchased the vehicle from the new car dealership, that is how we obtain the majority of our inventory.
The vehicle is in very good to excellent condition. The exterior is free of any major dings,dents, scratches or rust. I don't see any obvious signs of body repair, if any was done it was done extremely well. There are a couple little nicks on the bumpers. The interior is also free of any major damage. The leather is in very good condition. I would rate it a solid 8 out of 10. Only due to the seats showing a little wear, mainly the drivers seat. Considering the age of the car I would call it normal wear.
As usual, Thanks,
Q
How much is your two your old computer worth?
The cost of replacing the batteries sort of scares me.
Dalllas, TX
1992 SAAB 900S
4-Door sedan
4 cyl /automatic/ FWD
168000
Silver blue exterior/navy leather interior
Moonroof, power windows/doors/ cruise/AC/ usual SAAB things like heated seats, coded AM-FM cassette - every option available at the time.
Exterior - pretty nice. Always garaged, so paint is in good condition. Door dings and bumper bumps. Repaired from a couple of fender benders- seems to have been done right.
Interior - medium. I lived in this car when I had a long commute, so it needs to be cleaned up, but the carpet is in good shape, the leather looks good - only evidence of age other than normal seasoning of the leather is a pull on the side seam of the drivers seat. It's not separated, but is white at the pulls.
Tires - 2 on front are new; 2 in back are maybe a year old
Now we get into the fun part...
Brakes - only front brakes work. Rear are out - needs ABS master cylinder, according to shop.
Other mechanical - again, according to mechanic, so forgive any technical things I don't say correctly - Head gasket needs to be resurfaced/valve grind/will replace timing chain while the head is off/needs front motor mount/LH axle boots/rear ball joints/shocks/tie rod ends (& set toe) - then usual hoses, etc., for good measure. In the past year or so, I've replaced the radiator, fuel pump, alternator, overflow tank, thermostat, the really long hose that costs a fortune and I can't remember the name (hey, I'm still a girl), um...other stuff.
Accidents have been mostly in exactly the same place - the driver's side, rear. I was hit there 3 times in 2 years. Other was on the rear passenger side. All fixed by SAAB dealer body shop.
So,,,should I even TRY to sell it? It has the "classic" SAAB body style that SAAB never should've changed, so someone who like to work on them might get a nice car out of it. The required work mostly is labor charges. Donating it to a charity for the deduction is an option, but I hesitate because of the brakes. I don't want someone driving away and hitting something before they realize they need a half block to stop. Could sell it for parts, but I don't know how that works - I sure couldn't take it apart myself. So there you have it.
Yes, I know this is a disaster, so no worries about my getting defensive or bent out of shape. Besides, I just bought anothe car so I'm over lamenting my beloved SAAB.
Thanks!
Lynnie
I've posted here a few times, but am a regular reader. In my quest for a "presentable" car for business that I can mile up all over South Georgia without totally killing the resale, I stumbled across this:
2004 Taurus SEL Sedan
White over tan leather
4430 miles
front bucket seats
slider
6 in the dash CD changer
Auto climate
most all the other SEL goodies, but no wood package.
Haven't seen it in person yet, so I don't know if it has power pedals etc.
It is at the Savannah, GA used lot of a (very large) Beaufort, SC Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealer.
He is asking $17,994 which I think is a tad optimistic, but what sayeth the oracle?
Thanks for your help and for my morning laugh!
I'm loking to buy a white 1992 Volvo 240 Sedan (not GL), 167,000 miles, AT, ABS, very clean and in good mechanical condition, located in Sacramento, CA.
I get drasticaly different values for this car when I use KBB and Edmunds TMV. The owner is a good friend, so we want to come to a fair price for both of us.
Thanks for your help.