Real-World Trade-In Values

im_brentwood · June 2001

Well,

From where I sit, I don't see a hard-and-fast sigure. It really depends on the car.

Some cars barely get hit, such as certain BMWs. In fact, a 540i Sport 6-speed is more valuable than an automatic. However that's a tough call as the Sport has more stuff on it as well.

Figure on a Sentra.. like a 98 or so.. $500-800. Somewhere in that range.

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

If that Explorer is a 4X2... correct. $8K in the northeast. But that guy's in Louisiana.

$9K down in the subtropics...

4x4 SUVs are quite stiff here in FL.

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

The Eclipse? From looking at auctionreports... Its gotta be an $8K car up there. More if it wasnt freaking copper!

Havent I taught ya anything? Heck, go into MMR and look silly!

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

Umm,

What model? (LS..RS..GS..etc.. 2-door? 4-door? ) Color? How bad is the dent? Where in the country are ya?

Bill

blackcurrant · June 2001

Sorry, i lost the account since the move. Besides, i thought you liked doing this for us.

What's wrong with copper? It's a love it or hate it deal, i think. It surely is purty when she's all gussied up! At least she's loaded.

Carguy: 8k sounds MUCH better than 6k, Geez.

What's so tough about the GSX, they're pretty rare, ya know. And it's a fun car, great bang for the buck.

eddiemac · June 2001

Brentwoodvolvo,

It is a 1990 2dr GS 5speed, blue. The dent is in the center of the hood lip, between the headlights(it looks like someone punched it in the nose) I live in Washington, DC. The car has a new timing belt, distributor unit, alternator, and muffler(all done in Jan. 2001), The paint is still glossy. The appearance is not museuem quality, but it looks much better than some 3-4 year old cars out there!

ps- i plan to sell it myself.

carguy5000 · June 2001

Much better off trying to sell it yourself, just as a past post mentioned, it has a VERY limited appeal (coupe, turbo, stick, color, 6 years old etc, etc...)in the Northeast.

As Bill mentioned, the color does not help it either when one is considering on whether or not to proudly display it on their front line. If this car was black or white in the same condition it MIGHT bring $7400 acv on a trade. I cannot think of a dealer that would put $8k on this car in Connecticut regardless of what you are trying to trade it in for.

Integra....again, if you are selling it yourself, focus on the service left in the car and not on the dent and you should do pretty well with it. As a result of it being a GS, ask in the $3.5-$4k range and go from there.

blackcurrant · June 2001

I understand what you're saying. Didn't think th e color was that bad, i mean, it's almost red.

I'm toying with the idea of running thru the auction to catch someone looking for it for a July 4 promo. Thanks for your help

carguy5000 · June 2001

That just might work!! Throw it in the Bargain News as well....the $8 to $10k market is big right now with kids commuting to school in Sept. Good luck!
ps...don't get me wrong, I like the car. When it was new, it was a true sleeper packed with features. Mitsu's are just soft in general here.

mostlyjazz · June 2001

I have a 1998 Volvo V70 Cross Country with 24,500 miles. Fully loaded. Dark Navy Blue with Beige leather interior. No Scratches, No dings very clean. We live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

I am thinking about trading in this car because I am concerned about the reliability. I have read many horror stories about this model year on Edmunds, Brickboard etc., otherwise it is a great car. Love the AWD.

Any ideas about trade-in value? Could I alleviate some of the reliability risk by purchasing a Volvo extended new car warranty ?

Thanks !

lancerfixer · June 2001

You're worried about reliability, and you haven't had any problems with it? I'd say keep it, and if you're that worried, buy an extended warranty. If you're worried about it still, I'd be happy to take it off your hands...:-) (no, not really. I'd love to, but lack the $ at the moment.)

isellhondas · June 2001

Screen your calls on that Eclipse carefully.

For some reason these seem to attract a lot of flakes. The kind that want to drive (the hell out it) but couldn't afford a Vespa.

blackcurrant · June 2001

Thanks abunch for your help, fellas!

The bargain news, huh? You're the second to uggest that. I'll give it a try and let yas know.

Isell, yeah, that's exactly why i wasn't to thrilled to sell it myself. I have one advantage, i live in a semi-rural area so interested folks are prolly gonna have to travel to get here, so they ought to be pretty serious. It'll help to weed out the flakes

im_brentwood · June 2001

Well...

First, I tent to take all 3rd party information with a grain of salt. I'm more of a "show me the money" type of guy.

If I had listened to my friends, I'd never have bought my Jaguar back in 1995. 127,000 VERY hard and, frankly, abusive miles later I still love the car. It's now got its' 3rd problem after breaking a cupholder 2 years ago and last year an AC vent outlet broke. I got a check engine light because of a dirty EGR Valve.

See what I mean? The car has given me less trouble in 6 years than my Lexus that I had gave me in 18 months. (It's also a lot prettier and more fun to drive but that's a different story.

Anyway, if you like your XC, Keep it. If an extended warranty makes you feel more comfortable, buy one, but, even as a dealer, I kinda don't think they're worth it. Well, on a Range Rover they are!

That being said, if it's free of paintwork, service records.. etc.. Really nice.. I think that its' a $23-24K wholesale and $27K or so retail vehicle. For some reason XCs have big "Books" on them so there's a larger spread between new and used than most.

Anyway, I'd keep it if I were you. Heck of a nice Vehicle for the family, especially in Minnesota. I can't think of a safer car to have the wife and kids in. And the mileage? LOLOL..Let me know when you're done breaking it in. I know of a couple of XCs that are already into 6-digits ("No tenths")

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

I still like eBay. It's got low miles... if its' clean and you throw a bunch of pics there... you can do quite well sometimes.

Worth a shot.. $25...

Bill

kate5000 · June 2001

as people suggested on this board about 2 weeks ago, I threw my 1992 Subaru Loyale into the paper, for $3000 (Edmunds TMV for private sale was $1800, and trade-in around 1K ), and sold it at the asking price. It did not generate huge interest, but all I needed was 1 buyer, and he came along.

qbrozen · June 2001

yeah, i'm with bill. I was going to suggest Ebay, but its not for everybody. There is a certain amount of risk there (deadbeat bidder, etc.), but if you look around there for a while, you'll see some pretty good disclaimers that might help you along (people with less than x feedback have to email me before bidding, etc., etc.). You can start it at that $8K trade-in price and see where it goes from there.

Good luck.

andre1969 · June 2001

The last time I had a car totaled, the ins. company I was dealing with was very generous...they totaled them once the estimate reached 60% of the car's book value. I guess it varies from company to company. In this case, I was with Allstate, and the driver that t-boned me was with State Farm. It was State Farm that came up w/ the 60% figure.

Anyway, good luck!

mostlyjazz · June 2001

Thanks for the advice. My wife loves the car and with baby #2 on the way I feel better she is driving a safe car.

genie1 · June 2001

with 98k, auto, cruise, moonroof, power. Chamapgne on champagne interior. Any ideas on the trade-in value? I'm looking at a 98 318is with 50k, black with black cloth, premium package, sunroof.

Any input re: pricing for both would be appreciated. US prices would be OK as I have been running numbers in US and CDN $.

Thanks

blackcurrant · June 2001

Wow, thanks for all your help. It's appreciated. I'll keep yas posted.

BTW, carguy, you did catch that it's a GSX which is AWD, right? That's what made it so appealing to me here in the NE. And, it is a MUCH better performer all the way around, weather wet or dry....lovin' it.

rroyce10 · June 2001

........ Well I can only tell you, these little hummers are in demand all over the place ..and especially in Vikings country.

I really don't feel you will have any problems -- But -- a tech I'm not, the Volvo dealers at the auctions love them and the tech's just don't see them.
These are very popular vehicles, but -if- you are a little weak kneed about it ..sell it on the retail market.I personally would keep it, spend a few bucks, and get a extended warranty like Bill recommended --- these vehicles in your area will pull big $$$ it's has no miles ... along with it being a great vehicle .

If you go to retail it you can do towards $28,000 --- and Bill is right on the wholesale, it's strong at $23,000+++ without a blink.

Or -- you can trade it in on a Diwoo, Daiwohh, Daaaawoh, Deweeoha ..or something like that..

Maybe this might help..

Terry.

lelandc · June 2001

I wish that my insurance company would total my vehicle at 60% of book value. That would make it pretty close I would think. They are telling me more like 75% which sucks for me. I guess I will have to wait and see though!

Thanks,

Leland

im_brentwood · June 2001

Kate: Glad you were able to sell it. Its' like I always say, a car is worth what someone will pay for it. I think you did well! Good job

Mostlyjazz: Glad you're keeping it. It's a great car. Besides, fun to drive too

Genie.. I'm thinking something like $2,500 US is wholesale on the Altima, but popping it in the AutoTrader for $4,995 US is not a bad idea either.

98 318is? Umm... Is that a Canadian model? Here they stopped making 318is's after the 97 Model Year (Well, they stopped Importing them I'll say)

BC: Glad I could help! Let us know what happens, k?
Bill

genie1 · June 2001

Re: the Altima. Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.

98 318is:
Yes they sold a few here in Canada. It is nicer than the hatchback. I was wondering what the resale value would be for something like that in 2003-04 with the sunroof, cloth seats, premium package (armrest, heated seats, foglights).

Thanks.

PS: US$ info. would be fine.

carguy5000 · June 2001

There wouldn't be a '95 GSX any other way! The awd system adds about a grand over the turbo GS model, and is a good selling feature here in New England.....btw...ANOTHER rainy weekend!!!!!

blackcurrant · June 2001

just checking...6k number seemed more in line with a GST.

Good, a rainy weekend for the promo sales. The few cars that will sell will be AWD, right?

im_brentwood · June 2001

Hmm...

Tough call.

2-3 years down the road?

Figure right now wholesale US$ on a 95 318is with, say, 75K miles is roughly $9-10K if that helps...

But I don't like doing the crystal ball thing..

Bill

genie1 · June 2001

Thanks Bill.

Yes that seems about right. The market in Toronto is slightly different but it is worth comparing it to the US.

I guess the Euro imports don't hold their values as much as the Japanese, huh?

But I found the 318 is more fun to drive than a Civic or a Rav4.

im_brentwood · June 2001

I dunno..

I mean, that's for a nearly 7 year-old car...

And that's wholesale,that's still a $13K retail unit, And it was probably $29K or so retail in 95.

Comparable to an ES300 and better than many other Japanese cars..

Bill

genie1 · June 2001

I will enjoy the car (my last one two years ago was a 93 Dodge Shadow hatchback). But I would like to be reassured that I won't be upside down on the loan because of the value of the car itself.

The Auto Trader here has really high prices both for the Euros and some Japanese cars (99 Rav4s and CRVs cost 22-24k). I found that the market here was high too. But its not a direct conversion from US$ or I'd be driving an Aspire.

sgwired · June 2001

I have a 93 lexus sc 400 with 138 miles on it I want to sell it and buy a small truck. A couple of times when I wanted to trade it in I was told that because it has more than 100k miles that it was only worth 5 or 6k. Is this true? I would be happy with low blue book and even sell it myself if I thought someone would pay that much.

im_brentwood · June 2001

Well,

IMO, the BMW Will serve you well, plus they are a lot of fun to drive

I doubt you'll be upside down either. Takes a new GM Product to do that...

Bill

im_brentwood · June 2001

Hmm..

$5-6K strikes me as too low.. however..

What color is it? Condition? Any previous paint repairs? Where are you located?

Thanks

Bill

sgwired · June 2001

It's in fair condition, needs a good cleaning and has a scratch over the rear passenfer wheel well that I was told would be 300-400 to repair. I live in stuido city, ca

im_brentwood · June 2001

Well...

In Los Angeles.. assuming it has not previously been in an accident or had paint repairs...

Let's assume it's Not Green or Burgandy, (not that hot) but we wont say Its' Peal White either.

Say Its' Black.

$8,500 is the number clean. So f it has that scratch.. I think its' an $8K car. Wholesale.

Pop it on eBay and I bet ya get $10-11K for it. Pop it in the Autotrader for $12,900 and I bet it sells.

Bill

nmchop · June 2001

here's a boring one for ya (thanks for doing this).

2000 Dodge Stratus ES, V-6, leather, 20,600 miles, Dark Green, Gray Interior, Autostick, Auto Transmission, Pw, PL, cruise, Loaded minus moonroof and keyless entry.

I want to trade it in and get a 2001 RAV4....I owe $13,900 on the stratus (refundable extended warranty is in the loan, cost $1300 at time of purchase)...So I guess I really owe $12,600 or so with most of the balance of the extended warranty refundable.

Thanks in advance, I learn a lot from these boards.

rroyce10 · June 2001

......... Well my friend, it seems like you are in a little "flippage" situation --- even though these are great driving vehicles, and your's has all the toy's ( miles are a little stiff).... the rentals agency's are dropping theirs as we speak..

You vehicle is worth in and around a $10,000 ish figure..

Don't shoot the messenger ..l..o..l..

Terry.

sgwired · June 2001

ok I will try ebay and autotrader. Thanks

carguy5000 · June 2001

Terry is right on with the Stratus.

sterlingo · June 2001

From Pittsburgh, PA - I have a 1998 Wrangler Sport with 38,000 miles on it. It is black and in good condition - never been in an accident and still has the original paint. I got new tires at about 30K miles. The a/c system has a leak and so does the roof. The roof repair was estimated at $500 by a body shop.

Thank you very much for your advice!

carguy5000 · June 2001

Assuming that the roof is a hard top and the air can be fixed (nothing to replace etc.) and it is a 5-speed, sounds to me like $12-$12.5k. (wholesale).
See the situation right now is simple, there is no shortage of Wranglers, either new or used, at the moment. Having a 3 year old model in less than great condition only adds to the glut of vehicles out there.

lelandc · June 2001

Bill, Terry, or Carguy5000,

Can you give me a figure on a 1999 Chrysler Cirrus LXI loaded with Sunroof and Gold package, 45,000 miles, Slete in color (black), with black leather interior. It has the 2.5 V-6 FWIW.

Thanks,

Leland

im_brentwood · June 2001

I'd peg the car in the $9-10K range depending on where it is.

Closer to $10K in the midwest if clean and nice, CLoser to $9K in the northeast and $8500 or so here in Florida.

Bill

dardson1 · June 2001

got a very nice deal on a new ES300 a few months ago....all the homework and advice on this site, pearl white w/ivory leather....wonderful car for the price of a loaded up Camry ($30k for a $35.5k list) and some ______ ran into it....not major but need a new left fender and front bumper....according to the body shop some very minor intrusion into the engine compartment although the hood raises and closes fine. All fixed and done up by the Lexus body shop, what have I lost in resale....say 2-3 years from now....can I...should I demand something in "lost value"? It ain't the end of the world, but...golly darn....hate to have a brand new Lexus with body and paint work.

im_brentwood · June 2001

Ouch!

At least you're OK! That's the important thing.

I'd peg the car being devalued somewhere in the range of $1,000-1,500. That's what you need to chase them down for as a dminished value claim..

Good luck!

Bill

sobers · June 2001

I am thinking of getting 2002 Accord EX V6 (when they come out) & trading in my 2000 Accord SE (4 cyl) with 10,500 miles !

Invoice for new was: 18668 + (300 for cd player)
i.e $18968

How much should I expect in Trade-in. The car is in immaculate condition & is almost a new car !! (Got it in Sep 2000, so have a warranty of more than 2 years!)

black01coupev6 · June 2001

I've been lurking here and I decided to go ahead and get some advice on a car I am trying to sell. Thanks in advance.

1991 Honda Accord EX 5-speed sedan 116,000 champagne over burgundy interior. Interior is immaculate and mechanically it has pretty much a new everything except engine (new tires, brakes, cv axles, bearings, etc). It has some minor exterior "parking lot" taps..but otherwise it's great. Not interested in trading..just going to sell it to a private owner in the Atlanta market.

Also about to purchase a 1993 Honda Civic EX Coupe 5-speed with 128,000 as a commuter. It's green with the factory spoiler and aside from some minor hail damage it's in great shape. What's a fair price for this?

mmcbride1 · June 2001

May I ask why you're going through all this to have another car that will cost about the same as the one you're selling (and will have similar miles, both Hondas, etc.)?

michaellno · June 2001

Two things come to mind:

1) get rid of the stodgy 4 door sedan for a swoopy 2 door coupe

2) the Civic may get better mileage than the Accord; depending upon the length of the commute this may make a difference

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