Real-World Trade-In Values

sdanders · February 2005

I want to upgrade my wife's ride from her current 1996 328iC convertible (black on tan leather) here in Knoxville TN to a 2001/2 Mercedes convertible 320CLK. The BMW is serviced a lot better than the owners manual requires with regard to fluid/oil changes etc. I personally think BMW's are junk (I drive Acura and other hiline Japanese cars) but she likes the "look" (she is 58!!) Her car is the 2.8L, Sports Pkg with sport seats, M wheels and steering wheel come with that pkg. Sports suspension too. Computer for trips, mileage, temp, etc, etc, Not orig. radio, replaced with hiline Kenwood with CD player (Excelon). One ding on drivers door, which paintless dent removal can remove. No accidents or paint work in the 64K miles it has on it. Tires are Michelin's at 50% or more. Just serviced everything, replaced all fluids (brakes too!) and replaced brakes and rotors, battery, thermostat and any other little maintenance items like hoses and new belts etc. What is fair on the trade? The Merecedes has 17K miles and similarly equipped. Thanks

graphixv · February 2005

Hi,



We've been looking for a used car and have used Edmunds to evaluate the pricing on two. One being an average 1999 Protege LX. I have to say I am a little confused on this one.



Edmunds has this 1999, average condition, 108, vehicle with a private party price of like $2200. Kelly lists it only "Fair" around $3995 private party! I know there is going to be an amount of difference in these prices due to the source. But, these prices aren't even close.



I made a first offer of $2600 which they rejected. They say they want $3900.



Here's the details: Louisville, Kentucky.

1999 Protege, LX, 4 door, dark blue, automatic, sunroof, 108K, exterior 90% ok, small dent hits on rear right rear bumper, medium scrap on left side, needs new breather hose, possibly new driver side mirror (little loose?) Interior has bad smoker smell numerous small burns on cloth interior. Seems to run fine.

?

GR

Kirstie_H · February 2005

Well, someone in another discussion is looking at a good condition 2000 Protege with 64K miles, asking price $4950. The one you're looking at has a bunch more miles and has apparantly been attacked by angry NHL fans.

A Protege makes a good used vehicle, but look for a quality used car with lower miles.

rroyce10 · February 2005

...... I concur with the blonde lady from the great State of Missouri .... the dealer probably has $1,800/$2,200 in it and he feels he wants more than $2,600 ... regardless, I would move to a different vehicle with less miles for $3,900 - don't get much today for $2,600 ............

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2005

Terry-

Please take a look at this and let me know what you think it will pull:

Location: Fairfax VA

Year/Make/Model: 2002 Mercedes ML 320

Body Style: 4dr SUV

Engine: [3.2 V-6, auto]

Driveline: AWD

Mileage: 50,100

Color: Brilliant Silver/Charcoal (dark) Gray

Major Options: Navigation, Bose, 6-disk CD, Sunroof, 3rd row seat

Condition: Excellent-absolutely no dings or scratches; leather seats cleaned/treated regularly; garage kept; engine bay extremely clean; slight wear on driver-side floor mat.

Tires - 5000 miles on replacement OE (Dunlop) tires

Brakes - All 4 serviced at 40,000 miles

Maintenance - All scheduled maintenance performed by M-B dealer (and all records are up to date)

Other: Rear bumper cover repainted (by M-B dealer) in '03 following 10 mph rear-end collision.

Thanks in advance.

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

         Good description - Thanks ..

           In ol' Virginny .... we have an 02 ML320, 4x4, Bozo sound, nav, slider, 50k, 3rd seat, good color, serviced and new round things - no battles at the Mall, no hinky interior.? .... then trade side, in and around the the mid/tall $20ish figure, might "maybe" get a dealer to stagger into the $21ish figure .. the miles, the color and the time of the year save it ............

Don't forget the update .....

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2005

..... Actually these are pretty dependable, there is tttttons of them out there with 140/170k pounding the roads of the US of A ...

Me personally, I'm not much into spending $10 large for 80k and broken toys ..

Terry.

manamal · February 2005

I have an '02 camry with minor (~800) body damage and some 'acorn' dents (like hail), which will cost about 300-400 to fix.

Other than that, the car in in great mechanical condition, and will clean up nicely.

BTW, the car is:
'02 Camry LE
4 cyl
Auto
A/C
Power windows and doors
PS/PB (of course)
AM/FM/CD
Keyless entry
Color: Gold
Miles: 16000
Original tires & brakes

I am looking at trading or selling as is.

My thinking is take the value of the car in good condition, and subtract out the body dings.
When I looked at trading at one dealer they quoted 9000. I am thinking that this is one of those cars a dealer might actually want: a low mileage camry (assuming the 1100 rehab is done), and I am thinking it would be around 10800-1100 or 9700.

kyfdx · February 2005

Wellllll.....

A five-year-old car with 86K miles.. I didn't post, because I'm not sure what a good deal would be..

But, those higher-mileage euro-imports scare me.. And, as nice as the 328i is.. $17K still seems like a lot of money for a higher-mileage car..

I'd rather pay $25K for a 40K CPO '02 325i.. and, have three years of warranty from the dealer... I'd think $16K-$18K would be all the money on that car with 50K-60K miles..

But, I don't really follow them that closely... that is the mileage that I usually dump my cars..

regards,
kyfdx

sfd992 · February 2005

Terry,

I hope you have hi-speed internet for that 25000+ post mark you've reached, all I can say is thank god for guys like you helping people like us with this info. I have a few more questions regarding my trade in of the dodge ram.

1. If I trade to a dealer then I get that all important difference number which I pay taxes on correct. Example: I want to purchase a vehicle at $21000 and the dealer offers me $17000 for my trade, difference number is $4000. At 6.25% for sales tax on that $4000 = $250. If I choose to sell my truck outright and then go buy that new truck at $21000 then I'm taxed for that amount = $1312.50. Would this be correct?

2. Knowing that the dealer's in my area like to use that little black book for the trade-in numbers I have these questions. In October 2004 I had trade-in values on my ram of $18000-18500 from dealers when I was shopping around, edmunds and KBB where around those #'s as well. In early Jan. 05 I had a trade in value of $16500 from a dealer which edmunds and KBB are around and even you have stated. Why the big price drop in 4 months and a difference of 4000 miles? I believe I have read on a forum that depreciation of a vehicle starts at the time the model year becomes available, i.e. 2004 model but showed up on lots in Oct 2003, correct?

These trade-in numbers are based off of some equation I would imagine taking in variables such as condition and mileage but I would assume there is a base equation used with these items deleted from that base #. How do I determine when the best time to trade this truck is without taking a huge hit in depreciation? Do I want to what until May, June or am I still going to see a $500 decrease in value per month as it seemed I have from Oct 04 to Jan 05. When I purchased the truck I thought I did me homework then by getting the 0% for 60 months, figuring that I could keep pace with depreciation by two years, I will have had it for 2 years in April 05. What are your thoughts on these questions and sorry for this being so long, I just like to keep my money in my pocket and am trying to do like so many in this forum and get the best deal I can.

Thanks again,
Mike

chuminthewater · February 2005

DC
02/Chevy/Suburban LS
4dr SUV
5.3L v8 flex fuel
4wd
52K
Pewter
leather, premium sound, liftgate, tow package, running boards, luggage rack, dual air front rear, dual radio front rear. 3rd row seat, more stuff.

interior excellent, exterior normal dings from age maybe 2 that are a bit deeper - other wise excellent, paint still very glossy glass all clean and clear no cracks or stars
tires about 80% new (replaced about 42K).
Brakes good
Maintenance std, oil at 3 to 5k, other as needed or recommended.

KBB says arounf 18,200, NADA says 22K, TMV was around 19K?

Thanks

dmessler · February 2005

Terry,

Thanks for Info!

Both cars auto if it matters.
I'll see what I can do about Bethany, any alternates?

Dave

So what are you saying, this is a repost.?

It really doesn't count until it's a repost of a repost of a repost and printed on Thursdays between 2:30pm and 2:37pm and the barometric pressure in Costa Rica is above 88% ... but since I'm here ..

In the land of the Chargers .. hey, since you live in San Diego can you get me a date with Bethany from the Charger Girls .. see, I have this coupon book from Mcdonalds ..........

We have a 03 Element 2wd EX with loooow miles at 18k, color is semi-good for the area .. sooo, if we haven't been going to the $2 Swirlomatic car washes, you haven't been parking next to the guy with the big 2dr, no curb burners, serviced and nice ... then trade side, in and around the mid/tall $13's, maybe could see a dealer drop the low low low low low $14's in it, maybe .......... auto..? 01 Zee Tea S, good color, side balloons, 50k, sounds and smells like the mid/tall $4's -- auto ..?

dkuhajda · February 2005

Any kind of damage to a car that is being traded in, the dealer most times assumes it has been abused and not maintained. You will almost always take a hit of way more than the actual damage.

rjbpa · February 2005

This is a pretty basic question - do the condition of floor mats affect the trade in value of a BMW 325 to a BMW dealer? Car is very clean with 31000 miles except for a worn driver floor mat. Should I leave the worn mat in the car or take it out for the appraisal?

stickguy · February 2005

I have seen used cars without the mats. Dealers do it (I think) so they don't get boosted, but I have experience with private sales where the mats were shot, so they were removed during the evaluation phase, and reappeared after the cash changed hands.

rjbpa · February 2005

I guess what I am trying to ask revolves around first impressions. If you look at a pristine car, open the door, and see a worn mat - is that a turn off? Would you be better off if the mat was in the trunk?

kyfdx · February 2005

Shewwww... how bad does that mat look?

If its that bad, spend a $100 and replace the set... or $50 and just replace the front ones..

regards,
kyfdx

cstowe · February 2005

I was out sniffing around today and I came across this one. I am not really a MB guy but I took a quick test drive since I had never been in one...it was nice...small...slow...but nice.

2004 MB C 240 - dark metalic blue
leather
auto dimming mirror
CD-changer
rear sunshade (i think)
I cant remember if it had a slider or not...sorry
Only 9k miles...the guy said they did not certify it because of the low miles. Condition is what you would expect from a 9K Benz...but I did notice quite a few rock chips in the front bumper. This is at a MB dealer so I would imagine it is a trade-in. The guy told me it was just reduced to 26,999 until we got in the car for a test drive and they have a 24,999 tag sitting upside-down on the passenger seat. I checked the dealer's website when I got home and they have it at 28,999! Perhaps that was in Belgian Francs?

Car is located in majestic Tulsa, OK

What do you think? Anyone have experience with the "baby benz"?

steine13 · February 2005

A dealer I'm friendly with (no, not THAT guy) kindly let me take a peek... here is a list of some '02 LS 4wd 'burbans that sold recently at auction; sorted by miles.

date location source $$$ miles condition
02/02/05 MILWAUKE Lease $20,300 48,581 Avg
01/19/05 MINNEAP Regular $15,500 54,034 Below
02/08/05 DETROIT Lease $17,700 54,680 Below
01/27/05 NORTHSTR Lease $20,200 54,722 Avg
01/26/05 KC Regular $18,000 57,629 Avg
02/09/05 DALLAS Regular $17,000 58,956 Below
02/02/05 NADE Regular $14,300 71,149 Below

Funny how the "above" condition is missing at this mileage... your car will be "average" at best.
ALL the higher-mileage ones are "below", by the way.

That's one of a few little-known facts about the car business: Mileage becomes part of the condition. No matter what it looks like, a 80k car is not going to be excellent, even if the Holy Father himself changed the oil every 2,000 miles and Cardinal Ratzinger tightened the filter.

The good news is that the Suburbans have always had strong resale. The bad news is that gas is $2.03 today near my house.

Hope this helps,
-Mathias

jlawrence01 · February 2005

My good buddy had his engine blowup on the way this morning on his 1992 Crown Vic with 120k miles.

He wants to spend about $10k on a NEWER Crown Vic in the Chicago area, preferably with leather. What will that amount get him??

steviec845 · February 2005

Z71 off road package
A/C
Power Steering
Power windows
Power door locks
tilt Wheel
cruise control
am/fm stereo
Multi (6) disk compact cd player
premium sound,
on star,
dual front, side, air bags
abs, power seat,
second row captains chairs,
third row seating,
silver leather interior on seating
moon roof,
roof rack,
towing package,
alloy wheels
5.3 l v8 ohv 16v fi engine
13200 miles,
folsom, california, 95630
only repair was to front windshield, small 1/4 inch road damage (vacummed/sealed)
flawless body, glossy, paint is great, great tranny, tight suspension, clean title history, tires not worn and correct size/match, carpet has minor stain to trunk area, upholstery great

Expecting wholesale value on a trade in obviously. kbb has it at 27670/ edmunds has it at 27641.

what would you folks in the business give me?
thnx

qbrozen · February 2005

Picked up a 2004 350Z silver Touring 6-speed today!

Only 9K little miles, and still in the wrapper.

You pegged the '03 at $24-$25k, so i think i did well on this one at $26k. i walked in with a pre-approved loan and the dealer even beat the rate for me, so it was nothing but pluses, in my mind.

thanks for helping me out with all the pricing. You're probably just glad i finally picked something. of course, with my habits, i'll ask for more in 6 months.

now, the bad news, i'll be selling that baby Benz already. The volvo will be retired to the Benz's place on the lineup card, and I just don't have enough love to go around.

stickguy · February 2005

sweet deal. Now get on over to CCBA and do some penance.

chuminthewater · February 2005

Thanks! So, is auction price higher lower more realistic than KBB or NADA? Seems they all kind of fall in line.

I am not looking for blood - but if mine is near 20K at auction, then I am very satisifed.

It means I can get near that price. Correct?

My mileage is similar to the Aves.

Thanks - or more details - if I misunderstood.

akangl · February 2005

We just went through this looking for a car for my mom. Found a cute little 96 Protege DX with 64k on it for $3200, passed on it since it shifted too hard for her with her recent shoulder surgery.

Everything else we looked at in the sub $2500 catagory was scary!! So I hunted down the 94 Escort LX I sold a couple years ago and bought it back for a lot less than some of the other junkers. Compared to some of the other cars we looked it was like a BMW in a sea of Yugos.

graphixv · February 2005

Anyone have a suggestion for what to look for in the $4000 range? I was actually looking for a car for over $3000 but haven't found much of anything better than the sub $3000 beaters.

BTW: The 99 Protege was going to be a private party sell, not dealer. I've never actually bought a car from a dealer. One try long ago was enough for me.

Thanks
WNM

lemmer · February 2005

How are loaded up 04 G35 sedans with 15K doing?

What about loaded up 03s with 30K?

kyfdx · February 2005

St. Patrick's Day..

I was only off a month..

For all of those that were guessing July.. I have only one thing to say...

I TOLD YOU SO.... neener, neener..

qbrozen · February 2005

Terry might currently have lower numbers, but I was looking at these recently myself. They are great bargains, in my opinion, IF you are happy with an automatic, because the sticks are like hens' teeth.

Anyway, is loaded up with or without NAV? When people say loaded up, i think with NAV, but that never seems to be the case.

In my nonprofessional information, '03s are doing around $20K and the '04s are about $3K more. Terry usually says NAV adds another $500 or so. I think Terry's numbers may very well be $500-$1K back of what I'm stating, but that should get you in the ballpark.

dbauer · February 2005

$10k should be able to get him a '98 or '99 with average miles between 60k and 80k. in a base model, it might get him a 2000.

graphicguy · February 2005

Nice job in finding your Z. Sounds cherry!

Went to the local autoshow last night. Talked to the Nissan guys. While they aren't supposed to talk price on the show floor, they had a nice new Sliver '05 Touring there with a sticker of around $34K. He said $32K was doable if I was serious. So, you did well at $26K for an '04 with skinny miles.

As a side note, the Toyota guy said he had Prius' in stock and could deliver them tomorrow for those interested. He said MSRP was the price. This is in Cincinnati, for those interested. Dealer rep said he'd ship anywhere in the country (for you CA people) for the delivery fee. Last I heard, in some parts of the country, there's as much as a 9 month wait for these.

kyfdx · February 2005

Anything else of particular interest at the show? I'm going this weekend..

dbauer · February 2005

same thing happening with the escape hybrids. we have 1, and we have had calls from cali and NY. i guess dealers are back-ordered almost as badly as mustangs right now.

akangl · February 2005

LOL, yeah but technically SHE bought the car, I hunted it down (wasn't hard to do, was at the same lot I sold it to 2 years ago) and paid for it, then she paid me back.

rroyce10 · February 2005

...... You did good.! .. it's got no miles, it's the right color and it's the Touring model ..

Just try to keep this one for more than a year ........................

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2005

...... **Thanks for Info! Both cars auto if it matters.
I'll see what I can do about Bethany, any alternates?
Dave

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

My numbers reflect auto's, so your in luck .. handshakers would have popped you for around $1,500 at least, and thats even *if* the dealer wanted them .... alternatives.? sure ~ how about Bethany's twin sister ........

Terry.

captcrunch · February 2005

I have never done business with a used car dealer, but probably will in the next day or so. I have done all kinds of retail price research on the car here and elsewhere, but I think my bargaining would be better if I have some idea of what the dealer might have paid for the car at the auction it came from. Here are the details:
1997 Toyota 4Runner Ltd
73K miles
sunroof, trailer hitch, brush guard, roof rack, AM/FM/Cass/CD, keyless entry, factory alarm.
The only visible flaws are "faded"(?) chrome front bumper, tennisball-sized dent in rear bumper, no owners manual, remote held together with scotch tape, cracked leather driver's seat, one mismatched (brand) tire.
Car is in the DC area and may have been auctioned in PA.
The carfax is clean and suggests the dealer has had the car since last November.
Salesman greeted me with $14,995. I replied that it is shown at two inet sites at 13,995.
What's a reasonable price for me to open at?
Thanks for any/all advice.

rroyce10 · February 2005

DC
02/Chevy/Suburban LS
4dr SUV
5.3L v8 flex fuel
4wd
52K
Pewter
leather, premium sound, liftgate, tow package, running boards, luggage rack, dual air front rear, dual radio front rear. 3rd row seat, more stuff.
interior excellent, exterior normal dings from age maybe 2 that are a bit deeper - other wise excellent, paint still very glossy glass all clean and clear no cracks or stars
tires about 80% new (replaced about 42K).
Brakes good
Maintenance Std, oil at 3 to 5k, other as needed or recommended.
KBB says around 18,200, NADA says 22K, TMV was around 19K?
Thanks
================================

In the land of the Redskins .... we have a 02 LS Burb (half-ton.?) 4x4 with 52k, we got the leather, good color for the area, dual breeze, 3rd seat, tunes, rack and boards .... if we haven't had any special invitations to Maaco, knee deep in rubber, no K-mart collisions, no Bonnie and Clyde interior, serviced, looks/feels and drives like 25k ... then trade side, in and around the low/mid $17's, might get lucky and get a dealer to waddle towards the low low low low low low $18's if it's super nice, maybe ... the leather and miles might save it .. if it needs stuff, start deducting ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2005

.. **FOR MY NEW BEST FRIEND** ... ...l..o..l...

And No.! I'm not paying for your golf lessons ...

If-if-if-if-if- it's a 4x4 ... November..? - what year..?

Sounds like a real nice one (cough) .. lets put it this way, if he ran it through the auction today, he "might" see the high $8's, low $9's - Maybe .... I would offer him $10,9 and take him out of his misery ..... $13,900 ~ yeah right, I have this piece of property just south of Plant City and ................

Terry.

chuminthewater · February 2005

I appreciate your input.

kman1 · February 2005

Terry:

You got something against Iggles fans? Swear that I wasn't one of the bozos that threw snowballs at Santa Claus or that booed McNabb on draft day. Anyway, here's the info from an earlier post, as to which your input would be greatly valued (pun intended):

2002 Highlander V6 AWD
Pa/Philly 'burbs region
35,200 miles
pristine silver metallic exterior
gray cloth interior: clean, no rips, etc. (but hey, 2 kids did ride in the thing)
Records for maintenance every 3K
Great brakes
Tires near the end, but just passed Pa inspection

A thought or two?
Gracias.

rjbpa · February 2005

I guess I am overstating the issue. It is worn. The point is that the rest of the car is perfect and I was afraid this one item would change the impression.

qbrozen · February 2005

haha. thanks.

oh, come on now, I've still got the Volvo you helped me purchase 3.5 years ago. Almost a new record for me! Just around another 6 months and it will have beaten my college vehicle as the longest stay in my stable.

Sadly, the Benz will have the record for the shortest.

graphicguy · February 2005

kyfdx....yeah, they've got the new Pontiac Solstice and the '05 Z06 'vette. Plenty of 300Cs. I actually had a 'yota sales person come up to me and tell me he had 2 Prius' in stock if I was interested. He said "sticker" for the sales price, but had a special "show price" if I came to his dealership to buy. Honda guy heard this and said they were giving deals on the Civic Hybrid (but didn't ask what kind of deals they were given...he just said "well below what the Prius is selling for"). I asked him about deal on the Accord Hybrid V6. He said he coudln't talk price on the show floor (funny, he could talk price about the hybrid Civic, though), but said if I stopped in, they'd do "something" under MSRP.

Mustangs right in the center of the place. Hybrid Lexi SUV as well as hybrid Ford Escape. New Maseratis were there. Mini 'vert made a showing. Ford "Freestyle" (I think that's what they were calling it).

No Rolls Royces this year. What? No new models to show?

New platform Audi A4s & A6s.

Land Rover was there (are they still in business?).

New Jeep Grand Cherokees were being shown off.

Let's see....what else....oh yeah....The upcoming Buick LuCerne (if anyone's really intersted).

The rest of the stuff were models you see everyday when you pass the dealer's lots.

There were a boatload of people there for a Thursday night. Given that, this weekend should be crazy.

kyfdx · February 2005

Thanks for the review... I'll try to go early on Sunday, I think... they open at 10:00 AM..

gooddeal2 · February 2005

"In my nonprofessional information, '03s are doing around $20K and the '04s are about $3K more. Terry usually says NAV adds another $500 or so."

Wow, around $23k for a very load '04? Is this retail or trade in? I think an '04 load invoice is around $35.5k. It seems a lot of depreciation here, IMO.

dbauer · February 2005

thats trade-in. an '04 touring has a retail value of around $30k. however, with a little due dilligence, you can find one for the $25-$26k range with average miles.

a new '04 touring 6-speed stickered for around $33k. they went as high as $36k with nav.

gooddeal2 · February 2005

I think the original poster refer to G35 sedan or I miss read some where?

rroyce10 · February 2005

Terry:
You got something against Iggles fans? Swear that I wasn't one of the bozo's that threw snowballs at Santa Claus or that booed McNabb on draft day. Anyway, here's the info from an earlier post, as to which your input would be greatly valued (pun intended):
2002 Highlander V6 AWD
Pa/Philly 'burbs region
35,200 miles
pristine silver metallic exterior
gray cloth interior: clean, no rips, etc. (but hey, 2 kids did ride in the thing)
Records for maintenance every 3K
Great brakes
Tires near the end, but just passed Pa inspection
A thought or two?
Gracias.
=======================

No, actually I thought the "Iggles" could pull this one off .. til' Mcnutt decided to waddle around the line of scrimmage and burn almost two minutes while he was deciding to drive his Myback or his Hummster home .... what was he thinkin'..?!? - oh well, that was a different time in a different universe - and many many light years ago ........

Anywhoo ... we got this 02 V6 Highlander 4x4, the miles are tiny, the color is groooovy, service sounds good, stoppers are good and you can see the air in the tires - not good .... you should know the deal by now, no paint by numbers, no kiddy attacks (thats why God made duct tape) no I bounced off the Wendy's sign and ended up in the Popeyes Chicken driveway, just a clean one .... if so, then trade side, in and around the super ultra tall $17's low/mid $18's, might "maybe" get a dealer to trip over the duct tape and get close to the $19,0 figure ...

Don't forget the u-p-d-a-t-e ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2005

..... Did Edmunds change the print type .. or is it these new sunglasses that I spilled the Jack Daniels on ....?

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2005

...... Your welcome .....

Don't forget the update .... we will wait with baited breath ....

Terry.

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