Real-World Trade-In Values

ghulet · April 2005

...while a low-mileage Prelude is desirable in ways, why would you want to buy what is basically a garage queen for a 16 year-old? You'd be paying a large premium for a car that is likely to be driven into the ground anyway; in other words, why spend extra money for the low miles and condition if they're both likely to go out the window (if the car is driven; and if it is, teenagers aren't exactly known for driving conservatively or taking care of their vehicles). I'd probably just opt for a regular-ol-used car, especially at $8k, there are lots of choices out there. Insurance on a Prelude is also likely to be quite expensive. Why not something like a Saturn/Corolla/Protege?

bearbino13 · April 2005

Good points and certainly part of the consideration. Insurance is emerging as a big factor as you mention.

To others who have chimed in...thanks heaps for your inputs, they are very helpful...I'm proceeding very slowly and tend to think there are more reasons not to buy this car for my son in particular, and just generally...seems like this car is best purchased by someone who wants to keep it as a garage queen rather than start driving it for real.

reaves · April 2005

Terry,
Thank you for the extra info on the car. When I go to the base, I pass by this car lot.... the S80 still sits there for another sucker to buy... My emotions got the better of me. I laugh now that I even considered buying the car. Yes, it is a USDollar price. I have researched the prices that the dealer gave me for the new 2005 & 2006...$4000 more and I can have a Brand New S80 T6 Premier; minus all the miles and Treiben Sie damage! I'm still bouncing back and forth between the S80 Prem. for $44,900 or the 2006 BMW 525i with everything that the wife wants on it... steptronic, cold weather pk, sports pk, prem. pk, rear ht seat, rear SIAB, BiXenon, park assist for $46,000.

I just want the best car for the best price. I want it to last for at least 10+ years. I may end up buying a Honda Accord. And wonder for the next 10+ years if I should have gotten the BMW or Volvo.... The BMW or Volvo would be my gift for my wife of 14 years. She has never complained about the assignments or TDY's for the past 14 years that the military has handed out. Thanks for the priority answer also! Have a great weekend!

robr2 · April 2005

I'm still bouncing back and forth between the S80 Prem. for $44,900 or the 2006 BMW 525i with everything that the wife wants on it... steptronic, cold weather pk, sports pk, prem. pk, rear ht seat, rear SIAB, BiXenon, park assist for $46,000.

I thought military pay was pretty lousy!!

rowlandj · April 2005

For what it's worth I would take the BMW. In terms of a car you'll like over the long haul I suspect you will be happier. I have had both and the recent vintage Volvo's are not the 'tanks' of the past and I just don't see the longevity in them as there is in the BMW. Check the fine details on the interior of one vs. the other and you'll see what I mean. Small things like the hinges on the glove box, the way the 'grab handles' retract on dampers etc...

JR

woodyww · April 2005

I 2nd going for the new 525i. I'm biased towards bmw's, but I like Volvos too. But esp. given the equal price, I think most bmw's give you way more refinement, handling, etc. than a Volvo. If the Volvo was $10K less, it would be a tougher decision. And definitely get the Sport package on the bmw.....Not that I'm knocking just buying an Accord for what, $20K less? But a 5-series is in a totally different league. So is a 3-series for that matter.

jaykim77 · April 2005

I got 2001 C240 Mercedes Benz with 30,000 miles on it.
I would like to know what my car's trade in value would be.
Location: Seattle/WA
2001 Mercedes Benz C240 / 4dr / 2.6 V6 / Auto / RWD / Metalic Silver / Condition is real good.

Please let me know ASAP.
Thanks.

corvette · April 2005

My mom has a 2002 S80... Pretty bland to drive compared to a BMW (any BMW), it's had some unexplained electrical gremlins, and overall I like it less than the 1995 960 it replaced. I'm also biased towards BMW's, and yes, the 525 is probably worse in the snow, but...

reaves · April 2005

Military pay is LOUSY!! When you consider what your called to do, sacrifices made and there is no overtime/holiday pay or special perks. Don't forget about the long separations too!.... Good thing the wife works.

reaves · April 2005

corvette; woodyww; rowlandj ..... Thanks for the extra advice!

woodyww · April 2005

Before I bought my current bmw (E-39 5-series), I test drove a LOT of Volvos, mainly variations of the V70 wagons. I loved the Volvo seats, but the 5 cyl. engine sounded like an Allis Chalmers, esp. compared to a bmw, just to mention one difference. And yes, RWD bmw's in the snow, not good......in the Winter occasionally I wish for an Audi or Volvo X-Country. But a set of Dunlop Winter Sport M3's solves the problem nicely.......

woodyww · April 2005

I noticed from your posts you're also considering a new 325i, which has incentives on 05's, is that correct? So for "around" the price of this 4 y.o. 540iT you could get a brand new 3-series? One choice is definitely more practical: brand new car w/warranty, etc. Do you have any pics of the 540i? And have you posted your questions on Roadfly.org?

If you want Terry to give his $$ value on the 540i, I'd suggest doing a "Repost" of ALL the info on it, & with "Repost" in the title.

Personally, If the 540i is Really low miles, like 20-30K-ish, maybe 40K, & has maintenence records, etc. etc. I'd be really interested. Awesome car. But you're taking on a V8 bmw with no warranty.........at the very least, get them to "throw in" an aftermarket warranty. And have the car checked out by a bmw specialist shop. And if you can buy a new 3-series for about the same $$......they're great cars too.

mabubba · April 2005

Terry, here's the complete info. Can you tell me if this is a 'steal' yet?

2001 BMW 540i
Sport Wagon
V8 Auto
RWD
35,000
Dark Blue exterior
Tan leather interior
Average brakes/tires
Assume overall condition very good
Stickered for $31,750 in Jan. 2005
Now $29,990

I would have to investigate it further to see about maintenance records and overall condition. I haven't taken the plunge to talk to the dealer and take it for a test drive. I think I am looking at it because it's an interesting find for my area. A have looked into an '05 325i for around 27,500 w/ sport and heated front seats. And you are right about the full warranty. No comparison there. I have a '99 A4 w/ 80k and in general have been w/o a manufacturer's warranty on most of my cars in the past. But a v8 bmw might be going over the top a bit. I appreciate your feedback.

Thanks,

mabubba

pumpkinjack · April 2005

Original Post
Hello Terry,
I just found this board and the timing is perfect so..... by the way I live in Pittsburgh, PA
I have a Pearl White 2001 Hyundai Sonata GLS (V6) w/Leather Package
It has 90,500 Miles
Options :
Leather
Power Driver Seat
Power Everything (Heated Mirrors, windows, ect)
Aftermarket Keyless Entry w/Alarm
Tilt/Slide Sunroof w/Deflector
Aftermarket Taillight Chrome Trim
Aftermarket Tinted Windows
Alloy Wheels
AM/FM/CD/Cassette (I actually have a very expensive aftermarket stereo in now, but they never give you what that is worth)
K&N Air Filter
Aftermarket Woodgrain Dash Inserts
.....I think that about covers it, It has every option that was available at the time except for ABS and TCS
It is very good condition, no extraordinary wear...I recently put in some new items (New Tires Nov. , new plugs and plug wires (last week), new front and rear brake pads) I have taken good care of it, used mobile tri-synthetic oil, etc.

Just wanted to update you Terry. I ended up going with a new Sorento and not a sportage. Purchased for invoice (internet quotes) minus the $2000 rebate and fought for a while and got $5,000 for my trade. Just thought I would update you, thanks for the help.

steevo · April 2005

You are asking too much. Maybe you will get lucky but..You posted this in the Acura TL Prices paid forum. If you browsed the posts there you will see people paying about the same for NEW 2005s with Nav. Some less some a few dollars more but still new. In my opinion your price will make serious buyers laugh and walk away.
On a newish car like yours I would think it better to ask less but be FIRM on the price than to list high expecting to negotiate.
Good Luck!

dkuhajda · April 2005

I also checked all the ads. The Acura certified ones like yours with less than 15K miles have Acura dealer ASKING prices of $28,000 to $32,000 depending on the miles. So the real world out the door price has to be at or near the $28,000 as that is the lowest advertised price for the same.

$32,900 is almost new out the door pricing. This is going to send most real buyers aware before they even look at the car.

It is much harder for a private party to sell a $30K car than a dealer with a financing department.

mellis · April 2005

Terry:

I have found an 01 BMW M3 coupe at a small dealer that specializes in European cars. I know an trust this dealer and I am wondering if you can give me an idea on sales price.

Location - Maine
2001 BMW M3 coupe
14,000 miles
Exterior - silver
Interior - light grey leather
6 speed
cold weather pkg
harmon kardon premium sound
condition is excellent

What say you? Thanks!

hunt_acura · April 2005

Thanks dkuhajda for your reply.
I did research and even in the Forum " Acura paid and buying experience" Nobody has bought this car less than 35,000 , rear wing spoiler costs around $1200.

I already got a 30,000 quote from CarMax and other dealers and they are selling the same car for around $34,000.
Please help.
Thanks

jay46 · April 2005

I'm considering on buying a new Audi A4 and wondering how much my current car is worth. I live in northern California. I have an A4 2000 1.8 Quattro silver manual with the cold weather package( heated seats, ski sack) , sideguard airbags, and convenience package (sunroof, homelink, etc..). I also have a koni sport suspension springs and shocks. Newish (Less than one year) tires, battery, brakes, and tie rod ends. Clean title. I would say overall condition to be a 7.5 out of 10. Now the biggie the car has 140,000 miles. How much can I expect on a trade in? How much in a private party sale? I went to Car Max last year and they offered me around $6,000. I looked around and see allot of similar A4's advertised in the $10,000 range. Is this reasonable for my car? Thanks in advance.

dkuhajda · April 2005

Lets say the dealers are really selling the same car for $34,000. As a private party seller, you are going to have to be around 10% less than that to move a $30K car. That still leaves you with a selling price of around $30,900.

No matter how you try and word your ad, the people looking for a bargain on a used TL are not typically going to care much about the extra options the one you have over most of them on the market.

$30,000 from Carmax is more than fair. Realize you have to find someone both looking for your specific car and with the funds available to buy it, and they have to be willing to not buy it from a dealer. The latter may be the biggest problem to overcome on a private party sell of a $30K car. Not saying it cannot be done, but you need to be ready. Your bank's auto loan officer may be willing to inspect the car and evaluate the loan value for a private party sale before you advertise it. Then if someone needs financing, you can give them your banks loan officers number.

corvette · April 2005

$30k from CarMax? Take it and run!

The rear wing spoiler probably retails for $1200, and for some buyers it is a deduction instead of an add-on. You can always add it to car that doesn't have it, but the inverse is not true.

How much do you owe on it?

kyfdx · April 2005

$30K from Carmax is a great offer.. I read the Acura boards, and I see the '05 TL w/NAV going for $33,500... While I'm sure the spoiler is nice, it is worth maybe $100 extra to a used car buyer, and nothing to a dealer..

If you really need to get rid of this car, I agree with corvette.. take it and run!!

steevo · April 2005

You are FOS.
EVERYONE in that forum is paying less than 35. 2 POSTS ahead of yours is 33,055 and back a few more is 32,800. Hell even Cars Direct is only 34,000.
WHat is your agenda? What is it you are trolling for?
Obviously you don't really need any help from people here.
If the Carmax quote is real, which I doubt based on your falacious statement about what prices people are getting in the Acura forum, take it and run.

driftracer · April 2005

for the spoiler, and Kelley only adds $100. remember - the value of a vehicle cannot be set by the sum of its parts - that's like someone trading in a vehicle that they just spent $600 for brakes on and trying to recover their money. Ain't happening, you needed the brakes to be ABLE to sell it. Try selling that car with the spoiler removed and holes in the trunk....

pwein1 · April 2005

I am trying to trade/sell Volvo HPT c70 convertible. They seem to be real soft here in Texas. What do you think in a trade or private sale?

49k on the clock
Silver with black soft top
Black Guts
New rubber about 7k miles ago
Auto, cruise, power, 3 disc CD
Middle of Tejas, sunny & warm

Thanks in advance

lancerfixer · April 2005

Which model year?

Black leather on a convertible, in TX? Bon chance, mon ami!

rroyce10 · April 2005

......... You can "try" $21,5 and see what happens .... but car prices are like real estate .. you can *ask* anything you like, it's the getting part that's important .. pricing has alot to do with payments and getting ones attention, it's kinda like *asking* $409,000 for a home and after it's sits for 5/7 months (and it doesn't have purple paint) and the seller is on their 2nd realtor, the light finally goes off at $399,900 ....

Me personally, I would be at $19,950 *asking* and cut and run at $18,9/$19,5 .. remember, there's a lot of dealers that have Yukons sitting on their lots with $15/$16ish in em' .. and they will wave bye bye at the first $18/$19 this time of the year .....

No matter what, let me know what happens ...... good luck ....

Terry. :shades:

red927 · April 2005

I would like to know what the approximate trade in value is for a 2002 Honda Civic EX Coupe in Central New Jersey. The car has 22,000 miles and is in good shape with no body damage. The interior is clean except for a small cigarette burn in the upholstery. The car is silver with a black interior. All maintenance work has been done by the dealer.

Thank you in advance,

Phil

qbrozen · April 2005

stick or auto?

pwein1 · April 2005

Sorry about that, 2001 Volvo C70 HT Convertible.

03cobra · April 2005

Just closed this deal last week.

Location: Minneapolis

My trade:
03 Cobra Convert
17k miles
Sonic Blue
Very Good condition.
6 speed man trans.
tires were well used.
Trade Value of the deal on paper was 26K.

Car I purchased:
02 540iA Sport
CPO
Very Good condition.
46K Miles
Black Metallic
Sport, Premium, and Cold weather Packages
Tires are brand new do to the certification.
Price of the car $33,750+ tax

I was ready to pay cash for the difference but ended up financing the balance on
a BMW loan @2.9% because of the rate and they will make my first payment.

I figure my trade was really worth about 24-25K, so the net price of the car was probably around 32-33K.

red927 · April 2005

Automatic. Sorry 'bout that!

Phil

cstowe · April 2005

Terry/Board-

I am getting ready to start helping my Uncle shop for his next (used) car. He would like it to get decent gas mileage(avg in the mid 20s or better) be sporty (meat cleaver is OK) and fun to drive, and would prefer 2 doors to four...but OK with either.

The kicker is he WALKS at least 18 every week with a couple of trips to the range as well...so a trunk/hatchback big enough to fit his clubs (and sometimes his pull-cart) is a must...I mean a deal breaker. Therefore the 350Z is out. (he is a big nissan fan)

Some others I was thinking:
Acura RSX or TSX or CL Type-S
Accord coupe 6 speed
Mazda 3 or 6

So throw me some suggestions...

corvette · April 2005

He may be folding the seats in the RSX.

Nissan Altima 3.5 / Maxima?

scanty · April 2005

Found a few over the weekend. Just want to check with the guru to see what's what:

Contestant #1 is a:
2002 Honda S2000
VIN# JHMAP11402T001396
Silver over red cows
22,000 miles
Aftermarket 18" wheels and tires
Trunk lid spoiler
Overall is in very nice shape, tires are about 50%, and one of the roof latches is broken and needs replacing.

Contestant #2 is:
2001 Honda S2000
VIN# JHMAP11401T009030
Silverstone over black cows
Again, in very nice overall shape. Tires are brand new, but they are Goodyear Eagle LS's. Oops.

Another possibility is a new 2004, still in the wrapper, Silverstone over black, that has been sitting on a lot for a few months. Think they have any incentive money to move it?

Talked numbers on the first one. I told them I really wasn't interested in trading my '94 300ZX Convertible that you previously pegged at 5-6 trade, high 9's asking on retail road. But since I'd have to sell mine first, they were eager to help me out of it. We didn't write any numbers down, but we mumbled around a $16,000 difference. What do you think?

Thanks for your help!

chile96 · April 2005

a colleague consistently brags to me how the 350Z is the perfect cal - because it's sporty AND can hold his clubs(in an average golf bag).

So there may be hope for your friend...

jkwtrade · April 2005

Milwaukee, WI
2004 Honda Accord LX
Sedan
4 cylinder auto
no side air bags
14,000 miles
Black, tan cloth interior
rear spoiler

Very good condition. No dents, dings, or scratches. No wrecks or repaint.
Interior has no stains and no pet or smoke odors.
Recommended maint. done at Honda dealership.

Could you please let me know how much more I should ask if selling to a private party over the trade-in value?

Thanks for the help,

Jason

rroyce10 · April 2005

Terry, here's the complete info. Can you tell me if this is a 'steal' yet?
2001 BMW 540i
Sport Wagon
V8 Auto
RWD
35,000
Dark Blue exterior
Tan leather interior
Average brakes/tires
Assume overall condition very good
Stickered for $31,750 in Jan. 2005
Now $29,990
I would have to investigate it further to see about maintenance records and overall condition. I haven't taken the plunge to talk to the dealer and take it for a test drive. I think I am looking at it because it's an interesting find for my area. A have looked into an '05 325i for around 27,500 w/ sport and heated front seats. And you are right about the full warranty. No comparison there. I have a '99 A4 w/ 80k and in general have been w/o a manufacturer's warranty on most of my cars in the past. But a v8 bmw might be going over the top a bit. I appreciate your feedback.
Thanks,
mabubba
======================================

Anyway ........ miles are low and the color is ho-hum, the dealer probably has in and around the $25/$26ish range in this pup, maybe a little more since he's had this dude since January 05 (Yikes.!) ...

Your kinda comparing apples to oranges here ..... remember, "always buy & drive what you like" .. that said, make sure it's gonna work for you .. wagon.? sedan.? .. thats like wondering if your gonna wear jeans or a suit to a formal wedding - what works.? .... $29,900.?!? thats not a bad price if we have the Fat Daddy CPO for 100k, deep in rubber, service from yesterday, seats been hovered in and it glows in the dark ....

Whats fair for both..? I have a stupid feelin' that this "January" Bimmer could find a new home for $27,5/$27,9 ~ it's friggin' May (almost.!) --- hey, let him take it to the auction and let him get a taste of reality, cuz' he won't see a dime more than $26 .. even if he knows the "new" Pope ..........................................

Terry.

(disclaimer) I don't remember where you live, so today you live in Charlotte ...

steine13 · April 2005

2000 VW New Beetle GLS
Green metallic (pretty light green) over black leather
35k miles (!)
OK shape, nonsmoker, no paintwork. Tires unexceptional.
I forget if it has a roof...
2.0 4cyl (not the turbo) with 4sp auto (Deo gratias!)

Buddy of mine will sell this today private party for $9,500.
That's what his new wife owes on this six-year-old beauty.
Maybe he should trade her...

I'm thinking it's $2 overpriced, but hey, the guy will come with real dollars.

-Mathias

titanman3 · April 2005

I want to trade my 2004 Titan on a 2005 Titan
I own 2004 Nissan Titan SE 4x4 Crew Cab 17,000 miles
it has the popular pkg w/captains seats and the utility bed pkg
I'm in Baltimore, Maryland.

Black Book Values
Trade In Retail
25,760 29,300 Clean
24,515 27,250 Average
20,515 24,850 Rough

I owe 24,250 and was asking for 25,500. Dealer was quoting me 23,500. This truck is in excellent shape and had all the scheduled maintenance. Just paid $350 for the 15,000 mile service. Am I being unreasonable? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks in advance

swassdaddy · April 2005

Terry,

Here is my situation. My 2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 is nearing the end of the lease (39 month/15 K yr, last payment is on May 27th).

Buyout price is $15878.93 including $150 purchase fee.

We live in the Indianapolis area and here are the options:
Color- bronzed gray
SE Popular package (Bose audio system w/6 disc in dash CD, steering wheel control, fog lights, rear cargo cover and cargo net)
SE Sunroof Package (Visor w/ dual illuminated vanity mirrors/LED outside temp gauge w/ compass, homelink universal transceiver, power sunroof)
In cabin microfilter
Floor mats
body side molding

I also put new tires on it in November, but it will need a new drive belt and brakes soon. Also had the pre-inspection and we are within the $500 damage limit (only a small crack in the windshield and a small dent in the drivers door). It is in really good shape for a SUV with 43K.

with 43000 miles, according to Edmunds, clean condition:
Trade in= $13980
Private Party= $15322
Dealer retail= $17722

Now here is my decision, we have about $6000 for a down payment on a new vehicle. We are between keeping this Pathfinder or getting a new 2005 Honda Accord EX-L 4 cyl. I also currently am leasing a 2004 BMW 325i (expires in Aug 2007) and we are expecting our first child this August.

With the Pathfinder, we got more room, better in the winter and have the ability to finance for 36 months with that 6K down (calc payments to be about $340/month).

With the Accord, we would get much better mileage, more reliable car (the cost in maintaining the Pathfinder will be higher), but for a 60 month finance and 6K down, we would look at about the same monthly payment.

Any suggestions whether the buyout price is worth it? If we decide Accord, once our BMW lease is up in 2007, we could lease a nice SUV for Mom and 2 year old baby. I have a long commute (60 mile round trip) and with gas prices I have concerns about using the Pathfinder alot and I need to watch the miles on the BMW. I usually like to own at least one vehicle and am not sure whether to buy this SUV or go with the Accord. If this buyout price is really good and if I should get an extended warranty, keeping this SUV and dealing with rising gas prices might be my best option. I guess a distant third option would be to buy another used SUV, maybe a Pilot, but I think our cheapest SUV option is keeping this guy and I really don't want to lease a new SUV. Any feedback would be most helpful.

kyfdx · April 2005

You'll be a lot better off buying a new Accord, with a warranty, than buying that used Pathfinder.. Depreciation will probably be less with the new Accord as well, even taking into account the higher price.. The only thing that will cost you more with the Accord is a little more interest, due to borrowing more money..

Your Pathfinder needs work, and an extended warranty will be expensive.. It is time to dump that car, if you want to save money long term.. My advice might be different if you already owned it, but you don't....

sandman46 · April 2005

Y'all might just want to get a plain jane Accord LX. I sat in one this morning while having some warranty work done on my Sentra, and even in the LX trim, it's a sweet commuter car. Plenty of room for a growing family and all the "Hondaness" for a bit lower price. Trust me, with 3 kids and the price of gas, every little bit of savings help. If this is your 1st child, there's always the possibility of 1 or 2 more down the road.
Just my humble opinion here...do what you have to do. But I try to follow a life's philosophy of trying 2 keep things simple because you never know what G-d will present you with in the future.
Good luck with whatever y'all decide...and keep us posted!!

The Sandman

(Having just reached 50, I try to get through life now with the minimalist approach on many things. I'm content with what I have. I Want a lot of things...but I don't really Need all those things that i want. This philosophy has kept me more grounded as the years have ticked on by, and eventhough I'm having major health issues this last year that are, and will be changing my life and those of my immediate family, it gets me through so I can see the forest...and the trees!)

swassdaddy · April 2005

Thanks kyfdx for the advice, you were quite helpful a few months back. I am the guy in the BMW forum that was rear-ended and went through the mess with BMWFS and the repair shop whether to total the 2004 vehicle. After the 3 month repair, it has been in the shop 3-4 times with other issues, mostly minor. But the last thing I want to do is go over the mileage since I will definitely be turning the car in in 2007.

I am personally leaning toward the new Accord, but having the Pathfinder for the past three years has been convenient in hauling stuff around, making one trip to buy alot of stuff, just not sure how we would do without one especially with the little dude arriving and his supply of a stroller, car seat, etc. Just that gas is becoming an issue, for a V6 it gets horrible mileage ~15 mpg and I do mostly city driving.

I have looked at the LX versus the EX, but we like the extras like the installed XM radio, heated seats. I am even considering the EX V6 versus the EX-L 4 cylinder, but I hear with an automatic and city driving, I was advised to go with the 4 and save the 2K. Neither will compare to the BMW we have, but we like the leather and sunroof and stuff. Sorry for getting off topic! I just want to decide on SUV versus car before getting too involved over in the Accord Prices paid forum and whether to go with carsdirect (only about $100 over invoice) or try to haggle for somewhere under invoice (~5% over dealer net cost). We even need to decide whether to buy in May (end of the month) or gamble and wait until June since we techincally do not need to turn in the Pathfinder until June 27th. Thanks again.

kyfdx · April 2005

1) If the "prices paid" board is to be believed... Accords are going for under invoice.. So, a lot of value there...

2) If you have to have an SUV, you might look at a CR-V.. very functional use of space.. might have as much room as your Pathfinder, even though it is in a smaller package.. MSRP is on par with the Accord, but actual selling prices might be a little higher... Gas mileage seems to be 22-25 MPG on average, which would cut your fuel bill by 1/3 over the Pathfinder.. Also, low, low depreciation..

3) If you absolutely have to have something bigger, they have good lease deals on Pilots, but it sounds like you need to own something, so you can mile it up..

I leased a Pathfinder once ('95).. It was a decent vehicle, but no way I would have bought it for the residual... In this case, I think buying the cheaper vehicle will cost you more in the long run...

regards,
kyfdx

suydam · April 2005

Keep in mind that whatever vehicle you go with will soon have its share of baby spit-up, spilled juice, etc. I would never have a car with children that I loved too much! An argument for the less expensive Accord. You might also consider a Honda CRV, a Subaru Legacy/Outback, or Toyota HIghlander, all of which will get better gas mileage than what you have now.

guss · April 2005

Mazda 3 sedan will not work. I tried the golf bag test and mine would not fit. They may fit in the 5 door hatch, but I did not like the aggressive styling of the hatch.

You may want to add the G35 coupe or sedan to your list, they are on the same platform as the 350Z.

rroyce10 · April 2005

.... **Terry,
Here is my situation. My 2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 is nearing the end of the lease (39 month/15 K yr, last payment is on May 27th).
Buyout price is $15878.93 including $150 purchase fee.
We live in the Indianapolis area and here are the options:
Color- bronzed gray
SE Popular package (Bose audio system w/6 disc in dash CD, steering wheel control, fog lights, rear cargo cover and cargo net)
SE Sunroof Package (Visor w/ dual illuminated vanity mirrors/LED outside temp gauge w/ compass, homelink universal transceiver, power sunroof)
In cabin micro filter
Floor mats
body side molding
I also put new tires on it in November, but it will need a new drive belt and brakes soon. Also had the pre-inspection and we are within the $500 damage limit (only a small crack in the windshield and a small dent in the drivers door). It is in really good shape for a SUV with 43K.
with 43000 miles, according to Edmunds, clean condition:
Trade in= $13980
Private Party= $15322
Dealer retail= $17722
Now here is my decision, we have about $6000 for a down payment on a new vehicle. We are between keeping this Pathfinder or getting a new 2005 Honda Accord EX-L 4 cyl. I also currently am leasing a 2004 BMW 325i (expires in Aug 2007) and we are expecting our first child this August.
With the Pathfinder, we got more room, better in the winter and have the ability to finance for 36 months with that 6K down (calc payments to be about $340/month).
With the Accord, we would get much better mileage, more reliable car (the cost in maintaining the Pathfinder will be higher), but for a 60 month finance and 6K down, we would look at about the same monthly payment.
Any suggestions whether the buyout price is worth it? If we decide Accord, once our BMW lease is up in 2007, we could lease a nice SUV for Mom and 2 year old baby. I have a long commute (60 mile round trip) and with gas prices I have concerns about using the Pathfinder alot and I need to watch the miles on the BMW. I usually like to own at least one vehicle and am not sure whether to buy this SUV or go with the Accord. If this buyout price is really good and if I should get an extended warranty, keeping this SUV and dealing with rising gas prices might be my best option. I guess a distant third option would be to buy another used SUV, maybe a Pilot, but I think our cheapest SUV option is keeping this guy and I really don't want to lease a new SUV. Any feedback would be most helpful**..

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It all depends if your crystal ball is workin' and what you like ..... as far as the price is concerned, $15,900 is "about" what an 02 43k SE 4x4 with all the stuff is doing at the auctions and "about" what the dealers are putting in them .. so the buy-out is super fair.

What's a better vehicle..? .. ask 27 different people and you will get 27 different opinions, people like what *they* like - not what you like .... will you miss the 4x4 action come October/November when the snow starts to fly.? .. will you need the extra room over a smaller sedan.? .. there is a TON of Pathys out there with 150/175/200k, and they still sell (if they're clean and have a good history) .. see, it's a lot easier to sell a 75k Pathy than a 75k Blazer, just like it's a whoooole let easier to sell a 100k Lexus/Acura/Nissan than a 100k Benz or Bimmer ....

"If" this is a scale down thing, ya know, stuff like gas and maybe some future work on the Nissan, then maybe consider a new Honda CRV .. that said, you need to drive -any- new vehicle, and that doesn't mean around the block, that means a cruise over to the Mall, travel down the interstate, a cruise over your roads and your streets (no salesman) .. you need to get the car seats in and out, you need to feel/touch and smell the legroom, the headroom, how much work does it take to get the grocerys out - yatty, yatty, yatty ..... until someone is making your payments it's not important what someones opinions are if doesn't work for you .......................

Terry.

swassdaddy · April 2005

Thanks for the info. I mainly needed to get a feel if $15,878 was a decent buyout price or if it was a price that I should definitely walk away from. I am just trying to figure out over the next three years which will be cheaper to operate while balancing the convenience factor of a SUV versus having two passenger cars. I just need to keep telling myself in two years I can walk away from my BMW lease :lemon: and for what I am paying a month on it, could lease a mighty nice SUV (Acura MDX, loaded Pilot, Lexus). Kind of the reason to get a nice Accord loaded to own since I spend so much time in the car a day. Plus maybe a wildcard fact I forgot to mention but we have access to the in-laws Lincoln Navigator (2004) 10 minutes away anytime we want or need a SUV, another plus for the Accord.

Funny that people are mentioning the CR-V, this was the other vehicle we were considering when we got the Pathfinder in 2002. But the CR-V was a new model that year and I could get only $300 off MSRP!! so the Pathfinder lease was actually cheaper (comparing a $31 K vehicle to a $25K CR-V). I guess we could go back and look at it, but we really liked the Pilot for an SUV, but we could only lease or buy a 2003 or 2004, but they are asking almost as much for used Pilots as new ones (we can get one for invoice). Thanks again. It will be a tough call.

stickguy · April 2005

I really shouldn't, but the little voice in my head has been speaking to me again (don't tell my wife!). Saying things like "get a nicer car, we deserve it".

Anyway, If I did decide to splurge, what could I expect (retail/trade) on my current ride (and one reason I am considering it is they still seem to be a hot ticket, and you never see them used):

2005 Scion tC.
Flint mica (kinda dark charcoal), charcoal interior (only choice).
5 speed handshaker
All the standard stuff, only extras are the deluxe mats and wheel locks.
Only 6,000 miles, looks great in/out, only a couple of small scratches on the fender that can probably be buffed out (mostly).
No hits/runs/errors. Looks new, because darn it, it practically is!

So, either slap me back to reality, or push me over the edge..

I shall now retire to the CCBA thread.

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