Real-World Trade-In Values

im_brentwood · July 2001

BT,

Hmm... bad color.. miley... hmmm... Smells like smoke... hmm...

She should have it heaviuly detailed 1st IMHO.

I'd say wholesale is like $13,500 or so... maybe a bit less if the car looks edgy...

Retail? $15,900 it in the Courier-Journal or AutoTrader.

Bill

div2 · July 2001

Well, she owes about $10K on it so she'll take 13 or so in a heartbeat. Total non-car person; bought the GT because it was a drop-top. Now she wants an Escape -bleahhh!- so that she can tow a small boat. Thanks again...

chloe6 · July 2001

Hi!

I have a 1985.5 Porsche 944 with 72,000 miles on it. I love the car, but I'm trading it in on a new car because I now need a larger car. Any idea how much my car is worth?

It's Kalihari Beige, which is basically the metallic champagne color. It has a dark brown leather interior that looks like new. It's in great condition with only a few minor dings from parking in parking lots. It does have a few cracks in the dashboard. It has never been in an accident. It needs a new radio/cassette player, but the original is still in the car. It's NOT a Turbo 944.

I'd really appreciate any advice you can give me about this, because the wholesale values I've seen have varied widely. The dealer told me that they usually use Galves wholesale pricing. I tried to look up the Galves price online, but apparently you need to be a subscriber in order to access the prices. (It's not really worth subscribing to look up one car!)

Also, if I were to sell the car on my own, does anyone have an idea about how much I should ask for it? I live in NJ, if that makes any difference.

Thanks for your help!

Regards,
Chloe

im_brentwood · July 2001

Hmm... tough car to call... If the clutch is fresh, receipts..etc...

Throw it in the paper for $6,900/BO

Wholesale is.. I'm thinking... $3K? Tough car to peg tho...

Bill

chloe6 · July 2001

Hi!

I have a 1985.5 Porsche 944 with 72,000 miles on it. I love the car, but I'm trading it in on a new car because I now need a larger car. Any idea how much my car is worth?

It's Kalihari Beige, which is basically the metallic champagne color. It has a dark brown leather interior that looks like new. It's in great condition with only a few minor dings from parking in parking lots. It does have a few cracks in the dashboard. It has never been in an accident. It needs a new radio/cassette player, but the original is still in the car. It's NOT a Turbo 944.

I'd really appreciate any advice you can give me about this, because the wholesale values I've seen have varied widely. The dealer told me that they usually use Galves wholesale pricing. I tried to look up the Galves price online, but apparently you need to be a subscriber in order to access the prices. (It's not really worth subscribing to look up one car!)

Also, if I were to sell the car on my own, does anyone have an idea about how much I should ask for it? I live in NJ, if that makes any difference.

Thanks for your help!

Regards,
Chloe

chloe6 · July 2001

I don't know what I did this time, but I posted the same message twice... sorry about that!!!

Chloe

bretfraz · July 2001

if you don't get too many bites advertising it in the paper, you may want to consider selling it at an auction. There are many exotic & classic car auctions. Do an internet search for Kruse, Dana Mecum, Silver, etc if you are not familiar with them.

The right venue may get you the $$ you want for it. The "hot rod & muscle car" crowd won't be interested but someone shopping for a 928 or BMW 635i might be.

944's are a very hard sell. Taking your car to a place where a lot of buyers and dealers will see it might help it move.

wtd · July 2001

Well, my friend finally bought his new tacoma at the first dealership we went to. He paid $9000 plus his truck. This was the best offer we had out of three dealerships. The other two were $9300 and $9800 difference. These two dealers actually told him to back to the first dealer because it was a good deal. He is glad the whole process is over.

im_brentwood · July 2001

Sounds like he did well...

Man he drives a LOT!

Chloe: Why not try ebaymotors.com or AutoTrader or something?

Since you're in Jersey.. the Star-Ledger is a very good place to advertise as is the Want Ad Press.

Bill

stickguy · July 2001

Haven't thought about that paper in years. Used to use it in the mid-80's when I lived in Bergen county. As I recall, if it didn't sell, you didn't pay.

stickguy · July 2001

Local used dealer has one (saw it in the autotrader magazine). Seemed to be well equipped (roof, etc). A 2001, 25,000 miles, marked down to $18,995.

This is in S. Jersey (outside Phila). Name of the place is wholesale outlet, they do have a web site. Seem to be legitimate, with a nice facility that has been there a while.

rroyce10 · July 2001

....... Volvo's are wonderful vehicles, and I'm probably one of their biggest fans..... But, even Volvo once in a great ..great.. great while makes a minor boo boo ...

The 2000's I guess just didn't do as well as they thought, because of the "look" -- and the 01's have perhaps some of the other changes it was thought it needed...

But --- the most important thing is -- they are very plentiful at the auctions. Ford put a large fleet of these in motion and they have been returning in the last 2 months..
2000 S40's loaded up roof, leather etc.. with in or around 10/12K are doing in the $16's ..and 01's with all the stuff are doing in the $18's. Sooo, I feel this is a great bargain for some smart shoppers. I feel you can buy the 01's for under $21,000 and buy the 00's for under $19,000 on the retail end ....a 2001 with 25K, should be bought for in or around $17,500/$18,000 because of the miles..

I hope this helps..

Terry.

dellwell · July 2001

I have recently take possession of the Tahoe and after driving it From the Southern US to Canada, I realize that it is too big for my needs!! It is great on the freeway with loads of power but when you hit some mountains with narrow winding roads, that is a truly different story. The Tahoe is white and has 78,000 miles on it and runs great. All belts, and pads and rubber were replaced. Leather on the inside is a little worn and the outside needs some attention as well (paint chips) but these problems will be taken care of before I put an add in the paper or trade it in. It has all options (running boards, tow package, 4wd...) What should I be asking if I sell and if I trade? Your imput is appreciated... Thanks

hammerhead12 · July 2001

I have a 92 Acura Integra LS, white, 5sp, 77,500 miles, original owner, never smoked in or wrecked. Paint is glossy, a couple door dings, stone chips, but the interior is perfect (except the dealer installed floor mats, which I might add, I thought were a ripoff at the time, but now am grateful I bought).

I am advertising for $6,500 and getting a few calls and a couple of drives but not selling. I think I am a bit high, but not outragously so.

What is the resale/trade value on this car? I'm in the midwest.

Thanks.

blackcurrant · July 2001

It was having more problems and i got fed up with it. They paid me 7200 for it which is EXACTLY avg wholesale from MMR! This was the little AWD turbo with 55k on it. Here's the part that blows me away: It needed tires, had a cracked windshield, warped front rotors, cracked alloy wheels, a bad front ball joint, AND CRANKWALK! I don't think they'll get it out of their lot. Well, better them than me. I put enough money into that poor little puppy.

I traded for a neptune blue, base 1998 nissan Maxima SE 5 spd with 39k miles "HANDSHAKER" with a 90 day "certified" dealer warranty (which with a buck will buy me a cup of Kmart coffee)

Even-steven trade...isn't that a good deal?

Alright, i'm kidding. I paid 16k for the Max. They had about 10 of 'em on the lot and it was the best of the bunch. A very clean, original one-owner trade. It had the window sticker with oil change receipts in the glove box. The tires are new, all fluids are fresh and she runs out like a new unit.

I wanted a loaded up pearl white with slider and heated leather seats....but you know what?...the units like that were ROUGH. Since i didn't have the luxury of time (my car was just about dead), i settled on this one.

I like the color personally, but, i'd bet i'm at a disadvantage come resale time. Blue doesn't sell well, does it?

rroyce10 · July 2001

........ These are great vehicles, and very popular.

But, with the miles, and the potential work to be done to make it ..A1.. I think your vehicle is worth in and around a 12,500/$13,000 figure...

You may want to clean this puppy up, make it look like a diamond..do any service at may need and retail it ....

I hope this helps....

Terry.

blackcurrant · July 2001

Is white still the most popular color? Which colors are HOT and which are NOT?

goral · July 2001

'00 Audi A4 1.8T AWD 5 speed, black w/ black leather, 15K miles...In Chicago...

rroyce10 · July 2001

........ 2000 Audi A4's (great vehicles) ...AWD's -- and believe it or not, in Chi-town a great color. The miles are about right, yes and I see, it's a handshaker, not too much problem there ---
IF, it's "clean to the bone" no parking lot kisses -- and stands tall when it's clean, you are looking in or around $21,000ish+ ...Quattro's are strong, especially up north..

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2001

...... Kinda depends in the region. A black vehicle in Florida, is the kiss of death. As a rule, it's a $1,000 deduct and then some depending on the make. But, like above with goral on his Audi (Chicago)- black will pull more across the board in the Yankee states. Red is common and a favorite -platinum, is one of the strongest in any area -- Blue...? We call it "no sale blue" ....l o l Most of the "Polo" greens do well ... But, across the long market, Champagne or Taupe or however you look at it, is the 2nd big winner, with white being #1...
Me, I have always liked a Ruby Red Mica, with a oatmeal/tan interior -- that's what makes the world go around -- a difference....

Terry.

goral · July 2001

Thanks! I actually don't own the car, but I am interested in buying one. I've always liked these cars, and the fact that you can bump the power up to ~200HP for "mere" $400-$500 makes them so much more special

karz10 · July 2001

Hey everybody, seems like a few experts on this board, maybe you can help me?

I have a '96 Maxima GLE
Pearl White / Tan Leather
Power Glass Roof
Brand new brakes all around
Brand new Tires all around
aside from 3-4 small highway rock chips, interior/exterior very clean, well maintained runs great

I am interested in getting a new car (maybe '02 Acura TL-S) and am planning on trying to sell the Max myself (hence the mention of tires/brakes), but I am gonna see what the dealer offers just in case.

Here's my problem, I drive a lot and since I bought the car three yrs ago used (had 60k miles on it), it now has 126,000 mi., so I'm having trouble determining what I should ask for a private sale/trade in.

Most of the consumer accessible info lists:
Trade-in value between 7,500 and 9,000 w/ mileage deduct
Private sale between 10k and 11k w/ mi deduct
Retail between 11.5k and 13k

I would like to know in your opinion what the wholesale/trade-in, private sale asking price, dealer retail, so I can determine my asking price and bottom line sale/trade-in I could accept.

Due to some extenuating circumstances concerning an ended lease on an Acura Vigor, moving to start a new job, and having no money to put down on the Nissan when I bought it in Aug 98, I still owe 6k on it, so at least it doesn't appear that I'm upside down, but I need to MAXIMize the difference between what I owe and what I can get for it.

Thank you for your time and opinion, btw if it helps, I live in the Charlotte, NC area. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!

Karz

blackcurrant · July 2001

LOL...no sale blue,huh? well... :P

I had to laugh when you said your favoirte is ruby red. Does that include the ruby red 40th anniv corvette? I had one. NOBODY wanted it. 'wrong color' they'd say. I loved it.

Go figure.

Thanks for the info.

im_brentwood · July 2001

Hmmm...

If I had to hit it with a number.. I'd say $5,500 or so. The problem is, when you start getting to really high mileages, a lot of the online guides tend to get off-base because they deduct on a per-mile basis.

Example: A 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 with 140K miles. Per one guide, its' worth $68K less a $62,500 mileage deduct. Another says no more than 40% ($27,200) And I don't think that its' worth $40K wholesale...

I'd guess wholesale on it to be $25-30K.

So its' a tough call.

I would watch your local classifieds and look to be about $2,500 or so less than a car with 70K miles or so.

I peg it at like $8,500-9K retail...

Terry, whatcha think? MMR Shows lots of lower mile ones going for $7,500-8,500....

Bill

karz10 · July 2001

Bill thanks for the quick reply, although not what I wanted to hear, I guess I need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

In follow up to my original post, here's some more info:

1996 Maxima GLE, grn/tan int, all opts, new tires,
83k, $11,200/obo. Moving-Must Sell!

1996 Maxima GLE, 76K mi, $14,500

MAXIMA GLE 1996; 57K--$13,800

1996 Nissan Maxima GLE Color: Black 114598 miles, $11495

1996 NISSAN MAXIMA GLE, 87000 miles asking $10400

MAXIMA GLE 1996 71K $10,400 obo

As you can see the range is all over the place, a high mileage like mine asking more than one w/ 71k mi, of course this is a mix of private seller and dealer ASKING prices. This is a random sampling of local and online classifieds in my area, I was hoping it might help, I only included ones w/ mi info.

Bill, I understand your comment about the calculation being off on the mileage, and that dealers go by their own set of #'s based on experience, confidential info and what not.

So right now, if I read your response correctly, I might have to settle for approx $5,500 trade or $8,500 selling on my own?

Well, if that's true, I may have to get some more money together to go towards the new car, I was hoping to get at least 7,900 trade or 9,900 retail, starting by asking for more. But that's why I'm here, and I appreciate your straight-forward answer.

Please feel free to comment further, and have a great week!!! Thanks again!!!

Karz

goral · July 2001

Some of the people selling their Maximas must really like them (cause they don't seem to want to let them go)

.
About 1.5 years ago, I sold my '96 SE 5 speed, ~60K miles, LOADED w/ every option available, extended warranty till 100K for ~$13.5K.
In the retrospect - that was a very bad move on my part to sell it. The car had no problems whatsoever and was a BLAST to drive.

blackcurrant · July 2001

they DO seem to have that reputation, kinda like the honda mystique. believe it or not, sometimes hi-mile cars will sell cause it's a proven unit, as long as the car has the reputation to run a long time.

Just push the well-mainatined angle and you may be pleasantly surprised. These cars really do sell well.

sobers · July 2001

Dealer has give offer of 16500 + ttl. Is this fair enough. I think first year depreciation should be more than 1300, given that the new 2001 invoice is 17878 + 200 dealer profit i.e. 18100 So does the 1600 depreciation reasonable or we should get it for lesser ??

Please help..helping a freind buying this car.....
(Color : Gold exterior - Ivory Interior)

oac3 · July 2001

this may not directly address your maxima question, but can help:

i recently sold a '96 Altima with 60K mi for $7500. I went to several dealers who offered b/w 5K - 5500 for it. I simply laughed at them and walked away. I put it in the paper for $7700 and sold for 7500. The car had new tires, new carpets and was in mint condition. No mechanical troubles whatsoever.

BTW, I was looking to trade-in my '96 Maxima GXE (in the not-so-cool Blue color) also (very recently) for another car. The dealer offered $5,500, for the car with 104K mi, a few door dings, 2 new tires and new brakes. I refused. I asked for $7K and will not settle for less. No deal was reached and I walked out of the dealership. Now I have 106K mi and will consider selling this later this summer to get that '01 Lex IS... Uhmmm.. can almost smell it already :-)

By my example, you can/will always get up to $2K diff when you sell than what the dealer will offer you. BTW, my Altima was listed for only 2 weeks before it sold.

Hope this helps you in your quest

scott225 · July 2001

Hello-

I have a 2000 Chevy S-10, 4cyl, 5 speed (I know...

), extended cab, white, bedliner, tinted windows, 9,600 miles.

Can anyone tell me what I might expect to get for it on trade in East Central Florida? I wnt to one dealer that offered me $9k....can I expect to do any better than that?

daniell · July 2001

With no options, only 3,400 miles. Edmunds and KBB quote trade-in value at around 16,300-16,500 (with all adjustments, BTW, I am in Cincinnati). Dealer offered $13,500. They also wanted $29,990 for a new Subaru LLBean (need a mid-size or so new wagon with AWD, auto, and decent power, so the LLBean fits the bill), so I walked. I have heard that LLBean sells for about $27,000 in some areas, DC for example. Anybody can confirm?

karz10 · July 2001

goral: LOL, I hear ya. I had to let an Acura Vigor go that I loved, I really like my GLE and it has served me well, but it's not as sporty as your SE, and I'm ready for a change, thanks for the comments.

blackcurrant: I agree, hopefully can push the 'mystique & reliability' like the Honda example. I know back when I got a steal on the above Vigor, I had been lookin' at Accord EX's and remember several yrs ago 100k+ mi cars goin' for well over $10k. Maybe I'll come out ok on prvt sell...thanks

oac3: actually that gives me some hope, since I got a White GLE w/ Tan lthr, and a few extras, and the dealers really get people down here on used cars, maybe someone will find value in my offering, thanx for the numbers

Thank you to everyone for the opinions already offered, more are welcome. Maybe Bill and some other's will chime back in. Thanks again!!

Karz

im_brentwood · July 2001

Hmm... LX? EX?

Accords really dont depreciate heavily... If its' an LX... Price does seem fair to me..

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2001

Actually,

Both numbers were in line with the current market of those cars. Unfortunately, a dealer can't offer you retail for a trade-in. If anything, $5,500 was quite fair on the Maxima. For a '96 GXE to be worth $7K wholesale it would have to have 60-70,000 miles on it.

And, as I have said quite a few times, you almost always are better off selling your car privately, you do get more money, but then there are tradeoffs. However for a car in your pricerange, I'd certainly look very hard at selling privately.

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2001

OK, I assumed it was an LS...

I guess you must be near Melbourne/Cocoa... (I live in Orlando).

If its' an LS, and White, and clean... $9,500-10K is the number I think. I'd hit it at $9,750. That's sort of extrapolated from what a few have sold for in Orlando recently.

If its' not an LS, then $9K is a fair #. If it is an LS, then its' sorta lowish... But, its' a 4-cyl, 5-speed...

You tried throwing it in the AutoTrader for like $12,500/bo??

Hope this helps!

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2001

$13,500?

What? Nooo......

OK, it is a base, it is a 5-speed, it is worth $16K.

And I have yet to see any Subaru (Except for an WRX) go for much over $500 or so over invoice in recent memory, but check Edmunds TMV on them, ought to give you an idea of market conditions on them.

Methinks you got some comparison shopping to do.

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2001

Hmm...

Have you advertised it yet? Ya know.. If I were you... I'd try $9,900/bo and see what happens. You may get lucky and as they say about pricing "you can always come down.."

Bill

daniell · July 2001

I thought KBB and Edmunds couldn't be off by $3000 on a 1 year old, $20,000 (when new) car...
BTW, that dealership advertises a 1998 GXE Max, auto, with 47,000 miles, for $15,000, which is KBB/Edmunds retail price, while telling me that those prices are too high... I'll keep looking.

kmurray66 · July 2001

I would appreciate real world trade-in and private sale values for the following car. Many thanks.

1997 WV Jetta "Jazz" addition
(basically a GL with alloy wheels and CD changer)
MSRP: $16,905
Miles: 10,300
Color: Green (Sequoia)
Location: Summit, NJ
This 4yr old car has been used as a station car, driven about 3 miles per day. Car is in excellent condition. I leased the car for 39 months and then bought it for $8,500 vs. buyout of $9,955. During the buyout negotiation, lease company was given the impression that the car had nearly 40K miles.

kmurray66 · July 2001

Forgot to mention that car is a 5 speed manual.

gmanusmc · July 2001

Wow! Wonder why car sales folks have the impression customers don't always tell the truth. ("given the impression"???) And I say this as a consumer!

topgun7 · July 2001

I wonder what is the trade in value for a 01 Blue Rx300 with Premium pack (leather, moonroof, memory seat etc) + chrome wheel, 15K kmi would be and what should I expected if we sell them by ourselves? We are thinking of trading in the RX300 for a SC430. Thanks.

im_brentwood · July 2001

Glad to help!

Yeah that seemed like a joke of an appriasal to me unless your car's been wrecked or something.

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2001

Hmm...

10K Miles? Wow. I'd say something like $9,500 or so trade in if it looks like a 6month old, 10K mile car.

Retail? $12K or in that range, Butr really low miles can scare buyers sometimes, I hope you saved documentation...

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2001

Yup.

This is why I do not believe most things until I see them myself..

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2001

OK...

2WD?

4WD?

Color?

Location? (Statewise/Metro Area).

I needthis info... See a Black/Black AWD RX is worth quite a bit more in NY City than it is in Miami...

And no outragoeusly silly equipment levels.. right? You do have a hole in the roof and cowskin on the seats I hope...

Bill

kmurray66 · July 2001

Thanks. The car has been dealer maintained (no unscheduled maintenance required) and records are complete. As I said, I drive the car about 3 miles a day. With 3 kids under 5, we use my wife's SUV on weekends/trips. The low mileage would be more scary if the car was 9 months old.

From an ethical standpoint,I looked at it this way, my lease contract entitled me to 39K miles and I drove the car only 10K miles. Who should benefit from this, the leasing company or me? Needless to say, the transfer documentation included the correct mileage, giving the leasing company the chance to back out of the deal. It is also worth noting that I negotiated for the $8,500 buyout because that is what my local dealer said they would give me for a trade (they had accurate mileage).

carleton1 · July 2001

With most of the options: Front and Rear Air and Heater with Dual Zone Temp, Overhead Console with Trip Computer, Quad seats, Infinity Sound with Cassette and CD, Cast Wheels, Built in child seat, Luggage rack, 30,400 miles? No scratches, dings, and never been in an accident.

3ms · July 2001

Great service here! I'm looking for a trade-in value for a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina. The kicker is that is has about 95,000 miles on it - I know that brings the value down considerably (was a company car but I won't try to feed you the line that "it's all highway miles!")

It's hunter green (yes, another one of those....) with probably just the standard stuff - power locks, cruise control, radio/cassette, cloth seats (I think the upgraded cloth seats if that exists!). No CD player, no tinted windows, no sunroof and no power windows.

The car was involved in one accident (minivan rear ended the car -we were at a standstill, which caused my car to hit the car in front of me) - to my surprise just minor repairs to front and back bumpers (it's a tank!).

No scratches - I would consider this car Good condition or Clean . What should I expect the dealer to offer? We live in Louisville, KY.

topgun7 · July 2001

It is AWD, 15Kmi with memory seat, moon roof, leather, towing package, Blue/Ivory, SF Bay area. No hole on the car but I am sure that there will be a big hole in my pocket after the trade.. 8-)

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