Real-World Trade-In Values

dwynne · May 2005

Call the local junk yards (I mean auto parts recyclers) and see if one of them will come get it.

Or post and ad on http://www.freecycle.org/ in your local paper or "Trader's Post".

We "traded" in our daughter's first car (a heap) for her first new one. They said they would give us $50 for if it started and ran - it did but blew PS fluid out like "Old Faithful". Since our car insurance covered towing to the dealer, we had it towed to the new car dealer for free and traded it in.

Or you could wait for one of those "push, pull, or drag sales" dealers are always running :-)

Dennis

bearbino13 · May 2005

Colorado Springs in Colorado...sorry!

delange · May 2005

Thanks for the tips!

buck0086 · May 2005

Location: Twin Cities--Minneapolis/St. Paul
Year/Make/Model: 1998 VW Jetta GLS
Body Style: 4 Door
Engine: 2.0 Liter, 4 Cylinder, Automatic
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 145,000
Color: Gold Exterior, Beige Cloth Interior
Major Options: Sun Roof, Spoiler, Heated Front Seats
Condition:
Interior--perfect; no stains or wear and tear
Exterior--a few dings & a quarter sized dent by the back license plate (trying to get dent out).
Tires - 15% worn
Other: Accident Free, muffler replaced 10,000 miles ago, no repairs needed.
Maintenance: Oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Maintenance performed when needed but not on the recommended VW schedule

Leaning toward FSBO but may trade-in. Let me know if there is any other info that would be helpful. Thanks for your help!

dkuhajda · May 2005

If you trade it in you might get a few hundred back of rough book real money. To translate, look up the NADA trade value and divide by two. ~$1300 maybe, might see a dealer go the extra mile and get the low $2,000 but the miles probably kill it.
It is a 145K VW, the dealer will be sending it straight to auction.

Clean it up really nice, slap a big for sale sign with $3,900 and park it on a busy corner, preferably near a big gas station. Send it home with the first $3,000+ cash. Make sure to stress the fuel economy.

woodyww · May 2005

Maybe it's just me, but 4 or 5 oil leaks in a 4 y.o. (?) Altima doesn't sound too promising for that car (sure it's not a Land Rover?). I'm sure you know the rep. & positive reviews on the Mazda3. But maybe you could check out a Mini if your wife loves bmw's: more $$ than a Mazda 3 but I think they have great resale; & you can get them with "run flat" tires :-)

*I really don't want to put any more $ into the Alty as we spent about $500 in 2004 to stop about 4 or 5 oil leaks*

cdnpinhead · May 2005

I've heard a lot about this board over the years, so finally decided to jump in. Imagine my "interest" when I learned that there are 26.5K posts. Wow! I've read through the first several hundred and am currently watching the baton being passed from Bill to Terry. More fun to come as I continue to read the old stuff. Much knowledge dsipersed about the car business. Thanks.

Here's my question. If my car is worth anything north of $1.85, I'll be stunned:

2000 Lincoln LS V6 -- Phoenix, AZ
Manual (yup, you read it right) transmission
79K miles
Sport Package (shocks, springs, oil cooler)
Graphite Blue (just like the Tauri)
New tires (Khumo -- just wore out a set of Michelin Pilots)
Audio options only (Alpine + 6-disc CD system) -- this is a stripper (what I don't have can't break)

Here's a question: Does "paintwork" mean paint work, or does it really mean body work? I have a number of minor scrapes & dings from parking and parking lot experience, but no crash damage. Am I better off to get these little things touched up and painted, or to leave them as they are?

Wow, maybe I'll get $2.47 instead of $1.85. Ain't life grand?

I bought into the LS thing when it first came out, and I'm now a walking monument to why no one should ever (ever, ever) buy an American car new, especially in the first model year. Some are better than others. This one is the worst, when it comes to unloading it (an appropriate phrase). I think they're wrapping something between 3 & 7 large around each one today, and that's after the "upgrade" in 2002 (500+ improvements -- gotta love it).

Strangely enough, the thing runs fine & may continue to do so for the next 1 - 5 years. I'm thinking I should drive it till it drops, then set fire to it (legally, with witnesses, marshmellows & drinks aplenty). The reality is that after five years, I'd like a change. Whether I'll get one remains to be seen.

I can take your answer. . .I think.

Anyone want to guess whether my next car will be American?

stickguy · May 2005

I actually like these, and would buy a clean 5 speed if I found one by me. ALmost did a couple years back, but it was gone by the time I arrived. Pretty cheap too IIRC.

Paintwork usually means repainted panels. A few touch ups just looks cheesy, but honest. IMO, leave it alone or have it done by a pro.

On a 6YO domestic with 80K, a few scratches ain't gonna make that much of a difference.

dkuhajda · May 2005

If you are lucky enough to have a quality place that does paintless ding removal, have them tap the dents out. Make sure you get references. Some of the people are really good, if you know where it was you might still be able to tell under the right lighting.

As for the chips and minor scratches. There are also airbrush artists that will match the paint and fill in the chip or scratch, level with the old paint. Makes it very hard to see the touch up. Usually a $75 initial paint color match and setup charge and up to one hour of chip fill in for another $50. Well worth it.

Paint work is painting large areas or panels. Not a professional touch up on a few chips and minor scratches.

A good clean up and detail before trade in is all I would bother with. If you were going to try and retail it out yourself, send it to ding king and paint the chip specialists before listing it. The better it looks, the more $$$ and quicker sale.

Although being a 5 speed, you need to find the 'right' buyer for it.

jonnyz1245 · May 2005

Hi all,

looking to trade my Acura in on a 2005.5 Audi A4...here are the stats...

Location: Portland, Or
1998/ Acura/ 3.2 TL
4dr
3.2L V6, auto
FWD
131000
Green(teal)
loaded( as all Acuras are) Power everything, leather, Sunroof, CD, Alloys etc
A few dings(smaller than a penny) on each side, otherwise good condition.
Interior is in very good condition except for a few stains on the floor mats and some cracks in the fake "wood" by the shifter!
tires: 6 months old OEM Michelins 5000 miles or less
All maintenance performed per Acura on time and completely.
Right front door panel replaced when someone backed into it in parking lot, otherwise NO accidents. Car has been garaged, oil changed every 3-5K...

Edmunds says $5800 for fair/good condition.

can I expect 5800 from the Audi dealer? I would be happy with 5600 but KBB puts it well over 6K so if it is going to be 4k, I might as well sell it myself and get 7---retail is still above 9K

Thanks

sheikh1 · May 2005

Hey terry--ok, here's the thing, we have a 2000 camry le v6, auto, cloth, alloys, white/tan interior, religiously maintained/records from dealer, abs, power drivers seat, 106,000 miles. Tires have about 1000 miles on them, brakes were replaced at 96000 miles, Car was just a commuter car to work in northern virginia area, so interior is immaculate, exterior is ding/dent free although the car has never been garaged so the paints not as shiny as it is in the garaged cars. But there's a catch. When the car was about 2 months old, I rear ended a car and the front end was fixed for around $10,000 dollars. Kept driving the car b/c we thought it wasn't worth anything at that point, and got up to 106k. On monday, I had another accident where I caused a four car pileup (I was last---don't ask, I feel terrible already) and the front end was hit again. Insurance won't total the car, saying that they'll be able to fix it for $3600. When it comes back from repairs, how much do you think I can sell it for? The airbags didn't go off on either accident so I don't feel comfortable driving it, yet insurance seems to think the cars perfectly repairable . . .

bcb1 · May 2005

My wife has a '98 Intrepid that we bought new, and she rear-ended someone on her way to work. Replacing the hood (minor crease), driver side light assembly, ac condensor, radiator, and repainting the hood, front fender, and bumper came to a whopping $3800!

The point is; body work and painting are expensive - even though her car didn't look bad at all after the accident, it was still $3800 to fix. It runs/looks/drives perfect. We're paying cash for her next vehicle - she likes the Acura MDX - so I figure we'll just keep the Intrepid until the wheels fall off. But heck, you can't kill the thing! 140K miles, she gets the oil changed for $14.95 once a month or so, and it's totally trouble free. Never breaks down.

I'm curious...why are you afraid to drive your Toyota if the airbags didn't deploy? They didn't deploy in my wife's collision either, and she rear-ended a car going about 15 to 20 mph on I-270.

dkuhajda · May 2005

Throw the books out on any car with 131K, especially on trade in.
Do you really think the Acura dealer is going to have a place for the car on their lot. It is 7 going on 8 years old with 131K. Sure it is still probably a good car, but can they actually sell it with any kind of warranty without real risk? Off to auction it will go.

Terry will give you more up to date numbers, but I am betting you won't see $5,000 for trade.

It will be easier to sell a Honda or Acura with those miles than most other brands, but it is still very difficult with 131K to appeal to most used car buyers. At 131K only Guido's easy loan center will do a car loan on the car for any kind of term.

woodyww · May 2005

If you thought this car *wasn't worth anything* after the first major accident, how much do you think it's worth after the 2nd, with 106K miles? Just a wild guess: maybe $1000-$1500 if you sold it privately? Maybe you should try negotiating with the ins. co.....

jonnyz1245 · May 2005

you may be right but I doubt it.

I got $100 under edmunds TMV on my 95 Accord with 80000 miles when I sold it in 2002...

my friend just got KBB on his 95 Accord, 10 years old 105,000 miles...

plus, at 131000 Acuras are just breaking in!

dwynne · May 2005

Well, you have to tell us the other side of the deal. What did you trade for and at what price?

Before I educated him, my neighbor (who is an engineer so should be smart) once told me "You would not believe what they gave me for my trade!". They indeed gave him a good number, but he paid close to MSRP for his new car. I showed him how he could have gotten the new car for close to invoice - so they really ripped him. He is a little more "car shopping" smart now.

If you or your friend purchased a new car for near invoice (or below with rebates and dealer money) AND got close to KBB or Edmunds on the high mile trade I would be surprised.

Over in the "prices paid" forums folks are always posting some impossible price for their new car - then when asked we find out they got beat bad on the trade. Dealers are normally smart enough to not get beat on both ends of the deal and they prefer to get beat on NEITHER end of it :-)

Dennis

bearbino13 · May 2005

Hi Terry, I'd like your view on this decision....thinking about buying a truck for my 16-yr old son.

Nissan 2002, White, XE (king-cab), 2WD, 4 cyl ( 2.4L), 5 spd, 28K miles, bed liner, AC, CD. Car is in very good shape. Dealer (Colorado Springs) "no-haggle" price is $10,981.

I'm trying to decide between that truck or this one:

Toyota 1997, Burgundy STD SB 2WD, 4 Cyl (2.4L) 5 spd, 42K miles, AC. Car is in pretty good shape. Dealer (Colorado Springs) indicated he'd sell for about $7,700 but I've decided not to pay more than $6,500 for it.

Haven't made a formal offer on either vehicle. What do you think?

Mark

jonnyz1245 · May 2005

I sold my Honda in the paper. Had about 8 people out to look at it. & & 8 both made offers, I countered and 8 took it-) I had put it in the paper for about 4-500 over Edmunds private party price. The offer was a little below and I sealed the deal right in the middle, which was my plan from the day I placed the ad.

In the case of my friend...he traded his in a on an 05 Pilot.. He took the TMV price off of here...called two Honda dealers, spoke with the fleet manager said he didn't want to waste any time...had test driven the car yadayadayada and the fleet guy said come on in. they gave him the value for the honda and the pilot for a = split between invoice and MSRP( which is what the TMV value was a couple months ago)...EX leather...loaded. I guess it all has to do with how bad they want the sale. He told both dealers on the phone he had 3 hours to buy the car and was leaving one of the dealers with it and asked them who wanted his cash!

bcb1 · May 2005

No way, I have to disagree. A 2000 Camry with 106K miles - yes, it's been in an accident - but it's been fixed, "looks immaculate" according to the owner - and it runs and drives good? There is NO WAY a car like that will sell for $1000 to $1500! Pieces of junk late 90's Honda Civics with a miiiiiiilon miles and full of parking lot dings do $1500 to $2500 easy!

A nice looking 2000 Camry, excellent body, excellent running condition would have to do $3 to $4K for a private owner sale.

When we were looking for a first car for my son a couple years ago -- we looked high and low for used Hondas and Toyotas - and like I say, pieces of crap still sold for upwards of $2,000.

rroyce10 · May 2005

... **suppose if you're playing baseball, a .500 average is great. In the car buying world, it's not so good, though** ...

Let's put it this way, that's not a good average if your a brain surgeon .....

I appreciate the compliment .........

But, I think "all in all" Edmunds does a pretty darn good job ...... it gives people a better "idea" of what something "might" be worth, it sure beats the freckled face kid at the Credit Union that picks up the NADA and reads it over the phone while he eats his baloney sandwich his Mother made for him for lunch ....

It's hard enough for some dealers to keep things straight let alone an outsider info source, because the car is business can be really tuff, and things can be a little different in Philly than they are in Memphis or Sacramento .. and there seems to be a lot more of bad mis-information than good information nowadays via bad posters .... you have folks that post that every Bimmer has been sold for $150 over invoice or certain Honda's have a $2,000 rebate or every 03 RX300 is worth $33,000 ... but for the people that "stayed tuned", they know that's hog wash, but it does make it tough for the first time readers ..l.o.l.....

As far as TMV, it's hard to guess on new cars .. the TL's are almost sold out across the country, but you have folks that post that they just bought one for $1,800 back of invoice, like my neighbor who just paid $250 for his 48" Plasma TV, so you gotta take some things with a grain of salt, or in his case, about 16lbs .... sometimes folks think the dealer is "loaded up" when they see 60 new Infiniti's on the front line, but what they don't figure into their equation is, the dealer sells 35/45 a month .. and next month, they will be down to seeds and stem's ... so how long is that ride.?

Terry :shades:

rroyce10 · May 2005

... **Over in the "prices paid" forums folks are always posting some impossible price for their new car** ..

I will have to agree on this one .. I've never seen so many people buying new CRV's and Audi's for less than cost ..l.o.l..... .. the funny part is, they never post back with the dealers info .. hmm, I guess I would forget the name of the company that I just saved $500 on my new golf clubs on ------ Not.!

Terry

steine13 · May 2005

Ooooh one of my least favorite cars, but a Lansing native and local favorite.

2000 Grand Am 4dr SE V6
80k no-sale green
One accident, front clip replaced
Non-smoker, looks good, clean interior, outside OK or better
(Good body shop, apparently)
Power stuff, no roof, no wheels
New tires down the left side

What's a good number for an ad in the paper?
TIA,
-Mathias

rroyce10 · May 2005

........ It's a 4dr V6 Grand Am SE ... it's got big miles, the color is ho-hum, clip repair, no slider no roof, power pack, the rubber is limping and it looks good ......... trade side, in and around the low/mid $3's, there's only "about" 478,122 of those running around your neighborhood ..l.o.l....

Terry.

steine13 · May 2005

Thanks Terry,

It's for an old friend of mine's new girlfriend.

What, the old one wasn't enough trouble ???

-Mathias

rroyce10 · May 2005

Location: Gate City, VA (Near Bristol TN)
2001 Yukon XL
SLT
5.3L 8 cylinder auto
4WD
63,000 miles
White exterior, Tan leather interior
luggage rack, running boards, XM, Onstar, and husky liners
new tires, fuel pump, brakes, and front windshield (rock hit it)
very clean (some carpet stains in second row)
a few scratches on the front right quarter panel where wife couldn't pull in the garage straight.
=================================

.. **few scratches on the front right quarter panel where wife couldn't pull in the garage straight** ..... did you punch her lights out.? ..l.o.l...

3rd seat, cold pack ..? .... it's an 01 Yukon XL SLT 4x4 .. we have 63k, good color for any area, rack, boards, new round things and stoppers ..... if all the service has been done, no visits from the Dutch Boys and no Bonnie and Clyde interior .. depending on the dealer, trade side, in and around the super ultra tall $14's, low/mid $15's, might "maybe" get some dealer to waddle towards the $16 figure, *maybe* ....... the miles hold it back and the 4x4 saves it ..

Terry.

ahzroe · May 2005

Lights out, for sure....

3rd row is in great shape. The highest I was anticipating from a dealer was 16k. I went to a body shop last night and he quoted me $350 to get the front cleaned up. Once I get that done, I will get a complete detail and put an ad in the paper. I was considering asking $21,500 and taking $20k. Is this realistic Terry?

llepky · May 2005

Terry,

Looking at trading the following 2000 4Runner on possibly a new 2005 4Runner or Lexus GX.

2000 Silver 4Runner SR5 4WD in central NJ: 63000 miles

Good Condition (all work done by dealer), small scratch on right rear overfender, tires
replaced about 15 months ago

Equipment Includes:
Cloth Interior
AC
Rear heater
Power Steering
Power Windows
Power Doors
Power Side mirrors with Defrost
Tilt Wheel
Cruise
Premium AM/FM/CD/Cassette 6 Speakers (Single CD)
Dual Front Bags
4Wheel ABS
Power Tilt/Slide Moon Roof
Roof Rack
Running Boards
Towing Package
Cargo mat
Rear Window Wind Deflector
Dealer installed alarm system
Aluminum Alloy Wheels
Fog lights
Large Painted Overfenders
Black pearl emblems

Thanks in advance.

spatulaman · May 2005

This time I'm car shopping for mommy dearest.....I'm quasi-happy with my Tacoma 4x4 (but still want an FX45).

She's wanting a Solara. I've found an 2004 SLE V6 Coupe in Red with 10k miles, all the goodies, plus Nav down here in the great state of Texas.....looks to be pretty much "in the wrapper." What would this unit clear the auction for?

levi1 · May 2005

We're looking to trade in 2 vehicles next week and I've done some homework on trade-in values, but I'd like your opinion:

Atlanta, GA
2004 Chevy Tahoe LT
2WD
5.3 V8 Bi-Fuel
18000 miles
Black
Fully loaded - DVD, XM, 6 disc CD player, Bose speakers, sunroof, integrated phone, 3rd row seating, captain's chairs in middle row, leather, towing, running boards, traction assist, etc.
Excellent condition - no dings, no scratches, no stains. Still has some of the new smell even.
Oil changed regularly at Chevy dealer.
No accidents.

Atlanta, GA
2000 Honda Accord EX Coupe
V6
109,000 miles
Black
Fully loaded V6 - leather, CD player, sunroof - all standard in EX package. Also has a spoiler.
Good condition. No accidents. A couple of small door dings. No stains inside.
All maintenance as scheduled done at Honda dealer.

Thanks!

rroyce10 · May 2005

.. **Orlando Florida
2004 Dodge Dakota SXT club cab
6 cyl, 4WD, 26K miles, auto tranny,
Black exterior, not sure of the interior color
Couldn't tell the condition or maint. records, but it's for sale at a new car dealer's lot, so I'd assume good condition inside and out.
Dealer asking is $17988......What would be a reasonable price?
Did I say it was black?
===============================

Might this be a "black" truck ......?

$17,900 ...? .. did you mention this was a black truck ....? ... the miles are just ok for the year, it's a V6 4x4 SXT club cab ... dealer might have the low low low $12's in it, could have been smokin' something and "maybe" have close to $13,0 in it (check the ashtray) ....... $17,900 ...? .. great price if you live Moldova and your going to drive it over to Chernobyl for a little barbeque action for the weekend ...... $14/$14,5 would aaaaall $$, and $14,900 would flat kill it ...... did you mention it was black.?

Terry :P

au94 · May 2005

Atlanta, GA

2001 PT Cruiser LTD Edition
4 cyl, auto
52xxx
Silver, Taupe leather interior
Alloys, cruise, tilt/slide roof, traction control, front and side air bags, CD, pwr windows and doors
tires less than a year old
parking lot dings outside
1 burn inside
runs fine, all routine maintenance done

Let me know what to expect. The cute factor has worn off for my wife and she wants a sedan!

cohenfive · May 2005

thanks in advance for the help. we are purchasing a subi lgt ltd wagon to replace the saab..my wife needs the extra utility of the wagon...anyway we need to sell the saab:

99 9-5 4 cylinder turbo se, auto, black/ dark grey leather. 102k miles (mixed local/highway), good tires. never hit/no body work. car shows some signs of its age (door dings, some normal scratches, etc) but is running great mechanically. looks great all waxed up. car is loaded including front/rear heated seats and front vented seats.

curious what people think this is worth in a private sale..sf bay area.

mjfloyd1 · May 2005

Hello,

I'm looking to buy a 2004 BMW X5, Indianapolis Indiana
3.0 AT
11800 miles
alpine white with tan leather and dark poplar trim
cold weather, premium pkg, park distance control, bmw assist, rear climate pkg, heated steering wheel, (NO xenons)
cpo at bmw dealer - asking 43,900

VIN 5UXFA13554LU20943
Looking for a good buy price

Thanks,
Mark

dwynne · May 2005

Just FYI, invoice on a NEW 05 with those same options would be under $46k and you could probably buy it new for under $48k. So the asking price is (obviously) way too high.

Dennis

jonnyz1245 · May 2005

Terry and Dwynne,

I am pretty sure I will be buying my Audi at very close to MSRP as my dealer said that is what they are going for! I also see on Edmunds that they are going for close to sticker too...kind of takes the hassle out of buying a new car!

But Seriously, I came here to see what the experts would value my car at

Terry...could you help please....

98 Acura

thanks

Jon

stickguy · May 2005

14K retail for that? I bet they walk him.

Terry and a few of us close friends might think that's reasonable, but I bet the dealer holds out for one of the 99% of the population that doesn't know to hit him that low.

I could see him wailing and moaning and finally coming down to say 16K. 14 from 18? just seems like a stretch.

Unless black and 4WD in FLA really do make that much of a difference.

rroyce10 · May 2005

Hi all,
looking to trade my Acura in on a 2005.5 Audi A4...here are the stats...
Location: Portland, Or
1998/ Acura/ 3.2 TL
4dr
3.2L V6, auto
FWD
131000
Green(teal)
loaded( as all Acuras are) Power everything, leather, Sunroof, CD, Alloys etc
A few dings(smaller than a penny) on each side, otherwise good condition.
Interior is in very good condition except for a few stains on the floor mats and some cracks in the fake "wood" by the shifter!
tires: 6 months old OEM Michelins 5000 miles or less
All maintenance performed per Acura on time and completely.
Right front door panel replaced when someone backed into it in parking lot, otherwise NO accidents. Car has been garaged, oil changed every 3-5K...
Edmunds says $5800 for fair/good condition.
can I expect 5800 from the Audi dealer? I would be happy with 5600 but KBB puts it well over 6K so if it is going to be 4k, I might as well sell it myself and get 7---retail is still above 9K
Thanks
===================================

Waaay out there in Portland ...... we have a 98 3.2 Acura TL with 131,000 big fat miles .. we got that no-sale green thing going on, sounds like we're knee deep in rubber, the service sounds like it's all there and we have a few kisses from K-Mart ...... If ~ it looks/drives and feels like 50k, cold breeze and we don't have that soccer Mom interior .. then trade side, in and around the super ultra tall $3's low/mid $4's .. if it needs stuff, start deducting ....

If it's as nice as you think it is .. down Retail Rd it should go - finish any service, get a superb detail by the detail gods, a glorious Ad in the Big paper and: $7,950 *asking* and cut and run at the first $7,0/$7,5 .... don't get too greedy, we're stairing down the barrel of 131,000 miles .. not the Karl Lewis "Pistol Pack" design for Dan Wesson .....

Happy hunting and don't forget the update...!

Terry

rroyce10 · May 2005

........ Bud, it's 91 degree's down here and the air is running in my boat "as we speak" .... black is like selling the Flu down here ......

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2005

....... Happy Memorial weekend everyone ....

And God bless our guy and gals that protect what we have ..... !

http://www.opgratitude.com/website2/

Terry

woodyww · May 2005

OK, now it's time for people to come out of the woodwork exclaiming how great black cars are even in FL & TX, & how even black interiors "don't get any hotter" when left in the broiling sun for a few hours......maybe one of them will buy that black truck :-)

mikefm58 · May 2005

Also, the dealer where it's listed is probably the "glitziest" dealer I've seen here in Orlando. Huge lot, huge buildings, all kinds of bright neon lights flashing around with TV and radio ads that scream at you. Hmmm....snake pit?

adrman · May 2005

Sport Package w/5 speed stick
Power Sunroof/Windows
CD Changer in trunk
Silver with black interior
Very good condition with the exception of a couple of door dings, a small chip on the windshield, and some small scratches on the rear bumper.
I just put new tires on last year, plus I also have a set of steel wheels with Blizzaks for winter driving.
The interior is in excellent shape.
Although I keep the car in NYC, 99% of the miles are highway.
Don't laugh, but the current mileage on the vehicle is 50,200.
I also had factory cruise control added and a driver's right side armrest.
Current trade values that I'm seeing are running anywhere from $4500 to an unofficial quote of $6200 through Carsdirect.
I'm looking to trade it on a Honda Accord V6 coupe w/6 speed manual.
Any thoughts on realistic expectations would be appreciated. Thanks!

stickguy · May 2005

I like these. How come I never see something like this pop up in my neighborhood?

kyfdx · May 2005

Ditto...

Wait... how far is it to NYC for you?

dwynne · May 2005

For real. If he was closer to home I might be interested in buying it for one of my kids.

Dennis

fabians · May 2005

Hey Terry,

What range should I expect for a trade in on these two:

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
2002 Mazda 4dr Tribute ES
3.0 V6 Auto
FWD
52,700 miles
Black exterior with grey leather interior
alloys, sun roof, towing packing, wood grain interior trim

Interior and exterior are clean with minor dings and scratches. No claims or repaints, etc.
Tires need to be replaced soon.

-----------------------------------
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
2003 4dr Mazda 6s sedan
3.0 6cyl 5M
FWD
26,400 miles
White exterior with grey cloth interior
base package with side airbags (no sports package)

Interior and exterior are clean with minor dings and scratches. 1 claim pending for small dent on driver door smaller than the size of a fingernail.

Thanks,
Fabian...

cdnpinhead · May 2005

Since I got no response from the resident expert here (thanks, by the way, to the two others who did offer helpful comments), I decided to do the Edmunds TMV thing.

$7414 as a trade-in.

Gotta love it.

About the only good news piece of this is that I paid for the car from funds that dropped like rocks after I pulled the money out in January of 2000. While the car may be a POS from a depreciation standpoint, the market was no prize back then either.

Don't. . .buy. . .an. . .American. . .car. . .new. . . . . .ever!

Oh, beyond that, especially never ever buy one the first model year, even if it's hyped as the first "bona fide" American competitor to real cars from Europe.

Oh, and don't buy one from a corporation that's about to go Tango Uniform due to tire issues and incompetent management.

FWIW

sandman46 · May 2005

Terry,
Could use some numbers on this baby

- 77.5k miles
- Titanium Frost
- Power windows, locks, keyless with security,seats,cd player and upgraded tires (205/65/15)
- Tires a good 80% all around
-Getting the a/c fixed in the morning. Mechanic said a low pressure something needs to be replaced, maybe a $80 job
-2 key marks on hood from some idiot in parking lot
-Passenger side power window replaced after hit and run in parking lot. Still black, not painted yet
-Interior not bad, mats could stand to be replaced
-Car still drives very nicely, as did major work at the 60k mark. Fixed all the leaks last December and both axle boots.
Car's a real nice driver, but we don't wanna put anymore $ into it as the wife is ready for a new ride. Was thinking about $6k after a nice detail. Heck, the mechanic fixing it said he could probaly find a bunch of folks to buy for $6k cash.
I was hoping for closer to $7k, but would be happy with 6 at this point. Am I in the ballpark here, as the car cleans up real nice and still drives real nicely. Heck, I told the wife to take my '03 Sentra and I'll drive the Alty for my work car, but she wants to pick her own.
Any help would be appreciated, as she's starting her test drives tomorrow while I get the a/c fixed. Figured it will sell easier with cold a/c.
Thanks as always for your help. Also, we are in the Ft. Lauderdale area.

The Sandman :-)

stickguy · May 2005

is about 2 hours from me. Thankfully I don't really need it, and don't have a trip scheduled that way.in the near future. Now, if I found one close to home, I might do something impulsive...

tellshane · May 2005

Terry,

Went to a local (well not so local) dealer in my area and they offerred 10K for the trade. This is above blue book and apparently well above Black Book, but I am just curious on the actual wholesale market, what is a fair trade value? On the flip side, NADA is a bit higher at 11K and Edmunds is around 10.4K.

Recap:
60115, IL (Dekalb County)
2001 Ford Mustang Convertible
3.8L V6 - Auto
RWD
36K Miles
Silver w/Black Leather Int
Premium Pkg Includes:
6 Disc In Dash CD (Mach Audio)
Pwr Driver Seat
Alloy Rims
Traction Control
Rear spoiler

A small crack on very front of hood (about 2 inches long) with a few minor scratches that can be buffed out pretty easily. On the crack, I've been quoted about 300-400 to repair from body shops. Other than that the exterior is in great condition, the interior is in excellent condition and tires in good condition (maybe 10-15% worn). No accidents or any other damage.

Can't believe after 4 years, I'm still upside down (well, depending on who you ask)

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