Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Real-World Trade-In Values

15215225245265271100

Comments

  • drewbadrewba Member Posts: 154
    Seattle, WA
    1998 VW Passat GLS 1.8t sedan
    -FWD
    -Auto
    -102k miles
    -Moonroof
    -Black with grey cloth interior
    -All scheduled maintenance has been performed and I have receipts
    -Paint is glossy with 5-10 small scratches that might be able to be removed by a detailer, one door ding that could be repaired without painting and a number of rock chips on the leading edge of the hood.
    -Repaired rock chip on windshield (no cracking)
    -Aftermarket CD stereo
    -Steel wheels with stock wheel covers
    -Tires have less than 50% tread left
    -Brake pads have less than 20% left
    -Interior is very clean
    -Carpet is in good shape but the floromats are worn out
    -No accidents and no repainting at all other than touching up rock chips
    -Car is mechanically perfect as far as I know except that the remotes for the alarm/keyless entry no longer work.

    I'd prefer to trade instead of selling private party. Various sources show the trade-in as $4,700 - $5,300 including the deduction for mileage. Is it realistic to expect that I could get that?

    Thanks,

    Andy
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    I agree with the others saying this should be easy to sell privately. Don't trade it to a dealer for $4K or whatever. And if you do sell it privately, don't set your asking price too low (you can always go down a bit on the price if need be)--you might be really surprised at the response. You could try an ad in the Roundel. But, your idea of "just drive it until it falls apart" could be a good one too. It "should be" one of the less expensive to maintain bmws, even when it starts needing stuff after 9-10 years. There's a column in a recent ed. of the Roundel by a guy who just bought a 318ti, & he sounds really happy with it......
  • gallileogallileo Member Posts: 51
    I'm looking at this car and kicking it around an Audi dealer's lot. I'm thinking I can get it pretty cheap, as the new C-class is supposed to ship later this month, and he's got to be nervous about that.

    Location: San Jose, CA
    Year/Make/Model: 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230
    Body Style: Sedan
    Engine: 1.8L "Kompressor"--marketing will never learn to spell, that's really a supercharger
    Driveline: RWD
    Mileage: 13,000
    Color: Dark-blue, black
    Major Options: Sun-roof package, dual power memory seats.
    Condition: I can't find anything wrong with it. Guy says the trader got into an A6. Looks very good inside and out. Just like you would expect for a car this young.
    Tires - about 55% left, these tires are rated to only 30K, and we're practically half-way there.
    Brakes - Good shape
    Maintenance - will be due for its first service in about 2K.

    Ask is about $32,000 (carsdirect aks the same for a brand new one), but I'm thinking more like 27,000

    Thanks a bunch. I'll find the no-sale-blue car of my dreams yet.
  • butchbr73butchbr73 Member Posts: 325
    Hi Terry,
    Hope all is well... wife, as always, has the itch, I've been able to put the big squash on it for some time now but I may be nearing the end of the rope if I want to live! Can you please update me on what I may be looking at?

    Acura MDX
    **********************************
    1/31/05 - butchbr73, "Real-World Trade-In Values" #24707, 31 Jan 2005 1:05 pm
    "looking '01 or '02, would like lower miles, expecting 20's/30's in the mileage department. What is the typical 'ballpark' range you see the '01 and '02's running thru the lanes at? "
    **********************************
    your response - rroyce10, "Real-World Trade-In Values" #24733, 1 Feb 2005 9:06 am

    ..... Maybe spending $23/$24 on the 01's depending on the miles .. $27/$28ish on the 02's - somewhere in and around ....
    **********************************

    Where are we today... down a few grand on both?

    Much appreciated.

    Oh yeah, found an interesting one at the local Lexus dealer. '04 MDX w/ 40,696 miles. Dark blue w/ grey inside. asking $30,350. Now, damage to the passenger front around the front of the wheel well, looks like a scrape against something, nothing to serious on the outside, no dents, just rubbed down to the bare metal a little bit around the wheel and on the plastic bumper (maybe a 4 inch by 2 inch area). Was dark, but didn't notice any other damage. Seems to me marked a little low, how much would damage like that do to the car? Me kinda thinks it was something a bit more serious but doesn't make sense why they wouldn't fix everything then... They've got an '01 w/ 57,053 miles marked at $28,260, green w/ beige.

    Much appreciated....
  • dkuhajdadkuhajda Member Posts: 487
    2000 Honda
    Going for it: it is a Honda in good shape. Manual transmission?
    Against it: 109K miles (off to auction), Black in Hotlanta, 2 door (not so practical for a family with small kids). Automatic?

    Forget about trading it. Get all service history, finish any maintenance, new tires? super detail in and out, and private party sell it. I'm thinking ask $7ish and see what the market bears.

    You are going to get killed on trade in right now on the almost 2 year old Tahoe. Again, black in Hotlanta, 2wd, gas prices high.

    Terry will bring you up to speed on ACV trade values.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    Terry, what's this worth to a dealer in Chicago?

    2004 VW Touareg V8 with all the options, premium plus package, including air suspension, nav and upgraded leather, plus 4 zone climatronic, parking assistance and winter package. Dark blue metallic with light tan interior. 4500 miles on the odometer and 3 1/2 years left on the warranty.
    Thanks,
    Paul
    ================================

    In Chi-Town ........ we have a 04 Touareg V8, we got the no-sale blue thing going on, we have all the junk, Prem+ pack, air ride, Nav, leather, 4 zipcode air, back-up beep beep, the cold pack and 4,500 miles - I guess it was in the shop most of the time, most are .l.o.l... just kidding, it's not a Cayenne ..... no meteorite hits, super clean, no Bonnie and Clyde interior, almost showroom.? .... if so, trade side, in and around the mid/tall $32's low low $33's ....

    Good luck, and don't forget to let me know ....

    Terry.
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,825
    Levi1 has this:

    "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. "

    And frnk opined:
    "... it really doesnt have any trade in value at all being over 100k miles. privately, you might get 5 thousand for it.."

    Dude,
    Are you serious? No trade-in value? It's a H-o-n-d-a, the black and 2-door action will hold it back more than a lousy 109k. The miles taketh away, but the V6 giveth mightily.

    Here in MI, home of rust and cheap cars, a 2000 EX Sedan with a four cyl and 149k just sold privately for, $7,200.

    I know cause the owner came through here and asked for a value. I briefly considered buying it before coming to my senses (at least temporarily).

    I'll let Terry put a figure on it, but my guess is at least $5 on a trade, probably around $6.
    At less than $5,000, I'll take three, keep one, and sell two on ebay.

    -Mathias
    I'm not an expert, but I try to pay attention.
  • paulieppauliep Member Posts: 19
    Thanks Terry. It's not my Touareg, just one advertised for sale. There's a real glut of them, and people seem to be asking too much for them, considering what they're going for at auction and what you can get a new one for (either $2-2.5k back of invoice or invoice and about 1% interest on a lease.

    Blue is bad? How much does blue cost in resale value?
  • droodroo Member Posts: 35
    How many times can I repost before it's rude? ;)
    Not trying to be a pest, it's just such a valuable service you provide, since I don't have a clue...I greatly appreciate any info.

    Location: Austin, Texas
    1999 Maxima SE
    Body Style: 4dr
    Engine: 3.0 liter V6, auto
    Driveline: FWD
    Mileage: 79,000
    Color: Gold with gray cloth interior
     
    Major Options: Moonroof, standard SE package, arctic AC, aftermarket tint. No radio (it’s “pre-wired for aftermarket audio”: Bose exploded, aftermarket components come with me but wiring stays, no Swiss Army knife on the install).
     
    Condition: Driver's side mirror housing is cracked/broken; power mirror still works. Other than that, looks well-maintained and cleans up good, exterior looks good, shiny paint, minor door dings and front-end rock chips, interior clean, but water stains on top of sunroof cover (looks like it was left tilted up in the rain with the inside cover closed, no damage inside car though). Tires have 7K miles on 'em, brakes 10K, struts 2K. Maintenance is current, with records (30/60K maint, oil changes every 3-4K). Runs and drives great, never had any major mechanical issues. I’m the second owner, had it since April 2002 at 21000 miles.
     
    Bad news: Rear-ended in April 2003 (doesn’t show up on CarFax). No frame/mechanical damage; got hit by a jacked-up Ford Ranger, which rode up over my bumper and took out the sheet metal, I drove away from the wreck. Repaired damage to rear bumper, right rear quarter, trunk lid and floor. Drives clean, smooth and straight since the repair, maybe an extra rattle starting to show up here or there in the back after 2 years.
     
    Looking for trade-in numbers, but it may be “all bets are off” due to the wreck...or should I try and sell it myself, wondering about damage disclosure either way. Also wondering if I should drop in a cheap aftermarket radio and speakers before trading, and whether I should fix the mirror housing.

    Thanks again.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Nothing looks more cheesy than a gaping hole in the dash. It'll make a potential buyer think you were too cheap to bother at least putting the stock radio back in there. Instant turn off.

    Do you still have the original? If so, have that re-installed. "Cheap" shows and it'll give the impression you cheaped out on other things such as maintenance.

    If the mirror looks bad I would replace that too for the same reason.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    .......... Bud, .. if you can get $6,200 from carsdirect, then you need to be there and not reading this stupid thing ...

    Dealers can buy clean *98's* all day long at the auctions for the $6/$7,0 range .... no big market, so no big deal .. grab the $$ before someone comes out of their coma ...... but, the way to go is down Retail Rd ~unless~ you hit the lottery last night and you have money to burn .l.o.l.....



    Terry.
  • grlygrlgrlygrl Member Posts: 7
    Location: Dayton, Ohio
    2002 Audi A4
    4 door sedan
    1.8T Automatic
    AWD
    44K
    Champagne/Tan leather
    sun roof, auto-dimming mirrors, on-star, 6 cd/tape bose stereo, heated front and rear seats, hands free phone system (requires motorola phone)
    Interior and Exterior are excellent
    Tires worn
    brakes good
    Audi regular service
    small ding next to wheel well, fixed can't even notice it now

    Thanks!
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    ... **Me personally I can smell a smoker's car before I open the door** ...



    Who are you trying to kid.? -- the way you drive.?

    .... you couldn't smell Smokey the Bear if he was on fire on your doorstep ...l.o.l.......


    LOL, hey, I don't drive THAT much. My Titan is 7 months old and only has 12k on it. Then again, Zippy is 10 months old and will turn 36k tomorrow. BUT, our Dodge is 6 years old with only 32k on it, lol. We go from one extreme to the other in our little car lot. :P
  • droodroo Member Posts: 35
    Thanks for the response, isell, I know it looks bad. I just don't know if either fix will even come close to paying for itself in increasing the trade value of a 7-year-old vehicle with body repair work, I guess that's the dilemma.

    The stock radio died, and the car has been rewired for amps; I don't know if the original wiring is still there so I can connect an aftermarket unit without separate amps, if not it will have to be redone plus the cost of components, not cheap. Same with the mirror, I don't know how integrated the housing is with the power mirror mechanism, if the whole thing has to be replaced, that's not cheap either.

    I guess I need to get a more specific idea about the repair costs to see how much I'd have to spend to get how much in increased trade value.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    You should do some research on the cost of replacing the stock radio vs. aftermarket. I think you said you have a stereo you took out? How valuable is it? Is it worth going thru all this?

    It might be worth spending a few hundred $$ getting these things fixed. On the other hand, if you sell it privately, some younger people buying this type of car may want to put in their own stereo anyway, & might just junk whatever you put in, esp. if it's "cheap". There was a guy here recently who put on brand new tires to help sell his car, & later found out the buyer had immediately junked them to put on larger rims. If you trade it, I suspect dealers are going to beat you up over the radio esp., but some of them are not too fond of aftermarket stereos either......
  • gallileogallileo Member Posts: 51
    Terry, I know you're a busy man, so if you can't get to this, no biggie. But if you do get a chance, I'm looking at another no-sale blue machine. Although this one actually has an automatic.
    -----
    I'm looking at this car and kicking it around an Audi dealer's lot. I'm thinking I can get it pretty cheap, as the new C-class is supposed to ship later this month, and he's got to be nervous about that.

    Location: San Jose, CA
    Year/Make/Model: 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230
    Body Style: Sedan
    Engine: 1.8L "Kompressor"--marketing will never learn to spell, that's really a supercharger
    Driveline: RWD
    Mileage: 13,000
    Color: Dark-blue, black
    Major Options: Sun-roof package, dual power memory seats.
    Condition: I can't find anything wrong with it. Guy says the trader got into an A6. Looks very good inside and out. Just like you would expect for a car this young.
    Tires - about 55% left, these tires are rated to only 30K, and we're practically half-way there.
    Brakes - Good shape
    Maintenance - will be due for its first service in about 2K.

    Ask is about $32,000 (carsdirect aks the same for a brand new one), but I'm thinking more like 27,000

    Thanks a bunch. I'll find the no-sale-blue car of my dreams yet.
  • droodroo Member Posts: 35
    Thanks for your response, I appreciate your input. I guess I know I have to fix this stuff, I just don't want to spend $500 or something to get an additional $200 in trade value.

    I do see the advantage of going back to stock, but the problem with the Bose system is that it uses various proprietary components and wiring that have been removed, so going back to stock that way wouldn't be cost-effective. FWIW, when I say a "cheap" aftermarket unit, there are plenty of Sony/Panasonic/Pioneer etc. AM/FM/CD units in the $100 range that look great in the dash and easily compare to any Bose I've ever heard (I'm not a Bose fan). Not talking about a $40 off-brand unit or anything.

    I guess I'll just leave everything in the car except the amps, subs and the front component speakers, and put in a new 4-way amp and front speakers, maybe $100-150 total. No rewiring, just connect existing wiring to the new amp, swap the front speakers, and no big hole in the dash. Problem solved.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    Dude,
    Are you serious? No trade-in value? It's a H-o-n-d-a, the black and 2-door action will hold it back more than a lousy 109k. The miles taketh away, but the V6 giveth mightily.
    Here in MI, home of rust and cheap cars, a 2000 EX Sedan with a four cyl and 149k just sold privately for, $7,200.
    I know cause the owner came through here and asked for a value. I briefly considered buying it before coming to my senses (at least temporarily).
    I'll let Terry put a figure on it, but my guess is at least $5 on a trade, probably around $6.
    At less than $5,000, I'll take three, keep one, and sell two on ebay.

    -Mathias
    I'm not an expert, but I try to pay attention.

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

    I always give credit were credit is do .... Mathias is right ..

    05/17/2005 SKYLINE $ 6,600 105,575 WHITE 6G A X NE
    05/24/2005 SAN DIEG $ 7,900 105,966 SILVER 6G A X WC
    05/24/2005 IMPERIAL $ 7,600 111,547 WHITE 6G A SE
    05/12/2005 FRDKBURG $ 5,100 112,849 BLACK 6G A X NE
    05/17/2005 SKYLINE $ 6,200 114,649 GREEN 6G A X NE
    05/11/2005 BAY CITI $ 7,750 118,644 RED 6G A WC
    06/02/2005 ATLANTA $ 6,900 119,603 2 BLACK 6G A X SE
    05/25/2005 NADE $ 7,200 120,090 BLACK 6G NE
    06/08/2005 LAKELAND $ 1,100 120,204 BLACK 6G X SE
    05/26/2005 ATLANTA $ 7,800 121,769 BLACK 6G A SE
    05/25/2005 DALLAS $ 5,900 123,528 BLACK 6G A X SW
    05/26/2005 W PALM $ 6,800 129,861 GREEN 6G A X SE
    >>>>>>>>>>>05/11/2005 NADE $ 4,500 209,830 BLACK 6G NE<<<<<< .........................................



    Scary ain't it ...................................... :shades:

    Terry.
  • ronsteveronsteve Member Posts: 1,234
    Trying to strike while we might get a Honda tangent going... what might I expect on the trade side for this one?

    Location: Wilmington, NC (might do the deal in Raleigh tho)
    2002 Honda Accord EX V6 coupe
    (that's V6/auto/comes with everything, including leather/sunroof/6 CD and all that)
    50,000 miles (by the time I make a deal)
    gold w/ tan leather interior

    exterior is free of dents/dings/scratches, but rear bumper cover has been replaced and some minor work done to driver's door, in separate incidents.
    interior is clean, leather looks good but perhaps aging a little fast
    tires are new, brakes have about 25% left
    all scheduled maintenance completed per "severe" intervals in the Honda manual

    If it makes a difference, I might be trading into a Saab, so I don't know what kinda lowball offers will happen while GM has that promotion.

    Would appreciate your guess-timate. Thanx!
    2015 Acura RDX AWD / 2021 VW TIguan SE 4Motion
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ....... Hey, your not far from Pinehurst ......

    We have a 02 Honda Accord EX 2dr .. we have 50,000 short miles, the right color for any area, auto, V6 all the "EX" stuff .... *depending* on how the rear/door work came out, and how it looks, and you haven't used this Honda for a trash compactor ...... then trade side, in and around the mid/tall $12's, might maybe get a dealer to travel towards the low low low low $13's depending on the barometric pressure and what moon phase we are in ....... the body work might hold it back and the short miles might save it, of course the coupe deal isn't any help ....

    Don't forget to let me know ............



    Terry ;)
  • piperboy72piperboy72 Member Posts: 15
    Tampa/Saint Petersburg, FL
    2001 Chevrolet Suburban
    1500 LS Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
    48,000 Miles
    Silver Birch Metallic

    AM/FM/Cassette/CD Audio System
    Power Driver Seat
    Running Boards
    StabiliTrak Stability Enhancement System
    Trailering Equipment (receiver hitch)
    Inside Rearview Mirror w/Compass and Outside Temperature Gauge
    Tinted windows

    Excellent condition, new tires and alignment. New battery and fuel pump due to recall. No blemishes, really good shape for a 2001.

    Hoping to trade, but will consider private party if the difference is really significant.

    Thanks a bunch,
    Chip
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    I'm looking at this car and kicking it around an Audi dealer's lot. I'm thinking I can get it pretty cheap, as the new C-class is supposed to ship later this month, and he's got to be nervous about that.
    Location: San Jose, CA
    Year/Make/Model: 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230
    Body Style: Sedan
    Engine: 1.8L "Kompressor"--marketing will never learn to spell, that's really a supercharger
    Driveline: RWD
    Mileage: 13,000
    Color: Dark-blue, black
    Major Options: Sun-roof package, dual power memory seats.
    Condition: I can't find anything wrong with it. Guy says the trader got into an A6. Looks very good inside and out. Just like you would expect for a car this young.
    Tires - about 55% left, these tires are rated to only 30K, and we're practically half-way there.
    Brakes - Good shape
    Maintenance - will be due for its first service in about 2K.
    Ask is about $32,000 (carsdirect ask the same for a brand new one), but I'm thinking more like 27,000
    Thanks a bunch. I'll find the no-sale-blue car of my dreams yet.
    =================================

    In the land of Aaarnold .......

    We have an 05 Benz C230 Komp - no CPO.? .... miles are a little on the tall side, color is ho-hum, it needs the 15k service, power m seats, slide .. plenty of these around ........ IF ~~~~ we've had no battles at Burger King, no visits to Maaco and the history is c-l-e-a-n ... then the dealer probably paid the mid/high $26's, maybe the low low low $27's, maybe ....

    *asking* $32,0 ..? .. eh', he ain't trying to kill anyone, but the tall $29's would probably get this one home ........ remember to do your homework and have it checked out by somebody besides that dealer ... ya never know, maybe somebody used it for a catchers mit for the golf cart on the 19th hole ........

    Terry.
  • grlygrlgrlygrl Member Posts: 7
    Hi, please help, I am going to the dealership tomorrow and could use some advice on what to accept for trade in.

    Location: Dayton, Ohio
    2002 Audi A4
    4 door sedan
    1.8T Automatic
    AWD
    44K
    Champagne/Tan leather
    sun roof, auto-dimming mirrors, on-star, 6 cd/tape bose stereo, heated front and rear seats, hands free phone system (requires motorola phone)
    Interior and Exterior are excellent
    Tires worn
    brakes good
    Audi regular service
    small ding next to wheel well, fixed can't even notice it now

    Thanks!
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ....... In the land of of, well, aah, lets see here, uhm .. hmm, what the heck do they do in Dayton anyway.? ..... oh yeah, in the land of Wright Patterson Airforce base ...

    .... we have an 02 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8t, we got the auto thing, the miles are low for the year, we got the right color, slider ...... it needs rubber and you say it's in pretty good shape .. by the way, there's no such thing as Excellent, unless your driving an 05 Audi A8L with 4,500 miles .... anywaaaay, if we haven't bounced off any salt trucks, been battered at Wendy's, no I drove over my Aunts pinetree, just a nice one .... then trade side, in and around the low/mid $16's, maybe the low low low low low low low low low $17's if it glows in the dark and it needs -0- ........

    Good luck and don't forget to let me know .....

    Terry.
  • stevesteinstevestein Member Posts: 263
    Looking to get a range for a 30-40K SC430. Friend wants to buy one coming off lease. NJ is home.
    Bill - good to see you're still in the game! Haven't been on this board in a while, just too busy.
    Steve
  • spektrespektre Member Posts: 80
    wow. heres something you never see. lemme get this straight. you want to get rid of a 1 year old luxury car that i imagine you owe a substantial amount on, buy a new, economical car and downscale payments? unless you made a substantial downpayment on the audi, you probably wont even be able to find a bank that will take a loan like this. you cant role, say $10000 negetive equity into a focus. keep your audi. it'll be cheaper than what youre thinking of doing.
    __________________________________________

    Gee 'Frank',

    Welcome to the board, and thanks for the words of encouragement! Your sentiments are like a breath of fresh air around here, especially after all the superior,accurate, and constructive advice we get from Terry, Isell, Mathias, et. al. :P

    Maybe I just get bored with cars - maybe I put 50% upfront - maybe you just like to judge people without knowing anything about their situations?

    And btw, I would NEVER buy a Focus! ;)
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Let's all calm down - people don't come in here looking for judgment; they're looking for answers to their questions. Personal financial management advice, unless solicited, isn't welcome!

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    I was curious about this myself. Knowing how nice Audi's are (esp. when they have warranty left): What are you thinking of "downsizing" to? I've been toying with downsizing from my bmw wagon.....
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ..**Looking to get a range for a 30-40K SC430. Friend wants to buy one coming off lease. NJ is home.
    Bill - good to see you're still in the game! Haven't been on this board in a while, just too busy.
    Steve** ..
    ===================================

    Hey Steve ...... if the rubber is deep, the service is to the nines, no $2.00 car washes and no one has played mumbley peg in the seats ... then it's worth in and around the $36ish range to a dealer and $40ish on the Retail side ....

    Terry.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    A friend has to sell his BMW '93 318is stick w/125K miles, N. VT. Green/tan leather, power windows & seats. S/R doesn't work. 4 new Bilsteins & recent $1K aftermarket stereo. Grill has a minor dent, a few little repainted/retouched spots on the roof. Good 15" tires. Clean Carfax, apparently very nice interior. He's had an offer of $3K from a dealer, needs to sell it fast. I offered $3500, thinking the Bilsteins & the satellite radio/CD would be a big bonus (to me). I think it's probably nice as the guy is a car nut. What do you think? Thanks in advance for any advice!

    Woody
  • chrisbgoodchrisbgood Member Posts: 77
    Trade: 2004 VW Passat GLS w/4motion and the 1.8t. Automatic, leatherette seats,cold weather package (heated seats and mirrors). 14,500 miles. One scratch (kid's bike handle) on front forward fender but may be buffable (about 7 inches long). AM/FM/CD/Cassette

    Purchase: 1999 Audi A6 Avant (wagon) Quatro 2.8/automatic. 64,500 miles. New tires (Goodyear Eagle's -- installed as part of deal). Two minor dents -- one in drivers door (ding actually) and one in front fender wheel well area. Cold weather package (heated seats all around, etc.) AM/FM/Cassette

    Location: Upstate NY

    The difference: $5,000 to me (the buyer).

    The experience: easy buy, easy dealership to deal with.A bit more room from the Passat sedan to the A6 wagon but similar cars in many areas.
  • chrisbgoodchrisbgood Member Posts: 77
    Colors -- Passat was black with black interior

    Audi A6 is Pearl White with black leather interior.
  • topgun7topgun7 Member Posts: 412
    I am trying to trade in or sell an 04 Accorde EX V6 sedan with about 15K mi, gold color in Tucson, AZ (or Phoenix). No dent, maintenance work done. What kind of trade in or private sell price should I expect? thanks.
  • butchbr73butchbr73 Member Posts: 325
    Hi Terry,
    Hope all is well... wife, as always, has the itch, I've been able to put the big squash on it for some time now but I may be nearing the end of the rope if I don't want to sleep on the couch! Can you please update me on what I may be looking at?

    Acura MDX
    **********************************
    1/31/05 - butchbr73, "Real-World Trade-In Values" #24707, 31 Jan 2005 1:05 pm
    "looking '01 or '02, would like lower miles, expecting 20's/30's in the mileage department. What is the typical 'ballpark' range you see the '01 and '02's running thru the lanes at? "
    **********************************
    your response - rroyce10, "Real-World Trade-In Values" #24733, 1 Feb 2005 9:06 am

    ..... Maybe spending $23/$24 on the 01's depending on the miles .. $27/$28ish on the 02's - somewhere in and around ....
    **********************************

    Where are we today... down a few grand on both?

    Much appreciated.

    Oh yeah, found an interesting one at the local Lexus dealer. '04 MDX w/ 40,696 miles. Dark blue w/ grey inside. asking $30,350. Now, damage to the passenger front around the front of the wheel well, looks like a scrape against something, nothing to serious on the outside, no dents, just rubbed down to the bare metal a little bit around the wheel and on the plastic bumper (maybe a 4 inch by 2 inch area). Was dark, but didn't notice any other damage. Seems to me marked a little low, how much would damage like that do to the car? Me kinda thinks it was something a bit more serious but doesn't make sense why they wouldn't fix everything then... They've got an '01 w/ 57,053 miles marked at $28,260, green w/ beige.

    Much appreciated....
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,425
    Not my favorite model, but that seems like a fair price, given the sunroof problem.

    Funny how it seems every E36 318i is green..

    He might be able to get up into the mid-4s, if he goes private party, but it might take a lot of work.. The early E36s aren't in much demand, especially the 4-cylinders...

    regards,
    kyfdx

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    Thanks for the feedback. This is partly an example of how "upgrades" & aftermarket stereos don't pay off, at the end. I'm thinking of selling it for the guy in the Boston area, but knowing how a lot of used Bmw buyers "are", I dunno......

    cheers, woody
  • jimmrjimmr Member Posts: 4
    Bronx, NY
    1999 Mazda 626 LX
    4DR Sedan.
    Dark Green,
    Auto
    85,000 miles.
    The car is in good condition, but some dings on exterior. I had to replace the mirror after it was knocked off by another car, and I didn't bother to have it painted to match the exterior of the car. The tires are new, just replaced three months ago. May need some minor maintenance.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    $3,500 is more than fair, dealer's offer is right on the wholesale money. Dealer can afford to sit on it and flip it for $1,500 profit maybe but it's a hard sell that car unless you sell it wholesale. I'd say if a private party paid $3K and wanted to re-sell there is very little room for him.
  • mark156mark156 Member Posts: 1,915
    Terry, I read every post you put here and admire your knowledge on evaluating car values... One thing, if you smoke and think no one can smell it, you are wrong. You have lost 50% of your sense of smell.

    I, like Akangl, can smell cigarette smoke from a mile away. You may leave your window cracked and you sunroof open but let me tell you, WE can detect it. It's in the air conditioning and everything else...... "US" non-smokers can tell immediately that you smoke in your car.

    Keep up the good work, I know it you are a busy man!

    Your fan, Mark156
    2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,269
    If a car is smoked in infrequently, like a rental car, the smell can often be gotten rid of with several doses of Febreze and Ozium. If it was continuously a smoker's car, it will stink within a few thousand miles of driving, window open or not. There is the possibility that this more difficult smell can be removed with an ozone generator treatment plus carpet shampooing, running odor treatment through the HVAC, and changing the pollen filter (if present), but I've never tried it.
  • steine13steine13 Member Posts: 2,825
    Just a hypothesis:
    Smoke smell can be gotten rid off over time if it's only airborne stuff that got into the seats and AC system etc. If it got in that way, it'll get out that way, over time.
    I think that's what Terry is talking about.

    But if the ashtray is in use, and the ashes find their way into the dash and into the carpet and into the seat tracks etc... it'll probably always be there.

    Buddy of mine has a '96 Nissan pickup, bare-bones hardbody that he's owned at least 4, probably 5 years. It still smells like smoke from the previous owner.

    -Mathias
  • akanglakangl Member Posts: 3,282
    Thanks for the backup mark! Dealing with finding a nice non-smoker's car used is one of the main reasons I buy new. However, hubby's Ram was a smoker's truck, BUT, the guy must have smoked outside the truck, he used to stake pockets in the bed as his ashtray, took us months to get them out. Truck does have a small hint of smoke smell, but its pretty much overpowered by the wood, oil, gas, dirt, whatever else smells that are in the truck now. :D
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    .. **A friend has to sell his BMW '93 318is stick w/125K miles, N. VT. Green/tan leather, power windows & seats. S/R doesn't work. 4 new Bilsteins & recent $1K aftermarket stereo. Grill has a minor dent, a few little repainted/retouched spots on the roof. Good 15" tires. Clean Carfax, apparently very nice interior. He's had an offer of $3K from a dealer, needs to sell it fast. I offered $3500, thinking the Bilsteins & the satellite radio/CD would be a big bonus (to me). I think it's probably nice as the guy is a car nut. What do you think? Thanks in advance for any advice!
    Woody
    ==============================

    Mornin' Woody ..........

    Hmmm, let's see .... the miles are low, the slider is busted, it's a coupe', it's a handshaker, it's 14 years old and he has some new dribblers that only makes it saleable .. oh yeah, and some expensive tunes boxes that mean about -0- to a dealer, he could accomplish the same thing with a $150 stereo from Joe's Jumpin' Jazz and Stereo Shop .....

    If he got $3,000 "real money" from a dealer, then he should have grabbed it and ran like the wind .... when you offered him $3,500 he should have slipped you the tongue and done hand-flips all the way to the bank ...... based on your description, it's a $2 grand car on the trade side, maybe ... these weren't big sellers new, let alone now .. they're kinda like Carnival Red Jags, folks loooove to "look and touch" but finding the buyer is the hard part ..l.o.l.... I have a stupid feelin' that some of that $3,000 is "overallowance" ....... but ego has a way to stick it's ugly head into a deal sometimes ...



    Terry ;)
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    ......... Your driver and $5,000 (back) right...?

    Sounds like a deal to me ........

    Terry.
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    Tampa/Saint Petersburg, FL
    2001 Chevrolet Suburban
    1500 LS Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
    48,000 Miles
    Silver Birch Metallic
    AM/FM/Cassette/CD Audio System
    Power Driver Seat
    Running Boards
    StabiliTrak Stability Enhancement System
    Trailering Equipment (receiver hitch)
    Inside Rearview Mirror w/Compass and Outside Temperature Gauge
    Tinted windows
    Excellent condition, new tires and alignment. New battery and fuel pump due to recall. No blemishes, really good shape for a 2001.
    Hoping to trade, but will consider private party if the difference is really significant.
    Thanks a bunch,
    Chip
    ================================

    Hey Chip ...... do you think we'll see any rain ..l..o..l.......

    Arlene, who would have thunk it .. gawd, it's supernatural isn't it..? ..in June no less, I can hardly wait til' August ...........

    Anywaaaaaaay ..... in Tampa, we have an 01 Burb LS half ton ... the miles are low for the year, the color is right for the area, we got the boards, tow pack, new rubber and a new start ...... if we have the 3rd seat, dual breeze - and haven't had any wars at Wal-Mart, no collisions at K-Mart, you haven't towed any 35ft boats all over the state and burned the tranny out and no soccer Moms interior ..... then trade side, in and around the low/mid $14's, might maybe could get a dealer to wander towards the $15 figure if it's super nice, glows in the dark and needs -0- ........

    .... by the way, there is no such thing as "excellent condition" unless your dating an 18 year old or your driving an 06 CLS500 Benz with 950 miles ---- or both.

    Terry. ;)
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    .... **Terry, I read every post you put here and admire your knowledge on evaluating car values... One thing, if you smoke and think no one can smell it, you are wrong. You have lost 50% of your sense of smell** ....

    Well thank you ..... but see, I never told you what I was smokin' ...l.o.l..................... :P

    Terry.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    Terry, thanks. I just did a search on e-bay & there was a '95 318is w/the same miles & a high bid of $3100 (unsold, didn't meet the reserve). I just spoke to my buddy & the $3K dealer had said he "might" be able to pay that (cash, this is not a trade-in). Sounds pretty grim; I won't go into the gory details of what he paid for the car less than a year ago. But thanks again,

    woody
  • piperboy72piperboy72 Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the reply Terry, you crack me up. I had to reread the rain bit a few times, because I'm not actually in FL, this is for my mom. I thought maybe Arlene was some friend of yours. Anyway, I'll let you know how this sorts out. And thaks again for you advice on the the Chevy Silverado in the Twin Cities, I'm so pleased with how that trade worked out.

    -Chip
  • drewbadrewba Member Posts: 154
    Trying again please...

    Seattle, WA
    1998 VW Passat GLS 1.8t sedan
    -FWD
    -Auto
    -102k miles
    -Moonroof
    -Black with grey cloth interior
    -All scheduled maintenance has been performed and I have receipts
    -Paint is glossy with 5-10 small scratches that might be able to be removed by a detailer, one door ding that could be repaired without painting and a number of rock chips on the leading edge of the hood.
    -Repaired rock chip on windshield (no cracking)
    -Aftermarket CD stereo
    -Steel wheels with stock wheel covers
    -Tires have less than 50% tread left
    -Brake pads have less than 20% left
    -Interior is very clean
    -Carpet is in good shape but the floormats are worn out
    -No accidents and no repainting at all other than touching up rock chips
    -Car is mechanically perfect as far as I know except that the remotes for the alarm/keyless entry no longer work.

    I'd prefer to trade instead of selling private party. Various sources show the trade-in as $4,700 - $5,300 including the deduction for mileage. Is it realistic to expect that I could get that?

    Thanks,

    Andy
  • ohmygoshohmygosh Member Posts: 66
    I am trying to sell my '99 Millenia S, fully loaded with 50,000 miles. The car is in excellent condition and shows like it just came out of the showroom. I've had it out on autu-trade for about 2 weeks but have only had one call. I am asking $9500 and am getting anxious. If i do not sell it privately in the next 2 weeks, I will probably have to trade it in . Any thought on the trade-in value on a new Toyota Corolla S ? I live in the Phila area.
Sign In or Register to comment.