Real-World Trade-In Values

stever · June 2005

The Volvo has been garaged its entire life and was mostly used for summer errands and trips up to the lake (I haven't seen the studded tires but they are probably like new, if a bit stale). In the last decade it mostly was kept around to loan to company every summer, which is one reason she has a waiting list.

TMV is around $1,750 and she was thinking around $2,000 when she emailed me to ask around. Since a friend will get it, $2 to $2.5k sounds right in the ball park.

Steve, Host

isellhondas · June 2005

Those have a strong following especially in my neck of the woods. I was thinking 3500.00 all day long with those miles until you said it was an Alaska car.

I used to spend a lot of time in AK and I know those cars are usually very rough especially in the more outlying areas like Fairbanks.

Even so, if it's decent for a AK car it sould bring 2500.00 easy. The automatic helps too.

stever · June 2005

I'm telling you, if this car landed in your backyard, you'd think it had been garaged in Phoenix the last 20 odd years. They had the same mechanic for at least a decade and he always got Christmas cookies too. (I used the same guy until his wife's business got so busy she made him retire and go to work for her).

I didn't think this one was old or classical enough for you to price Joe; maybe you need to check it out in person and take a reunion detour to the Fairview in Talkeetna. :-)

Steve, Host

carol123 · June 2005

Ok, I thought I gave all the answers according to the list in my last 2 posts, but unless I am missing something I haven't gotten a response. So, here I go again in the EXACT format as above. Maybe I screwed up before. Or maybe you're just too busy...there's a lot of posts on here! If I am being stupid and can't find it, I apologize.

Could I please have a trade-in value for the following vehicle:

Ocala, FL (1 hr. from Orlando)
2002 Mazda Tribute LX
4 DR SUV
V6 (automatic)
MILEAGE: 61,000
COLOR: Gray/Gray
MAJOR OPTIONS: None except what comes on it that I know of.

Condition:
EXTERIOR - overall very nice, very glossy. 1 small dent in left front qtr panel, approx. 6 small scratches, mostly on rear bumper. Some pitting on lower side plastic molding from tar. Quite a bit of tar in one of the wheelwells.
INTERIOR - overall very nice also, nothing more than average wear except for center console top, which has several punctures and one small rip.
TIRES - usable for now, but need to be replaced to sell, probably 90% worn.
BRAKES - still on original pads, but just had checked and they are fine for driving on a bit longer. I'm sure to sell, they would need to be replaced.
MAINTENANCE- good overall, oil changes every 3-5, had 30K checkup at 36K, so due at 66K

No wrecks, no bodywork done, no painting. Runs well. Everything in the car works 100% except cigarette lighter which does not work at all for some reason.

I have found quite a discrepancy in the trade-in values between the online resources and would appreciate your take on it. Thanking you in advance....

Mr_Shiftright · June 2005

Well it doesn't have to be "collectible" for me to know the values. Old 240 Volvos are just nice old cars, they aren't collectibles....how can you tell?...well the older they are, the less they are worth, which is the opposite of how collector cars generally work. See, simple!

There are some sorta-kinda "collectible" Volvos, like P1800s, the old 544 sports and the 122 Amazon wagons...but even those aren't big buck cars. Old Volvos are hard to find in nice condition...most are beat to death.

If someone offered you $3,500 you should go to jail for stealing from a baby....but I hope they do offer you that!

Gee --a car in Alaska without the windshield broken...that should be a Blue Book add-on in an Alaska zip code.

How is the old Fairview Hotel? We used to buzz it every evening and they'd set us up so we'd have a drink when I walked in.....very nice arrangement. You just can't DO that in San Francisco.

lancerfixer · June 2005

Actually, isell, this may be one of those rare, rare cases where the automatic would hurt. We old Volvo owners are a wacky bunch.

corvette · June 2005

But, anyway.. you shouldn't have any trouble selling that car in Lexington.. More Yuppies-in-training per square mile than any other place..

Hey, I resemble that remark!

stever · June 2005

Carol123, I guess your newer Tribute just doesn't have the same caché as my friend's two decade old Volvo sedan.

If it helps, the last time I got a number from Terry in here (when I was buying my '97 Outback creampuff), it was within $200 of the True Market Value.

Steve, Host

rroyce10 · June 2005

could you please give me a trade-in value for :
2002 Mazda Tribute LX - 2WD, Gray/Gray, V6
Mileage: 61,000
Ocala, FL
Exterior: Overall very good, 1 small dent in front left quarter panel, handful of small scratches, mostly on rear bumper. Some pitting on lower (plastic) under doors from tar, etc. Quite a bit of tar in front right wheel well. No wrecks or bodywork done.
Interior: Also good, with exception of center console top - this would probably need to be fixed/replaced. There a few small punctures and one about the size of a pencil eraser with a bit of stuffing peeking out.
Tires: Original. Need to be replaced. (These were great tires, can't see top of Lincoln's head yet.)
Brakes: Still on original pads.
Maintenance: basically good, oil changed every 3-5, tires rotated every other change, had a "30K" checkup at 36, so due at 66. Has had all recommended recall work.
I too have found a great discrepancy in the trade in value between Edmunds, Kelley, etc. so I am a little confused and would appreciate some enlightenment.
Thanks, Carol
================================

Mornin' Carol ..... Ocala, don't you have John Travolta for a neighbor.?

It's an 02 ... dual breeze, right ..??

It's grey on grey, we got some 61,000 hefty miles, it's a 2wd, (original tires at 61k.???) and the big service is coming up .... if you haven't smashed every Love bug between Ocala and Sebring, and you haven't used the Wal-Mart parking lots for a test pattern for a driving school ... then trade side, in and around the tall $8's low/mid $9's ... the miles aren't particularly your friend, and it needs new round things and stoppers ....

Terry

rroyce10 · June 2005

rroyce10 · June 2005

Terry, Looking to buy and seek your opinion on these 2 cars. Back in August 2004 Consumer Reports called the 2004 LS V8 sport the best new car deal with an MSRP of $40,605 and a target purchase price of $30,469. I'm in Northern NJ and dealers still have brand new '04s on the lots. There are numerous packages available and MSRP's range from $41,795-$45,195. My question is what are these cars worth? The brand new 2005's are almost a year old, so these are 2 year old brand new cars. Am I better off looking for a low mileage '04 10/12K miles. What are those going for?
As for the 2005 Cadillac CTS under GM's employee discount plan the base CTS with leather & 3.6 L engine & 5 spd auto is selling for $30,787.00. What is this going to do to prices for low mileage 2004's. What are they going for now at 10/12k miles? Or is this price pressure going to take a while to trickle down?
What's the best value in your opinion and which is the better car? I assume the Cadillac is going to hold its value better since they're no word on whether Lincoln is going to continue to make the LS. Thanks in advance.
===================================

Just remember to compare apples to apples .... a loaded up CTS will have a $40ish MSRP and a LS V8 will be "around" $45/$46ish, so make sure you check out the options on both - "and" a no slider kills any luxo/sport .... I wouldn't worry about the LS's they will be replaced - that said, these will make the best buy on the pre-owned market .......... 04 LS's with "all" the stuff, miles in the 7/9/12k range are doing in and around the $22/$23ish range at the auctions, you should be able to pick one up for the $25ish range or less .. and the 05's, with the $45 MSRP sitting in the glove box and miles in the 5/10k range are doing around the $25ish range .. so that means you can probably buy one for around the $27ish zipcode ........ 05 3.6 CTS's with a sticker of $40, with all the junk are doing around the $26/$27ish range with miles in the 5/8k range .....

Who cares what the price is if you don't like the car ... so "Drive them" both and see which one you like better ... I sold a golf buddy a 15k 03 BMW 530i two months ago and now he hates it, I told him from Jump Street he wouldn't like the car, it's not him, but he read 18 "car enthusiasts" mags and went by that .. oh well.

Always "buy and drive" what you like ....................

Terry.

scottinky · June 2005

Lexington, KY
1995 Mercedes Benz C220
4dr
2.2ltr 4cyl Auto
RWD
43,500 Original Miles
White/Beige Leather
Pwr windows, locks, sunroof, abs, airbags, cruise
Exterior is pristine. no scratches or dings
Interior could use a detail
new tires, routine maintenance done anually
service records available

au94 · June 2005

as usual, Teryy's right on the money, no pun intended. We shopped around for 3 vehicles, saab 9-3, maxima and a Volvo S40 and were offered right in that range. Unfortunately that is right at what we owe on the car. I knew this going in but was hoping with some incentives, esp. on the Saab we could pull off a steal of a deal, but that's ok. We'll just pay it down really low by the end of the year and catch a year end special. Best way to shop for a car is when you really don't need one!!

thanks for the great advice Terry!!

millspd · June 2005

I am really thinking about trading in my recently repaired Avalon. Here are the particulars

2004 Toyota Avalon XL
6600 miles
black outside, tan inside
it has the usual XL stuff plus dual power seats, alloy wheels, and keyless entry. Sticker was right around $28,000.
the hail damage was pretty bad. The total bill ended up being $7000. Some of the repairs were with PDR, but the hood, decklid, and most of the rightside was fixed conventionally (and thus dismantled, fixed, and repainted).
The repair looks good -- it was done by a bodyshop my family has used for years but it is still a repaired vehicle.
tires, brakes, etc. all fine, and all maintenance has been done by the dealer. Interior is clean.

I live in beautiful Joliet, IL, 50 some miles southwest of Chicago.

stickguy · June 2005

For a friend, he wants to move up from this. He has heard from 7K- 8.5K ish from an Infiniti and a Caddy dealer. What say the Oracle?

2001 Acura CL Type S, San Marino Red
86,000 miles
Body/Interior in good condition. Some body scratches on the bumpers but paint is in good condition. Everything is intact and works.

About a year ago I hit a deer and they replaced the whole front bumper and headlight, but there was no other body damage. But they did not have to replace any of the metal. They repainted the whole front end just to blend the colors but there were no marks on the hood or fenders.

I would classify condition overall as very good but not excellent. Car has had all scheduled service (with Acura) and never any major mechanical work. Needs a set of tires though.

rroyce10 · June 2005

Hi Terry (and the gang),
Remember that '97 Outback wagon I got with 34k on it a while back? The garage mate is for sale:
1984 Volvo 240 GL 4 door sedan. No kisses. Leather, sunroof and automatic. Also has an AM/FM radio and tape deck (lol, no, not the 8-track variety). Comes with 4 mounted snow tires and a new battery. Light brown.
58,000 original one owner miles.
She has a buyer (plus a waiting list) - just wants to get the fair price for it. Thanks!
Steve, Host
====================================

97 Outback wagon with 34k, I would like to have about 10 of em' .....

Hmmm, you see a bunch with 158,000 miles and quite a few with 258,000 miles, but 58,000 miles ....?

84 Volvo 240 with (wholly cow.!) 58,000 itty bitty tiny miles .... ya know the drill by now: little or no rust, no problems with the slider, wires, stoppers, hoses are newish, service is 125% and it looks, feels and drives like a 98ish type Volvo with almost cold breeze ..

Folks that know these 240's, know they can see a looooong life (Properly serviced) .... great detail, great Ad (if ya got a list, forget the Ad) all the service records super glued to her forehead ... if it's as clean as you think it is (a Puff), then I would be *asking* $3,900 .. that's a little over book prices, but heh, go find a duplicate and I will give someone 12 months to find one ... but I would take $2,9/$3,5 - Cash ............ I just sold a 89 240 wagon with 111,000 miles to a wholesaler for $1,800 -- he couldn't get here fast enough, it wasn't a particularly "nice" vehicle and it needed a few things ..............

Terry.

isellhondas · June 2005

Well, Joe...

Actually you COULD buzz the St. Francis but somehow, I don't think they would have a drink waiting for you when you landed!

kyfdx · June 2005

Yeah... but 18000 of them are "re-post of a re-post"..

stever · June 2005

And Joe and everyone else who weighed in on the Volvo. Watch a moose kick in the fender now....

Steve, Host

robr2 · June 2005

They're all over Nantucket and the Vineyard as summer cars for the old money types. People driving MB's and BMW's on the islands are considered "flashy".

danf1 · June 2005

He doesn't come here any more so I'll do it for him.

We've got a 2004 Saturn Ion Redline
Black with black cows
Manual trans
Ridiculously large factory spoiler
Maintained by an automotive fanatic so I assume it still looks as good as it did when new.
13,500 miles
Hoping to trade in Pittsburgh

bcb1 · June 2005

Terry,

My son is getting ready to graduate from Ft Benning, GA - he's a real, live, "army-man" now

Dad is full of pride, needless to say.

Anyhooo...he's got a 1997 Nissan Maxima that he won't be needing, and wifey is thinking about selling it to mom-in-law. Need the trade-in and retail value:

Zip code: 25401 - Martinsburg, WV
1997 Nissan Maxima, 4 door
V6 engine, auto, 135,000 miles. Slider. Decent rubber, probably around 75% tread. Not sure on brakes (they haven't been replaced since he bought it 1 year ago). Gold exterior with a few dings and kisses, nothing major. The paint (clearcoat) is flaking off the rear spoiler though, perhaps a sign that part of it has been repainted at some point?

It's had normal oil changes/lubes since he's had it, but otherwise nothing major. Runs GREAT. Lots of pickup and very peppy. Interior is okay, not perfect but no major flaws. I'd rate it at "average to good" overall condition.

What's a fair price if he trades it, versus a "retail road" price if we decide to sell it ourselves? Thanks for your help

dudemize · June 2005

Hi all,

Looking at a Certified used 2001 T&C Limited FWD, 39,700 mi, good condition. The edmunds trade in was $11,600 and dealer retail certified was around $16,200. What is a reasonable price for this? I was thinking around $14,000. They're asking 17,900 which is obviously too much. Even at 14,000 that would still give them almost a 20% profit margin assuming they paid close to trade in which I'm sure they did. Thanks.

JGT74 · June 2005

Hi Terry. The luster of a two door car is starting to wear off for me and I was wondering what my Solara might be worth (on trade in) before I even consider getting on the street and trying to trade it in. The specifics are:

Location: Houston, Texas
Vehicle: 2001 Toyota Solara SE (purchased Sept 2000)
Style: 2 door coupe
Engine: 3.0 V6, 4 sp automatic, FWD
Mileage: 73,500
Color: Silver ext, Charcoal interior, cloth seats
Options: 16" Alloys, JBL radio/speakers AM/FM, Cassette, single CD, rear spoiler, cruise control, manual A/C, power windows and locks, keyless entry, power driver seat, 4 wheel ABS, rear window defogger, fog lights
Condition: Ext: Paint glossy, some chips on hood. a few dings from doors of other cars, one dent in passenger side rear quarter panel, scuff the size of a quarter on rear bumper.
Condition Int: no stains, minor scratches, all electronics work, a/c cold, clean
Tires: all the same, about 50% worn
Brakes: front and rear pads (and rear rotors) replaced within the last 4 months
Maintenance: regular maintenance performed (oil change every 3k-4k, transmission service every 25-30k, etc), belts recently changed and radiator recently flushed and refilled
Other: No insurance claims or repaints

Thanks!

woodyww · June 2005

I'm guessing anywhere in the Yuppie &/or College Town areas of Mass., this would be a hot item (Wellesley, Northampton, "the islands", etc.). I'm glad Terry gave it it's due. Maybe it's not exactly a collectabile, but IMO it's one of those "iconic" cars. I remember drooling over a new 240GLT wagon in the early '80's, I think(?), if my memory serves.....shoulda bought it.

rroyce10 · June 2005

..... Sorry, but some of us have a life .............

Terry.

rroyce10 · June 2005

Hello Terry,
Please provide me the good price for the below (Buying from BMW Dealer )
Location : Danbury,CT (Nearest City : NYC).
Year : 2003
Make : BMW
Model : 525i (4 Dr Sedan)
Engine : 2.5L V6 Auto RWD
Mileage : 36,141
Color : Black/Grey
Certified Pre Owned
It has following options
sports pkg, Xenon lights, headlight washer, cold weather pkg and split rear seats, Park Sensors
Tires : New
No accidents reported and no signs found in the car for any accidents
Asking price : $31,400.
After seeing the Carfax report. I found that
From Dec 2002 to Sept 2003 the mileage was 11,576 (May Be Demo Vehicle)
It was registered to one Owner in California on Oct 2003.
Now its with BMW dealer.
Please tell me is it worth buying it for 31,400? if not please suggest a bargain price.
Need your suggestions badly.
Thanks in advance.
==============================================

Up there in Danbury, tell Mr. Boughton I said hello .....

We have a 03 BMW 525i with 36k ... we got the auto, blinders, cold and sport pack, back-up beep beep, color is good for the area and we have the CPO .......... does Carsmack show any auction activity.? does it show "registered" or titled before the 11k.? not too many dealers drop 11k on a demo, especially a 5 series, maybe it was the cute little blond that did the paperwork or his 3rd wife ... because of the original location, I would have it looked at real real close, maybe fender work, maybe a little California drive-by - or maybe nothing at all .....

Dealer probably paid in and around the tall $26 low low $27ish figure for it, so figure the CPO, a little this and that and it probably hits the table at in and around the the mid $28's ........... asking $31,400.? he's not out of line, sounds like he's just trying to turn and burn it, I doubt this will pay for his kid's cost at Trinity College ..l.o.l..... but try $30,000 and work your way from there ........

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

Terry :shades:

jimbres · June 2005

Terry -

You're doing the Lord's work here. To settle an estate, I need private sale & trade-in values for the following. I'll probably sell this myself, but there's a chance that I might hang onto it long enough to use as a trade when my wife buys her next new car this fall.

In Scotch Plains, NJ (approx 25 miles from NYC)
1997 Ford Taurus GL 4-dr sedan (FWD, obviously)
Mileage: 29,435 (owned by elderly couple)
3.0 liter Vulcan V-6 (base engine for that year)
4-spd auto trans
Red exterior w/tan cloth interior
Has the following options:
AM/FM radio / cassette tape player (No CD player)
ABS brakes
power windows, power side mirrors & power driver's seat
Exterior is largely unblemished - fewer dings, scratches etc. than you'd expect to find on a typical 8 or 9-yr-old sedan. Car was always garaged when not in use.
No hits or repaints
Interior is clean & unstained
Car has been maintained by the book.
Tires may be up for replacement. I'm not sure of this because I'm 75 miles away as I write this & can't run out for a look at the car.
What can I say? It's a Ford Taurus, albeit one that's in better than average shape for a '97.

Many thanks for your help with this.

dc83 · June 2005

Hi, Terry please let me know what i should be expecting through a private sell,and trade in for my car. Thank you
Location: Los Angeles,CA
Year/Make/Model: 1998 Toyota Camry XLE
Body Style: Sedan
Engine: 3.0 Six Cylinder Automatic Trans
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 115000
Color: Dark Green Ext on Tan Int
Major Options:Alloy Wheel,Leather/Power Seats,Single CD player,Sunroof,Side airbags,ABS pretty much fully loaded
Details of interior: everything works, but i burned a fist size hole on the passenger side rear seat(leather got burned off but the foam under it is okay) , other than that it looks just like what you'd expect out of a 7 years old car int
Condition of exterior: rock chips/dings here and there,some scuffs on the front bumper, big scratches on right rear quarter panel,shattered right rear view mirror(someone with a motorcyle tried to squeez thruough in heavy traffic bumped into it and broke it,ran away) :mad:
Tires - 50 percent left
Brakes:just had a brake job
Maintenance: had a tune up at 100k
Other: one insurance claim from a small accident i had,replaced front bumper

rroyce10 · June 2005

Lexington, KY
1995 Mercedes Benz C220
4dr
2.2ltr 4cyl Auto
RWD
43,500 Original Miles
White/Beige Leather
Pwr windows, locks, sunroof, abs, airbags, cruise
Exterior is pristine. no scratches or dings
Interior could use a detail
new tires, routine maintenance done annually
service records available
========================================

In old Kentuk ...... what's the question.? .. buying selling.?

Anyway ... we have a 95 C220 Benz, miles are low for the year, good color anywhere, slider and the usual power pack ...... if the leather is clean, no paintwork, no I backed into my neighbors boat and had to have the trunk replaced and painted, just a clean one with the service and the rubber being from yesterday .... then trade side, in and around the mid/tall $3's low/mid $4's, might maybe get real lucky and get some dealer to wander towards the $5 figure, maybe .....

Actually the place for this dude is down Retail Rd - finish any service, super detail, get a super Ad and: $8,495 *asking* and cut and run at the first "real" $7,5/$7,9 ........... what figures were you thinking.?

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

Terry.

modexec · June 2005

Hi!

This is probably off-topic, and if this question is more appropriate somewhere else, please move it or tell me where to go. In any event, it's my first post, so I think I'm deserving of a little slack...

I've gotten the Edmunds TMV for my car (2003 Lincoln Town Car Executive) and have noticed the regional adjustment factor that pads my car's value with a few extra bucks (ZIP 32207).

I'm able to sell my car just about anywhere, so I'm naturally curious about two things. First, what regions allow for the greatest positive regional adjustments (and, for when I'm ready to buy a car, what regions yield the most depressed regional adjustments). Second, how does Edmunds collect that adjustment data, and is that data published somewhere?

Thanks!

scottinky · June 2005

this is definitely a private sale car, no trade. I was thinking the same numbers you were.
we'll see what happens.

frankdnj · June 2005

It depends on the car. Four wheel drive is worth more in the North and less in the South. Convertibles are higher in the South then in the North and would be even lower in the North during the Winter. Color adjustments work the same way. White is always more popular in warmer climates.

I don't think that it's going to be very cost effective to try to make/save money by buying/selling from different areas. I could see dealers maybe coming up North in the Winter to buy convertibles at the auctions and going South in the Summer to buy four wheel drive, but it's not worth it for an individual.

mirth · June 2005

Hi Terry. We're thinking about trading my wife's Alero in on a minivan in the near future (kid number two due in August). What's the trade-in on this sucker?

2000 Olds Alero GL Sedan
Detroit, MI
3.4L V6
Auto
60,000 miles
No-sale blue
Cloth, CD, power locks/windows
Average condition - no accidents
Tires about 1.5 years old
All regular maintenance done

Thanks!
Ian

dbanks72 · June 2005

Even though Edmunds gave a trade-in value of 11600, and assuming the dealer actually was able to get the vehicle for that price, how much was charged to recondition the vehicle? When negotiating you SHOULD come in with a set amount that you are willing to pay based on the value of the vehicle. But you can't accurately based that number on what you believe the dealership purchased the vehicle for (whether it was traded or purchased at auction). Most dealers have an average shop bill of between $600 and $800. That should be added in to the trade in value. Now you are talking about $12400. Assume that the vehicle sat on the lot for 2 months and the dealer paid 200 per month in lot charges (most dealerships are financing the vehicles on their lots, they don't own them). Now the cost is 12800. Include the cost to the dealership of the limited warranty of around $100. You are now talking about a little over 9% profit. Average commission for the sales person of 20% would be $220. The managers 10% would be 110. That leaves 770. After paying the operator, accounting department etc. what the dealer actually sees is much less than 9%. National average is 2% profit hits the bottom line. I understand that some dealers have done terrible things. But a 2% margin doesn't seem to be the "lambs being led to slaughter" scenario I keep reading about. Yes, you should be well informed. I prefer a well informed customer. And edmunds does a wonderful job protecting you from dirty "tactics". But all markup is not without reason. What we bought it for, and what it actually cost us is not necessarily the same thing.

motormaniac · June 2005

Dear Terry:

I am writing you because I want to trade in my current vehicle for a 2005 GTO that the dealer wants to sell me for $30813.00 which he said is his price on it. My payoff amount is $12,500.00, he offered me $10,000.00 for my Focus sight unseen and said the offer can only go down not up when I do bring it in to him. He suggested that I sell my vehicle privately if I want more money for it. I really need to know what my car should be worth so that I can bargain with that, and does anyone know what a GTO 6-speed 2005 should be going for in NJ, NY, Pa area, or what dealership is the fairest in pricing on these cars.

Thank you all

Junior

Location: [Astoria/ NY 11101]
Year/Make/Model:2003 FORD SVT FOCUS
Body Style: [2dr hatchback]
Engine: [2.0 four cylinder, 6-speed manual transmission.]
Driveline: [FWD]
Mileage:35600
Color: [CD SILVER/BK. LEATHER BLUE CLOTH]
Major Options: [alloys, audiophile package-6 disc in dash cd changer, 300 watt stereo system, steering wheel controls, one touch sunroof, cold weather package-heated seats, traction control, engine block heater, heated side mirrors, Extended Warranty Bumper to Bumper from Ford to 100k miles transferable to new owner.]
Condition:
Details of interior and exterior- interior never smoked in or eaten in. one scuff on lower front valance.
Tires - changed all four 200 miles ago.
Brakes-good condition
Maintenance-maintained as per SVT recommendations, and the dealer intervals, and the service book recommendations all services performed on time all the time.
Other: nothing is wrong with this car, just time to look at new one now with some good deals to be had.

rroyce10 · June 2005

Terry -
You're doing the Lord's work here. To settle an estate, I need private sale & trade-in values for the following. I'll probably sell this myself, but there's a chance that I might hang onto it long enough to use as a trade when my wife buys her next new car this fall.
In Scotch Plains, NJ (approx 25 miles from NYC)
1997 Ford Taurus GL 4-dr sedan (FWD, obviously)
Mileage: 29,435 (owned by elderly couple)
3.0 liter Vulcan V-6 (base engine for that year)
4-spd auto trans
Red exterior w/tan cloth interior
Has the following options:
AM/FM radio / cassette tape player (No CD player)
ABS brakes
power windows, power side mirrors & power driver's seat
Exterior is largely unblemished - fewer dings, scratches etc. than you'd expect to find on a typical 8 or 9-yr-old sedan. Car was always garaged when not in use.
No hits or repaints
Interior is clean & unstained
Car has been maintained by the book.
Tires may be up for replacement. I'm not sure of this because I'm 75 miles away as I write this & can't run out for a look at the car.
What can I say? It's a Ford Taurus, albeit one that's in better than average shape for a '97.
Many thanks for your help with this.
===========================================

**You're doing the Lord's work here** ..........

Well, we kinda got this thing going on .... he keeps me sane, and I keep him updated on how much those Pearly Gates are costing him ..l.o.l....

Anywhooo ... good description thanks .....

We got this 97 Taurus GL with small miles, the Vulcan V6, ABS, the color is kinda hinky, power pack, been garaged, no battles at the Mall, it's a little light in the rubber department and the service is up to date ...... if we have Polar air and it looks and drives like an 01, then trade side, in and around the high Teens low/mid $2's, might "maybe" could on a good day find a dealer to drop the high $2's - big maybe .......... this would make for a great car down Retail Rd, superb detail, a great Ad, all the history and service stuff stuck to the ceiling and $4,500 *asking* and $3,5/$4,0 gets a new owner ......... the miles save it and it shouldn't last long if it's a nice clean one ...

Terry.

gambiaman · June 2005

I am planning of selling my Lexus 2001 RX 300 FWD with about 95,000 miles on it to my daughter late this fall. By then of course it will be a model year older. It is silver with black leather interior, has a moon roof, roof rack, xenon head lights, no nav, CD changer. Tires are Michelin with about 50% tread remaining by then. No Burger King stuff in it. Never let anyone eat in it. Very clean vehicle with minor rock dings on front. No parking lot kisses. No mechanical problems that I know of. All maintenance up to date. Rather than trade it in I want to sell it to her for about what I could get on a trade in on a 06 Volvo XC90. I plan to buy the Volvo on the OSD program so there is no negotiating on price other than what they would give me for a trade-in. Just need a fair price to sell it to her for. I live in Merritt Island, Fl and she lives in none other than Terrys Mickey Mouse Town. I have looked at KBB and Edmunds but after reading this forum for a long time I dont trust the figures because most here seem to say they are too high.
Thanks
Emm

rroyce10 · June 2005

........ Morning Emm ... ... I was in your backyard a few weeks ago at the MI Sea Ray plant doing a few little product comparisons .....

Sooooo we gotta fwd 01 Lexus RX300 with 95,000 big ones ... the silver is good the black isn't, the rubber is decent, we got the slider thing, the blinders, rack, CD, no big deal on these nav's - get her a Garmin for $300 - and nav's, they're only worth around $400/$500ish on a trade and you say no kisses and the service is 100% ......... if it's a clean one and you haven't backed over the giant sign at Ron Jons, no Love Bug attacks or had any bumper battles at Publics .. then trade side, it's going to be worth in and around tall $13's low $14's if it's a nice one .... and you could easily see the $16 range down Retail Rd.

Terry.

Disclaimer: subject to change in the Fall, any weather conditions or hurricanes, any direct meteorite hits, or falling debris from another NASA shot.

stewardrobbins · June 2005

Located in Spokane, WA, but I'm thinking I'll have to sell regionally thru Autotrader or Ebay.
4door wagon, V8, AWD
9800 miles - that's right, less than 10k
Champagne Pearl exterior, tan leather inside
Options: navigation, 6 disc CD changer, wind deflector, carpet mats, hood protector, wood dash
Condition: always garaged, oil changed at 3K (Mobil 1) by dealer. No repairs.
Excellent condition, only a few very tiny chips.
Purchased new from a dealer in September, 2003, so it still has over a year of factory warranty left.

How much do you think I can get for this truck on Ebay or Autotrader, or are there any other selling options? I don't think the Spokane area market is large enough to sell locally, but I could be wrong.

I also have a set of 4 virtually new Bridgestone Winter Dueler tires on OEM Toyota Alloy wheels that I will include or negotiate for separately.

peiomi · June 2005

Terry:

Can you give me a real world value for my VW Touareg V8 with the following options:
original owner
17,800 miles
silver exterior
special order teak interior
Xenon lights
front, rear seats & stearing wheel heated
19" Oem wheels
17" Oem winter wheels
sun roof
convienence package- touch door handles and car locks and unlocks
am/fm cd upgraded stereo- stereo package #2
Thanks in advance!

Forgot to mention I am in the Chicago area

wayde · June 2005

Hi Terry -
Can you provide trade & pvt party numbers for a 2003 Protege5?
Minneapolis, MN
White / Black Leather
Autostick
Moonroof
6CD
AutoDim/Compass Mirror
Tinted Windows
AutoStart (2way)
15,xxx miles
Excellent condition in & out
All service done at Mazda

Thinking of moving up to a TL/G/3.

Thanks!

Wayde

celkan · June 2005

I'm in San Diego, going to Boston, so I want to sell my practically as-new 2005 G35. This is the new model with the upgraded interior and 280HP engine. Only options are sunroof and automatic, but leather, heated seats, stability control, and a lot more are standard.

What is it realistic to expect, and what is the best way to sell it in less than a week?

Thanks for all advice!

stickguy · June 2005

the quickest (although not neccesarily the most profitable) is to take it to an Infiniti dealer or used car center (car sense or whatever is by you) for a straight buy out. Other than that, stick it in the biggest paper in the area, but be prepared for a lack of activity, or people with "issues" getting the money together.

rroyce10 · June 2005

Hi Terry -
Can you provide trade & Pvt party numbers for a 2003 Protege5?
Minneapolis, MN
White / Black Leather
Autostick
Moonroof
6CD
Autodim/Compass Mirror
Tinted Windows
Auto Start (2way)
15,xxx miles
Excellent condition in & out
All service done at Mazda
Thinking of moving up to a TL/G/3.
Thanks!
Wayde
=======================================

Hey Wayde .. sure I can ...... in Minny soda we have an 03 Mazda P5, miles are looooow for the year, color is good for anywhere, we have the autostick, slider, tunes ........ sounds like you've been reading here for awhile, so you know the deal ... no driving range target, no Maaco, no KFC still sitting in the back seat since 04 and the service is 100% ..... if so, then trade side, in and around the tall $10's low low $11's, might maybe find a dealer to drop the mid $11's if it's a baby doll, needs -0- and those low low miles ......... Retail Rd, super bath, super Ad and $12,900 *asking* and $12/$12,5 gets a new owner -- tax savings in Minny Soda, right.?

Happy hunting .. and let me know what happens .!

Terry.

drewba · June 2005

You live in Frazier territory, don't you....? .... I think Isell lives around there also ...

Let's take a look see .... it's a 98 V-Dub Passat GLS 1.8t fwd ...... auto (that's good), big miles (not good), slider (that's good), service is up to date (that's good), color is good for the area, needs new round things and stoppers (not good) and we have a few kisses here and there, so the vehicle "sounds" used, not abused ...... well, if the breeze blows cold, everything works and it will clean-up nice .. then trade side, in and around the mid/tall $2's, might "maybe" find a dealer that will get super brave and drop the low low low low (did I say low.?) low low low $3's in it ......

... $4,700 - $5,300 ...?? I guess this comes from the National Enquirer or Mad magazine.?? .. the problem with most info sources are, they aren't even close when it comes to high miles .. those are almost retail figures -- what am I saying.?!? .. those "are" Retail figures ..l.o.l....

Good luck and don't forget the update .!

Terry.

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

Update

Thankfully for me on this one, the dealers were closer to my numbers. I got it appraised at 3 places and after negotiating, the values for $4,000, $4,600 and $4,800. I ended up taking the $4,600 as trade on an Acura TSX which I got for $1,100 over invoice. It's hard to separate the two parts of the transaction, but overall it feels like a fair deal.

Thanks!

Andy

sandman46 · June 2005

Terry,
Looking to trade this in on a Mazda3 or a Jetta L. I prefer the Mazda3 i, while the wife thinks she'll like the "s" model better. She also likes the Jetta L. Here are the specs on the Altima:
Ft. Lauderdale area
Power pack including power drivers seat
Automatic
79,000 miles
Titanium Frost
A/C works intermittenly, needs $500 repair on evaporator
2 scratches on the hood
Inside looks o k, mats could be replaced
3 new tires, 4th is at 50%
Car drives nicely and looks good cleaned and detailed
Single cd/ stereo
Would just like to trade this puppy into Mazda or V W dealer as we don't want to put anymore $ into the car.
What says the expert on this o k vehicle?

The Sandman :sick:

(Since I'm still recovering from my auto accident, told the wife I will only drive the exact car she wants, as the doctor says not to drive with all the meds I am currently taking for the spinal problems that have occurred.)

rroyce10 · June 2005

....... No matter what, you still got a good deal .... probably dropped $3,500 in it, and the rest was "overallowance" ..... dealers in your area can buy (in the wrapper) 98 GLS's with 50/60K for around the low/mid $5's .....

Enjoy your new ride ...................

Terry.

kyfdx · June 2005

I agree with your wife... get the "S" model..

wayde · June 2005

Terry! Will update you when something happens. Yeah, I read too many car boards on the i-net, Edmunds being the main one

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