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! =====================================
Good question and let me try to answer #2 first .... I have no idea where Edmunds gets their info, I have no clue, not even a whisper .. I've wondered that myself though, especially when you plug-in a light colored Infiniti and it shows a "minus" $200 for Florida .. so I do know the regional adjustments can be off, maybe it's the barometric pressure or perhaps they use the alignment of Saturn and Pluto in the second phase ...
I don't do Zipcodes, but with you being in Jax you shouldn't have a problem selling the TC -- it will all depend on the color, the miles, condition, service history and how cold the air blows .. now, if your were in Pittsburg in January you might have a real problem with a RWD .....
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
================================
Ian ..? -- are you Ian Fleming or Ian Hunter ..?
In Motown we got this 00 Old's Alero GL 4 door auto ... it's got the V6, no help with the color, miles ain't bad, rubber is kinda ok, we got the power pack, not much of description ......
If ~~ you haven't bounced it off any salt trucks, driven through Ohio and killed the struts, been going to those $2.00 car washes and you don't have boxes of "something" in the seats .. then trade side, in and around the low/mid $3's, might maybe get a dealer to travel towards the mid/high $3's, maybe ........... food for thought, great car for Retail Rd - $6,495 *asking* and $5,5/$5,9 gets into a new driveway ..... in your area it probably would sell fast (properly done) .....
.... ** 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. ** ...
Hi Terry I have a 2003 Nissan Frontier XE King Cab in Jacksonville FL. 2.4 4 banger 5sp.manual 2RWD short box 8500 on the clock red ext.gray int. service is up to date tires 8500 miles on them rear bumper has a little parking lot war damage not too bad no power pack but it does have the up-graded interior ie carpet,mats.am/fm/cd,sliding rear window.tilt wheel,alloys,drop in bed liner,fog lights after market self installed,a/c,basic but not low end on options list interior is clean brakes are good and it has 4 wheel ABS. trade in value please,THANKS SSONE
You make a point I've always wondered about. I track prices on Edmunds with vehicles I'm interested in......both used and new.
I'd like to think I'm an experienced car buyer, given I've bought a bunch over the last 25 years for both myself and other family members.
I find Edmunds to be 50-50 when it comes to TMV....particularly on new cars (you, of course are "KING" of the used values). I've even shown Edmunds numbers to multiple dealers on the same vehicle. Sometimes they say, "yeah, we'll make that deal". Other times Edmunds has been off by as much as $1,000....and no dealer will touch their TMV.
I know they say their calculation formulas are proprietary and are supposed to be adjusted by zip code, but they've been correct only 50% of the time in my experience.
I suppose if you're playing baseball, a .500 average is great. In the car buying world, it's not so good, though.
Hi Terry, Thanks in advance for your time. I love reading the forum. I am looking to get out of my Expedition and get into a minivan. What can I expect to here at the dealer. Here is the stats: Location is Houston, TX 2002 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 5.4 liter V8 2WD 45,500 miles Black and tan exterior -- Beige leather interior New tires, new shocks, Entertainment package TV/VCP, 17" Tires, 3rd row seat Interior and exterior are in good condition No accidents or repairs
Thank you again. I plan on going with the Toyota Sienna if the numbers are right.
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. Any help is greatly appreciated since I am about to trade it in! Thanks Again!
I think...THINK...Edmunds explains somewhere that their TMV is a "target price", that is, a fair price for all concerned, not the best possible lowest price achievable.
So I think the dealers' reactions are based to some degree on what they are selling and how much they like it.
It's like baseball, there are way too many variables to pack into a formula. The goal is to give people at Edmunds their "best shot" given the limitations of packing a very complex market into a formula that is easily deliverable.
Are you getting rid of the G35 because of RWD in the winter? If I were you, I'd bring it to Boston with you and buy a set of snows and rims. The plowing is good here. If it's so bad that it's not, you shouldn't be out there anyways.
This also directly from Edmunds: "The True Market Value SM (TMV®) price is our exclusive method for calculating what others are paying for vehicles (based on actual sales data from your region)."
Hi Terry, I know that you are some super value estimator. I want to trade in my 2004 5 Speed Automatic G35 coupe for a 2005 6 Speed Manual G35 coupe. Here are the details for my car.
Heres a pic to start it of:
Location: NYC, NY
Time of ownership: since August 2004
Make: 2004 Infiniti 5 Speed Automatic G35 Coupe
Estimated Mileage at trade-in: 8000
Engine: 3.5 Liter V-6, 280 HP, 270 lb-ft torque
Driveline: Rear wheel drive
Color: laser red/graphite leather
Major Options: Premium Package (includes Bose® premium audio system with AM/FM and in-dash, single-slot 6-disc CD autochanger, and eight speakers and Radio Data System (RDS) Power sliding tinted glass sunroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade Dual-zone Automatic Temperature Control Auto on/off headlights HomeLink® Universal Transceiver offers control for compatible garage doors, home lighting and home security systems Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel), Splash guards, Carpeted trunk mat, Body side moldings
Condition: Excellent, 3 hairline scratches at front right bumper, replaced rear bumper, perfect paint. Interior is perfect. Tires are still new. Brakes are good. Front windshield has a dime size crack from ice.
Other: One insurance claim. My car was keyed. It cost $3200 to fix, but I had a $500 deductible. Everything is back to its excellent condition, because the body shop I used was the same exact one that my dealership uses for their brand new cars.
1. How much more money can I expect from a private sale over a trade-in?
2. How can I go about to sell my car privately? After taxes and everything, will I still be making more money selling the car privately?
"Dealers can't disclose personal info such as what someone paid for a car. "
Seeing as how sales tax is computed on what someone pays for a car, I would think there's no problem with this...
It certainly is not "personal information". What I make in a year is personal information... but since my salary is paid through state government, you can readily find out at the local library.
How much sales tax gets paid won't determine pricing. In most states, tax is paid on the difference if there is a trade in. Also, someone can put thousands of dollars of accessories on the car which are taxable or buy extended warranties etc which are taxable in some states including ours in the near future.
And, it IS personal information! It's really none of anyone's business what someone else paid for a product. There are so many privacy rules in effect now that a business has to be very careful.
My father is looking to maybe sell/trade his 1998 Taurus SHO.
The particulars - Location: San Francisco Engine: 3.4L V8 235HP/230 lb-ft torque (wow... what was great in 1998 is only average now) Mileage: 45000 miles Color: Torquoise/Green/whatever Ford called it Options: Leather seats (the only option that I am aware of) Condition: Very few minor scratches. Garaged about 1/2 its life. Don't know about the sneakers and stoppers but they have been replaced once.
Maintenance: All regular maintenance (probably overdone). No accidents or abnormal repairs, no repaints, interior is great - no fading, chipping, peeling, cracking, flaking. No french fry invasions or chicken nugget dipping sauce explosions - my Dad doesn't do fast food.
Any help on the trade in figures for our '01 Altima GXE Ltd. Edition would be helpful. The wife has decided on the Mazda3 "s" as her next ride and we'll be pulling the trigger on the 29th or 30th of this month. I said from day1 that she'd like the Mazda3 the best and after her looking and driving mid size and compact cars, she picked the Mazda3. Funny how I was right all along on this.
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 intermittently, 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 (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.) =========================================
Hey Sandy ..... your the guy that tried to run over my Mailman ... anyway, It's been so dry down here I wish we would get some rain and how's those meds working out ..l.o.l...
In Lauderdale your trading in a 01 Altima GXE LE, power pack, hinky air, auto, 80k, good color, hinky air, tires are almost ok, tunes and a couple of kisses on the forward section ........ so hows the air.? ..l.o.l.. I gotta be thinkin' the mid/high $4's, maybe the low low low low low $5's .... by the way, hows the air.? .......................... :sick:
I am deciding between an Accord and Camry. Five minutes after the Honda salesman stressed that Honda's have much beter resale values than Toyota, they offer me $500 for my high mileage 99 Civic. Another offered $1000 but the price on the new car was much higher.
Please help Terry.
Jackson, NJ (25 miles east of Trenton) 1999 Honda Civic EX 2door 1.6 liter, 4 cylinder, 16 value VTEC engine 5 speed Manual FWD 141,000 miles (125 highway miles round trip to work) Ext:Green, Int:Grey Sunroof, driver+pass Airbags, AC, AM/FM/CD radio Exterior: Very Good condition except 6-inch dent where wife backed into rear quarter panel with other car (quoted $350 to bang it out + repaint from local auto body) Interior: Driver side floor has some coffee stains, passenger side perfect, backseat two melted crayon stains. New tires 10k ago, kept up with maintainance, brakes about 20k old
Maybe I am way off base but I was pretty disappointed. If it weren't a 2-door, I would be keeping it myself. What would you suggest? Used car lots? Classified Ads? Please help.
Dealers have no interest in something with that high mileage, especailly a stick shift, but it wil get snapped up (for what might seem like a crazy price) by a private buyer, expecially if it is clean and well maintained.
We're hoping to get the Mazda3 s version at invoice or maybe $200. over invoice. Don't think this car is in that great demand, but I do want the dealer to make a fair profit. Am I way off here or will I need to go higher? TIA.
Just a quick perusal of "completed listings" on e-bay--a '98 2 dr. Civic EX manual with 105K miles sold for $5000, & a '96 LX manual with 200K sold for $2000. I'm guessing: start at $4495 or so (?) locally. You can always lower the price a week later if that doesn't work. E-bay's good, but you'd want a lot of pics, a really detailed listing, & probably a low starting price--let the bidding determine the price.
2000 Dodge Dakota SLT+ Club Cab 4.7l v8 engine RWD 59000 miles Two-tone color: Dark red and grey. Dark grey interior Power everything, alloy wheels, tonneau cover, bedliner Condition: Interior is in excellent shape. Exterior has minor scuffs on the tailgate and passenger door. Tires just 10% worn. Brakes replaced last year. All maintenance done on schedule (with records). No significant repairs.
Please give me an idea on trade in for my GTO. Thinking of trading in on 05 Saab 9-2X Aero...
Location: Frederick, MD (near DC) 2004 Pontiac GTO 2dr 5.7 liter, 6-spd manual RWD Mileage: 10,500 Silver w/red leather interior (very sharp!) Only option is 6-speed manual As new condition except for a scrath on front bumper and small crack in one of the mesh grille inserts from a bird All maintenance records from local Pontiac dealer
Dealer offered 19,500 trade in, hoping to get 22 or so as payoff is 24,500. Haven't tride Carmax yet but seeing they are selling similars for 25-26 they probably wouldn't do much more than the dealers 19,5
Terry....no slam whatsoever on Edmunds. I think they do a wonderful job. For better or worse, I've had to buy two new vehicles this year. So, I've been cruising here a lot.
It's pretty obvious who is being upfront and who isn't as far as purchase prices among the posters. I don't think for a heartbeat that anyone is buying popular cars "back of invoice", regardless of those who post they have.
Both of the new cars I purchased this year had little relationship to TMV, however. One was well under MSRP (a little under invoice, as a matter of fact) and it is extremely popular. The other, which is less popular, was about $500 over TMV.
But, as you say, if the stars line up correctly and the dealer (or purchaser) is coming down off a Tequila binge.....anything can happen.
I'd like to think I'm a savy car buyer, but even using TMV as a guideline didn't get me anywhere near what the final deals ended up being.
I know of no dealer that can make money by selling any of their stock with a 2% margin. That means there are a lot of "somebodys" paying 10% margins or more to keep the dealers in business.
Long time listener, first time poster about car values to you. This is actually for an aunt of mine who lives in Phoenix. I'm considering buying this car and bringing it to Canada if the price is right for me. The fact that it has never seen winters in 7 years is too good to pass up.
So can you provide me with trade-in (probably at a Lexus or Infiniti dealer in Phoenix) and also PP retail prices please.
Let me join the parade of people who laud and appreciate the service you provide here, not to mention amusing reading material.
99 Lexus ES 300 in the land of the suns. (Phoenix, AZ) Grey over grey cows 131K big ones. 4-speed auto (No auto-stick. Don't know if it was optional) 6 disc changer (I think factory installed, but it could have been dealer) Has slider, climate control, alloys etc plus the usual goodies, nothing fancy like Nav. etc Rubber about a month old, brakes 60-70% remaining Interior has had its share of spills, but cleaned up by a careful owner. Exterior in decent shape, just a few rock chips on the hood, and maybe a few small door dings. Everything works just fine, has all maintenance records since 20K miles. No accident damage or claims of any kind.
...... I don't think you were slamming anyone, your were just asking a simple question ....
Sometimes it's good to take the opportunity to discuss "pertinate" (now there's a $10 dollar word) issue's that go on ..
Depending on the size, the product, the area of the store and the time of the year, most dealers have to see 5 to 10% - net net, just to cover the lights, the floorplan and the mortgage payments .. it's a business, not the Salvation Army .... I can't tell you how a many times a customer has said (with a straight face): "up in New York we can buy the same car for $3,000 less" - fine, buy it there .. and as soon as the pride wears off, they'll buy it here .... or my very favorite: "you're making plenty of money, so make it up on the next guy" -- guess what, you are the next guy ....................................................
He has a 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser with all the options and only 7,000 little miles. It is basically in new condition. I think it is that ubiquitious Toyota goldy-tan with tan leather. It is located in Texas.
That is where the easy part ends. It is in Texas because in has been held in customs by the EPA for over two years. The vehicle was purchased in Dubai (somewhere in the middle east). It is apparently identical to the US model including emissions equipment. However, the EPA says it some of the computer diagnostic systems differ slightly. Quotes on bringing this vehicle into compliance are right at about $10,000. The EPA gave him one waiver and he used it for his Mercedes SL. They are playing hard ball now and won't consider giving him a second waiver.
The questions are:
How much is this vehicle worth as it sits? How much is it worth after spending $10,000 to bring it into compliance? What do you do with it? Fix it? Put it on ebay and hope some desert sheik will buy it? Any other ideas?
It sounds like a nice vehicle. He says it even has a "turbocharged" AC to cope with those desert termperatures. He thinks he is going to bite the bullet and spend the $10K.
10K for a ECM/software upgrade? I would find a broker, and put it back on a boat to Dubai. Or maybe over the border to Mexico. I doubt they will care there.
....... Actually the "3's" have been doing pretty good, pretty hip little dudes .... that said, find a dealer that has a large inventory of them and start there, so $200/$400 would seem about right .. don't quote me, but "I think" there's no money on the 3's right now, so check with Edmunds thingy bob thing ....... I know your not looking for an SUV, but $4 big ones off the Tribute -- not bad, not bad at all .........
Trying to sneak in between macrame class and deep sea fishing.
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. #
In NJland ...... this is a 00 63k Yota SR5 4wd 4runner .. good color, cloth guts, boards, slider, toy pack .... if you haven't been pulling a 35ft Cafe racer with it and the interior doesn't have that Bonnie and Clyde look, the rubber is deep and you don't have 20 Hershey bars that melted into the carpet .... then trade side, in and around the mid/high $12's, might maybe "could" find a dealer to drop the low low $13's in it ........ what figure were you thinkin..? ==========================================================
Terry,
Here's the update. I got 12,8 (13,6 with tax benefit) for the 4runner on a 05 GX. The GX was 52,8 and I got it for 47,3. Thanks for all of your help. I just need to get used to these pesky car payment again.
It does not sound good at all. Going against it: 1. Manual tranny and 2 door, limits it to around 5% of the buying public. 2. 141K on a '99, off to auction it will go. 3. Crashed exterior. 4. Seriously stained interior, also probably smells due to coffee stain. You didn't mention if it was a smokers car, but that will hurt value even more.
Given 3 and 4 the car sounds like a wreck that any dealer is going to have spend some bucks to make it presentable.
$500 is reasonable for a car that even after being cleaned out, possibly new back seat fabric, and exterior body work would retail for $3K-$4K on a good day with everything going perfect. Face it, as it sits just looking at it, the car needs ~$1000 body work and another ~$1000 interior detailing and repair work. Dirty beat up looking cars bring little money. If the a dealer were to pay $500 for the car to you, they are looking at having around $2500 in it before they could even look at putting an asking price on it. Yes, your expectations given the cars condition are way off base.
Pay to have the body work done and super interior and exterior detail. Pay to have the interior professionally cleaned out. Then look at sending it down retail road with an asking lower than any other similar asking price, it is a manual tranny 2 door. $3,900 should be a good starting asking price if fixed and properly cleaned and ready to go. If you want to simply unload/trade it in, $500 is about auction price given the condition. Feel free to cash sale price shop it around to corner lots that have cars in that condition or even buy here pay here lots, you could get a much better cash value for your car with several different offers.
While I agree with your assessment of this Civic's value... I'm betting that in a private sale, that car will bring $4500, with only a clean-up and detail...
Around here... people pay stupid money for six-year-old Hondas.. Even miled up ones....
My next door neighbor just bought a 130K mile '92 Accord LX.. just average shape... paid $3K for it... And, in the two weeks he's had it, three people have offered to buy it from him..
I do not think the dealer that offered $500 is stupid. There is something that this guy is not disclosing about the car. From the description and the low offer from the dealer, it really sounds like a wreck needing something really major. Yes, people do pay stupid money for even a miled up Honda. It is a 2 door 5 speed, miled up Honda with what I am thinking has a stinky stained up interior with a worn out drivers seat, big time body damage (even though he claims it is only a crushed quarter panel.)
If it were really clean and fixed up, it would still be a 141K, 2 door manual tranny Civic. Now if it were a 4 door automatic, the market for it would be wide open. I would bet the 92 130K Accord in average shape was a 4 door automatic.
I still say the dealer must be seeing something: loose clutch, drives like it is on beach balls, goes down the road crooked due to hit, etc. If it really only had $400 body damage and was clean, the dealer would have probably hit it much higher than $500.
Agreed... I wasn't trying to imply that the dealer should offer more.. It is a 141K car.. He likely doesn't really want it, at any price....
I just think it'll sell quicker and for a higher price in a private sale, than you do..
On a dealer's lot, automatic and four-doors are king...
But, there will be twenty punks looking to pick up a relatively late model Civic coupe with a stick.... They love them... I can already see it.... slammed, body kit, big wing, fart-can muffler...
I'm trading a 1997 Ford F150 with 85,000. Long bed, 2WD, V6. This is a workman's special - no power, no A/C - no nothing. The only options are automatic trans., bedliner, and sliding rear window. Oh, and I think it needs brakes. The thing looks nice though. I know it isn't worth crap, but I'm wondering if I'm underselling myself by asking 2 grand, or if I'm just being realistic.
Long time listener, first time poster about car values to you. This is actually for an aunt of mine who lives in Phoenix. I'm considering buying this car and bringing it to Canada if the price is right for me. The fact that it has never seen winters in 7 years is too good to pass up.
So can you provide me with trade-in (probably at a Lexus or Infiniti dealer in Phoenix) and also PP retail prices please.
Let me join the parade of people who laud and appreciate the service you provide here, not to mention amusing reading material.
99 Lexus ES 300 in the land of the suns. (Phoenix, AZ) Grey over grey cows 131K big ones. (Yes, 131K) 4-speed auto 6 disc changer (I think factory installed, but it could have been dealer) Has slider, climate control, TCS, alloys etc plus the usual goodies, No Nav, Nak. (If I am missing out any options, assume it doesn't have it) Rubber about a month old, brakes 60-70% remaining Interior has had its share of spills, but cleaned up by a careful owner. Exterior in decent shape, just a few rock chips on the hood, and maybe a few small door dings. Everything works just fine, has all maintenance records since 20K miles. No accident damage or claims of any kind.
It could be as bad as you think. But going by what dealers offer.........I once took a mint condition Saab with 40K miles to an Acura dealer to trade it in. They told me that it was "obviously rolled many times" in some terrible accident because they said one of the rubber parts on the roof didn't look quite right to them. (I swear, I'm not making this up). They offered me Nothing for it; wouldn't take it at any price. 2 weeks later I sold it privately for $6300. Obviously, this Civic is not in that condition, & you "could" be right that it's a wreck. IMHO tho a dealer's low trade in offer doesn't necessarily mean that much......I wonder if any dealer will offer much for a 140K stick shift car?
*From the description and the low offer from the dealer, it really sounds like a wreck needing something really major.*
I too live along the US/Canadian border. I see a LOT of Canadian cars imported into the US for sale......You should check with Can. Customs. The last I knew any car imported from the US to Canada had to be at least 10 years old..................At least to be "duty free"..................
I did it with my 92 Lexus which I imported in 02. There is more of an issue with where the car is built, rather than which country it's being driven in from. In my cases (both 92 and 99) the cars are Japanese built which makes it harder than a N/A built vehicle, but since I have done it once I feel confident I can do it again.
Greetings all. Am new to this forum. Must have more reliable transportation and a car with easier access to cargo area (wagon or hatch). So..... Am thinking strongly to sell my Saab, having now replaced engine, transmission (auto), exhaust, tires, some hoses and belts, and front brakes. The rag top below the window is ripping so likely that needs replacing; there is a dent that looks like it can be popped out; the interior is in pretty good shape (and no smoking has been allowed in car); it's a burgundy color with tan top and tan leather interior (dual heated full power front seats); residing in central PA. Original miles about 154,000; miles on engine about 18,000. Transmission even less. Because of the difference in original miles vs. engine and transmission miles the usual 'check your car's value' sites don't really help. . Any suggestions? Thanks greatly!
Wow, when I saw your reply I thought someone else also named their post Bewildered in NJ.
Dkuhajda, do you work for a big Honda dealership on route 9 in central/south jersey?
I will give you items 1+2 but 3+4 are incorrect assumptions on your part. "Crashed Exterior" (didn't you see $350 quote from auto body). "Seriously stained interior, also probably smells due to coffee stain" How do you get that from my description. Where does the smoker stuff come from? You're way off base.
Then, you rant on about points 3+4 which were assumptions. $2000 for repairs!?! In your second gem, you suggest bad clutch, beach balls and dented frame. (I love the dented frame from a 5mph hit) Come on fess up, you work on route 9 don't you.
I put the info about the car for a response base on these descriptions. Overstating the car does not benefit me here.
Thanks in advance for your time! Looking for Trade In value please.
2001 Dodge Durango SLT+ 4x4 SUV
Location:Minneapolis/MN Engine: V8 4.7 Liter Trans: Automatic Drive: 4WD Mileage: 55,500 Color: Garnet Red/Gray Options: Leather, 3rd row seat, running board, CD, dual front air bags, dual power seats, power everything, alloy wheels Condition: Very clean; always garaged; normal wear and door dings, etc.; scuff on bumper but not through the paint Tires: original Brakes: front need new pads; back fine Maintenance: Dealer maintained per schedule Other: no accidents; clean title; I am original owner
2 years, 20,000 miles left on 6/75,000 DC service contract which allows transfer once for $50. I called DC and they said the car could be traded in and the person who buys the car from the dealer can transfer the remainder of the contract. Dealer I talked to today says that the contract is worthless once the car is traded in (the contract would only be transferrable for a private party sale). Do you know which is the case?
Part of what the dealer said is true--it is worthless on a trade-in. If the dealer resells the car, they will sell their own ESC to go with it, making a profit on it, rather than offering to transfer the existing one, making no money on it. If you sell to a private party, there's not much left on the contract anyway, but it might be worth a hundred bucks or so.
Comments
Thanks!
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Good question and let me try to answer #2 first .... I have no idea where Edmunds gets their info, I have no clue, not even a whisper .. I've wondered that myself though, especially when you plug-in a light colored Infiniti and it shows a "minus" $200 for Florida .. so I do know the regional adjustments can be off, maybe it's the barometric pressure or perhaps they use the alignment of Saturn and Pluto in the second phase ...
I don't do Zipcodes, but with you being in Jax you shouldn't have a problem selling the TC -- it will all depend on the color, the miles, condition, service history and how cold the air blows .. now, if your were in Pittsburg in January you might have a real problem with a RWD .....
Terry.
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
================================
Ian ..? -- are you Ian Fleming or Ian Hunter ..?
In Motown we got this 00 Old's Alero GL 4 door auto ... it's got the V6, no help with the color, miles ain't bad, rubber is kinda ok, we got the power pack, not much of description ......
If ~~ you haven't bounced it off any salt trucks, driven through Ohio and killed the struts, been going to those $2.00 car washes and you don't have boxes of "something" in the seats .. then trade side, in and around the low/mid $3's, might maybe get a dealer to travel towards the mid/high $3's, maybe ........... food for thought, great car for Retail Rd - $6,495 *asking* and $5,5/$5,9 gets into a new driveway ..... in your area it probably would sell fast (properly done) .....
Terry.
Bingo.....!
Terry.
I have a 2003 Nissan Frontier XE King Cab in Jacksonville FL.
2.4 4 banger 5sp.manual 2RWD short box
8500 on the clock
red ext.gray int.
service is up to date
tires 8500 miles on them
rear bumper has a little parking lot war damage not too bad
no power pack but it does have the up-graded interior ie carpet,mats.am/fm/cd,sliding rear window.tilt wheel,alloys,drop in bed liner,fog lights after market self installed,a/c,basic but not low end on options list
interior is clean
brakes are good and it has 4 wheel ABS. trade in value please,THANKS SSONE
I'd like to think I'm an experienced car buyer, given I've bought a bunch over the last 25 years for both myself and other family members.
I find Edmunds to be 50-50 when it comes to TMV....particularly on new cars (you, of course are "KING" of the used values). I've even shown Edmunds numbers to multiple dealers on the same vehicle. Sometimes they say, "yeah, we'll make that deal". Other times Edmunds has been off by as much as $1,000....and no dealer will touch their TMV.
I know they say their calculation formulas are proprietary and are supposed to be adjusted by zip code, but they've been correct only 50% of the time in my experience.
I suppose if you're playing baseball, a .500 average is great. In the car buying world, it's not so good, though.
Thanks in advance for your time. I love reading the forum. I am looking to get out of my Expedition and get into a minivan. What can I expect to here at the dealer. Here is the stats:
Location is Houston, TX
2002 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
5.4 liter V8
2WD
45,500 miles
Black and tan exterior -- Beige leather interior
New tires, new shocks, Entertainment package TV/VCP, 17" Tires, 3rd row seat
Interior and exterior are in good condition
No accidents or repairs
Thank you again. I plan on going with the Toyota Sienna if the numbers are right.
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. Any help is greatly appreciated since I am about to trade it in! Thanks Again!
So I think the dealers' reactions are based to some degree on what they are selling and how much they like it.
It's like baseball, there are way too many variables to pack into a formula. The goal is to give people at Edmunds their "best shot" given the limitations of packing a very complex market into a formula that is easily deliverable.
And I would think if they contacted new owners and asked, they would be told " None of your Business"
" Actual sales data?" How?
And, I agree, some of these numbers are doable and other times pretty far from reality.
I know that you are some super value estimator. I want to trade in my 2004 5 Speed Automatic G35 coupe for a 2005 6 Speed Manual G35 coupe. Here are the details for my car.
Heres a pic to start it of:
Location: NYC, NY
Time of ownership: since August 2004
Make: 2004 Infiniti 5 Speed Automatic G35 Coupe
Estimated Mileage at trade-in: 8000
Engine: 3.5 Liter V-6, 280 HP, 270 lb-ft torque
Driveline: Rear wheel drive
Color: laser red/graphite leather
Major Options: Premium Package (includes Bose® premium audio system with AM/FM and in-dash, single-slot 6-disc CD autochanger, and eight speakers and Radio Data System (RDS)
Power sliding tinted glass sunroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade
Dual-zone Automatic Temperature Control
Auto on/off headlights
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver offers control for compatible garage doors, home lighting and home security systems
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel), Splash guards, Carpeted trunk mat, Body side moldings
Condition: Excellent, 3 hairline scratches at front right bumper, replaced rear bumper, perfect paint. Interior is perfect. Tires are still new. Brakes are good. Front windshield has a dime size crack from ice.
Other: One insurance claim. My car was keyed. It cost $3200 to fix, but I had a $500 deductible. Everything is back to its excellent condition, because the body shop I used was the same exact one that my dealership uses for their brand new cars.
1. How much more money can I expect from a private sale over a trade-in?
2. How can I go about to sell my car privately? After taxes and everything, will I still
be making more money selling the car privately?
Thanks a lot for all your help!!!
Seeing as how sales tax is computed on what someone pays for a car, I would think there's no problem with this...
It certainly is not "personal information". What I make in a year is personal information... but since my salary is paid through state government, you can readily find out at the local library.
Personal information my foot... :-)
-Mathias
And, it IS personal information! It's really none of anyone's business what someone else paid for a product. There are so many privacy rules in effect now that a business has to be very careful.
On a new car in Kentucky, you pay 6% of 90% of the car's MSRP, regardless of the deal you negotiate.
The particulars -
Location: San Francisco
Engine: 3.4L V8 235HP/230 lb-ft torque (wow... what was great in 1998 is only average now)
Mileage: 45000 miles
Color: Torquoise/Green/whatever Ford called it
Options: Leather seats (the only option that I am aware of)
Condition: Very few minor scratches. Garaged about 1/2 its life. Don't know about the sneakers and stoppers but they have been replaced once.
Maintenance: All regular maintenance (probably overdone). No accidents or abnormal repairs, no repaints, interior is great - no fading, chipping, peeling, cracking, flaking. No french fry invasions or chicken nugget dipping sauce explosions - my Dad doesn't do fast food.
Standard Features:
CD
Sunroof
MACH Audio
Thanks,
Jason
The Sandman :sick:
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 intermittently, 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
(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.)
=========================================
Hey Sandy ..... your the guy that tried to run over my Mailman ... anyway, It's been so dry down here I wish we would get some rain and how's those meds working out ..l.o.l...
In Lauderdale your trading in a 01 Altima GXE LE, power pack, hinky air, auto, 80k, good color, hinky air, tires are almost ok, tunes and a couple of kisses on the forward section ........ so hows the air.? ..l.o.l.. I gotta be thinkin' the mid/high $4's, maybe the low low low low low $5's .... by the way, hows the air.? .......................... :sick:
Terry.
Please help Terry.
Jackson, NJ (25 miles east of Trenton)
1999 Honda Civic EX
2door
1.6 liter, 4 cylinder, 16 value VTEC engine
5 speed Manual
FWD
141,000 miles (125 highway miles round trip to work)
Ext:Green, Int:Grey
Sunroof, driver+pass Airbags, AC, AM/FM/CD radio
Exterior: Very Good condition except 6-inch dent where wife backed into rear quarter panel with other car (quoted $350 to bang it out + repaint from local auto body)
Interior: Driver side floor has some coffee stains, passenger side perfect, backseat two melted crayon stains.
New tires 10k ago, kept up with maintainance, brakes about 20k old
Maybe I am way off base but I was pretty disappointed. If it weren't a 2-door, I would be keeping it myself. What would you suggest? Used car lots? Classified Ads? Please help.
Dealers have no interest in something with that high mileage, especailly a stick shift, but it wil get snapped up (for what might seem like a crazy price) by a private buyer, expecially if it is clean and well maintained.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
TIA.
The Sandman :sick:
2000 Dodge Dakota SLT+
Club Cab
4.7l v8 engine
RWD
59000 miles
Two-tone color: Dark red and grey. Dark grey interior
Power everything, alloy wheels, tonneau cover, bedliner
Condition: Interior is in excellent shape. Exterior has minor scuffs on the tailgate and passenger door.
Tires just 10% worn.
Brakes replaced last year.
All maintenance done on schedule (with records).
No significant repairs.
Thank you.
Please give me an idea on trade in for my GTO. Thinking of trading in on 05 Saab 9-2X Aero...
Location: Frederick, MD (near DC)
2004 Pontiac GTO
2dr
5.7 liter, 6-spd manual RWD
Mileage: 10,500
Silver w/red leather interior (very sharp!)
Only option is 6-speed manual
As new condition except for a scrath on front bumper and small crack in one of the mesh grille inserts from a bird
All maintenance records from local Pontiac dealer
Dealer offered 19,500 trade in, hoping to get 22 or so as payoff is 24,500. Haven't tride Carmax yet but seeing they are selling similars for 25-26 they probably wouldn't do much more than the dealers 19,5
THANKS!
It's pretty obvious who is being upfront and who isn't as far as purchase prices among the posters. I don't think for a heartbeat that anyone is buying popular cars "back of invoice", regardless of those who post they have.
Both of the new cars I purchased this year had little relationship to TMV, however. One was well under MSRP (a little under invoice, as a matter of fact) and it is extremely popular. The other, which is less popular, was about $500 over TMV.
But, as you say, if the stars line up correctly and the dealer (or purchaser) is coming down off a Tequila binge.....anything can happen.
I'd like to think I'm a savy car buyer, but even using TMV as a guideline didn't get me anywhere near what the final deals ended up being.
I know of no dealer that can make money by selling any of their stock with a 2% margin. That means there are a lot of "somebodys" paying 10% margins or more to keep the dealers in business.
Long time listener, first time poster about car values to you.
This is actually for an aunt of mine who lives in Phoenix. I'm considering
buying this car and bringing it to Canada if the price is right for me. The fact
that it has never seen winters in 7 years is too good to pass up.
So can you provide me with trade-in (probably at a Lexus or Infiniti dealer in Phoenix) and also PP retail prices please.
Let me join the parade of people who laud and appreciate the service you provide here, not to mention amusing reading material.
99 Lexus ES 300 in the land of the suns. (Phoenix, AZ)
Grey over grey cows
131K big ones.
4-speed auto (No auto-stick. Don't know if it was optional)
6 disc changer (I think factory installed, but it could have been dealer)
Has slider, climate control, alloys etc plus the usual goodies, nothing fancy like Nav. etc
Rubber about a month old, brakes 60-70% remaining
Interior has had its share of spills, but cleaned up by a careful owner.
Exterior in decent shape, just a few rock chips on the hood, and maybe a few small door dings.
Everything works just fine, has all maintenance records since 20K miles.
No accident damage or claims of any kind.
Thanks a lot, really.
Sometimes it's good to take the opportunity to discuss "pertinate" (now there's a $10 dollar word) issue's that go on ..
Depending on the size, the product, the area of the store and the time of the year, most dealers have to see 5 to 10% - net net, just to cover the lights, the floorplan and the mortgage payments .. it's a business, not the Salvation Army .... I can't tell you how a many times a customer has said (with a straight face): "up in New York we can buy the same car for $3,000 less" - fine, buy it there .. and as soon as the pride wears off, they'll buy it here .... or my very favorite: "you're making plenty of money, so make it up on the next guy" -- guess what, you are the next guy ....................................................
Terry.
This is for my wife's boss.
He has a 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser with all the options and only 7,000 little miles. It is basically in new condition. I think it is that ubiquitious Toyota goldy-tan with tan leather. It is located in Texas.
That is where the easy part ends. It is in Texas because in has been held in customs by the EPA for over two years. The vehicle was purchased in Dubai (somewhere in the middle east). It is apparently identical to the US model including emissions equipment. However, the EPA says it some of the computer diagnostic systems differ slightly. Quotes on bringing this vehicle into compliance are right at about $10,000. The EPA gave him one waiver and he used it for his Mercedes SL. They are playing hard ball now and won't consider giving him a second waiver.
The questions are:
How much is this vehicle worth as it sits?
How much is it worth after spending $10,000 to bring it into compliance?
What do you do with it? Fix it? Put it on ebay and hope some desert sheik will buy it? Any other ideas?
It sounds like a nice vehicle. He says it even has a "turbocharged" AC to cope with those desert termperatures. He thinks he is going to bite the bullet and spend the $10K.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Terry.
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.
#
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Terry.
YOU ARE THE NEXT GUY
==========================================================
Terry,
Here's the update. I got 12,8 (13,6 with tax benefit) for the 4runner on a 05 GX. The GX was 52,8 and I got it for 47,3. Thanks for all of your help. I just need to get used to these pesky car payment again.
llepky
Going against it:
1. Manual tranny and 2 door, limits it to around 5% of the buying public.
2. 141K on a '99, off to auction it will go.
3. Crashed exterior.
4. Seriously stained interior, also probably smells due to coffee stain.
You didn't mention if it was a smokers car, but that will hurt value even more.
Given 3 and 4 the car sounds like a wreck that any dealer is going to have spend some bucks to make it presentable.
$500 is reasonable for a car that even after being cleaned out, possibly new back seat fabric, and exterior body work would retail for $3K-$4K on a good day with everything going perfect. Face it, as it sits just looking at it, the car needs ~$1000 body work and another ~$1000 interior detailing and repair work. Dirty beat up looking cars bring little money. If the a dealer were to pay $500 for the car to you, they are looking at having around $2500 in it before they could even look at putting an asking price on it. Yes, your expectations given the cars condition are way off base.
Pay to have the body work done and super interior and exterior detail. Pay to have the interior professionally cleaned out. Then look at sending it down retail road with an asking lower than any other similar asking price, it is a manual tranny 2 door. $3,900 should be a good starting asking price if fixed and properly cleaned and ready to go. If you want to simply unload/trade it in, $500 is about auction price given the condition. Feel free to cash sale price shop it around to corner lots that have cars in that condition or even buy here pay here lots, you could get a much better cash value for your car with several different offers.
Around here... people pay stupid money for six-year-old Hondas.. Even miled up ones....
My next door neighbor just bought a 130K mile '92 Accord LX.. just average shape... paid $3K for it... And, in the two weeks he's had it, three people have offered to buy it from him..
regards,
kyfdx
(not the expert)
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
If it were really clean and fixed up, it would still be a 141K, 2 door manual tranny Civic. Now if it were a 4 door automatic, the market for it would be wide open. I would bet the 92 130K Accord in average shape was a 4 door automatic.
I still say the dealer must be seeing something: loose clutch, drives like it is on beach balls, goes down the road crooked due to hit, etc. If it really only had $400 body damage and was clean, the dealer would have probably hit it much higher than $500.
I just think it'll sell quicker and for a higher price in a private sale, than you do..
On a dealer's lot, automatic and four-doors are king...
But, there will be twenty punks looking to pick up a relatively late model Civic coupe with a stick.... They love them... I can already see it.... slammed, body kit, big wing, fart-can muffler...
regards,
kyfdx
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
I'm trading a 1997 Ford F150 with 85,000. Long bed, 2WD, V6. This is a workman's special - no power, no A/C - no nothing. The only options are automatic trans., bedliner, and sliding rear window. Oh, and I think it needs brakes. The thing looks nice though. I know it isn't worth crap, but I'm wondering if I'm underselling myself by asking 2 grand, or if I'm just being realistic.
Thanks,
Rob.
Long time listener, first time poster about car values to you.
This is actually for an aunt of mine who lives in Phoenix. I'm considering
buying this car and bringing it to Canada if the price is right for me. The fact
that it has never seen winters in 7 years is too good to pass up.
So can you provide me with trade-in (probably at a Lexus or Infiniti dealer in Phoenix) and also PP retail prices please.
Let me join the parade of people who laud and appreciate the service you provide here, not to mention amusing reading material.
99 Lexus ES 300 in the land of the suns. (Phoenix, AZ)
Grey over grey cows
131K big ones. (Yes, 131K)
4-speed auto
6 disc changer (I think factory installed, but it could have been dealer)
Has slider, climate control, TCS, alloys etc plus the usual goodies,
No Nav, Nak. (If I am missing out any options, assume it doesn't have it)
Rubber about a month old, brakes 60-70% remaining
Interior has had its share of spills, but cleaned up by a careful owner.
Exterior in decent shape, just a few rock chips on the hood, and maybe a few small door dings.
Everything works just fine, has all maintenance records since 20K miles.
No accident damage or claims of any kind.
Thanks a lot, really.
*From the description and the low offer from the dealer, it really sounds like a wreck needing something really major.*
The last I knew any car imported from the US to Canada had to be at least
10 years old..................At least to be "duty free"..................
Not sure how its done now.......................
There is more of an issue with where the car is built, rather than which country it's being driven in from.
In my cases (both 92 and 99) the cars are Japanese built which makes it harder than a N/A built vehicle, but since I have done it once I feel confident I can do it again.
Am thinking strongly to sell my Saab, having now replaced engine, transmission (auto), exhaust, tires, some hoses and belts, and front brakes. The rag top below the window is ripping so likely that needs replacing; there is a dent that looks like it can be popped out; the interior is in pretty good shape (and no smoking has been allowed in car); it's a burgundy color with tan top and tan leather interior (dual heated full power front seats); residing in central PA.
Original miles about 154,000; miles on engine about 18,000. Transmission even less. Because of the difference in original miles vs. engine and transmission miles the usual 'check your car's value' sites don't really help. . Any suggestions? Thanks greatly!
Dkuhajda, do you work for a big Honda dealership on route 9 in central/south jersey?
I will give you items 1+2 but 3+4 are incorrect assumptions on your part. "Crashed Exterior" (didn't you see $350 quote from auto body). "Seriously stained interior, also probably smells due to coffee stain" How do you get that from my description. Where does the smoker stuff come from? You're way off base.
Then, you rant on about points 3+4 which were assumptions. $2000 for repairs!?! In your second gem, you suggest bad clutch, beach balls and dented frame. (I love the dented frame from a 5mph hit) Come on fess up, you work on route 9 don't you.
I put the info about the car for a response base on these descriptions. Overstating the car does not benefit me here.
2001 Dodge Durango SLT+ 4x4 SUV
Location:Minneapolis/MN
Engine: V8 4.7 Liter
Trans: Automatic
Drive: 4WD
Mileage: 55,500
Color: Garnet Red/Gray
Options: Leather, 3rd row seat, running board, CD, dual front air bags, dual power seats, power everything, alloy wheels
Condition: Very clean; always garaged; normal wear and door dings, etc.; scuff on bumper but not through the paint
Tires: original
Brakes: front need new pads; back fine
Maintenance: Dealer maintained per schedule
Other: no accidents; clean title; I am original owner
2 years, 20,000 miles left on 6/75,000 DC service contract which allows transfer once for $50. I called DC and they said the car could be traded in and the person who buys the car from the dealer can transfer the remainder of the contract. Dealer I talked to today says that the contract is worthless once the car is traded in (the contract would only be transferrable for a private party sale). Do you know which is the case?
Thanks,
Brad
Part of what the dealer said is true--it is worthless on a trade-in. If the dealer resells the car, they will sell their own ESC to go with it, making a profit on it, rather than offering to transfer the existing one, making no money on it. If you sell to a private party, there's not much left on the contract anyway, but it might be worth a hundred bucks or so.