Real-World Trade-In Values

mikefm58 · July 2005

" Hmmm, lets do the math ... carry the one, divide by 2 add the six, carry the five, plus the 2, subtract the 3 ..... ahhh, hmm, lets see, ahh, hmmm, duh, I almost got it, uhhh ... that would be in and around $750ish for 2 weeks, "if needed ...... "

ROTFLMAO......almost lost my soda through my nose when reading that one. Ever think of going in to comedy?

jlawrence01 · July 2005

In the first year we were married, my wife put 38k on our Kcar between the Northern Neck and Newport News ...

That's one way of using up a car real quickly....

krwest1 · July 2005

Thanks Terry. $20ish range would work for me. I am thinking about getting out of my lease early--I've got the itch for something new. I put $0 down, and the payoff is $20,3. I am 24 months into a 39 month lease. Not a bad deal. I'll let you know what happens.

rroyce10 · July 2005

....... and where does this Protege' live ............ ?

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2005

....... Your in excellent shape with the pay-off ........... I just had a guy in here with a 27k 04 Enthusiast .. bight red, the paint is all burned off the hood, the interior looks like a terrorist attack and you can see the air in the tires (other than that, everything is going his way) ... he owes $29,800 - of course, since he "owes" $29,8 thats the figure he wanted on trade ............ I checked the ashtrays for funny stuff.

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2005

........ Sounds like you did all of the right things ..... thanks for stopping by and good luck ...

Terry.

dkuhajda · July 2005

The question becomes: Is it worth spending a little of my time and money to net an extra $1,000 to sell it myself versus trading it in?

Is he willing spend a couple of weeks taking phone calls, arranging time for people to look at the car, to gain the extra dough? A lot of people don't want the hassle.

$3,600 trade when the best offer so far was $3,050? I'm thinking if no dealer will make it up to his magical number, that he could probably sell it in a day with a price of $4,000 on a big sign in the window after only good bath inside and out.

kyfdx · July 2005

Ditto.... I wouldn't drop a dime in it... Just park it with a big FOR SALE sign on it.. $4500 written in shoe polish... and my phone number...

$4K before the day is over, if you find the right spot to park it..

woodyww · July 2005

That's the thing: he might not have to do much at all to the car to sell it himself. Unless the brakes ("breaks") & tires are so bad it's careening all over the road, & even with the high miles, it's still a '99 Honda. All he "has" to do to try & sell it himself is spend a few bucks on an ad & see what happens. If Terry says it's worth $5500 at least all fixed up, sell it as is & let someone "beat him down" to what? $4500--$5000?......$1500+ is still a lot of $$ to some people.

rroyce10 · August 2005

.... **$1500+ is still a lot of $$ to some people** ............. some.?? ..l.o.l...

Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2005

..**Terry - with 2 car seats the interior of my Frontier has gotten too tight for everyday use so I' m in the market. Would you give me a trade #? Trade info is as follows:
Thanks.

Suburban Chicago area
2002 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 Long Bed
3.3 liter V6, automatic
4WD
36,000 miles
Gold Rush (Gold with a little green in it) / Dark tan cloth interior
Power windows,locks,mirrors,cruise,tilt, color matched ARE camper top,bed liner, trailer hitch.
Very good condition, 1 scratch (about 1") along top edge of bed. Interior very good (used Husky liner mats).
Tires - new at 26,000 miles
Brakes - fronts new at 33,000 mikes
Maintenance - oil changes every 3,000, 30,000 mile service done by Nissan.
Trailer hitch used 4 times for local use with utility trailer** ...
==============================

Another Chi-town hustler ....

I know it's early, but am I missing something..?

... and you were doing so well ----- SE .. SVE, XE, base with the power pack ..... ? MD2 .. ED2 on the Vin# .........?

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkillin' me first thing in the mornin' ............

Terry.

manamal · August 2005

Terry, been trying to get an approximate value for this baby. I am guessing around 15K, that low because of the miles. I would like ot know for sure before I actually clean up the car for sale. With a 3 yo, cleaning the car is a temporary action.

Location: Washington DC suburbs
2002 Sienna LE 'Symphony'

Minivan
3.0 L V6 FWD
23500 Miles
Color: Gold/Biege
Options: Power Door, JBL Sound, power drivers seat, AC, AT, Side airbags Alloy Wheels, abs roof rack, 4 captians seats, towing package
Condition:
Exterior: No dents. 1 ding, and a few clearcoat scratches (not into the paint)
Interior: Could use a detailing, but can be cleaned up. Some scratches in the cargo area.
Tires: OEM. abotu 50% wear
Brakes: Original, I am unsure of % remaining
Maint: Per dealer spec (3000 Mile oil changes)

Reason for (maybe) getting rid of it: Wife wants a wagon...not a van. Depending on the value, I will either make her keep the van, or we buy a wagon. Just not sure. I currently owe 10,500.

1racefan · August 2005

Thanks Terry -

We are expecting a call from the insurance agent today or tomorrow with a figure. The one thing the agent said right off the bat is that they will pay the tax, title, and tag fee for the next vehicle. I will let you know what they offer for the car part of the settlement.

kman1 · August 2005

Terry:

A long time ago -- over 6 mos -- you gave me a high 17, low 18 number for my 2002 Highlander, AWD, V6, good records, see the air in the tires. Ended up replacing the tires (the kiddos rode in that mobile), driving for 5 more months. Did a deal yesterday on the trade at 18,2 with a non-toyota dealer and even though the Highlander has a new birthmark/crease just above the rear fender (why do they make those trash cans so tall anyway). You were dead-on, and I did promise to get back to you with my number so that you could help others.

mirth · August 2005

Hi Terry - my in-laws are looking to trade in their Lincoln for a new Altima or Maxima. What can they expect?

1996 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC
Detroit
75000 Miles
Auto (can't imagine they made this with a manual)
White
CD Player, Traction Control, but no moonroof
Very good condition for its age. No major parking lot dings or scratches. Interior is cluttered but will look nice once they clean out all the junk and remove the seat and steering wheel covers. Not sure how old the tires are - assume it needs new rubber. I think it needs new shocks - ride is pretty bumpy.

Thanks!
Ian

rprossil · August 2005

Sorry about that Terry, thought I had everything in there. It's an XE.
Thanks again.

qbrozen · August 2005

Alright, Terry.... I'm just sampling here.... wife is pregnant. YIKES! So I might maybe have to do something sometime in the near future. Nothing set in stone yet, but just so i'm prepared for the outfall, can you give me a couple of numbers here?

'98 S70 T5 automatic, 110K miles, funky coral red
cowskins, slider, bun warmers, etc.
Let's call it fair condition (I like to think its clean for its age, but it does have its share of light scratches). OH, and let's not forget that $2K kiss to one fender a couple years back. But I'm pretty sure I'd try to sell this one myself.

'04 350Z Touring 6-speed, 15K miles, silver over orange leather
"In the wrapper"

You've helped me buy both of these, and I'm hoping I don't have to sell, but sometimes you gotta make lemonade, right? Maybe it will be time to trade both of these in and pick up that used E320 I've mentioned so many times. My wife says she won't let me get rid of my precious Z because I'd resent her and the new bundle for it, but that's just silly, and, besides, when she sees what daycare costs, I think she'll be singing a different tune.

Oh, by the way, not that I expect a number on this, so I didn't list it, but I'd also be selling my Alfa. Good god. 3 cars for 1. It will indeed be a sad day ... but I'm happy and excited about the kid, so don't get me wrong. A little bad for a lot of good, ya know?

ghulet · August 2005

.....was it you recently looking for a used S40? Here's one, looks nice, low miles (43k) for a 2000, and great price, IMO:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/car/88248986.html

How far are you from Chicago again?

bobbyv2000 · August 2005

Interested in knowing a real-world trade-in number for my 2000 BMW 328i 4dr sedan:
Twin Cities, MN
72,000 miles
metallic silver w/black leather
sport pkg, moonroof, harmon kardon, xenon
scratches on passenger seat (from my wifes fancy jeans w/zippers on the pockets), but otherwise in nearly perfect condition inside & out
all regular maintenance performed

Numbers I've seen on Edmunds are:
$16,795 (trade-in) $18,817 (private party)

What's a realistic number? If trade-in is roughly as above, then it looks like I'd save almost $1200 in taxes on trade-in for a new 325.

Thanks.

rroyce10 · August 2005

......... auto ..... stick .........................?

Terry.

haneks · August 2005

Maybe I'm just naive, but I normally expect that if I calculate my trade-in value in advance of negotations, using sources like Edmunds, NADA, and sometimes Kelly, that I should have a reasonably good idea what my trade-in is worth. But lately, I'm finding that's not true. I want to trade-in my '01 Lexus LX470 on an '05 Toyota Avalon and the dealerships keep insisting my vehicle is wholesaling $3000 back of book, so instead of being worth the $30K I think it is according to the guides, they can only give me $27K and not a penny more. I've gotten this from three different dealerships, now. They tell me the same thing on my '01 Lexus LS430 - $3000 back of book, not a penny more. Am I being misled everwhere I go? If not, what the heck are the published guides good for if they are off by a whopping 10% on the value of a trade-in? Thanks in advance for helping to educate me!

woodyww · August 2005

I forgot to add: myself included :-). I have a yuppie-lawyer friend who insists on buying everything like audio equip. & pianos, furniture, whatever, brand new, at sticker, even if he could easily buy the same things slightly used at 50-60%. If it's in the "family budget", he goes for it, & says "depreciation doesn't matter". Last time I went over to his mansion in an expensive suburb, he was complaining about not having any money.....is there an economic model for: the $$ lost by people who blow money crazily=the $$ gained by smart consumers? cheers, woody

... **$1500+ is still a lot of $$ to some people** ............. some.?? ..l.o.l...

Terry.

woodyww · August 2005

Sell them all, & instead of an E320, get an E420 or E500, better yet an AMG. Then complain to the wife about how boring it is to drive a "family car". But seriously, why not an E300-320 wagon? Or Volvo T-5 wagon? Way more room for baby stuff, & hopefully you could avoid the inevitable mini-van. And congrats.

lancerfixer · August 2005

Thanks, ghulet. I'm about 3 hours away. I was looking at 2001 and newer, though, because of the various improvements (5 sp auto vs. 4 sp, window switches on the doors where they belong, etc.) I'm still working to convince Mrs. Lance that a car payment (even a small one) is better than sinking money into a 12 year old Accord. No luck so far.

funatico · August 2005

Can you please give me an idea of the trade-in value of my car? I am not the original owner so I'm unsure of the maintenance history.

2001 Lexus LS430
Federal Way, WA
Silver exterior with black interior
61000 miles
Mark Levenson audio
tires are about 30%
vehicle body and paint is EXCELLENT
interior is flawless
60K mile maintenance not yet completed

I'm seeing numbers from $28K to $31K - what is it worth on trade? Thanks.

lancerfixer · August 2005

Congrats! How many kids will that make for you? If it's two or less, the S70 is plenty roomy for baby and his/her accoutrements. I've got two kids, 4 1/2 and 1 1/2. There's plenty of room on long trips or jaunting around town. The 350Z, OTOH...

but that's just silly, and, besides, when she sees what daycare costs, I think she'll be singing a different tune...
Yes. Yes she will. Were it not for daycare costs :surprise: I wouldn't be looking at used S40s...

corvette · August 2005

Terry,
I'll try to shorten my post:

One for my dad...
Louisville, Kentucky
Selling or trading a:
2003 Volkswagen Beetle GL TDI
2 door
1.9L Turbo diesel, manual FWD
120,000 miles
Carbon grey exterior, black interior
Heated seats, power windows, locks, mirrors, AM/FM tape player, NO alloy wheels, leather, or sunroof.
Interior is in great condition for the mileage. Exterior is in good condition. Meteorite hit to the front bumper (resprayed). New tires, good brakes. It has had all the scheduled maintenance, synthetic diesel oil, timing belt at 100k and again at 120k due to a locked up tensioner (no other damage).

Thanks...

emoore33 · August 2005

I would like to know the trade in value of my car. I am looking to sell it to CarMax.

Sunnyvale California
2004 Honda Accord LX
4 dr sedan
8,700 miles
2.4 4 cylinder
5-Speed Manual
Front Side Airbags
Grey Exterior and Interior
Cloth Seats
Condition: Once scratch on the door and a small ding near the wheel well. Other wise the paint is glossy and the interior is perfect.
Maintenace is up to data
Manufacturer Warranty 3years/36000 miles

Thank you.

mxfive · August 2005

Location: [Atlanta, GA]
Year/Make/Model: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Body Style: Hatchback/Wagon
Engine: 2 liter, 4 cylinder, manual
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 19000
Color: Silver/black
Major Options: alloys/moonroof/6-disc changer/sub-woofer (factory option)
Condition:
Excellent condition
Tires - 50%
Brakes - Excellent
Maintenance - Have all records
Other: no accident history

Thank you very much

kyfdx · August 2005

Re: 2004 2.5 Fully loaded CPO [dtwicks]

BUMP
I am looking at a Fully loaded (Sport, Premium, Heated Seats, Automatic, Xenon, No NAV) Merlot at a local dealer in So Cal. 9K miles. After about an hour of negotiating the dealer said the best offer he can make is $32.4. Is this a fair price or should I offer lower.

Merlot.. that's the color, not what he's drinking...

Whaddaya say?

Thanks,
kyfdx

rroyce10 · August 2005

..... thanks for the update ... good luck and let me know ...............

Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2005

...... Limited ..? .. I remember the miles being low(?) ....... $18,200..? sounds like the whole enchilada .... I'm glad things worked out, thanks for the update.

Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2005

... **I have a yuppie-lawyer friend** .....

It's funny that you mention a lawyer ...

They are on the top 3 "bad credit list" .. Lawyers, Doctors and Ministers ..... Lawyers because they're always trying to beat someone out of something, including their creditors .... Doc's because they don't teach these poor guys (and ladies) any financial lessons in school, so they go from -0- money to big money almost overnight ..... and ministers .. aaahh well, I guess they think the "big guy" upstairs runs the credit reports ..?

Terry :shades:

amychowus · August 2005

Location: Edison/NJ
1998 Nissan Altima GXE
4 dr. sedan
54000 miles, one owner, clean,
gold in, beige out
Automatic, Upgraded Audio and security system
No accident, few minor scratchs, no dent
New tires and all maintenance

What can I expect for dealer trade-in? Should I sell this myself?
Thanks in advance for your help!

qbrozen · August 2005

thanks for the congrats and suggestions.

Yes, the Volvo really is great for this purpose (this will be first kid - we've been married almost 5 years, so we've certainly held out a pretty long time), and, of course, the E320 isn't that much bigger, BUT the Volvo is getting up there and having that as my ONLY car would make me pretty nervous. No, its never left me stranded, and it should have plenty of life left in it, but its definitely seen better days. I could probably sink a couple thousand into it and make it seem like new again, or I can go ahead with my plan and maybe have to pay $8K-$9K out of pocket (the overall difference between what I would bank from selling all those cars and the $20K replacement) for something MUCH newer and with FAR less miles.

Of course, as I'm driving the Z to work this morning, I'm thinking "what the heck am I gonna do for a speed fix if I get rid of this???" So I don't know if the E would cut it. Like I said, I've got time to figure it all out.

qbrozen · August 2005

Thanks for any help, Terry ..... AS ALWAYS!

qbrozen, "Real-World Trade-In Values" #27627, 1 Aug 2005 1:43 pm

usnycus · August 2005

"....... and ministers .. aaahh well, I guess they think the "big guy" upstairs runs the credit reports ..? "

lol...............

As per your suggestion (and other memeber) , placed an ad. in craiglist (and FOR-SALE sign). Also, got it cleaned & waxed (exterior detailing including engine) and now it looks g8. And, shining in night too.

Hopefully, will update to u all soooooooooon. :shades:

usnycus · August 2005

Agree......Will test the retail market ....

Also, I am not a lawyer, Doctor or Minister .........

gold233790 · August 2005

Terry-

Ok, 2004 Audi A8 L. 34k miles. Northern NJ. Black exterior, Beige and walnut interior. Quattro obviously. These things come mostly loaded- Nav, Park assist, Sat radio. Brand new rubber-maybe 1k on them.

Very good condition- no parking lot mishaps, etc. Clean exterior and interior. Factory scheduled maintainence. Only issue over 2 years was an initial fuse problem with MMI, which was rectified.

Have my eye on another car, and wanted to get rid of the Audi before it approached warranty time and became tougher to sell.....

Thanks Terry.

gasnsteering · August 2005

Trade in Value and private party sale values please. I was offered 15k trade from a Chevy dealer against a GM employee priced Avalanche. Want to buy an Accord and they use "Galves" values. Thinkin retail road would be better, since we are middle age and havent even done any good burnouts yet.

Located in New Jersy 08003
2004 Dodge Neon SRT4 turbo 4 cyl
Electric Blue-1 year color (not no sale blue, i hope)
8400 miles
5 speed (all are stick)
Options: All Available: sunroof, side air bags, Kicker Livin Loud Audio
1 door ding (installed by dealer service dept, no extra charge)
Orig owner all keys, manuals etc
tires are excellent, no excessive wear

Thanks,
GasNSteering

chum · August 2005

Terry - this one is a little different than the rest. I've sold the car and was wondering what you think it was worth. Please note the last section as it contains damage information that greatly affected the price I received.

Location: Richmond, Virginia
Year/Make/Model: 2000 Dodge Stratus SE
Body Style: 4dr
Engine: 2.4L I4
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 59950
Color: Metallic Pewter Exterior/Grey Interior
Major Options: Power Doors, Power Locks, Air blows cold, Automatic, CD, Power Drive Seat
Condition:
Exterior has a few minor scratches and a ding or two (shopping cart derby?).
Interior has been well cared for, non-smoker, etc.
Tires - back tires new, front tires 60% worn (maybe a little more)
Brakes - new rotors and pads
Oil changes on time, all other standard maintenance performed, engine runs well

Other: The bad news -- I took the car to CarMax and they discovered that the car had been in a front-end collision. They showed me the weld marks and mentioned that the engine bolts had been turned (they didn't buy the car). When I purchased the car, I ran a Carfax and it came up clean (it had been used as a rental for the first year). Didn't think to take it by a mechanic with it being a 2000 and me purchasing it in 2001. Live and learn, I suppose. Also (and this is probably related to the front-end accident), I had to repaint the hood because the paint started peeling. The body-shop did a B+ job, so it looks good unless you get really close.

I'll post the full details of my transaction (purchased a new car) once I get your price.

usnycus · August 2005

Here is the link terry, what do you think: :

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/car/88524273.html

dkuhajda · August 2005

Pick a number. Carmax didn't even want it due to the damage?
Or Carmax had such a low value that you didn't take it?

Terry is going to probably say the same thing, it is hard to judge the value of a car that has been in a wreck without seeing the scope of the damage and quality of the repair. Especially on one Carmax didn't want at all.

Run another Carfax, if something comes up, don't they have some kind of guarantee. Do you still have the old Carfax copy?

In your State is there some kind of requirement of full disclosure by a seller on significant damage?

chum · August 2005

Oh, Carfax offered to buy it. The car drove fine and looked perfect up front save for the hood that I had repainted. They just wanted to show me that it HAD been in an accident and why they wouldn't be selling it on their retail lot should I choose to sell it to them.

Virginia has very lax laws when it comes to Carfax and reporting (or so I've been told by folks I believe).

gold233790 · August 2005

I was offered $40,500 from an Audi dealer this morning. Is this the ballpark I should expect?

rroyce10 · August 2005

.............. Yikes .. except for the yellow mats it looks pretty good, plus the Ad reads well.!

For future reference, when you shoot a car, always try to remember to shoot from the ground up, down the sides ...... $5,900..? lets hope you get all of it .....

Good Luck.!

Terry

rroyce10 · August 2005

Terry-
Ok, 2004 Audi A8 L. 34k miles. Northern NJ. Black exterior, Beige and walnut interior. Quattro obviously. These things come mostly loaded- Nav, Park assist, Sat radio. Brand new rubber-maybe 1k on them.
Very good condition- no parking lot mishaps, etc. Clean exterior and interior. Factory scheduled maintanence. Only issue over 2 years was an initial fuse problem with MMI, which was rectified.
Have my eye on another car, and wanted to get rid of the Audi before it approached warranty time and became tougher to sell.....
Thanks Terry.
===================================

In Naw Jasee ......... 04 black A8L with tan guts and 34k .... new rounds things, serviced, no battles a Burger King, no Swirlomatic car washes, no curb burners and it looks and feels like 15k..? ... if so .. then trade side, in and around the low/mid/high $45's, "maybe" the mid/high $46's if it's super clean, glows in the dark and it needs -0- ..............

>>>I was offered $40,500 from an Audi dealer this morning. Is this the ballpark I should expect? .......... the miles hold this one back, but not that far back ..l.o.l..... not unless you've been using this A8L as a golf cart ....

Terry.

dkuhajda · August 2005

Curious then, what was the buy offer from Carmax?

klei14 · August 2005

I have a 2003 lincoln navigator ultimate 4x4 and am looking to trade it in and was wondering if you could give me a ballpark trade in price?

2003 navigator White 54,500 miles
navigation, 4x4, 6 disc, tan interior, park assist, vented seats, power liftgate, power running boards, advatrac(fancy stability control) chrome 18 inch premium wheels, moonroof, bucket rear seats,, the list goes on and on it has every option.
it is in exelent condition with no dents or scratches.
it had new tires put on at 47000 miles
it also has the remainder of a 4 year 100,000 mile warranty that i got in february.
please help me with my trade in trouble
thanks Tom

matth2581 · August 2005

Terry, thank you very much for offering this service. I hope you can help me price my car. I am looking to trade it in soon.

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (regular Evo VIII, not RS or MR)
Location: Ogden, UT
Body: 4dr Sedan
Engine: Turbocharged Inline 4, 2.0 liters
Driveline: AWD
Mileage: 4000
Color: Black on black
Options: Sun, Sound, and Leather package (includes sunroof, infinity sound system, leather seats, and high-intensity headlights)

Condition: Flawless interior, Exterior has a few scratches along the side sills. Paint is perfect, very few swirl marks (clay-bar'd and waxed monthly, use a glaze to cover swirl marks), Tires are original with 90% remaining on all. All maintanance performed at factory intervals by dealership (have receipts). No accidents, no door dings. Clear-bra over front bumper, mirrors, headlights, and 8 inches up the hood.

Thanks for your help!

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