Real-World Trade-In Values

rroyce10 · August 2001

...... You go boy --! all righty then.....

What auction are you going to...?

Well anyway, this will give more stuff to ponder ...l...o...l...

(nice vehicles>>)98 A4 2.8 Sedan's with, let's say 30K , all there, with all new rubber, xtra clean, with all the books and records -- looks 2000, will do all of $17,500+ -- 1.8t's will do all of $14,500+ and add an easy $1,500+ if it's a quattro that grabs your fever. 97's will run "around" $3,000 less..

Bimmers in the 328's (96's) clean, mileage as above, will do all of $17,000+ --- 318is's, low miles, clean etc, are doing around $13,000ish..

And my personal favorite ( look's like an Audi, smells like an Audi, drives like an Audi..could be an Audi..! ) is the VW Passat's..love em'.

These little Audi's...errr, I mean VW's in a 99 20K GLX V6 with all the stuff in ruby red -- in the wrapper-- will do all of $19,000+ ( I know, I just bought one ) a GLS V6 will pull $18,000 and the GLS's are running around $2,000 less..
98's are going to be "around" $2,000 less...

Sooooooo, buy something, please... you are killing my fingers..! l....o...l...

Good Luck,

Terry.

qbrozen · August 2001

I'm sorry, that really doesn't help. (I'm half kidding)

I was back there today. Just as I figured, they pulled out Galves to price my car. Why? Well, I'd have to say that because Galves gives the low price. But, their little black book comes out when they want to show what "we paid for this car." Well, I can't buy the fact that they paid that much when they are obviously using Galves to buy cars. Anyway, after a little bit of going around, we didn't make a deal. The salesman told me that "we paid $20,700 for this car." I told him that they overpaid and I'm not going to bail them out of their mistake.

Well, its all good. There is another dealer that has 2 right now, in colors that I like better, for $21,000 each, asking price (at that price, I'd have to guess they didn't pay $20,700). I'll see them tomorrow. Everything happens for a reason, right?

thanks.

goral · August 2001

Thanks! There are 2 auctions that I might visit - both of them are Manheim (one in Alsip and the other in Bollingbrook, IL).

SEVENPIN · August 2001

A dealer friend of mine has this car on his lot.It's been there a while 6 weeks.He is asking 16K for the car(Aurora)and it caught my eye.The color sort of a dark metallic red.No chrome wheels and can't remember if it has a slider.Ya think I might be able to buy it for 14K?I think it's a off lease vehicle from GMAC.

PS:Good to here from you Terry!! THANKS

rroyce10 · August 2001

........ I just bought the twin to the vehicle you are talking about ( color and all )...it's in my driveway as we speak, that why I'm quite familiar with them. It has the chromes, heated seats, Bose, slider, 31K etc,.. very clean and sharp, ..I paid $13,650 for it, plus the fee's and transport -- it will be in my neighbors garage tommorow..

I feel you can do in and a round that $14,000ish range. You know, maybe $15,000 on the "push"... but bid on it, with a big smile --- and see what happens...I'm quite sure, after 6 weeks he is a motivated seller.

These are nice vehicles, and you will enjoy it ..ps-- run a Carfax on it, and check the history.

Good luck,

Terry.

ACCENT · August 2001

Guy's

Thinking about buying a "01" Hyundai XG300L. How are these cars doing at the auction. Also to are new Hyundai's in general holding their value better since the warranty was introduced in 1999.

Thanks.

cpa4u · August 2001

My cousin is looking to trade her 2000 Durango for a 2002 GMC Envoy. The truck is a 4x4, 5.2 engine, tow package, platinum color, all the options (I think), leather, not sure about a slider, 17k miles, and is in southeast Tennessee.

She got a quote of "about" $17,000 or $18,000 from the GMC dealer. THe Envoy listed for something like $36,000 and they were knocking about $1,500 off. What do you guys think? Is she getting ripped at all on that? I told her about all the great advice on here and she asked me to post a message here for her.
Thanks

rroyce10 · August 2001

.......... Hyundai's are still a ways away from making any records here..

The leasing companies have been dropping these off at the auctions since June and the 01 300L's with all the stuff, with 6/7K are doing in the high $16's ... which makes for a great purchase used ( I guess..? )

As a rule, they all kinda do the same thing -- nose dive.

Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2001

...... How are you doing...?

Trading a Durango for a Envoy ...? Well, I will have to say, I do like the way they look and drive...

The Durango's with the SLT package ( which I'm sure it has ) with $17K and all the stuff (no sliders in 2000's) are holding their own at the auctions --IF-- this is a super clean one, without all the parking lot kisses and french fries up to the ceiling ... the miles are a little stiff. But, You are looking at in and around $19/$20,000ish ...

I won't spend the time to look up the incentives on the Envoy, but is he --Nut's..?

I'm thinking the invoice on the Envoy is "around" $33,000 === Sooooo, your cousin should be able to trade "around" a $14,000 difference..

Tell him to go to another store....

I know this will help...

Terry.

cpa4u · August 2001

Terry.....thanks for the quick reply. I'm doing fine. You guys helped me out quite a bit when I was trading, so thought I'd do her a favor and ask you guys about her deal too!!

That is about what I told her (cousin). That the dealer sounds crazy to me!! I just copied your info and emailed it to her. I told her to call the dealer in the morning and offer $13k difference and see what they say. LOL

SEVENPIN · August 2001

Took it for a ride, about 30 miles on the interstate and 10 in town. Car has a nice ride, only one imperfection. The headliner is sagging front/center edge of the moon roof. Someone had tried to reattach it with double-faced tape. The summer heat must have loosened it up. Pulled in to the used car dealership and out the door came the owner/salesman. I told him the car rode great, but I had difficulty adjusting the seat to keep my head from touching the roof. He responded with "It took you an hour to figure that out". He seemed mad about the 1-hour test drive. I also told him about the headliner and he said "It's a used car, there are going to be some imperfections.” I didn't respond to his comment but wandered if the asking price was firm. He said yes and asked what I thought was a fair price. I was thinking 14ish. The guy went in to a tirade about how he was a strait shooter and he wished he would have known that before I put 40 miles on his car.” You try and find one for fourteen thousand.” He said. I told him I seen a 98 with 32K and no moon roof go for 13,225 on ebay. There was more muttering about how I was insulting his intelligence by low-balling him. His final offer was 15,500 and no hard feelings if I bought the car or not.” I have sold several Auroras and it won't be long before that one is gone.” I thanked him for letting me drive the car and said I would think about his price. Out the door I went (with a smile). I went home and noticed a call on caller ID. The salesman had called my house while I was out test-driving the car. He must have been worried about the hour test drive.
The car has every option except chrome wheels and Bose sound, 30,272 miles. Tires are original Michelins and look to have 15 to 20K left in them.
Have a response Terry?
Tell me; was I over stepping my bounds? Was he playing the game with me (salesman intimidation)?

As always your response is greatly appreciated Terry.

qbrozen · August 2001

Well, I did it. I cut a deal on a '98 S70 T5 automatic with all the bells and whistles and a whopping 30K miles. I think I got a good deal on it. Granted, its coral red (i know, i know, Bill, but my wife liked the color and I preferred it over that fire-engine red), which is probably why the deal was SO easy to make. Real nice transaction. No muss, no fuss. Anyway, I basically got it (certified, of course) for $20,200 (asking price was $22,700). I think that drops me in right around $2K-$2.5K over Galves wholesale and brings me under the clean price of that blackbook, right? The car is EXTREMELY clean, new brakes, newish tires, and the 30k service all done. All I have to do now is wait for my bank check to arrive this week and bring it to the dealer and drive that puppy home. How do you think I fared?

As always, thanks, guys.

tnormanbmw · August 2001

In my experience selling cars I notice that a test drive over 10-20 minutes usually means NO SALE!! I think SEVINPIN was looking for a reason not to buy. Most long test drive shopprs never buy anything. A yellow legal pad for excessive notes is a clue too. There is an underlying issue why they don't buy(trade $$, credit problems, controlling spouse etc..) The salesman was right, it is a used car. If you want a perfect car buy new. You should also consider a car with a better build quality. 30k with a sagging headliner is poor. What else will fall off soon. The salesman wants to sell cars, not run a museum where people come in and joy ride 40 miles. When a friend offers you a bite to eat out of his fridge, do you take the entire fridge?

sobers · August 2001

I couldn't resist when I read about 40 miles of test drive !! How can somebody drive the car for so long without even deciding any ballpark figure ? 40 miles is JUST UNREASONABLE. I do help a lot of my friends buy new/used cars but never been on a test ride for more than 4-5 miles.

agt_cooper · August 2001

I've encountered many different attitudes on the part of dealers. Some throw me the keys and tell me to take the car for the day....others insist on riding with me along their canned test drive route. My favorite, though, was when the Pontiac Fiero came out. I was mildly interested in the car, and wanted to drive one to see if my interest would increase. The salesman told me that "this is a car that doesn't need a test drive. You can tell just by looking at it that this is a great car". Fortunately, I never got that test drive and never bought a Fiero.

My take is that any dealership should do their best to accomodate what the customer needs to feel comfortable with the purchase. If that is 5 miles, fine....if that means 100 miles, find him a demonstrator and let him put 100 miles on it. Doing anything less seems like poor service to me.

sobers · August 2001

without telling anything & without any understanding it is just un reasonable to take a car for 40 miles when you know the asking price is atleast 3000 more than what you want to pay for it ! Anyway for a new car model it is reasonable for anybody to test it on a freeway/city etc. 40 miles 'without informing' the dealer/salesman is a bit too harsh IMO.

tboner1965 · August 2001

I'd want to see if I like the car on my commute. I drive 70+ miles a day, usually closer to 100+/day.

I want to see if I can remain comfortable in that car.

For me, if I go on a short test drive, that means I'm not interested in the car.

Sure, I can check out the brakes, steering, acceleration, accessories in 15 minutes. But I've gotta sit behind the wheel and drive the car where I am normally going to drive it.

If that means going to the office and back, that's where I plan to go. The saleman doesn't need to come along if he doesn't have that kind of time. It is his choice.

TB

rroyce10 · August 2001

....... That's how a test drive should be done.

When I have customers that are looking at , let's say, more than just 1 vehicle ... I always recommend a test ride for the afternoon. I will tell the consumer -- "come pick up the vehicle around one ish and bring it back around 3"....

Guess what...! 78% of the test drives, will sell that vehicle ( and a good salesperson afterwords )---- they can feel, touch, and smell the whole vehicle, instead of the around the block BS.
Because, Guess what.... When a vehicle is driven for just a couple of miles -- They all feel just "about" the same ..! Do you think Hyundai sells all those "diamonds" because they are great cars --- No!
It's because with todays technology on the CADS they can duplicate the "feel" for at least a short time ... l...o...l....

Well my friend, don't give up -- I feel you ran into an "order taker" ... not a Salesman. If the Manager, had a lick of sense, that vehicle would not have hit the lot with the liner down --- No rocket science here, you can put new liners in, for around $125. ( thank goodness he doesn't work for me -- when you left, he would have been right behind you )

But anyway, I feel ..if.. you like the vehicle ... call him back ( with a smile ) make an "appointment' to go back, and start the negotiation around $14,500 and meet around $15,000 ---

What do you think ... ?

Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2001

...... Again, forget that galves stuff ....

You did good...! Very good..!

I watched 10/11 T5's run today. 4 very similar to what you just purchased, and they where running around $18,300 to $18,700. So my friend you did very well-- to say the least. with the transport, service and clean, the dealers will have at least $19,000 into those little puppies ...

Sooooo, enjoy..! You will love the vehicle..

Terry.

PS - Hey, I love that Coral Red -- It's the same color as my boat.

im_brentwood · August 2001

You did quite well qb. Coral red is, in my experience, quite subjective. I generally had a hard time moving them UNLESS you got the right buyer. A lot of people love the color. Subjective and all, right?

Very good price. I just picked up a nice Automatic from a wholesaler I know (Car is for a family member) for $17K with more miles.

Terry, were you at CFAA today?

I was.... Wait, I dont know what you look like so how was I supposed to know! hahaha... I was watching the Jag lane and could not believe what those Canadian units were doing. Amaranth (Purple) Canadian XJ8..ugh. Stupider still was what some of the Jag franchise boys were paying for the MSO cars.. Somehow I dont see why I would want to pay within $1K of invoice... anyways... I still did somewhat OK...

)

Bill

tboner1965 · August 2001

Bill,

You might appreciate this one. On the east side I passed by one of them really convenient "Buy Here! Pay Here! kinda lots.

They had some sort of Jag, I think an XJ-6 sitting out front with the following on the windshield

$2995, cash only!

Needless to say, I didn't stop.

Odd.

TB

tboner1965 · August 2001

I've got not problem paying for the gas, asking permission etc.

I don't want to waste a salespersons time, so he can come along or not.

When we bought the minivan, we brought a carseat, the 10 year old, and a doll. (We left baby at home.)

We drove home to see if it fit in the garage. We took the van to the major shopping centers, and spent some time getting in and out of the vehicle to see if we all fit.

It's my job to buy the best vehicle for my needs. How can you put a time limit on how long it takes me to evaluate the vehicle?

As long as I'm not out racing or trying to jump over the Mississippi river, why should you care how long I spend in the car?

Besides, if I have a trade, you can spend all of that time going over my vehicle.

For you to say 40 minutes is too long is like me saying $25K for that Honda Odyssey is too much, it should only cost $12.5K

But don't worry, I'll make up for all of that time spent driving the car by spending less than 10-15 minutes negotiating. Once I know what I want and what I'm willing to pay, if you like my offer, or you counter with an acceptable offer, I'll be buying.

Oh, I guess I could also say that if it takes longer than 60 seconds to get a deal approved or countered by the sales desk, that is too long also. (Starting to get my point, it is mutual time, mine and yours.)

It's just an opinion, that's all anything either you or I say regarding this. And we all know about opinions, everyone has at least one!

Besides, don't you want me to be a happy customer so I come back again?

Now back to our regularly scheduled topic, Real World Trade Values 8^)

TB

karz10 · August 2001

well I gotta say, if I was mildly interested in a car, I may only take a short test drive, but if I am ready to buy, I may wish to spend a little more time with it, sometimes that may mean some of the drive is sitting in a remote parking lot looking at every nook and cranny without being distracted, besides, depending on the location of the dealer (heavy traffic area etc. it may take 10 min. each way just to get through a couple red lights before you really get to even 'drive' the car

I think common sense, good judgement and communication should eliminate problems, personally I may not put 40 mi on a car before I got ballpark on a used car or knew what the new cars were being sold for without telling him what I wanted to do, I also think however, that some responsibility lies on the seller to gauge the intent/status of the shopper before going to test drive step, unless it is a demo and are just trying to get people behind the wheel for whatever reason

IMHO

Karz

rroyce10 · August 2001

...... No, I was a little farther down the street ...l...o...l... --- I was in Butler Pa, and tommorow or should I say, in about 5 hrs I will be in Manheim, PA for the Import sale. There should be around 3,500+ Imports that run .... That's a biggy..

There will a bunch of Benz's, Jag's, Lexus, etc.. well, you know how big this thing is.. it's the largest in the country.

Terry.

cncman · August 2001

Wanted to know about my friends car he wants to retail, it is a 99 Volvo C70 HT, automatic with all of the goodies. SIlver, No pick. It has 35,000 miles on it. He is thinking of asking $29,500, he asked me if that was appropriate or not, I said I had no idea, what do you think he should ask retail as I have no idea what this thing is worth, not many running through my reports. Thanks

qbrozen · August 2001

Well, that's good to know. My wife will be happier, at least.

Terry, how can I possibly forget Galves when that is what every dealer up here pulls out to give you the value of your trade-in? I mean, they basically drill it into a buyer's head everytime you go to make a deal, so how can anyone up here not be preoccupied with it? I mean, I understand what you're saying in a sense that a person should really be happy with their purchase if they're happy with their purchase

. In other words, don't be such a stickler with the numbers. Well, I don't know if that's exactly what you meant, but its a nice thought nonetheless. Anyway, like I said, its unavoidable up here. Telling someone to ignore Galves would be like telling someone to not look at the prices on other lots. Its just become something you do (well, at least something I do).

I'm sure I'll be happy with the car ..... for a little while at least

until my next obsession becomes available. Maybe this will keep me occupied until a used RX-8 is available.

fezo · August 2001

my favorite was a dealership about 20 miles from here. I was looking at a used Maxima. They gave me the keys and said bring it back tomorrow! I did, but only to sign the papres and buy it.

rroyce10 · August 2001

...... The reason why I mentioned that is, that the dealers themselves don't "really" use it on a real appraisel. ( maybe in a few stores, if that)

I have met dealers from Mass, Maine, Vermont etc.. And I have met them, at the auctions in Fl, Ga, and I see them every day outside Philly, etc... I gaurantee, they might use it once --- but, if there at a real auction site to buy vehicles, those little books are put back in the hip pocket --- cause, they will never buy a vehicle in the "real world" that's for sure..l....o...l....

I just got back from the biggest Import auction in the country today -- and I'm sure there was some there, but I didn't see any...

Terry.

But anyway, enjoy your new vehicle -- I'm sure you will.

rroyce10 · August 2001

....... If, this puppy dog is real clean, and is very limited in the food express line, and it has no or limited dings with all the service records and "shows new" with new tires, the right color etc .. That's a fair price. ( more like $27/$28,000 for a quick sale )

The miles are a little on the high side -- but, it would do a strong $23/$24,000 at the auctions --- Let's see what Bill thinks ...

Terry.

godeacs · August 2001

On reconsideration, you made some good points that I'll keep in mind. Sorry for my initial reaction.....

lancerfixer · August 2001

"and is very limited in the food express line..."

Usually I can figure out your slang, but you lost me on that one...lol.

robr2 · August 2001

Perhaps it means the vehicle lacks french fries between the seats and console!!!!!

But I imagine it's difficult to find a used car without that feature today.

goral · August 2001

Damn, why couldn't I be at that biggest import auction today??? Instead, I spent the whole day at Greater Chicago Area Auction (Manheim), got sunburn, and bought NOTHING!!!!!! Out of over 1K vehicles, there were only 4-5 that I was remotely interested in, and those had signs of damage/paintwork. Of those 4-5, I am kind of second guessing myself on 2. What do you think of these:
1) '97 BMW 528i, stick, 51K miles, dark green, seemed loaded w/ most options (sunroof, leather, CD, etc...). I believe it had door, fender and bumpers painted. Stopped bidding @ $16,500 - 2 dealers flipped the coin for it

@ $16,800.
Assuming the car was sound mechanically, that looked like a pretty good deal.
2) '98 Volvo S70 T5 Sedan (brought from Canada), stick, 26K miles, black on black, fully loaded. Looked like the whole car was painted, and someone did pretty bad job on the rear bumper.
We were the last bidders @ $16,500, but the seller wanted $17,500.
What do you think???

unamommer · August 2001

I live in the North Orlando area and am in the market for a 2001 honda accord. I have gotten what I think is a pretty good price from a dealer on an LX automatic with cloth seats (price is 18,100 which includes dealer prep) and the financing deal honda has makes this pretty attractive to me. My problem is this. I have a 97 charcoal grand caravan with 90,400 miles which is loaded, looks sharp, and has been maintained. I have had a warranty on this car which will expire at 93k miles and have just replaced the air conditioner, previously the transmission was replaced and mechanically it is in good condition. I am finding info on the net that it should bring about 7000-8000 on a trade in. I am so upside down it's just embarrassing. I owe 11700 on it. I accept that I am going to take a big fat loss on this van. I'm proud to say that I'm smarter and more informed now than I was then. My dilemma is what is the least painful way to do it? I don't think I could sell the van myself because of the high mileage. If I trade it in, what are my options? Do I just give them a check for the difference? Can I roll some of the difference into the financing? I'm not really sure of the best way to proceed and would appreciate any suggestions or comments.

im_brentwood · August 2001

Here's Bill's opinion!

From the Volvo front C70s are becoming tough as hell to retail. Heck, even Automotive news did a story on it a few months back.

Shame, I think its' a gorgeous car.....

OK< Silver is the color. If its' a High Pressure Turbo, it had better have 17"s (Heck, it had better have them period!) Also It better have a roof, (heated seats and STC up north) full leather and the surround sound is good.

99 HT? 35K? Take Terry's bid and run. I think you're a bit high... I saw one do like $20K or so (Was a bit edgy) at Ocoee about a month ago (FAAO for Terry, huge auction here in Orlando for the rest of ya) I think it had about 35-40K IIRC and was silver but a bit edgy. A white one that was also just OK also ran that day. Simliar miles similar $$.

If its' real nice I'd personally be a checkwriter at $20,500. At the auction maybe the wiseguys who work the lanes for the auctioneer could push me to $21Kish but past that my head starts shaking left and right.

The local Volvo Dealer bought a 6K Mile 2001 factory demo HT Automatic coupe with every bloody option made, totally perfect 6K mile car for like $29K. And that was in like March!

$29,500? If he can.... good for him but I'd say fair retail is more like $24-5Kish if its' all there.

Sorry....

Bill

im_brentwood · August 2001

1) The 528i was still a steal I think... seems cheap to me. If it had paint (ANd was done well and had the VIN tags on the body panels) I'd have bought it for that in a heartbeat.

2) T5? Thank god you passed!

Terry... you lucky stinker. You got to have breakfast at the Big Manheim!!!

)) Lemme know when youre gonna come down here again... And I totally agree on Galves. To me Galves is about dead dead dead wholesale. Basically, what some wholesaler will hit the car at so they can then drag it to the sale and sell it. Galves rarely buys cars... I can think of a lot of examples of where its' so far off what it will do at auction its' Laughable.

Terry.. E-Mail me or call me (492-4854 you know the area code) when ya get a chance, I need some inventory.

Bill

im_brentwood · August 2001

Well...

Assuming you have great credit, the balance can be added into your new loan. Or you can (As I would suggest) throw a few bucks down to help cover the difference. This will keep you from being burined in the Honda. Although if you drive a ton you still may have a car with lowish resale in 4 years or so. Now that Jimmy Bryan sold his Honda Store you also dont have to worry about that!

Sure you could sell it yourself. Autotrader is a better way to go for you than the Sentinel I think. Its' just, as we know, worth a bit less than it otherwise would because of the miles. If it is highway mileage and not an I-Drive taxi

then advertise it like this:

1997 Dodge Grand Caravan ES. Beautiful Charcoal Grey with immaculate Grey interior. Outstanding condition, very well maintained, drives virtually as new. Much recent servicing done, 93K highway miles, priced below market at $10,950 Call Jane Doe in Longwood at 407-555-1212

Just Some thoughts...

Bill

unamommer · August 2001

Bill,

Your advice is very well received. I think I will try the Auto trader. I was thinking that it would be hard to obtain financing on something with so many miles which would eliminate the option of selling it myself. But heck, it's worth a try! In reading past posts I gather you live in the area and you sound like you are familiar with the market. In your opinion, do you think that 18100 on the 2001 accord is a good price, or do you think I could get it down more? I'm not afraid to negotiate, I'm not in a hurry to buy, and my credit is excellent. Thanks again for taking time to respond.

Kelly

im_brentwood · August 2001

Glad to help.

Yup I'm in the area. I live in SW Orlando (Bay Hill area). I have no idea on Accords but know the market is sorta "tightish" in town on them. I.E. they do not have to sell them for like $300 over invoice to move every one they get.

But lemme see here... Shoot. If that includes the dealer fee that's a cheap deal on a base LX. Especially in Orlando. Sounds like Invoice to me assuming they have like a $299 dealer fee. (Personally I would jump to an ABS car... I was driving an older BMW that I picked up back to my lot today in that rain-from-hell we had... I was running up John Young pkwy to dodge the I-4 parking lot and I am darn near convinced that the ABS in that car kept me from slamming into a 94ish Accord) I just like the idea of ABS myself, especially with all the rain we get here. I would really consider it if I were you. Seriously.

I read your profile.. if it helps I have a customer who I buy over 20 cars a month for. All older and high-mileage Camrys, Accords, Siennas, etc... they are all for export and generally end up in the Caribbean/Latin America/Africa. I can't tell you how many 160K..170K..180K..190K..200K..etc Accords that I have bought for him that run like 30K mile ones.

Take care of a Honda and you'll be totally sick of it well before it wears out!

Bill

cncman · August 2001

Thanks for the help guys, yea, it has everything, and is the HT, I told him he was a little high, I thought, but it was a good place to start, I know he had alot of trouble getting it about a year ago and had to go to florida to get it from an individual. I'll pass on the info, thanks again,

goral · August 2001

I thought you were a Volvo fan

Is there something inherently wrong w/ T5? Was the price too high? Or is the fact, that the entire car was most likely painted, a deal breaker?
Thanks...

geneseedepot · August 2001

I'm looking to acquire a small SUV (Escape/Liberty/Forester/CR-V) and am trying to decide whether to trade the 97 Civic or keep it as a backup car. The Honda is a 5-speed, has 93K on it, has a 2-3 very minor driver side dings otherwise good shape externally. Internally, the car could be cleaner (driver's side carpet dirt/salt stained around the edges of mat...minor french fry infestation). I'm sure I could remove all evidence of the messy interior except for the drivers side carpet (which I'm sure would look acceptable at least).

The car's maintenance is up to date except for the timing belt, which I'm scheduled to have done next week. I do have most of the service records from the last 2 yrs but didn't keep most of my receipts from early on.

KBB says trade-in for "good' condition - 5545,
trade-in for 'fair' condition - 4560. I'd like to get at least 5000 for it otherwise I'll keep it. What do you think?

qbrozen · August 2001

I think he was indicating it was a bad deal. Considering I just bought one myself on the retail side, I saw the numbers you wrote up on that one and cringed. All that paintwork AND a stick just doesn't add up to $17,500 (or $16,500 for that matter). The BMW sounded like a good deal, though. I would have loved to find a deal like that in my shopping.

qbrozen · August 2001

Hmmmmm.... This sounds like a whole other topic to me. So, what would be your advice, let's say, for "nicely" telling a dealer that you believe your car to be worth more than Galves?

You may say they seldom use it at auctions, and that's fine. But, I can tell you that they ALWAYS use it at the dealership when appraising your trade-in. Bill, you were in Jersey, you must know this. And, believe it or not, my experience isn't exactly limited. Between myself, friends, and family, I really couldn't even tell you how many deals I've been in the thick of throughout central Jersey. They ALL quote Galves (actually, I had one dealer pull NADA, but that whole experience was just off-base and we didn't buy there).

Also, is there no way (aside from the tremendous contribution from you guys) for the non-dealer-connected to know the TRUE value of their trade-in? Is there any book that is true throughout? Based on my most recent experience, Blackbook is on the high side. You guys say Galves can be way off. We all know that NADA and Bluebook are just screwed up. So, where do we turn? It seems that the only way to see the true value is to actually see them run at auctions. Who tallies auction results? Are they recorded somewhere or is it just a haphazzard kind of process?

As always, thanks, guys.

QB

cncman · August 2001

QB;
We get auction reports from the major auctions, manheim, local ones too, I even use them when a customer starts moaning about their trade and we really are giving them ACV. Good point, I had some folks trading a 96 4runner limited 4x4, it was super clean, no deducts, I was selling our ride at invoice and not really any room left there to play, the 4runner had 98,000 miles on it and they would not take less than $15,000 for it, we would not go over $12,500, Well maybe to $13,000, but we were too far apart.Come on who's going to walk in and pay $17,000 for a 100,000 mile SUV? I showed them the auction reports and they did not care so they ended up walking.

qbrozen · August 2001

well, you can't do much better than that, cncman. I, for one, would really appreciate being shown auction reports. At least I know then that its truly "this is what your car is doing at auction".

Keep it up. If a customer doesn't recognize your honesty, then there really is nothing more you can do for them. I can tell you one thing, if they leave you and go to someone using Galves, then they will probably come back to you.

cncman · August 2001

Unfortunately,
The customer usually is too embarassed after the scene they made to come back and admit they were wrong, that's usually the way it goes, if your honest and upfront you end up loosing in the end.

qbrozen · August 2001

Does that mean you think being dishonest and underhanded equals winning? I sure hope not. If so, let me know where you're at so I never visit your shop.

If you can be slimy and still sleep at night, then you have my pity. If you need to be honest to feel good about yourself, then you are the kind of salesman that most people here are looking for. And, if you are the latter, then you need to keep doing exactly what you're doing regardless of how people react. And, frankly, it didn't matter with those folks. If you were underhanded, you would have offered even less for their trade-in and they still wouldn't have bought from you.

im_brentwood · August 2001

Methinks overpriced for a repainted ex-canadian car

Bill

im_brentwood · August 2001

Hmmm...

$5K might be a stretch methinks... I think $4,500 is closer to the mark for a 4-door. Still, it is a Honda, you may want to shop it a bit.

Bill

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