Real-World Trade-In Values

qbrozen · April 2006

oh yeah, i'd have to say that's totalled.

a chrysler (or chevy or ford) van with 61k miles? I don't think that's repairable by any measure.

bdr127 · April 2006

Glad to hear that you're okay!

Engine: Um... V6?

They made a 3.0L, 3.3L, and a 3.8L V6 for your van. Do you know which one it is?

BTW, I'm pretty sure that insurance companies don't use trade-in values to determine payouts or totalled cars... Can someone here confirm that and tell us what number they tend to use?

Kirstie_H · April 2006

I think it must be the 3.8L... the van I've got is next to top-of-their line. I can't open the hood to check, and I don't know if I can locate the owner's manual. Glove box flew open and contents are everywhere

Yeah, I don't know what values they use either, but I have absolutely no idea what it was worth on the open market, and I'd like some basis to know whether I'm being offered a fair deal or not (if it's totalled).

Edit: Edmunds says it's a 3.8L

robr2 · April 2006

Ah that'll buff right out!!

Glad to hear you are OK. It might be close. IMHO it'll depend on the damage under the hood.

bdr127 · April 2006

I think it must be the 3.8L... the van I've got is next to top-of-their line. I can't open the hood to check, and I don't know if I can locate the owner's manual. Glove box flew open and contents are everywhere

Edit: Edmunds says it's a 3.8L

My parents used to have a 2001 T&C LXi, top of the line like yours... heated leather, etc.... But theirs was a 3.3L.

Do you have the VIN? I can put it through a VIN decoder and tell you for sure.

mikefm58 · April 2006

" Yeah, I don't know what values they use either, but I have absolutely no idea what it was worth on the open market, and I'd like some basis to know whether I'm being offered a fair deal or not (if it's totalled). "

When my wife's one year old 1996 Jeep was rear ended by a drunk driver, they used retail value plus sales tax. That's in Florida, so it might differ by state.

Glad to see you're OK.

asr515 · April 2006

I'd love to find out the "real" trade-in value for my '00 Jeep Cherokee Classic. I'm looking to buy a new car and am wondering if I'm better off trying to sell it on my own. Here's the stats:

Location: Central Jersey
Year/Make/Model: '00 Jeep Cherokee Classic
Body Style: 4dr
Engine: 6 cylinder, auto
Driveline: 4wd
Mileage: 85500
Color: Burgundy w/tan cloth interior
major options: all power, overhead console, power driver seat
Brakes and tires were replaced 1 year ago.
Maintenance: done regularly
Clear history, only a few minor scratches (normal wear/tear)

Thanks!

srbarnes4ever · April 2006

I'm in a leased 05 Pathfinder looking to exit it with the least amount of loss on my behalf. I'll be moving internationally in about 3 mos. so that's my time window. Originally leased in July 05 for 39/mos @ 1k miles/mo.

Lexington Kentucky
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE
4DR
3.5 liter 6 cylinder Auto
AWD/4WD - Selectable 2WD and 4 Hi/Lo
13,500 miles
Silver
Alloys, Sunroof, rear DVD entertainment, GPS navigation, leather seats, power fronts, heated fronts, rubber all weather floor mats, etc.
Like new interior condition
2 rock chips on front hood are the only exterior indications of wear
Tires have significant life remaining, no noticeable wear, flat spotting, etc.
All maintenance conducted at Nissan

agc · April 2006

Can you guys help me price this van out, what is the real trade in numbers for it

Location: NJ/NYC
Year/Make/Model: 2002/Dodge/Grand Caravan
Body Style: minivan
Engine: 3.8 liter, 6 cylinder, auto
Driveline: AWD
Mileage: 36000 (Dodge Certified Pre-owned Warranty)
Color: Gold/beige
Major Options: Sport, rear air, AWD
Condition: Interior and exterior are in pretty good shape
Tires - 80% new
Brakes - 80% new
Maintenance - all maintenance performed
Other: clean Carfax

au1994 · April 2006

I would start with the lending company and find out what the payoff would be.

Then compare that with the value according to Edmunds or others here have to say. Then you will know what you are up against. Depending on what the pay off is, you may be able to sell to Carmax or private party and make your pay off number.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'd bet you are upside down. You could try to explain the situation to your lender and maybe get the payoff number down a bit, I don't know.

british_rover · April 2006

uses replacment cost plus tax to figure the value of a car totaled in a wreck. I got about 6,000 dollars for my totaled Jeep Cherokee back in 1999 and it had over 150,000 miles on it with very bad paint but new tires. I also have USAA, the greatest insurance company in the world as far as I am concerned, so I don't know how other companies will do it.

I think the rules will vary though from company to company and state to state though.

akangl · April 2006

Retail numbers, at least in Alaska. My mom's 02 Legacy wagon booked for $15k retail, total damage done by the moose was $10k, they fixed it since the damage fell below 80% of the retail value. The car never was right after that.

Some states I've heard is as low as 60%, others, like Alaska are high at 80%. Kinda like pin the tail on the donkey really.

buster6 · April 2006

Hi Car_Man and message forum,

If anyone can help me out with a true trade in value I would really appreciate it.

06 M45 sport 4.5 V8
located in Phoenix
Journey and Tech pkgs--has navi and bose system and all of the do dads in the package except a rear entertainment dvd player.
18,500 (very tall) miles
I did add oem chrome wheels after the purchase
Its a dark silver with a light grayish interior

Thanks in advance for your help.

Duplicate MSRP is now 57k and invoice is 52039 if that helps

sweep2002 · April 2006

Hi Terry,
Was hoping I could get an appraisal for this one:

Location: Southern California
2003 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr
3.5 liter, 6 cylinder, 6 speed manual FWD
Mileage: 58k
Color: Gray exterior, Gray cloth interior
Major Options: sun roof, side air bags, Limited Slip Differential, Bose unit

Condition: Looks about average to good for a 3.5 - 4 yr car. Some scratches, nothing major, no dents. Tires will need to be replaced ($700-$800). Fluids, brakes are fine. However, wheels have moderate curb rash. Overall it looks decent.

Thanks for your help!

apicason · April 2006

Terry you were right on the number about 20 pages ago. Ran the big ad with bold letters, asking 19,995 and the first person that looked at it offered 19K,which I gladly took just to get it over with. Many thanks-headed to play Silver Lakes on the RTJ Trail this Sunday. It's probably the most forgiving of the RTJ's that I've played.

woodyww · April 2006

A bit OT, but there was a guy on this board a few months ago desperately looking for a used stick shift Maxima in So. Cal., & couldn't seem to find a nice one.....

Kirstie_H · April 2006

Do you have the VIN? I can put it through a VIN decoder and tell you for sure

Nope, but thanks very much for the offer. It looks like the 03 LXi only came with the 3.8L. Crossing my fingers, hoping to hear from the adjustor today. If it's $500 in damage away from being totalled, I swear I will take a baseball bat to that sucker and make up the difference

bdr127 · April 2006

they fixed it since the damage fell below 80% of the retail value. The car never was right after that.

Some states I've heard is as low as 60%, others, like Alaska are high at 80%. Kinda like pin the tail on the donkey really.

Yes, every state is "totally" (no pun intended!) different when it comes to what constitutes a totalled car.....

volvomax · April 2006

According to Manheim, probably between $43-45,000 if in good condition.

biancar · April 2006

Terry, maybe you can help out with this one. I took my Maxima in for an oil change today and since I've been thinking convertibles lately, decided to take a Z-car out for a spin. Oh my goodness, be still my heart! Really liked it.

Now here's the thing. This is a new, never been titled, 2005, touring edition. It was one of the last 2005s to come in, and everyone jumped on the 2006's instead. So they're offering it at $34,000 - would be $40,000 if a 2006.

Details: 2005 Nissan Z- convertible, Touring Edition (heated leather seats, traction control, 6-CD changer)

Engine: 3.5 liter 24 valve V6 287 hp.
Automatic transmission
Mileage: 67, of which I put on about 15 - 20 during test drive.
Color: Exterior - Red, Interior - black
COndition: Excellent, new car.

Good deal at $34,000?

corvette · April 2006

Did you mean Grand Touring? The Touring is $38,600-ish. Here are the changes for the 2006 model:

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/nissan/350z/100655417/review.html

biancar · April 2006

No, Touring. The Grand Touring has a couple more bells and whistles, most notably the Brembo brakes. They have listed mud guards, mats, wind deflector, cargo net, couple other things like that that inflate the price maybe $300 or so.

This is definitely the Touring, the middle of the line-up. Doesn't have the nav system.

qbrozen · April 2006

actually, vette, the '06 Touring with automatic and destination charge is $39,255.

Biancar, I don't know invoice on the '05, but if we assume near $36k, like the '06, then they are about $2k under. The '05s had a $1k rebate on them at the end of last year, so they could be had for around $35k. Now its 4 months later and the '06s are in stock. And extra $1k off is ok, but, personally, I don't think its enough. But that's me.

biancar · April 2006

Maybe I should have done this first before posting - anyway, just checked Edmund's values, and it looks like $34,000 is not a bad deal. With adjustments for mileage and so on, they've got private party sale at $33,600, and dealer retail at over $34,000.

So, fair enough for starters. I didn't even attempt negotiations, perhaps they could go down a bit more. I'm sure they want to get rid of this baby, they've had it on the lot for 5 or 6 months now.

harf · April 2006

Terry,

I have a 2001 gold gle maxima with 55 clicks in austin with abs, lthr, sunroof & extended warranty...

Party wants 15K... What do you think.. Color sucks but the miles look okay for my use.

Another question: should I take it to a nissan authorised place for checkup or any garage is okay before I fork over the cash.

Appreciate your help as usual.

Thanks a ton in advance.

Harf...

harf · April 2006

Oh one more thing the extended warranty expires in another 8 months .. Is it worth anything.. Edmunds private party dishes out 11,063 as the tmv price or whatever they calculate..

any suggestions ??

sweep2002 · April 2006

Whoa...$15k? I've been looking at maximas for a couple mos. now and it should closer to the $10k range for a 2001 even with a warranty.

sweep2002 · April 2006

Hi Woody,
Yep, that was me...still looking. Desperate? Yes. But with time to wait for the right one to come along? Yes. Hopefully, this one will be it.

zman21 · April 2006

Any help is appreciated on below vehicle for real world values.

Location: So. California (70 miles North of San Diego)
Year/Make/Model: 2001 Toyota Sienna XLE
Body Style: Van
Engine: V6, Auto Trans
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 35,000
Color: Silver 2-tone
Major Options: XLE, Leather, Dual Power Doors, Pwr locks, Pwr front and rear side windows, JBL sound, Pwr Moonroof, Tow Pkg, VHS Entertainment, Rear spoiler
Condition: Excellent, No visible dings or scratches
Tires - 60% worn
Brakes - Still original
Maintenance - Up to date w/ synth. engine & tranny oil.
Other: NO prior damage/insurance claims, repaints, etc

peetert · April 2006

Morning Guys,

You helped me a while ago with my last purchase and now it is time to buy again. This isn't a big purchase by most standards, but with 3 kids now, money is getting tighter and every bit helps.

I'm looking to get a pickup for weekend Big box & recycling runs, but the major reason is I do alot of volunteer work at a campsite and I'm getting a bit tired of loading my chainsaw, leafblowers, etc. into my nice Volvo S70 (gotta love the big trunk though)!

After looking around at the different styles, we felt a club cab would be the best since this could also work in a pinch for lugging the rug rats around should the need arise. the Dakota is the only one with a rear bench, so that fit the bill.

I've been looking around and have been keeping my eye on one at a local dealer. It's been around since January(?) and the price has dropped from 7K down to 5K (as of their last ad). they now have it prominently displayed out front as well (previously it was in the back). The specs are as follows (this is in NW NJ (Morris County)):

2000 Dakota club cab, V6, 2 WD, gray, cloth int, 80k miles, manual, spray on bed liner. Tires okay, small nicks & scratchs (what 6 yr old truck doesn't),p-lcks, p-win, cruise, tilt, aftermarket am/fm cassette.

I would prefer an automatic, but don't think I can find one for a good price. I still have to go test ride it, check out the carfax, but what do you guys think a nice OTD offer would be. My in-laws are offering baby-sitting tonight so we may actually go look at it today.

Thanks

Peeter

graphicguy · April 2006

q....I'm surprised that you can't get your check book out of you pocket fast enough to buy this Z 'vert.

biancar · April 2006

Well.... I just spent a couple hours reading all the complaints on the 350Z topic! Iy-yi-yi...tons of complaints about tire wear and frame flexing. And extremely poor handling apparently in bad weather, including rain. I don't care about bad handling in snow, I'd leave it garaged on snowy days, but rain, I need to feel secure in.

Very surprising to me, as Consumer Reports rates the Z car as a buy, and I have had good experiences with the Nissan products that I've owned for the better part of the last 26 years.

So, it's a quandry. I like it, the price seems good, but the complaints are enough to scare me.

corvette · April 2006

It's hard to judge by looking at message board posts. I've never owned a car that was completely trouble-free. Seems like there are a lot of gripes about many cars. I thought the tire wear issue was fixed with a TSB a few months after the 350Z was introduced?

As Terry says, buy and drive what you like.

biancar · April 2006

Not exactly "fixed," they just extended the warranty for alignments. The 2003's and 04's seems to be reporting the most problems, typical because they've had time to pile up the mileage, as compared to newer models.

All my other Nissan products have been trouble-free, with regular maintenance. Never a glitch of any sort. I couldn't stand it to be disillusioned!

Oops - have to add this edit. I did have to replace the coils recently on our Maxima, after 70k miles. Guess that's a problem, but it's been the only thing that was other than normal wear and tear.

qbrozen · April 2006

definitely be careful with what you read. That flame flexing post was the first I had ever seen, personally. I don't consider the tire wear even an issue, frankly. The way I drive, I'd go through the tires fast anyway. The tranny issues? well, i do know nissan made 3 or 4 versions of the tranny as time went by, so they must have realized something was going on. i also know, however, there are plenty of people with plenty of miles and zero problems with their Zs.

graphicguy - i actually oppose sportscar 'verts when there is a hardtop version available. if i'm getting a sportscar, i want it to be as rigid and light as possible, 2 qualities that are hampered with a droptop. Besides, no 2-seaters for quite some time ...say 17 years when the kid has his own car?

mtyler · April 2006

Hello,
Philadelphia
4 cyl engine
Automatic FWD
35,000 miles
Silver w/ black int
Perfect condition inside/out
Front tires 6 K on them, rear original
Oil changes every 3 K

Please let me know what the trade-in and private value is on this car.

Thanks,
Jenn

graphicguy · April 2006

q....you're car adventures will get even more interesting as that kid gets to driving age....and not in a good way.

Can't disagree with you about rigidity of drop tops compared to coupes. Throughout my car buying life, I've toyed with buying a convertible. But, never pulled the trigger for the same reasons you give.

All that said, I've test driven the 350Z on numerous occasions (never pulled the trigger on one, though). Body/chasis flex? The Z is one of the most rigid sports cars I've ever driven (and I've driven and owned a boatload of sports cars). Sports tires are going to wear way faster than regular tires, no matter how they're driven.

biancar · April 2006

Pulled the trigger on the 350Z! Most fun I've had in a car since I was a teenager. ;-)

Financially I feel like I got the best of both worlds - got about $7k off sticker price since it was a 2005, so that pretty much covers, plus a bit, the first year's depreciation, yet it's a new car. Don't think I could have done any better elsewhere, though I did a search and there are one or two 2005s within 50 miles of me. I'm happy, anyway. Details in 350Z topics.

qbrozen · April 2006

congrats! enjoy!

biancar · April 2006

Thanks!

I'm getting off the computer right now to go for a ride - gorgeous day here.

leecurrie · April 2006

Twin Cities, MN

2001.5 VW Passat Wagon GLX 4Motion

V6
Green with black leather interior

Heated seats

Moon roof

It is the "new" bodystyle. Only 36,000 miles. No accidents. Tires rotated and oil changed regularly. In great condition. The GLX had all the options.

Just want to make sure the dealer is not ripping me off.

Thanks a lot.

03cobra · April 2006

I am trying to negotiate a deal on an 07 Camry at $100 over invoice. I want 18k on the car below, dealer offered $16,500.

Minneapolis
01 Lexus RX300
6 cylinder,AT
AWD
59800 miles
Silver/Black leather interior
All options EXPECT Mark Levenson system.
Body and interior are excellent and detailed
Tires have 70% tread left.

reagle_beagle · April 2006

I am trying to negotiate a deal on an 06' Eddie Bauer Explorer at x-plan price ($35K). I want $7K on car below...dealer started with $5K and is up to $6K

St. Louis, MO
V6, AWD (4 Motion)
72,000 miles
Silver w/ gray int
$1500 hail damage (excellent condition otherwise)
New tires with 12K miles
Serviced at VW dealer

Thanks!

british_rover · April 2006

am trying to negotiate a deal on an 07 Camry at $100 over invoice. I want 18k on the car below, dealer offered $16,500.

Minneapolis
01 Lexus RX300
6 cylinder,AT
AWD
59800 miles
Silver/Black leather interior
All options EXPECT Mark Levenson system.
Body and interior are excellent and detailed
Tires have 70% tread left.

We took a nearly identical, but 15,000 less miles, RX300 in trade not long ago and I think 19,000 was all the money in the world for it. I think 18,000 is stretching considerably but I am on the other side of the country.

Terry would have a better idea.

steine13 · April 2006

I ain't Terry but I can read...

MILWAUKE Lease $17,250 51,023 Avg SLVER
OHIO Lease $14,500 54,440 Below GOLD
MILWAUKE Regular $18,400 56,033 Above
MILWAUKE Lease $16,000 58,332 Avg BLUE
OHIO Lease $15,700 58,691 Avg BLACK 6G
MILWAUKE Lease $16,250 63,156 Avg MNGRN

It's the usual thing with 6-year-old cars.. 60k is kinda low for the year but the car is getting old; what's the point of a Lexus beater -- which is where this thing will be in another 3, 4 years -- so it'd have to be truly "Above average" to score that kind of money.

I think their offer of $16,5 is reasonably strong; I'm sure there's some $$ still on the table if you're ready to consummate the deal. $16,9 maybe low $17s... walk out once and you'll know...

FWIW, no $17 of MY money for an '01 anything, thank you very much... it's a popular vehicle, no doubt, but speaks to a small niche in the market.

-Mathias

british_rover · April 2006

Yeah that confirms with my guess. We don't sell anything with that many miles on it so I was trying to extrapolate from the lower mileage versions.

mjpbyron · April 2006

Hey guys, hopefully someone's got some insights on what's going down with my trade-in value.

Location: Lyndhurst, NJ, about ten miles outside of NYC
Year/Make/Model: 2005 Scion xA
Body Style: 4-door hatch
Engine: 1.5L I4, automatic
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 18,900
Color: Black
Major Options: Pioneer CD audio, tilt steering wheel, cargo net, carbon-fiber fuel door decal, keyless entry alarm system
Condition: Good. Some minor flecks off the paint on the hood. The antenna housing on the roof is cracked and I will replace it before selling.
Tires - Approximately 65% remaining, Right rear tire is new due to a puncture.
Brakes - Still original
Maintenance - Up-to-date fluid changes. First new oil at 1,000 miles, then every 3,000 miles or three months after that. No major repairs to vehicle.

jimbres · April 2006

It's spring on Long Island - about 30 miles east of NYC - & my wife has her eye on a new Lexus. What can we get for her current ride?

1999 Lexus ES 300
Mileage: 86.5K
Exterior color: light green-grey (I forget what Lexus called this color. Sage, maybe?)
Interior color: taupe leather
Options: in-dash CD changer
vehicle stability control
heated leather seats w/driver side memory
sunroof
Exterior condition: no hits, no accidents, no repaints. Car has 8-10 of the usual suburban parking lot nicks. Paint shows no signs of fading & shines up nicely. Overall, somewhat better than average for a car of this age & mileage.
Interior condition: Outside driver's seat bolster shows signs of wear: scratches in leather. Otherwise, interior is clean. No French fry attacks or fruit fly infestations. Smokers can't ride in our cars.
Tires: all 4 were replaced in early 2004 - about 25K miles ago. Yesterday, our mechanic found that the front 2 were badly worn. He realigned the front & replaced those tires. As you'd expect with a front-driver, the rear tires, which don't do much work, have most of their tread life in front of them.
Mechanical issues: none. All major systems (A/C, etc.) are performing to spec. Everything works, with 1 exception: the remote key fobs have lost most of their punch. We have to get close to the car & punch the buttons repeatedly to unlock or lock the doors. Most of the time, it's faster to just use the key. Any idea why this is happening & what we can do about it? Should we even bother?
We're looking for private sale & trade values. A relative has expressed interest in buying the car.

Many, many thanks for your help.

jbollt · April 2006

the remote key fobs have lost most of their punch. We have to get close to the car & punch the buttons repeatedly to unlock or lock the doors.

I'll bet the batteries just need to be replaced in the fobs.

leroybrown71 · April 2006

.. **Location: San Antonio,TX

Year/Make/Model: 2004 Ford Mustang Mach1
Body Style: 2 door
Engine: 4.6 liter DOHC V8
Driveline: RWD
Mileage: 14,400
Color: Screaming Yellow, Black interior
Major Options: Automatic, interior upgrade package.
Condition: Very good. 2 small scrapes on rear bumper ( <.5 cm each ) , no other chips/scrapes/dings. Interior also very good.

Tires - Good tread ( ~75% + )
Brakes: ~75%
Maintenance : Regularly scheduled oil changes, transmission fluids, filters, etc..................................
Other: Thinking about selling this one.. and waiting out the new Shelby Mustang. Not sure if now's the time, or wait till the Shelby is released. Curious on trade / private party values. Thanks in advance Terry!

Real-World Trade-In Values

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