Real-World Trade-In Values

pat · September 2006

Does this work for you: Entry Level Performance Sedans? Do you have a 3-Series? The STS and 3-Series are both topics there but we can make a specific comparo if you'd like.

graphicguy · September 2006

pat....thanks for the offer to put up a comparo, but I'm probably the only person on the planet that's going to make such a comparison. No need to start a separate thread. And yes, I own a 330i. The Caddy belongs to my mother.

The two aren't in the same size category, they aren't in the same price category. V8 vs I6...so it's not even close. I don't know what my mother paid for the Caddy (she qualifies for GMS under her Son-in-law's GM employment), but I'd have to say there's at least a $10K swing in purchase price between the two (even more when comparing MSRP stickers).

BR.....yes, the STS does come with an AWD option. Don't know when they started to do that. Up until now, I was never a Cadillac fan. Truth told, I didn't even know Cadillac dropped the Deville and Seville lines. I don't know how Cadillac implements AWD as I've never done any research on them. As a side note, the local dealer (there's only one) is advertising LR3 "demos" for $10K off in the area.

kyfdx.....the more time I spend in KY, the more I like it. A move across the river may very well be in my future (need to get my son graduated from college, first). With my hobbies taking me to the other side of the OH river more and more, it's making a lot of sense.

corvette · September 2006

The STS looks like it's more in the territory of the 5-series than the 3-series, but it's an interesting comparison nonetheless. It looks like you could pick up a used 2005 STS for the same price (or less) than a used 2005 330i.

The STS-V is priced squarely in M5 territory.

kurthenning · September 2006

New to the forum....

looking to purchase either of these two:

2000 clk430 convertible 66000 miles
2000 s500 silver sedan 39000 miles

any one have recent Manheim numbers ?

thanks in advance

british_rover · September 2006

Hmhh I am going to have to do some looking into how the STS AWD system works I guess.

The LR3 "demos" are really retired service loaners that Land Rover gives us some support to lend out to customers. We have to leave the car in service for four months after that we can sell it for a substantial discount.

They are pretty agressive with their service loaners though. 10,000 dollars of discount is very agressive as that is the most we would discount any of our service loaners so we wouldn't advertise that price. At 10,000 dollars off you are basicly selling them all at a loss since I doubt many people are going to come in and pay your asking price.

corvette · September 2006

I had forgotten that AWD was available on the STS. It's listed as an option on the order sheet--the AWD version isn't actually a separate model, so only the V6/V8/STS-V show up as distinct models on Edmunds. It seems like most vehicles have separate models for the different drivetrains.

dinks · September 2006

Dear All,

[I first posted this in BMW forum but I was asked to post in this forum for industry inside information. Appreciate your help]

I am looking to buy BMW 3 series (for the first time) and need some help on deciding what's the right price to pay for a Certified pre owned vehicle.

[I have also posted the car info in the suggested format at the end of this message]
I just looked at a 2004 black 325i with 28000 miles with sports package, power seats including passenger seat and power moon roof. I test drove it and liked it. The dealer asking price is 28k. Edmunds says 27.5 for such certified pre-owned car in CA. Any opinions on what a reasonable price for this car is? Am I better off buying a new one? I never bought a car from a dealer before so appreciate any tips on where I should start the "haggling".

TIA,
dinks

Location: [city/state or nearest metropolitan area]: Bay area, CA
Year/Make/Model: 2004, BMW 325i
Body Style: [2dr/4dr/wagon] 4 dr
Engine: [3.5 liter, 4/6 cylinder, auto/manual] 6 cylinder , auto
Driveline: [FWD/RWD/AWD/4WD] RWD
Mileage: 28000
Color: [exterior/interior] Jet black/Gray
Major Options: [alloys, sun roof, etc.] Sports package, power seats, power moonroof
Condition: clean
Details of interior and exterior, including dings, scratches etc. didn't find any scractches
Tires - new or % worn worn, not sure how much %
Brakes BMW certified so I assume they are ok?
Maintenance
Other: Indicate prior damage/insurance claims, repaints, etc.

cccompson · September 2006

The only tip I have is that you should have the dealer pull a Carfax on it as well as its service history (off their database) and review both carefully.

kyfdx · October 2006

It sounds like a nice car... Since it has gray interior, it has to be leather.. Probably has the entire premium package.. Does it have Xenon headlights? Harmon-Kardon stereo? (labeled that way on the speakers) heated seats?.

Do you know the in-service date? September '03.. not so good.. July '04... pretty good (dictates how long your warranty will last).

Also.. have you seen the car? Jet Black is a non-metallic color and will show swirl marks, scratches, etc. much worse than a metallic color. If it has been taken care of, that won't be a problem... but, if not..

The only other thing to check for is previous body damage.. That is really the only thing you would need an inspection for..

After all this... I'd say somewhere south of $25K is the right price..

And... have them throw in the extended maintenance plan.. This will increase the included maintenance to the same length as the CPO warranty. List price is $995.

div2 · October 2006

For a friend; Retail and Trade values if possible. Thanks!
Location: Louisville, KY
Year/Make/Model: 1999 BMW 323ic
Body Style: Convertible
Engine: 2.5 inline six, slushbox(yuk!)
Driveline: RWD
Mileage: 57000
Color: Light Metallic Blue
Major Options: Sport Package, heated seats
Condition: Excellent- no accidents/repaints
Tires - new
Brakes - @20% worn
Maintenance up to date

volvomax · October 2006

Tough car to figure.
Trade in @$8-9000

div2 · October 2006

Thanks!

jwats · October 2006

I met a someone who buys lightly damaged, but salvage title, Escorts and restores them ( if the word restore and Escort can be used in the same sentence).For example, $4,000 for a 2002 with 45,000 miles. these may need bumper covers and fenders, but no frame damage--I've seen the next two coming down on the line. It strikes me that this maybe the worlds best buy in a cheap economical commuter car--the salvage title is not a concern, because I would give it to my son and let him drive it until the wheels fall off. I would prefer a Honda or Toyota, but a $4,000 Civic has hundreds of thousands of miles...and Escorts are fairly durable
does this make sense?
John

ej1111 · October 2006

Location: Raleigh, nc
Year/Make/Model: 2006 vw passat 2.0t
Body Style: 4dr
Engine: 2.0 turbo automatic 6spd
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 12700
Color: Black ext/mocha leather int
Major Options: Lux package 2, dynaudio stereo package, leather, sunroof
Condition: Excellent- like new
Tires - good condition
Brakes - good
Maintenance all up to date, 10000 mile service jsut performed at dealer.

thanks!

cccompson · October 2006

While I don't know that I'd call such a vehicle the world's best buy, such a proposition makes a great deal of sense - especially if you can see the vehicle before it's been repaired.

volvomax · October 2006

Not much to base this on, but wholesale between $20-21000

cecilt1 · October 2006

We are looking to replace our '01 Tahoe LT with a minivan now that we have baby #2. Just seems much easier for the wife to use a van instead of the SUV. Anyways, we are on the hunt for a pre-owned '05 Honda Odyssey Touring with navigation and rear DVD. The 2 deals I have struck thus far as as follows:

'05 Touring with Nav and DVD, 26k miles, clean carfax, clean interior and exterior. Deal is $28,300 from a dealer. Not Honda certified as it is not at a Honda dealer. This one is our first color choice(redrock pearl and one of the harder colors to find)

'05 Touring with NAV and DVD, 6k miles(yes that is correct), traded in by older couple 2 days ago, clean carfax. Not Honda certified for me b/c my deal was for $29k. Would cost more if i told them to certify it. Sage brush pearl exterior and our 3rd choice of colors.

First, are both of these prices good for an '05 touring? Second, which is the better deal? In terms of price vs. miles they seem like about a $700 difference if I sell in 4 years which is the difference in today's prices. Thanks

erics6 · October 2006

Oregon
02 Mazda Protege 5
71,000
Dark blue/black cloth
Side airbags/sunroof/ABS/OE chrome polish alloys/OE alarm/aftermarket tint
Very clean interior. Clean exterior with a couple of small door dings.
All maintenance done. Good tires 60% and new brakes.

What's the auction action and a fair trade value?

zodiac2004 · October 2006

'05 Touring with Nav and DVD, 26k miles, clean carfax, clean interior and exterior. Deal is $28,300 from a dealer. Not Honda certified as it is not at a Honda dealer. This one is our first color choice(redrock pearl and one of the harder colors to find)

'05 Touring with NAV and DVD, 6k miles(yes that is correct), traded in by older couple 2 days ago, clean carfax. Not Honda certified for me b/c my deal was for $29k. Would cost more if i told them to certify it. Sage brush pearl exterior and our 3rd choice of colors.

I don't know if they are good deals or not, but the one with 6K miles is CERTAINLY a better deal at 700 more.

exb0 · October 2006

2007 Honda Odyssey EXL with NAV and DVD invoices at $32K. Not too long ago 06 were selling for invoice minus $500 dealer cash. Wait a couple of months and 07 will do the same. In addition, you might get more for your Tahoe during the winter months.

There isnt that much of a difference between EXL and Touring. One of major features of Touring are the PAX tires, which are major PITA, just go to the Odyssey forums and read for yourself.

Also, 2005 Honda Odyssey is the first model year, and it has issues. Consumer Reports rates it slightly below average. $29 for a two year old used van is nuts.

ed108 · October 2006

Hey all,

Looking to trade one or both these 2 vehicles and would like some ballpark of what I can expect. I live in So. Nevada but would go to So. California or Phienix too if it made a significant difference in the values I could get.

Thanks.

1. 2004 Saab 9-3 AERO Convertible
- 28K miles
- automatic
- 17" wheels
- 6 CD
- xenon lights

2. 2006 Jeep Commander Limited with every option available
- 14K miles
- 4x4
- 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine
- DVD player
- NAV system
- Chrome accent
- towing and off road pkg
MSRP new $44,600

cecilt1 · October 2006

We decided that we preferred the features that the Touring has over the EXL and were willing to pay for this but not at new car prices. Therefore, we decided to go pre-owned. In my first choice above for $28,300, the deal is actually for $27,695 but it needs 2 new PAX tires and aligned. This will cost me $600 which is why the price is $28,300.

I believe the '05 Tourings with the NAV and RES invoiced for $36k. With that said is it still too much to pay for either and I should continue to look. I have deposits on both but the Sage Brush had a deposit on it before me so I am second in line. I will know on Sunday of the first buyer fell through. If it does my only deal would be the Redrock. Thanks and time is running out for this important decision.

cccompson · October 2006

The early '05 Touring R&Ns had an invoice of $34,5xx (what I paid for mine) then in mid-February '05 it went up by about $600 as I recall. The announcement of the price increase got me off the fence in a hurry!

I've already commented on the 26k Redrock on the other board on which you've posted.

edukic · October 2006

Location: Charlotte, NC
Year/Make/Model: 2004 Nissan Xterra XE
Body Style: 4dr
Engine: 4 cyl. 5 speed manual
Driveline: 2WD
Mileage: 20600
Color: Champagne
Condition: Excellent- like new
Tires - good condition
Brakes - good
Still under Manufactures Warranty
KBB price $11,700
Black Book Price $11,610

Please let me know how much the value is. the car is in perfect condition. Carmax is selling exactly same car, even mileage, for $14000

volvomax · October 2006

Wholesale @ $7000

volvomax · October 2006

Well, neither car is a resale king
SAAB is probably a $20-21,000 car

Jeep is @ $26,000 or so.

dillydill · October 2006

Hello all,

A friend is looking to buy a used 2006 Chevy Impala
Central Massachusetts
06 Impala LS sedan 6 cyl
auto
FWD
15K
I'm not sure of color or any other options.
I told them to hold off until I asked this great board for thoughts and advice on this one.
Dealer is asking 17K

Regards,
Dillydill

jlawrence01 · October 2006

I think that I would do two things:

1) Find out what the Impala would cost if purchased new - incentives, financing, etc.

2) If the car you describe is what you are interested in, I would probably offer $15.3 and settle for $16. The price is in the ballpark.

breld · October 2006

I've received some advice on this here several months ago, but now I'm finally pulling the trigger and have some hard numbers, and wanted to get some opinions.

I placed an order for a BMW in late August, and it's due to arrive in a couple of weeks. And so, I need to unload my Acura TSX:

In Denver,
2004 Acura TSX, 41,500 miles
Meteor Silver, Grey Leather
6 speed manual, non-navigation model
Everything standard (leather, power seat, sunroof, 6CD, etc.), plus a factory spoiler.

It is in very nice condition, though there is a minor scrape on the front fender (no dents, but could use a little paintwork - dealer thinks it's a $100 repair), and a couple of chips in the windshield. Tires were replaced about 5,000 miles ago.

I'm going through a broker, and received a fair price on the BMW ($2,500 off sticker), so I think the trade values are "real."

Little over a month ago, the broker got $18,700 on trade for the TSX. Since I had time, I thought I would try to sell it on my own, but after five weeks, I've lowered the price to $19,400, and have had very little interest in it. The broker re-bid the trade, and now is at $18,000.

The $700 drop bums me out, and seems a little high for a month. But, nevertheless, still seems pretty fair, if not strong on the trade.

Any thoughts?

qbrozen · October 2006

I'm not sure of the laws in CO, but since you are going through a broker, do you get a tax break by trading to him/her? At the 7% tax rate I pay here in NJ, that would mean getting $18k for a trade-in value is actually like getting $19,260.

breld · October 2006

Yes, I do get a tax break here in CO, so that $18k trade equates to selling it on my own for about $19,500 (8.1% tax rate for me!).

The broker was going to "transact" the deal for me if I found a willing buyer, so I would still get that tax break, for a $500 fee. So, my hope was I could sell the car for somewhere around $19k-$20k, pay the $500 and get the sizeable tax benefit.

But, at an offering price of $19,400, with virtually no calls on it, the gap between what I can probably sell it for, and the "easy" $18k trade is getting less and less.

robr2 · October 2006

IMHO, I'd take the $18K - it's a manual, it's got 41K on it (lots for a 2 YO car, not so bad for a 3 YO), it's a manual, it's 3 model years old, it's a manual...get the drift??

breld · October 2006

FWIW, it is a 3 year old car - the TSX came out pretty early in 2003 as a 2004 model year. I have indeed owned my car for a little over 3 years. So, mileage is just above "normal," but nevertheless, it is higher mileage than the other 2004's out there.

In any case, your point is well taken. The bottom line is I've had it listed for several weeks, priced fairly (in comparison to other listings), and no takers. At the end of the day, the $18k seems like a very fair "real-world" trade value. Barring someone making an offer on it this week, I'm sure I will take the trade.

I imagine it is the manual that's hurting the resale - even on a car like the TSX.

robbieg · October 2006

A friend of mine bought one of these about a month ago. His was a 2004 silver automatic with about 35,000 miles on it. He bought at the end of his friend's lease. He paid 17,500. This was the lease buyout price. The Acura dealer was begging his friend to trade it in because he had a buyer lined up. I think they said the buyer was willing to pay about 20,500. The dealer stated he would split the 3,000 profit. I would imagine yours is less desirable because of the stick. Based on this I think the 18,000 is pretty reasonable.

breld · October 2006

Cool - thanks for the feedback. I already figured that $18k was a good trade value, but it's nice to hear from others with true experience.

erc1 · October 2006

Hi,
I have a new '06 Mazda 3 with 5k miles, base hatchback configuration (3s), 2.3L engine, cloth interior, manual trans, FWD, copper red, 17 rims.
It was SLAMMED by hail damage--no real large dents, but maybe 250 total, primarily on roof and hood. In all honesty, it doesn't look THAT bad. My insurance cut me a check for $4500 which includes traditional body work on the roof and replacement hood.
I plan to keep the car for about 4 years, give or take. I have a strong urge to trade it in, because I am no fan of having major body work done on a new car. I took it to Carmax, they offered me 10.5K (I laughed and dashed out). With this kind of damage, it has a KBB of $14K.
So my question is, what will this do to my trade-in value in four years? I would be happy to get $12k for it now (with the check, that makes about what I paid for it before tax). Is there any chance of this????

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

cdnpinhead · October 2006

It'll depend (duh) on the buyer. No dealer will give you a break -- he can get a clean one somewhere else.

Our family tends to buy used cars that are mechanically sound but can (& often do) have cosmetic defects. We're rare.

Most people acquiring cars care very, very (very) much about how the thing looks. It's more an art object or substitute (fill in the blank), so looks (size) matter.

If you find a buyer like me or my kids, you'll do fine. However, the other 99.7% of the car-acquiring world doesn't understand a word of what I just said.

longo32 · October 2006

I have had several vehicles that had bad hail damage over the past 20 years and have had them all fixed.
I would say if you are planning on keeping yours til the warranty is up, then shop the hail damage money around until you find a body shop that will do the work for less than the insurance settlement.
If you wait to get the damage repaired in a four years it will cost lots more than your insurance $4500 check.
Don't even dream about trading a hail damaged vehicle when it's 4 years old, they will want YOU to pay THEM to take it.
If you keep it, looking the all those little dents for years, it will drive you crazy as you sound like a guy who is fussy about your wheels.
Get it fixed now, or trade it in as is, on a shiny brand new 07'

erc1 · October 2006

>>Get it fixed now, or trade it in as is, on a shiny brand new 07'

I would prefer to trade it in now for the '07, to save me the heartache of my baby being in the shop for weeks and having to stare at the paint blending line every day.

However, I was under the impression that Carmax quotes were typically the highest trade-in values--is this not true? Would the Mazda dealer go easier on me (ha, ha) because they know the ins and outs of what's PDR-able and they can get cheaper parts?

also, I am too scared to shop around for repairs, because the adjuster implied that it is quite possible traditional bodywork will not cut it on the roof, and the estimate could skyrocket. looks like ServiceFirst for me--there's some nice wording about how if I choose my own shop and the adjuster missed something, tough luck.

And I wasn't clear on this point--I definitely plan to have it repaired if I keep it, but what will having had half the car repainted, a new hood, and a roof full of bondo due to my resale then?

cccompson · October 2006

ecr1, you must understand that damage to a vehicle ALWAYS decreases its value more than the cost of repairs. Hence, you will take a bath if you try to trade it in its present state.

So resign yourself to having it fixed. Once repaired, then make a decision whether to get rid of it.

"[S]cared to shop around for repairs[?]" Do think this process will be better if you don't? Find out what PDR company your insurance company uses and start with them.

div2 · October 2006

I apologize for the recent number of requests, I'm looking for a replacement for my Wrangler.

I'd like trade and retail if possible. Thanks!

Location: Louisville, Ky
Year/Make/Model: 2001 BMW X5 3.0
Body Style: Four Door SUV
Engine: 3.0 liter, 6 cylinder, five speed manual
Driveline: AWD
Mileage:61500
Color: Silver/Black Leather
Major Options: Sport Package
Condition:
Overall Condition is very good to excellent
Tires - 30% worn
Brakes- @20% worn
Maintenance- Up to Date
Other: Clean Carfax(and yes, I know Carfax misses stuff...)

corvette · October 2006

A manual X5 with the sport package--that's got to be a rare bird!

british_rover · October 2006

Hmhh I am going to take a wild guess and go with 16,000-18,000 wholesale depending on other options it might have, heated seats, moonroof, Auto climate control etc.

div2 · October 2006

A manual X5 with the sport package--that's got to be a rare bird!

Yes, you sure don't find them every day. I really wish it had heated seats, but it's not a deal breaker.

div2 · October 2006

Hmhh I am going to take a wild guess and go with 16,000-18,000 wholesale depending on other options it might have, heated seats, moonroof, Auto climate control etc.

Thanks for the quick reply. I believe it has every option except xenons, NAV, and heated seats- so call it maybe $17,000?

british_rover · October 2006

Let me check my books/auction reports in the morning. I was just calling it from the gut and although normaly my gut is pretty good I would feel more comfortable with that number after looking at some research.

div2 · October 2006

Thanks, I really appreciate your help!

mrrk47 · October 2006

I couldn't figure how else to post so I just replied to this post. Who wants to take a stab at a 2006 honda crv , ex awd 9600 miles. Payoff is 21700, a toyota dealer is taking it in as a trade. I figured 18000-19000 , because ofthe frenzy of the new 2007's and that new 06's equipped identicaly are selling for 21700 right now? Please let me know what you would give for that car.

explorerx4 · October 2006

judt curious, why the switch from cr-v to toyota(fill in the model)?

susankaye · October 2006

Suggested Information for posting trade-in values:
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90064
Year/Make/Model: 2003 Acura 3.2 CL
Body Style: 2dr
Engine: 3.2-liter, 24-valve, VTEC V-6 engine
Mileage: 32575
Color: Eternal Blue Pearl/Ebony (leather)
Major Options: 16 x 6.5-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels, DVD-Based Satellite-Linked Navigation System, OnStar® ready, Power moonroof with tilt feature and sliding shade, Acura/BOSE® music system with AM/FM stereo/cassette and 6-disc in-dash CD changer
Condition:
Interior in excellent condition, Exterior has tiny dings on edge of driver's door and a small dent (1/2" long, paint not damaged) in driver's door, Tires - good condition Brakes: Front 90%, rear 50%
Maintenance: Have had all scheduled maintenance, recently had 30K major service, new battery, fuel injector service, power steering service
Other: Repair/repainted drivers side fender, performed by dealer approved body shop

Real-World Trade-In Values

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