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Real-World Trade-In Values

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  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    ...I know I'm about a week and four or five people late in response, but $5k for a 103k mile '96 SAAB 900SE sounds awfully expensive...I think this is really about a $3500 car, tops, unless it's just impeccable. For that matter, I don't know how new a Civic you can buy for that (maybe a '99?), and the SAAB is arguably 'safer' (partially because he'll never drive it if it's in the shop). I've owned a few much older SAABs, and unless that generation is far more reliable/less expensive to repair, I'd pass. If repairs are on your dime, you'll be quite miffed, and if they're on his, it may sit in a heap on the driveway indefinitely. Not good in either case.

    For $5k, if you want safe, there's always an '01-ish Taurus or Impala, '99 or so Camry or Maxima, an older Acura Legend or RL, almost any GM tank.
  • reh21435reh21435 Member Posts: 1
    Anyone have an idea of what the trade value of an 04 PT Cruiser base model.

    Houston TX
    Cool Vanilla exterior with Light taupe interior
    2.5 normally aspirated
    the dreaded manual transmission
    46k miles
    cruise control is primary option
    Average condition...good paint and no stains/tears in interior

    Taking a deep breath now as I suspect I'm about to learn a hard truth. Always before I've driven a car till the wheels fell off, so this will be my first lesson in 3 yr depreciation.

    Thanks for the help.
  • ptsmommyptsmommy Member Posts: 15
    Looking for range of $ for trade in at new car (honda) dealer.
    2002 VW Passat Wagon GLS automatic 85K miles w/leather/heated seats, moonroof and MONSOON stereo
    Am looking to trade in at a honda dealer as I am planning to purchase a new CRV-EX-L. Have had MULTIPLE problems with this car recently (replaced w/used engine and rebuilt transmission at 84K miles, thank god for the EW!!!!)and although I've loved the car, I am just not willing to get stuck one more time.
    I have edmunds' TMV values but wonder if I have any business using this to negotiate w/dealer.
    Car in good to exc condition cosmetically,w normal wear and tear for that mileage. Any ideas?
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    You are probably somewhere @ $7-7500
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Well, the range is probably $6-8000
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    See if you guys want to take a crack at this. I'm hoping with winter coming, I won't take a bath on this iron. I used it for towing See Doos, but those have gone away. This is in SW OH.

    --'04 4Runner SR5 4WD, 37K miles
    --midnight blue w/grey cloth guts
    --V6, automatic
    --spoiler
    --upgraded factory alloy wheels
    --luggage rack
    --clean inside and out, a few very small rock chips on front bumper
    --no wrecks, no paint work
    --Tires with about another 12K tread left
    --everything else works

    Need a private party price...throw in the trade value if I decide to take it down to my nearest Toy dealership for a quick cash sale.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    By Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds standards, the car is worth around $16,000 to $18,000. I went to two dealers and Car Max last weekend and they were willing to give me around $14,500...... So if I sold to a dealer, I'd lose out on at LEAST $1500 - $3500.

    I'm curious--what did you pay for the car? And is your estimate of "losing" $1500 - $3500 based on what you paid, or what Edmunds says?

    How much do you think an '04 Accord LX is worth, anyway? I think if you blow off the carmax offer of $14.5 & try to sell it privately w/o the title, you're gonna to have to do a lot of work to make maybe an extra $500 or $1000.....
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    We took in an 04 EX for $16,000.
    Carfax is right on the button, IMO.
    RETAIL on the LX may be $16000, but there is NO WAY that car is worth $18,000 to anyone.
  • robbiegrobbieg Member Posts: 350
    Any idea what I should pay for a 2006 Ford Explorer? The ones I am interested in have under 10,000 miles, XLT Trim with only the basic stuff and are 4wd. A dealer has a bunch of them for 18,900 and I was wondering how much wiggle room there is. This is in Pittsburgh.
  • acuratacurat Member Posts: 87
    Hi folks,

    Looking to trade in my ride on an upgrade to an RL:

    Los Angeles area
    2004 Acura TL non-navi automatic with all usual goodies
    42,000 miles
    Silver/ebony
    Clean overall, near-spotless interior, few trivial dings on front bumper and hood, no door dings, no wrecks
    Tires - original (still have tread!)
    Brakes remaining 50% front, 85% rear
    Dealer maintained, one owner

    What say you for trade, o wise ones? Thanks! ;)
  • herc76herc76 Member Posts: 52
    I am looking to trade in my 02 in for a 04 and I looked up the Blue Book value for my vehicle. My question is: Do you think I will get a descent trade-in value for my 02? I figure since I'm going back to a Lincoln dealership I would get a descent amount back for my trade-in. My current mileage is around 71,000 and the vehicle is in good condition. I am located in the Tampa area.
    Thanks!
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    I'm going to look at this one tomorrow - wondering what a good price to buy would be.

    2001 4Runner SR5
    25,900 miles
    Auto, V6 3.4L 4WD
    All options but leather
    Silver/Gray
    Asking $18900

    Thanks in advance :)
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    If you can get to Pittsburgh you can get a 2008 Explorer with 10k miles for the same price(see 4 or 5 posts before yours). If you can find one near you I would think that is a better deal. Five years newer and you get 2 years of warranty.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    Wow, the dealer that his this one also has three 06 Explorers with 15-16K miles all around the $21K price. I had an 02 4Runner which I loved and miss, but when the triplets arrived, the 4Runner turned into a minivan ;)
  • gussguss Member Posts: 1,167
    I had a 2000 Explorer that I traded in with only 60k miles(probably too early) that I sometimes wish I still had. So I can understand wanting to get back to where you were before kids became you main priority in vehicle purchases.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
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    Please provide your daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Friday, November 10, 2006.

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  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    wholesale is between $21-22,000
  • acuratacurat Member Posts: 87
    Much obliged. Dealer tried to lowball by quite a bit. Will look elsewhere. ;)
  • nonjth13nonjth13 Member Posts: 91
    Would like trade estimate for the following:
    2003 Audi A4 Avant 3.0
    new 4/03, one owner
    25000mi
    no smoking
    almost pristine condition, no accidents, always garaged at home and work
    Atlas Grey Metallic exterior, tan leather interior
    cold pkg
    rear airbags
    auto
    Albany NY area
    Any help re trade value that can be offered is appreciated.
  • tlgelawlortlgelawlor Member Posts: 19
    I've noticed the discrepancy as well. I'm hoping to get a realistic idea of my cars trade-in value here. Could anyone help. I'm looking to trade my 2000 Honda Accord EX V-6 Leather. The color is gold. The mileage is 47,800. Overall the car is in great condition. It has been well maintained. I am the second owner, but the first owners were my parents. Interior is in excellent condition. Exterior is in great condition also. Just a few minor parking lot dings that you would expect for it's age. The only issue it has is a minor fender bender I had in July. I was rear ended by a kid. The repairs cost around $2000 which surprised me as you couldn't even tell I had been in an accident. All repairs have been made. However, when I took it to Carmax they gave me a story about Frame Damage! and low balled the bid. Very frustrating. What should I realistically expect to get. Very confusing looking at Edmunds, NADA and KBB. I live in the Chicago area. Thanks. Any info would be appreciated.
  • jlawrence01jlawrence01 Member Posts: 1,757
    Without seeing the vehicle close up, noone is going to be able to give you a realistic estimate of what your vehicle is worth.

    I will say that from MY experiences at Carmax in Schaumburg is that they'll tend to low ball you more so than other places.

    Personally, I would probably get the vehicle detailed inside and out and place an ad in the Chicago Tribune or one of the Herald newspapers in Chicago and sell it privately. Those things sell like hotcakes IF they are properly priced.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    That is a toughie. Not alot of sales to go on.

    My best guess is somewhere @ $20-21000
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Is the accident on Carfax?
    If so, what does the carfax say?
    W/ Honda's also you have the body stickers to deal with. If they are missing, that turns off knoweledgable bidders
    If the car were mint, it would be worth @ $10-11,000
    With the damage, even repaired it is hard to say.
  • tlgelawlortlgelawlor Member Posts: 19
    Thanks to everyone who has posted replies! And in answer to your questions, no the accident is not on the carfax report. The report is clean. As for body stickers I'm not sure, but I think they are there as the only area of work was on the bumpers. I took it back to the body shop that did the repair work (which is very reputable) and they looked at it with me. The only tip off they could see to repair work would be that the bolts look too new and a couple areas of the underside look a bit too clean. They dirtied it up for me. Makes me feel awful. I don't feel comfortable concealing something. Was your estimate of $10-11,000 trade-in value? Thanks again for you feedback.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,272
    You should (and usually must) disclose the damage when you sell it, but that doesn't mean the repairs shouldn't look as seamless as possible. I'm not sure I'd trust the body shop to self-police their work. If it was repaired through your insurer's direct repair program, you could have them inspect it, or you could ask the dealership where you are trying to trade it in to point out any areas where the paintwork is deficient.
  • tlgelawlortlgelawlor Member Posts: 19
    I agree! But here's the odd thing in Illinois. It is illegal for Carfax to get any accident information from the police departments. Therefore Illinois accidents do not show up on Carfax reports. Guess who's for this — the auto dealers. The exact people low balling the prices to me and claiming they wouldn't be able to sell the car but would have to just send it to auction. Very frustrating. And thanks for your suggestions. I will do that. I'm pick up my new car in the am. I'm taking this car in at that time to see if they will accept it on trade. If they give me the same lines everyone else has, I'll ask them to show me the problems. Thanks!
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    First of all, it is impossible to fully disguise a repair.
    A competent appraisor can always spot body work.
    It is always a good idea to disclose any body work at trade in time.
    If you don't, the dealer will still see it and will think you are trying to pull something over on them and will treat you accordingly.

    My estimate was if the car was in original condition.
    With the bodywork done the car is probably worht somewhere in the $8-10k range. Just depending on the quality of the repair and the cars overall condition.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Yup and no matter how well a vehicle is repaired you can't fool a paint meter.

    If someone is suspicious of a repair they will just take a paint meter to the car and find out for sure one way or another.
  • tlgelawlortlgelawlor Member Posts: 19
    You guys have been great. I really appreciate the feedback. I agree about disclosing the repair. I've even taken in the repair report so they can look at all the info. I'm hoping for between $9-9500k range. The car really is in great shape. From your numbers I at least know I'm not out of the ball park in my thinking. Thanks
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    If you haven't traded it in already, unless you're getting a really strong trade-in price, my advice would be to sell it privately. (I don't know the prices of used Accords, but if you could get an extra $1500--$2000, would that be worth it to you?)

    IF the repair is decent quality, a $2k body repair w/no carfax report, on a low-mileage Honda, will not turn off that many buyers. I think the car dealers are trying to low-ball you. Unless the repair was below-average of course.

    If I recall, your Accord has LOW miles--IMO that will be worth a lot more to most buyers than a $2K bumper repair will detract.
  • tlgelawlortlgelawlor Member Posts: 19
    Tried to trade it on Saturday and got another low-ball price. Frustrating. I think we'll try selling it ourselves even though the process makes me a bit nervous. The miles are low (47,800 on a 2000 Accord). And I believe the repairs are good. The shop I used is an Allstate and State Farm preferred shop. Ironically, they also do all the repairs for the Carmax store I tried to sell it to.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,272
    The shop I used is an Allstate and State Farm preferred shop.

    Have you gotten an independent expert to inspect the bodywork? The Allstate and State Farm direct repair programs can turn out some shoddy stuff, depending on the shop, when they think no one is looking...
  • tlgelawlortlgelawlor Member Posts: 19
    I haven't had an independent expert inspect the vehicle yet, but I'm hoping to be able to do that this week. I've been in discussion with the original repair shop about the problems I'm having selling the car for a fair price. They have put a call into Allstate for me to discuss "diminished value" but I'm not expecting much to come from that as it is a term insurance companies loath.
  • nonjth13nonjth13 Member Posts: 91
    Thanks for the input. If I can get 20,000 I will be happy.
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    Sell it via private party. Your just getting low-balled. 2 grand for bodywork is minor. I wouldn't waste the time on repairs done unless you have concerns.

    I've sold a ton of cars myself... It's no big deal. Ad in the local paper, Craigslist and maybe Auto Trader. If you want a fair price for the car, you are going to have to sell the car yourself. You almost never get what the car is worth in trade. You give up $$$, for the convience of a quick trade.
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    How much is Carmax offering you for the Accord? I just went onto Kelly Blue Book and entered in your car and a Chicago area zip code. The trade-in value was $9090 for good condition. Private sale is $10,700.

    If you think their offer is low, sell it on your own. Keep in mind though you are selling a 6 year old car for 5 figures (soon to be 7 years old). When people buy privately, they are looking for a deal so to get someone to pay $10k will be difficult. It will take time and advertising money.

    The accident should not be a problem especially if you have the repair bill and it was done properly. A test drive by the potential driver should clear their minds (and a trip to their favorite mechanic).
  • tlgelawlortlgelawlor Member Posts: 19
    Carmax offered $7000. I felt that was way low. I do realize the car is 6 almost 7 years old, so I don't expect to get a fortune. But it does have extremely low miles for it's age which should balance out the accident. I do have all the info on the repair, as well as all maintenance records for the car from the day it was bought. I agree with everyone that selling on my own is the way to go. Thanks to everyone for the advice. Much appreciated. I'll let you know how it goes!
  • acendholeacendhole Member Posts: 7
    I have an 04 RX330 w/ nav,rear camera, heated seats in Bamboo Pearl with 47,000 miles. Its a great car.

    I just got it in September as a CPO, but I really need something bigger.

    What is the wholesale on it?? What should I expect in trade.(Probably a Land Rover LR3).
    I paid about 31,900 with TTL.
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    Wow that is low! Before you sell on your own, have you tried other dealerships? Carmax is not the only game in town.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    Don't forget Fee-bay, if only as a way to check out what similar cars to yours are selling for. And don't under-estimate the demand for low-mileage Hondas: price it right, have it looking great, & your biggest problem could be answering all the phone calls.

    (a wild guess on my part would be asking $8900. But I'm not an expert, in fact, you probably shouldn't even listen to me at all......:-)
  • twilkinsontwilkinson Member Posts: 3
    2004 VOlvo S40 4 door Sedan
    Philadelphia Area
    4 cyl, 1.9 L, automatic
    FWD
    21000 miles
    Silver with grey leather interior
    Moonroof, Premium Package, CLimate Package
    Minor paint blemishes on doors
    Original Tires
    ORiginal Brakes
    Clean Maintenance Record
    No claims/prior damage.

    KBB and NADA both say around $15,500 trade in for this car in Good Condition. I am getting trade -in offers from dealers for $11,000, $12,000, when a volvo dealer up the road is selling my same car for $19k

    I understand everyone has to make a buck, but what gives? I just reduced the price on autotrader from $17,900 to $16,900.

    I wanted to shop this time of year for closeout 06 models but should I just wait it out til it sells privately?

    Any tips welcome, I'm new to this wicked game...

    Thanks!
  • robbiegrobbieg Member Posts: 350
    Remember, 19,000 is just an asking price. I can't imagine anyone would pay 19k for a previous model S40. However, I am not the expert. Weren't these deeply discounted when they were sold new because the new S40 was coming midyear? What did you actually pay for it when it was new? Hopefully, Volvomax will be able to give you his opinion.
  • woodywwwoodyww Member Posts: 1,806
    My ex just traded an '03 or '04 V40 wagon, non-turbo, with medium miles, to a Volvo dealer & got around $10K. Talk about depreciation--I think she paid around $28-$30K for that thing.

    Maybe look on fee-bay & see what S40's are selling for, & check out "completed listings" as well.....that can be a good reality check.

    Also, are the $11-$12K trade in offers "real money"?--are you getting a good price on the car you're buying, or paying list? And don't forget the possible sales tax advantage.....a $12K trade-in could be worth $12.6K in a state with 5% sales tax.....
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,272
    I think all of the US-market previous-generation S40/V40 had the 1.9-liter "light" turbo four-banger.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    It is probably a $12k car.
    Keep in mind, you have the old body S40.
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    FWD or AWD???
    What part of the country are you in??
  • gmikemgmikem Member Posts: 10
    I have a leased vehicle 2004 Honda Civic LX Coupe Black (42,000 miles). The car is in great condition only a couple scratches.

    The lease is paid off(goes back in mid December) and a dealership will offer me $500 towards the purchase of a 07 Cr-V if I give it to them instead of turning it in to Honda Finance.

    My questions are:
    1)What is the real world value of this vehicle?
    2)Should i take the $500 and run or try to get a better deal for this Civic?
  • acendholeacendhole Member Posts: 7
    AWD, I live in Baltimore/DC area. Any help would be appreciated including some Manheim info or where I could get it.
  • carteachcarteach Member Posts: 179
    I have a couple of questions about selling my car. I have a 2002 9-5 Saab in excellent condition. It looks like new and has no mechanical problems. I'm asking $100 less than the Edmund TMV. I've been advertising it for about three weeks and have had a number of inquiries but so far no buyer. I have another car; so I'm not driving this one at all. Right now my car is valued at $12,600. If the mileage stays the same, at what point in the year does my car get devalued again? I guess what I'm wondering is .. is there a point in time where I'm better off trading it in before it loses more value?
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    While the value of some vehicles fluctuates with the season (e.g., convertibles in the spring and 4wd just before winter rise in price), used cars generally decline in value every month with the biggest hit coming as the unit becomes one year older each fall. The value of a car on trade will track that of a private sale and so the answer to your question is no, there is no such time.

    Bear in mind, though, that there are other factors to consider. It is usually harder to privately sell a car in the bad weather months. It can be difficult to privately sell a late model used car at other than a bargain price.
    Price guides such as Edmunds, while having some value, cannot reflect local market conditions.

    If you are receiving inquiries at your current price point, it seems to me that you've priced it about right. What are you telling callers that is preventing them from taking a look?
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