Real-World Trade-In Values

Kirstie_H · August 2007

These older high-mileage vehicles are simply hard to value with accuracy, especially without looking at them. TMV uses data from actual transactions to come up with the value, though I can't imagine too many of these are changing hands.

Want input? The asking price is quite obviously pie-in-the-sky ridiculous. A rear-ended vehicle doesn't approach "excellent." Let's say you (foolishly) offer him Edmunds' Private Party number - you're still $2K away, and I bet he doesn't take it.

Why this particular vehicle, we may ask? If you have $8K to pay for a used vehicle, you can do so much better than a 15-year old vehicle that will likely cost you buckets full of money to maintain & repair.

mb789 · August 2007

Hello. I just found this forum today, but have posted on several others.

I am thinking of selling/trading in my vehicle, so I'd like to get some ideas of value. I looked up on three sites and got some ideas, but would like additional input:

Here is what I have:

Location: Dayton, OH
2006 Subaru Forester X, Garnet Red
13,000 miles (I'm the original owner)
Automatic
Good to above average condition
Interior is fine, just needs swept out and dusted
Exterior is fine, but right after I bought it, they fixed a small damaged place on the door's paint about the size of a quarter -- I think they repainted it -- but it looks perfect
Have the maintenance records

gordo · August 2007

Thanks for the advice. I wouldn't pay anything close to asking price. Overall, the SC400 was a well-designed solid sports coupe. I like the performance, looks and the reliability of the car. I'm willing to offer a fair price, but not a "foolish" price. Why do you consider the private party price foolish? Is it this particuar vehicle because it was rear ended? He say's the body work is gauranteed for life by the shop that performed the work...if that matters. Agree with you that he probably wouldn't accept based on the asking price. Thanks again!

woodyww · August 2007

I'd add to what kirstie_h said:

Does this have a salvage title? Does the owner have a record of the body repairs, &/or maintenence?

Beautiful cars, but it's 15 years old, has been wrecked, & tho reliable just replacing something like the fancy lighted dash display would cost a fortune. OTOH, they're still sought after.

I'd start low, maybe mid $4k's. And research prices on ebay, esp. "completed auctions". If you're crazed to have it--& it doesn't have a salvage title--I wouldn't go above the high $5K-ish range.....

robbieg · August 2007

I am not an expert, but a salvage title probably doesn't affect the value too much at this price point, right? Remember this isn't a year old Lexus. This car is 15 years old. Basically, one should have a mechanic check to see if it was fixed correctly and whether there are any latent problems.

ateixeira · August 2007

I'd shy away from a 15 year old wreck no matter what.

The seller is clearly fishing for a sucker if you ask me.

nortsr1 · August 2007

You are 17 and live in NJ. I strnogly suggest you check how much the insurance will cost BEFORE YOU BUY!!!!!! You are looking at BIG BUCKS insurance wise for an RT.

kyfdx · August 2007

Are there any 15-yr-old cars that haven't been wrecked? I bet those pickings are really slim..

ateixeira · August 2007

Well, sure, but there is a big difference between a fender bender and a full fledged salvage wreck.

gordo · August 2007

To set the record straight the car was in a fender bender or more accurately rear-ended 4 years ago, damaging the bumper and part of the trunk area. That's the extent of it. The other part of my original post asked the question, why the big spread between TMV and KBB on this car, TMV about $4500 and KBB $6195. Any ideas?

volvomax · August 2007

Since neither number can be considered wholly accurate does it really matter?
You have a car in very limited supply,so any number that is based on averages is going to be useless.
Now, going to the auction data it looks like the wholesale for the car is between $3-4000 depending on the quality of the repair.
So, the retail is probably $5-6000. Prob alot closer to $5k

gordo · August 2007

That's helpful...thank you.

kyfdx · August 2007

2001 BMW X5
Automatic
NAV
CD changer
Dark Green
Sand leather
77K miles

One-owner.. all dealer service, up-to-date

Not a garage queen. Typical nicks and scratches from being a daily commuter. No evidence of previous accident or paint work. Tires about 50%.

Asking $15,900

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
kyfdx

british_rover · August 2007

3.0 or 4.4 liter engine?

It makes a big difference. That color combo is tough.

kyfdx · August 2007

3.0 litre

They like the color... so, assume silver/black..lol.

volvomax · August 2007

Price is pretty good.
Most X5's w/ similar miles are going thru Manheim between $18-19,000.
Dk Green is a hard color to sell in a bimmer

1racefan · August 2007

Please help me figure out a fair price for the following -

2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor LS, 2wd
Maroon with black cloth interior
23000 miles
Location - NC

Looks to be in excellent condition - extremely clean, and is on a Mitsubishi dealer's lot

It is the LS, which is the base model, but it still has all of the power goodies, as well as tinted glass, and a roof rack...Pretty much everything except Leather and a sunroof.

Dealer is asking $16,900

I was thinking of offering $16000 (including whatever his doc fee is) + taxes and tags. I won't have a trade.

Thoughts - is my offer too high/low?

PS - I found out the car has been on his lot since 7/3.

turboshadow · August 2007

My wife is looking at this to replace her aging Beretta. What should we expect to pay? Its at a local dealer's lot.

2006 Vibe
Auto
22K miles
Dark grey/black interior
Automatic
PW/PDL/PM
ABS

Columbia, SC

TIA,
Turboshadow

1racefan · August 2007

Repost - please help, might be making a move soon -

Please help me figure out a fair price for the following -

2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor LS, 2wd
Maroon with black cloth interior
23000 miles
Location - NC

Looks to be in excellent condition - extremely clean, and is on a Mitsubishi dealer's lot

It is the LS, which is the base model, but it still has all of the power goodies, as well as tinted glass, and a roof rack...Pretty much everything except Leather and a sunroof.

Dealer is asking $16,900

I was thinking of offering $16000 (including whatever his doc fee is) + taxes and tags. I won't have a trade.

Thoughts - is my offer too high/low?

PS - I found out the car has been on his lot since 7/3

cccompson · August 2007

16K will certainly the dealer's attention and should be very close to as high as you should go IMHO.

1racefan · August 2007

Thanks - I may start out at closer to $15500 (including doc fee) plus tax and tags.

kyfdx · August 2007

Thanks for the help!!

kyfdx

kms87 · August 2007

6 cyl, 3.5 liter
FWD Auto
36k miles
Dark Sapphire/Charcoal Leather
Moonroof, luxury package, full size spare, side airbags
Interior shows very little wear
Exterior has normal dings for age, but always garaged
One tire is pretty worn, others show 50% tread
Dealer service (which is current)/Mobil 1 oil
Have transferable bumper-to-bumper extended warranty (still two years' left)
No accidents, claims, etc.
Location-Iowa
Asking $13k

Is this fair? I factored in some room for negotiation

Thanks!

qbrozen · August 2007

Sounds a bit high to me.

But I'm not the expert.

I'm thinking ask $11k and take $10k.

But I'm not the expert.

volvomax · August 2007

Well, the low miles help. On the other hand,it needs at least 2 tires,and prob needs some dings taken out.

There is nothing wrong w/ asking $13,000, I just don't think you are going to get it.
This car strikes me more as a $10-11,000 car tops.

kms87 · August 2007

Thank you. I appreciate the input from all.

1racefan · August 2007

Any insight as to the Endeavor I am looking at in post 33321?

volvomax · August 2007

Should be able to pick it up between $14-15000

g8tr80 · August 2007

I'd appreciate inputs on the trade-in value on the following:

Location: Melbourne, FL
Year/Make/Model: 2003 Honda Odyssey EX-L DVD
Body Style: Minivan
Mileage: 60,200 miles
Color: Silver on Gray Leather
Major Options: DVD System
Single CD / Cassette
Quad Seating
Power Sliding Doors (both sides)
Leather Interior
Alloy Wheels
Roof Rack
Rear Air
Power Drivers Seat
ABS
Pwr Door Locks, Windows, etc.

Condition:
Exterior paint in Good condition with minor nicks. Generally good shine.
Interior Leather in very good condition, no rips, scuffs, etc.

Tires - 20% worn
Brakes - Good
Maintenance - Good
Other: Replaced/painted Passenger side sliding door skin due to accident

Thanks for the input!!

jilly3 · August 2007

I am trading in my BMW tomorrow to buy a new one.

I have a 2003 Z4 2.5i with 40,400 miles, VERY clean body, and interior is in very good shape as well. Edmunds list the trade-in as $18,394, KBB lists it as $19,115.

The dealer is giving me $16,700 for it.

I called the used car dealer I bought it from, and he offered me 16k on it. The dealership claims the wholesale brokers only offered them 16k - 16.7 on it.

I know this car is a dime a dozen and where I live out west they are everywhere, but I hate knowing I could probably have gotten 20k if I sold it myself. Thing is, selling a car on your own is a total pain in the [non-permissible content removed]!

Anyone want to buy it today who lives in Phoenix?

cplyons · August 2007

We just moved to upstate New York from Texas and are finding the market for nice FWD cars ain't what we're used to... The one dealer I asked to price this car came in a full $10K under Galves...

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A TEXAS CAR... only spent the last seven months in snow land!

Location: Ithaca, New York
2005 Acura TL NAVI
6 cyl, automatic, FWD,
44,400 miles
Color: "Diamond White Parchment" - pearlescent warm white
Tan/black interior
All options: Bluetooth, DVD voice NAVI, alloys etc
Condition: Generally very good, no body work at all, no repaint, no rust never dented etc. no door dings... about five nicks in rear plastic bumper cover. Maybe three nicks in interior (not seats). Otherwise clean.
New (90%+) all-weather tires (around 2K miles on em);
mechanically perfect, all service records, last major service 30K, documented.

I hope to get as close to $20K as possible... am I dreaming?

ZPL

ateixeira · August 2007

Sounds like a good value to me. Let's see what the pros say.

kyfdx · August 2007

What did they offer you?

The only negative that I can see is that 44K is a little on the high side for an '05 model... That, and I think there is a $2000 incentive on the '07s this month..

But, you've got NAV and a nice color..

cplyons · August 2007

The large, "Mall" type Hyundai dealer in Syracuse offered me $13,000... They really didn't want my business, but I still need to price the car...

gooddeal2 · August 2007

The large, "Mall" type Hyundai dealer in Syracuse offered me $13,000... They really didn't want my business, but I still need to price the car...

May be they get confused and think the TL is a luxury brand of Hyundai and not Honda. :P

cplyons · August 2007

Yeah, maybe... We need something bigger than the TL and I really, really like the new Veracruz, Hyundai or not... But this was a pretty belligerent sales rep, lemme tell you...

kyfdx · August 2007

$13K?!?!

Shewwwwww...

rroyce10 · August 2007

.... Okay, for old times sake......

$13,000.....?!?

We got a Texas TL that got transplanted to Ithaca (sorry to hear that, you must have been pretty bad in your former life).... you got the right color, the miles are tall tall tall, but the rubber is deep, you got teeth, map and new round things...

IF ~ it's super serviced, no paint by numbers, the interior doesn't look like it was used on the movie set for "Underdog" and we don't have any 380lb drivers.... then trade side, you're lookin' at in and around the low/mid $20ish figure, depending on the dealer, you "might maybe" see $21 and some change ...

$13,000....? ... Galves or no Galves, unless you found this car 12 minutes after Katrina hit, or you've been using it for a ski boat, or your wife had it painted "pink" to match her golf bag ..then there is no such thing as a $13,000 2005 TL .... if ya find them, I'll take 10 -- ooop's I'll take 20 for that price.. these super stars still get big $$...

1.) you need to find another dealer that hasn't been too close to the exhaust pipe..

2.) and for what it's worth, you drive a very nice vehicle now ... look at everything else "besides" a Hyundai/Kia... give them a few years, they might get there.

Terry. ;^)

pete81284 · August 2007

Just wondering if anyone may be able to help me out here. I am looking at an 06 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. 33K, v6 Central New York, Black exterior, Gray interior. All the basic options (power windows and locks) but no leather, or moonroof or anything like that. any idea what i should be paying for this truck?? thanks in advance -pete

cplyons · August 2007

Thanks Terry, Good stuff!

Your numbers are encouraging. Dealer B, offering the good price on the Happy Hyundai (I suspect you'll be hearing more about the Veracruz as their "soft" rollout continues... this is not your idiot college roomate's Hyundai) has said he'll give me straight Manheim auction price for my TL, no more no less... I don't have access to the service, hence my coming here to see what real-world looks like. Volvomax, anything to add?

Chris

mikefm58 · August 2007

I'm just curious, but what are the asking prices of other comparable TL's in your area? They're offering $13K and Terry says $20K-$21K so assuming Terry is spot on as usual, I'd expect to see asking prices of $22K-$25K. That's one heck of a markup from $13K.

cplyons · August 2007

If I search on Cars.com with a 150 mile radius I see an average (of TL's with mileage around mine) of $27K. I don't see how a dealership can lose by giving me $20K. But I'm a little gunshy now.

qbrozen · August 2007

when i saw the name, i thought someone highjacked your account. but nobody else could have written that.

nice to see you! ... errr... read from you!

before you pull a disappearing act again, mind sharing what's been up?

british_rover · August 2007

Hey where you been? Get lost playing golf on one of those BIG courses? :P

rroyce10 · August 2007

The only thing that's been highjacked is my golf game ..... I'm still waiting for the ransom note.

Terry.

rroyce10 · August 2007

Speaking of golf courses .... did you see who's going to be building a golf course down the street from me..? :surprise: :P :shades:

Terry.

jipster · August 2007

Yeah... Tiger Woods will be designing and building his first golf course. I've got a Jack Nicklaus's course just down the street from me...Valhalla. Tiger won the PGA there about 6 years ago. Ryder Cup coming there next year.

british_rover · August 2007

I don't really follow golf at all so no I don't know. My co-worker is the golf nut he has won his club championship 14 out of 15 years running and made a run at going pro back in his early 20s.

I think he will try a run at the senior tour once his last kid is in college.

stickguy · August 2007

veering back to an automotive (or at least driving theme), I heard that the course was going to be walk only, no golf carts! That should go over big with the retiree set, and the rest of the overfed burghers that can afford the greens fees!

A guy on TV said it best last night (on a sports discussion show): without a cart, where do you put your beer?

jipster · August 2007

without a cart, where do you put your beer?

Amateurs (shaking head). You buy a small vinyl, or fabric, cooler that will fit in a golf bag sleeve/pouch. They are available in in any sporting goods store. Will keep 8 cold ones cold until about the 11th or 12th hole when they are all gone. At which point you high tail it back to the clubhouse for replacements. Or, you can just wait for a cute perky cart girl to come by. :shades:

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