Real-World Trade-In Values

im_brentwood · August 2007

Sell it yourself... CRVs are kinda weird down there, if you traded it, it'd end up at the auction, bring all the money and end up being exported.... if you are friends with a dealer, ship it to Imperial, failing that, I'd put it in the AutoTrader for $6900/best offer.

IMO it's worth really high 3s to low 4s as a trade.

I'd take it to an independent on the brake master for a second opinion, there's plenty of Honda Specialists in Orlando who can do the job for a fraction of what the dealer would charge you. The oil pan gasket is probably seepage that any 8-9yr old 130+K mile car is going to have, the brake thing could be scary tho..

mikefm58 · August 2007

My thoughts exactly on the brake master cylinder, they wanted $450 plus shop supplies plus tax. That's about the only item I'd fix. I'd be ecstatic if I could get $6K for it.

im_brentwood · August 2007

Doesn't seem outrageous on the brake master.. OTOH, it's not rocket science, any decent mechanic can replace it.

And remember the golden rule.. always ask for more than you want.....

woodyww · August 2007

They were SUPER strong until about the last 6 months or so when they have been dropping like flies.....customer of mine paid $29k for his '00 M5 with 75k on it

Good to know, thanks! My '00 528iT w/24K (24,000) miles has plummeted in value too. Might be worth--$11K---trade in(???). And $15K--private???

(Boston area, auto, premium pckg, S/R, CD, nice shape, black/tan lthr.--would be curious what you think).

thanks, woody

qbrozen · August 2007

$11k? sounds great! my wife will love it! when can you drop it off? ;b

mikefm58 · August 2007

For a buddy of mine. Here's his ad on autotrader.com. It's in Orlando Florida.

1995 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 Convertible, Red with Black Top, approx. 31,500 miles, Automatic Transmission, PS, PB, PW, PDL, AC, Power Mirrors, Cruise Control, Power Drivers Seat, AM/FM CD, Performance Axle, Never Wrecked, Garage Kept, Mobil 1, Synthetic Fluid in Transmission and Differential, Optima Red Top Battery, Yokohama ES100 Tires, SLP CAI, Flowmaster catback exhaust, Dash Mat, 180 Degree Thermostat, Seat Covers, Original Build Sheet and Window Sticker, Car Cover.

Condition: Tip top condition inside and out, maintenance up to date.

qbrozen · August 2007

question: if its in tip top condition, what's with the dash mat and seat covers?

littlewonder · August 2007

I am trying to determine trade-in and private sale value of my 2002 MINI Cooper, 5-Speed Getrag Manual.

The extras I have on it are;
Indie Blue Body Color
Chrome Line Exterior
Dynamic Stability Control
Front Fog Lamps
Heated Front Seats
Leatherette Interior: Black
6-spkr AM/FM CD Player
Driving Lamps (Bugs lights as some call them)
Black Rubber Mini cooper Floor Mats (front and back seats)
I also have a second exhaust system (Rogue Engineering Sport Exhaust) which I used for 1 month and then had uninstalled because it sounded too 'macho' for me. This will provide for added HP and a louder 'growl'. This exhaust replaces entire factory system from the catalytic converters. Fully mandrel-bent and TIG welded T-304 stainless steel. System uses a high-flow resonator in the front with a free-flow design muffler all terminating in signature Rogue Engineering exhaust tip.

My current mileage is 64000.

im_brentwood · August 2007

Woody,

5-speed? If so I might want it myself!

OK, I *_SHOULD_* send you to your room for this but I shall assume that it's an Automatic as most of them are.

24,000 miles? Nice. No mention of sport package.. so no 17s, right? Even still... that's silly low miles.

On a wholesale level that's a $12-13k car I think.. last one I chased down had about 100k on it and I recall I snagged it for around $9k.

But you need to sell this privately, ESPECIALLY if it's a 5-speed, on a typical dealer level, Wagons are somewhat weak, especially sticks. Meanwhile, the club guys want em, especially the sticks.

I'd ask $16,900 and take no less than mid 15s. In addition to AutoTrader, etc.. also throw it on Craigslist, and roadfly.com You also might want to post it on the bimmerfest.com classifieds, lots of E39 people there and they are free IIRC.

With the miles, this is also worth trying on the Bay, but there's mostly bottom feeders there.. still, with the miles, you might get lucky.

Usual disclaimer applies.. it has to look like a 24k mile car... deduct if the kids trashed it or you parked it on the street for 7-8 years and it shows.

im_brentwood · August 2007

Mike,

Sounds like a peach as well, good color combo too. I'd think it's worth $12-13k wholesale, to the right buyer. Take it to the local Honda store nd they aren't going to want it, so you need to find the place that wants it.

I would think it ought to bring in the $16s retail, be patient, to the right buyer it's a nice car, but the market is small.

Might also want to swing it by a local place like Thurston's or Roger's Corvettes in Maitland.. there's quite a few dealers in town who would pay real money for that car.

im_brentwood · August 2007

I'm familiar with Rogue, they make nice exhausts but they are quite loud.

Take the exhaust, sell it on eBay. Tuner parts often bring good money there, I've sold lots of used UUC/AutoSolutions/Rogue/Turner/AA/etc stuff there for good money.

I think it's worth around $10,500-11k in my market (NJ) as a trade, probably ought to get $12,500-13k for it private party, so ask $13,900/bo

qbrozen · August 2007

I'd ask $16,900 and take no less than mid 15s.

Oh sure! Thanks for queerin' my deal. Come on, I would have brought it to you for service.

;b

littlewonder · August 2007

Thanks Brentwood:) Yes the exhaust was way to loud for my neighborhood! Seems we live in the same neck of the woods, Jersey.

im_brentwood · August 2007

LOL!

You want the 540iT 6-speed that a customer of mine is selling... 2000, 65k miles... Navi, bluetooth, etc...

Yep, it's a 6-speed. We converted it

british_rover · August 2007

Holy crap how much did that cost?

im_brentwood · August 2007

Not that bad... we snagged the parts from a low mile wrecked 540i 6-speed sedan, all told it cost about $6,000 with the programming, labor, etc. We did go to a lightweight aluminum flywheel and heavy-duty clutch (UUC) and aftermarket (UUC) Short shifter setup.

There's about half a dozen 6-speed V8 wagons that I know of.. one's running around with an M5 engine in it. Then there's the cool E38s down in Philly.. my buddy Simeon has a 6-speed Supercharged 97 740iL and a tech at a dealership has a 6-speed 740i Sport that he built with an X5 4.6is engine as well.

littlewonder · August 2007

Brentwood, if you were going to buy a new sedan would you get an Infinity G35, Lexus ES350, audi A6,or BMW 5 series? I cannot decide because everytime I research them I see people complaining about problems and its driving me nuts. (Infinity= high cost to make repairs, Lexus= transmission problems, BMW= poor crash test safety results recently, Audi= hell I forget what people were complaining about). I just want to find a nice reliable car, that is fun to drive, and that looks cool, is that asking too much!

british_rover · August 2007

Get the 530i or the 535i depending of you are getting brand new or a year old.

The G35 has a play school interior, the lexus is really just a camry and I personally don't like Audis had too many bad experiences with them.

littlewonder · August 2007

I was hoping to get a deal by buying a 2007 leftover. I think the 2008's are in by now yes?

stickguy · August 2007

probably hard to go wrong with any of them, but they are a mixed bag.

I'm not an expert, but I think you are over analysing this (and while the internet is a wonderful tool, it can drive you nuts if you read too much!)

Still, the Lexus is the oddball. That is a gussied up Camry FWD cruiser mobile (that is, don't try to turn too quick). I know that Toyota had some issues with tranny lag, but you would have to try it yourself to see if it bothered you.

Audi is AWD, but I don't know much about the new A6, other than it is expensive, and Audis tend to have reliability issues.

Infiniti and BMW are RWD (or AWD I guess) sports sedans. Much more of a drivers car.

Infiniti should actually be cheaper to maintain (and possibly more reliabe) than the European makes. But, who cares, since it will be under warranty for 4 years (5 or 6 for the powertrain)?

BMWs tend to be very safe (built like tanks, with all the latest safety gizmos). Again, I don't pay much attention, but I doubt you are taking your life in your hands driving one.

IMO, I would much prefer the drivers car BMW or Infiniti. The G35 will be much cheaper than the 5 series or A6. More in the price range of a 3 series, depending on equipment.

For the cost of a 5 series, you can get an M35

The more applicable Lexus is the GS350, which AFAIK, doesn't have tranny issues (they were on the FWD cars). But it is kinda cramped inside.

Anyway, drive them all, and decide which one you love the most, and get it. It would be hard to go wrong with any of these.

As always, one mans opinion, and YMMV

im_brentwood · August 2007

I can give you a list of cars to DRIVE... forget what you read on the boards, forget what other people say, go out and drive a bunch of cars and buy what YOU like.

Yep, Audi and 5 series are nice.. few 07 5s are left tho, so plan on an 08.

New Cadillac CTS is out this month and is absolutely worth a look, doubt they will be dealing on them, but the car is quite reasonably priced and supposed to be fantastic.

Lexus ES? I dont like them but drive one, coming from Lexus a Mini methinks you'll like the BMW or the Caddy better.

Try the Volvo S60/S80 too.

New Saab 9-5 won't cost you a dime to test drive.

Infiniti G an M series cas are nice, again, not BMWs but they are cheap.

If you want performance... CTS, 5 Series, A6, Infiniti, Saab.

steine13 · August 2007

"5-speed? If so I might want it myself!

OK, I *_SHOULD_* send you to your room for this but I shall assume that it's an Automatic as most of them are."

(Boston area, auto, premium pckg, S/R, CD, nice shape, black/tan lthr.--would be curious what you think).

Seems like you're due for a timeout yourself... but I know, I know it's that thing with the attention span again.

That's a lot of dough for an eight-year-old car.. but I bet it's really nice. The only thing that'd scare me is the "Boston" part... it's bound to rust pretty good underneath by now.

Beautiful cars, though...

-Mathias

littlewonder · August 2007

Thanks for the advise Brentwood. Yes reading too much online is quite bad for me, it gives me a headache and doesn't bring me any closer to a decision.

student22 · August 2007

Hi, Thanks for your input fellas. I did a trade in for $20,300 for the f-150. I bought a 2006 ford fusion SE V6 Dark red. ABS/Power windows/Locks/Airbags but no side curtains. 6 disc changer with 18000 miles. Tires good no real blemishes in good condition for $16977. Did I do OK? I know its a done deal, but I can take it if its not Thanks

student22 · August 2007

By the way the fusion is FWD. Thanks

mikefm58 · August 2007

Hmmmm, it's on the market for just under $10K in autotrader.com and not one call in a couple weeks. I also told him it's a niche car. Thx for your help, much appreciated.

im_brentwood · August 2007

You did well, got the Fusion for a good price (I'd peg it around $15kish wholesale...) and got more than I think the F150 is worth.

well done!

im_brentwood · August 2007

Mathias,

How'd I miss that? Crap.

Oh well... if it's been cared for, 24k is a joke. I will say tho, at the car's age it is due for quite a bit of pricey work were the owner to hold onto it.

mikefm58 · August 2007

question: if its in tip top condition, what's with the dash mat and seat covers?

He's anal about keeping it in good condition, they're there just to cover them up.

cccompson · August 2007

It sounds like a great candidate for an ebay listing.

student22 · August 2007

Brentwood,
Thanks for your comments. I'm Happy with the deal-just thought i would ask since the fusion is a fairly new model. thanks

qbrozen · August 2007

this is something I never understand. First off, much like the car bras, the covers are doing damage to what is underneath. Maybe not the dash mat since I assume that doesn't move around, but certainly the seat covers. PLUS, what is the point in keeping something nice if you never see it? Its like sealing a painting up behind a brick wall.

qbrozen · August 2007

Sounds like fun, but I've been told repeatedly to avoid the V8s. What is your take on that, by the way?

jeffyscott · August 2007

PLUS, what is the point in keeping something nice if you never see it?

It's great for the next owner, though. My first car was a 10 year old '67 Impala with clear plastic seat covers (so I guess the original owner did see the seats material, just never sat on it). I took the plastic off and it was like having a car with brand new interior, well brand new seat fabric anyway.

sky23213 · August 2007

Also, much easier to take the seat cover off and throw it in the laundry at least a couple of times a year. Washing the seat would be a bear, even with one of those fancy vacuums that wash carpet and stuff. We have one, but I still haven't used it, except to wash the vynil in the kitchen - beats the mop anytime, plus it's fun to drive* :shades:

*Trying vigorously to stay on topic here

Kirstie_H · August 2007

You could try cleaning it with this mop, but I bet you'd have limited success

I can understand wanting to protect the seats for future resale value. Plus, when I had little ones, I would cover the seats to keep kid goop off them, figuring that once the kids were older I could uncloak the interior and revel in the glory of pristine seats.

arifs · August 2007

Hello,
What if your trade-in is worth more then the car you are purchasing?

how do they handle sales tax?
how do they pay off balance of my old car?
do they pay me any difference between payoff and trade-in?

thanks.

sky23213 · August 2007

This model worked just fine... when in the army 20 years ago.
As far as seats covers, not only the original cloth is preserved (my covers even saved a few cig burns), but I just like clean. And that fresh smell of clean laundry, mmm.
I doubt clean seats will help much with the Real-World Trade-In Value* of a 7 yo Galant anyway

. But clean is always nice.

woodyww · August 2007

if you were going to buy a new sedan would you get an Infinity G35, Lexus ES350, audi A6,or BMW 5 series? (littlewonder)

Get the 530i or the 535i depending of you are getting brand new or a year old (british_rover)

Someone else mentioned that "bmw's are built like tanks"--they are. And if I had the $$ to buy a car that expensive, I'd be racing to the bmw store so fast your head would spin. And probably get an AWD 3 or 5-series wagon, but that's just me.

Audi makes some very beautiful, nice performing cars too, but not always so reliable overall. Lexus ES350, not remotely in the same class IMO, but should be very reliable, & have good resale. And lots of Infinity G35 fans; the int. & ext. looks don't turn me on so much, but they are less $$.

When you say fun to drive, and that looks cool, I keep coming back to bmw--it's almost in it's own special class, but then I've drunk the bmw cool-aid.....

Just my 2 cents, woody

woodyww · August 2007

you need to sell this privately

Thanks for the advice, & pricing info. Right, auto trans, & no SPP (the non-sport package has always annoyed me to no end). I might get 17"s for it tho.

Bought it CPO Dec.'01 for $34K....so.....based on your private sale $$##'s, it's maybe cost me $3350 a yr in depreciation, to drive a nice, newish bmw wagon.....

thanks again! woody

qbrozen · August 2007

how many miles did it have when you bought it??

Kirstie_H · August 2007

Mmm.... fresh laundry. There's absolutely no such thing as too clean.

Um, what the heck is up with your CarSpace photo album? The Real-World Trade-In value of that sucker is shot.

volvomax · August 2007

Typically,there is no sales tax. If you are in a state that gives a trade in credit on your sales tax.
Like any other trade,the payoff goes to the bank.
Your trade equity is applied to the car you are purchasing,if there is any money left over after that,the dealer cuts you a check.

buck0086 · August 2007

My sister would like to trade-in or sell her 2005 Ford Escape.

Twin Cities
2005 Ford Escape XLT
4 Door
6 Cylinder Engine
AWD
57,000 Miles
White
Sun Roof, AM/FM/6 CD Changer, Power Seats and Windows, Keyless Entry
Interior and Exterior Excellent-1 ding/never in an accident
Tires need to be replaced before winter driving
Brakes need to be replaced at 60,000

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

sky23213 · August 2007

Yeah, I was thinking of actually updating it. And thank you for considering my transparent attempts to be on topic

The photo was uploaded for the purpose of posting it on the Inconsiderate Drivers discussion

volvomax · August 2007

So,it needs tires and brakes,and has too many miles.
Sounds like somewhere between $10-500-11,000

paulhuang · August 2007

Great to see both Terry and Bill back on the boards.

Sacramento, CA.
2007 Lexus RX 350 AWD
3.5L V6 automatic
11k miles
Silver exterior/gray interior
Leather seats
Navigation
HID lights
Moonroof
18" wheels

A few scuffs on both bumpers but everything else is quite nice and new.
Up to date maintenance done by Lexus dealer.

Looking to assume the lease from family and wondering if we should give them some cash too (high mileage allowance lease). Would like both retail and trade-in values.

Thank you very much!

woodyww · August 2007

how many miles did it have when you bought it??

11K miles when it was almost 2 years old

Sounds like fun, but I've been told repeatedly to avoid the V8s.....

A major topic, some of the more dedicated bmw sites have lots of info. &/or people who can give detailed opinions. But As long as you avoid the first few years of V8's in the E34's & E38's from the mid-90's with the allusil or nikasil blocks (I never can remember which were the "bad" ones), then the main issue with bmw V8's is more maintenence & repair expense with certain items.

And maybe(?) the I6 is more bulletproof overall. OTOH, if you drive an E39, or other, bmw V8, practicality may start to fade as a concern.....

qbrozen · August 2007

soo... what's that work out to? I didn't want to look back over the posts, but I believe that's something like $1.50 per mile just in depreciation, right?

I think you need to start taking some road trips. ;b

bcb1 · August 2007

Need trade-in for our 2007 FJ Cruiser. Love it, but hard to kid teens in and out of the back! A 4Runner would be a better choice, albeit not as cool looking.

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, V6, automatic
Martinsburg, WV (near DC area)
20,000 miles
Voodoo Blue
Roof rack, running boards, alloy wheels. Does not have the subwoofer.
Condition: very good, no dings, needs nothing. all routine maint done at dealer.

Thinking of trading for an '04 4Runner Limited V8 with 40K miles.

I'm thinking the dealer might end up owing us if we trade...am I right? Any advice is appreciated.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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