Real-World Trade-In Values

deltheking · April 2009

My guesstimate trade in value would be 15-16k.So maybe u have a wriggle room of 1k.But if it`s a CPO vehicle,,then I think it`s a good deal.
Volvomax can give u the most accurate real time info.

volvomax · April 2009

Very reasonable.

volvomax · April 2009

As del said, not a lot of room here.
Trade in should be $16-17k.
You might get a grand off,not much more.

ateixeira · April 2009

The $27k Sonata may be a myth. Retail, MSRP, maybe. I doubt people actually pay that much though.

Took a quick look at the local no-haggle dealer. They have 147 in stock and the highest price you can pay there is under $24 grand.

Part of the reason for the low used prices is that the new prices are also lower than expected. Another thing, though, and watch for this - only the 5/60 warranty transfers to the 2nd owner. Of the super-long warranty I think only Suzuki gives you the full 100k warranty if you're the 2nd owner.

Used Genesis probably will be bargains. Even the V6 performs well, nearly as quick and more efficient. Same dealer has new ones for $29,999 up to about $39k. So an entry level used one will probably be $20k ~2 short years from now. HECK of a car for the money, if you think about it.

Used Miatas - I shopped and at least the PRHT models, which are sought after and disappear the day they go on sale, are no cheaper than new. I was looking at $18-20k for a 2 year old when a new one was $22k. The savings will by you a warranty but that's about it. May as well buy new, so I did.

2008 Sebring Tourings 10k miles - $10-12k? The local dealer has a bunch and they're selling for $15.5 to $16k, though they are all low miles (10k or so). They must be aiming for quite a profit margin, or adjusting the values up for the warm weather we've had lately.

robbieg · April 2009

The one thing to remember is that when people buy cars they frequently are buying them based on what their payments are going to be. This is why people buy a two year old Civic for $2000 less than a new one.

deltheking · April 2009

That 27k for a sonata was just an example as I did not know actual prices.
But since that ,I checked the new sonata prices on Edmunds.A 09 Sonata Limited has invoice of 26k,,so with ttl it is about 28k.Right now there is a 2k rebate,,so price would be 24k,,with ttl closer to 26k.
And I was checking prices on ebay-- 08 Sonata Limiteds are listed for 13-14k buy it now price,,maybe u can negotiable a little.. Still,it is a heck of a deal-12k less than a new car with less than 20k miles.Almost half the price.I think prices depend on the dealer...Some dealers mark it a lot and so negotiate a lot and some mark it by less than 1k. :shades:
Miatas ,I think are a little different..They are popular ,so used car values will be high just like Camry/Accord.

The 08 Chrysler convertible--well I was checking on that--10-11k was for LX,,sorry there-- I did not read the trim level accurately,,,and the Tourings are between 13-14k buy it now price.So can be negotiated..And with Chrysler in Chapter 11,,the prices may fall further in the next month.

:lemon:

And 09 Nissan Sentra -- lowest base with CVT is around 14500+ttl=16k but this is with a rebate of 2750.Without rebate it would be closer to 19k..A loaded 09 Sentra is 19k with a rebate of 2750.So without rebate it would be closer to 22k. A used 08 Sentra had prices of 11-16k depending on the trim levels.So even with the rebate a used 08 Sentra should be atleast 4k cheaper. :P
Also,on new cars,,if u add all options--they get very pricey.Like ABS,ESC,floor mats,splash guard,,audio package etc etc.These can easily raise the price to 1-2k more.But these dont cost a lot at all on Used cars.So u can get used cars for more options for a lower price! :shades:
If u live in a big metropolis,the prices are more competitive!!!
And enjoy your Miata!Fun to drive,,but to me I guess,,it`s kind of small!! :shades:

ateixeira · April 2009

I'm lucky - my family car is a Sienna, so I have all the space in the world, and my Miata is my commuter/errands car. They complement each other well.

We agree that a used Hyundai can be a very good value.

Those Sebring price are tempting but I was disappointed when I checked one out. I almost think the previous model was roomier, is that just my impression or what? Also, the hard top's window glass is no bigger than the soft top, which means big blind spots. Didn't understand why they built it that way.

Nail in the coffin were mediocre reviews and complaints about creaky hard tops. I'll pass.

I test drove a G6 and it was the same way - creaks and cowl shake galore. My miata feels carved from a single piece of metal in comparison.

deltheking · April 2009

Yup,,I would stay way from the Sebring unless I really liked it..Which is a -No!
Their problem listings and CR ratings are horrible.And with chapter 11 looming,,I would stay far far away...Much much better choices out there!! :shades:
And I agree,the Sienna is a very good van.I saw the loaded Sienna Limited with wood trim,navi,camera---it`s such a luxurious van,comfy plush riding and looks so upscale inside!!

ghulet · April 2009

I have a friend (original owner) with the following:

1995 BMW 325is (two-door)
black, black leather, all the normal goodies (sunroof, dual power)
manual transmission, standard 3-series wheels (not the lacy ones)
~102k miles
very well kept, lots of receipts
body in great shape, no rust or dents
interior fine: no rips or serious leather wear but headliner needs to be repaired (sagging)
good tires and brakes
factory stereo (cassette)
in Chicago

He seems to think he can get ~$5k on the open market; he wants a new BMW and I'm betting a dealer, even if interested, might give him $2-3k. I think he could probably get $4k selling on his own, $5k seems optimistic even in its condition--it's still 15 years old.

steine13 · April 2009

Hiya Geoffrey,
Good to "see" you again.

Was this a summer toy? No rust at 15 yrs in Chicago, of all places, together with the relatively low miles, doesn't sound like it was used year-round.

BMW has got the rust proofing down as well as anyone -- buddy of mine has a 97 328 coupe in good shape that he's been using as a daily driver since new. It still looks really good, but it's got the rust thing on the dirty parts.

I think that would make a bit of difference in price... if it's good underneath, you can wrench yourself. If the rot has set in, every bolt is a desaster waiting to happen.
-Mathias

ateixeira · May 2009

We like ours, the power doors and the engine being the highlights.

Siennas are funny - you can get a stripped CE for $21 grand, or an XLE Limited AWD with laser cruise control, HIDs, GPS, DVD, and the works for mid-high $30s. Quite a range - bare bones to Lexus.

kyfdx · May 2009

Low miles, one-owner, well kept... .and a 6-cylinder with manual transmission?

If the cosmetics are good, I think he's right.. .he can pull $5K on a private party sale...

volvomax · May 2009

I think $5k is a bit of a stretch. I wouldn't pay $5k for it.

deltheking · May 2009

Absolutely!! It`s a 15 year car,,that too BMW,,with manual tranny and 105 k miles.
5k??What can go wrong now with that age??Anything.And parts also probably are more difficult to find.
Maybe 3k private party,,and 1-1.5k trade in.

woodyww · May 2009

I'd give him.......$3K-ish, with the low miles, & if its nice. I'd say, put it in the Roundel, the local bmwcca chapter mag/site, CL, etc. My amateur opinion is: start at $3995-ish asking. But the bmw guys who know what this is & want it are liable to be real cheapskates; like most people who buy 15 y.o. stick shift non-collectible cars.

If it had a lot of new parts, suspension, shocks, brakes, tires, etc, that would make a difference in a private sale (to me).....

qbrozen · May 2009

I also think $5k is a stretch... but not by much. I say $4500 asking (craigslist and bimmerfest.com) and $4k should be acceptable to both parties. It is autoX season, after all.

ghulet · May 2009

re: the 325is, it's nice, well kept (yes, garaged...high rise, now condo dweller), lowish miles but still nothing super exciting. Not sure about recent repairs/upgrades, but he's good about keeping on top of it: he has some $ and doesn't let things go unfixed. I think $4k from a private party would be fair to all, but as has been said here, he can 'ask' whatever he wants, I guess.

explorerx4 · May 2009

i have a car bought new 18 years ago. darn, i forgot about depreciation.
a couple of others are 5-7 years old and we are keeping them.
i am losing sleep over depreciation. :P

lilengineerboy · May 2009

What can go wrong now with that age??Anything.And parts also probably are more difficult to find.

Gotta watch the assumption factor there...
1 plastic impeller water pump...I am sure its been fixed by now and replaced with a metal impeller one...problem solved
2. Radiator - been done or will need one real soon. Not a huge issue. (not quite as bad the E46 or the 5 series ones)
3. Every bushing in the suspension, differential mounts, shock mounts etc - this can get pricey if you aren't doing it yourself.

Parts are easy to find, they made this car for 10 years in a every developed nation on the planet. In most non-US countries, they had base engines that put them closer to a Mazda3 than an M3. Parts are easy to find, cheap and plentiful.

deltheking · May 2009

Even with this info,I would think 3k private sale unless u get a dedicated BMW guy.
If your friend does decide to sell it,,let us know what he sells it for.
Good luck!

kyfdx · May 2009

Hmmm... start looking.. Tell me what BMW you can find for $3K..

If this is one is as nice as it sounds, it will sell, and for more than you think..

A BMW that is well-maintained, and doesn't have any needs is worth an easy $2K over your typical old car... Because that's what you'll spend to bring a ratty example up to just okay..

For an E36, anything in the $3K range is basically trash... If you want to compare value to an old Accord, that's another matter, but if you are selling to someone looking for an E36, condition is everything...

Just my personal experience...

woodyww · May 2009

A BMW that is well-maintained, and doesn't have any needs

That's what we don't know. Even with the low miles, it could need suspension work, shocks, brakes, exhaust, etc. etc. Or not. If the paint is nice, & the interior, doesn't need $2K in new parts, then I agree with you & Q.

They were nice cars, fun to drive, not the greatest bmw interiors they ever made, but I almost paid $30K for a new one in the 90's. Maybe start at $4995? Hey, Spring is here.....

krwest1 · May 2009

OK, I've given up on the Sebring convertible--you guys scared me straight. Now I'm looking in a totally different direction. What is wholesale on this thing?

2008 BMW 335i 4dr sedan in South Carolina
6-speed automatic
RWD
6k miles
Black ext/Tan int.
Only options are auto, sport package and heated seats
Like new condition

Thanks.

volvomax · May 2009

Figure wholesale in the $30-32k range.

deltheking · May 2009

Yup,,That`s a huge change in direction. :shades:
From a Sebring convertible to BMW 335i.

qbrozen · May 2009

Wow! Pretty harsh. What was that? Like $44k new? 25% hit in the first 6k miles. The market is a brutal mistress, indeed.

lablover2 · May 2009

base model, 20,000 miles, dark blue no major options on it. interior needs cleaning-tires look like they have a year left for my liking. the brakes felt very good when i drove it-no accidents on the carfax report. this is on a dealers lot for $16,995 in the chicago area-what kind of price should i be looking to pay for it?

volvomax · May 2009

Actually, about normal for a highline car.

igozoomzoom · May 2009

You're probably right about the Genesis being an even better used car value than it is new. The Hyundai Azera is a good indicator, with 5-year residual value estimated at about 32%. For comparison, 5-year residual value of a Honda Accord EX-L is 48.4%.

This stinks for original buyers, but it makes the Azera (and very likely the Genesis) one of the best values for used car buyers! For example, a 2008 Azera Limited for $16,995 (stickered for $29-30k less than 2yrs ago) in my local AutoTrader. It's White with Tan Leather...I'm actually thinking about going to take a look/drive....

believe · May 2009

Tomorrow my wife and I are going to see a 2007 Honda Ridgeline RTS with approx 14000 miles, 1 owner, selling for 19k (after 2 days of negotiations).
With all the incentives coming on board, you know, money back, special financing, cash for clunkers etc.......what would you do?
Yes, we love the ridgeline, drives and handles like a dream. The price seems fair, (is it????).
Maybe a bit of buyers remorse. We need some opinions fast..especially on the price of the Ridgeline. THanks in advance.

deltheking · May 2009

I would say,that`s a pretty good price.Low mileage with warranty intact--If u like how it drives ,then go for it.Just know that Hondas have more road noise than other cars.
Test drive it and u like it,buy it.19k is a good price.Also buy the original Hondacare ext warr,,not an after market warr.Normally it`s about 1200,,I would say!!

The Ridgeline is more a unibody construction,not a traditional truck frame.So handles better than a regular truck.

krwest1 · May 2009

Yes, I'm all over the place. I probably shouldn't be getting another car now, but I've got the itch. I've also been looking at leftover 2008 Mazda MX-5's. There are some very nice deals out there on those now. Thanks for all of the feedback guys.

believe · May 2009

Thank you Deltheking,

I guess the real problem is not the price of the Ridgeline. Knowing that by the end of this month the "Clunkers for Cash" deal is to be approved. With that in mind, the 4500 incentive to buy a new truck is really hard to pass up. Right now I can buy the RTS for about 27000. Once they pass the bill the end of the month, I'll give them a beater truck and get 4500 for it, which brings the total of the new Ridgline down to 22500. I'm thinking the 19000 for the 2007 Ridgeline and adding the 3500 for a 2 year newer vehicle with no miles.
Bytheway.....extended warranty........I don't believe in them. You may call me a chance taker, but (knock on wood) we have never needed one. I might add that we almost always buy Honda.
your thoughts?

dtownfb · May 2009

Not sure this vehicle will qualify for the "Cash for clunkers" program. I haven't heard that it will support used cars. Also there will likely be a stipulation about minimum gas mileage. And they have not released how that will be determined.

deltheking · May 2009

I heard about the Clunker proposal,,but I am not sure about its approval.Actually I have very little idea on it.
But if indeed ,as u say,,if it will be approved then definitely it is better to wait.If the govt.can give u 4500 for your beater truck,then it`s a no brainer--Just wait,,,absolutely,,for it to be approved.
Used trucks are always available.If the plan is not approved,,then there still will be used trucks on the market.
So ,,my advice,,,absolutely wait for the decision,, u can get a new truck for a not lot more plus the rebates and incentives on trucks may increase further if the market stays down and so,,,U can get yourself a heck of a bargain!!

sebring95 · May 2009

The first pass of the legislation (HR 1550 dated 3/17/09) looked like this: Good toward purchase of new vehicle. Must have MSRP less than $35k, achieve tier 2, bin 5 emissions, minimum EPA hwy rating of 30mpg. The amount varies between $4,000-$5,000 depending upon type of vehicle and where it's assembled.

The only part I haven't really dug into is one of the definitions of qualified "High Polluting Automobile" aka " clunker". It refers to: "an inefficient or high polluting automobile and that was issued a certificate of conformity with the regulations prescribed under section 202 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7521) for any model year before model year 2001, and is not a new fuel efficient automobile."

Stay tuned....should be fun! I wonder if the manufacturers will try dropping incentives once this goes live.....

mark48186 · May 2009

Location: Detroit, MI
2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT
4door Sedan
3.4 liter V6 Auto
Front Wheel Drive
76,500 Miles
Black outside, grey cloth inside
Premium sound system, alloy wheels, moonroof
Condition is good for a almost 8 year old car. Minor scratches, no body work. Tires are a month or 2 old. Just had the brakes done.
Maintenance kept up to date. Had the Lower Intake Manifold done a while back.
No insurance claims, repaints, etc.

believe · May 2009

I know used do not qualify....I was talking new instead of used due to the Clunkers for cash program.
If you look it up on the net you'll see where Obama approves of it and it should be a done deal by the end of the month. I think there are tons of people waiting for this.
Also, the way it is drafted up right now, you'll have to increase the mpg by only 2 mpg to get the rebate. It may change some but I think they really want to use this to boost the Auto sales.
Thanks everyone for all the help.....your all greatly appreciated.....!

dtownfb · May 2009

I was confused by your post. i thought you were thinking of buying a used car with the clunker program. I would wait and see how this unfolds. It should be interesting.

deltheking · May 2009

I had a question on this.Does this apply to salvage title vehicles too?Say u have a 2000 salvage clunker--would u still be eligible??Or does it have to be clear titled cars??

deltheking · May 2009

My guesstimate is 3k ..
Volvomax can u the most accurate info..

deltheking · May 2009

I found a link for the 2 versions of the cash clunker program...I like the second option-HR1550 option.
link title

believe · May 2009

This is one of the most recent articles concerning Cash for clunkers. Of course various ways this can go but seems that their main objective is to sell cars and get that industry going asap.
I have to buy a beater for 500 asap.....let it sit until this all unfolds.

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/congress-close-on-cash-for-clunkers/?- hp

I hope this helps.

robbieg · May 2009

I don't understand. If a person has a beater and wanted/needed a new car I would have thought they would have bought one already. New cars are pretty expensive these days and frankly taking $4500 off the price of one doesn't make it that much more affordable to someone driving a beater because you are still looking at going from presumably no car payment to a car payment. I think a better idea would be to give everyone a $4500 rebate that way people and the middle and upper class would buy new cars.

sebring95 · May 2009

That's probably what will happen anyway. Someone like me will go buy a $500 clunker and turn it in. The upside is, there's an old hunk of junk off the road. The downside is...the guy that really can only afford a $500 car has less choice and/or higher prices.

Kirstie_H · May 2009

In case you're interested, we have a discussion about this topic: A National Clunker Program.

ateixeira · May 2009

I was gonna say the same thing.

I'll go out and buy a beater pickup for $400 and then get $4 grand off a new car.

volvomax: if they pass this I would like to know if prices on used "clunkers" suddenly spike up to $2-3 grand or so.

volvomax · May 2009

I'll keep ya posted.

I'm sure that there will be a minimum ownership period to get the cash for a clunker.

lablover2 · May 2009

chicago area-
07 yaris hatchback
auto trans
18,300 miles
red
power windows,locks,rear defroster,cd
good condition-normal wear and tear
oil changes,tire rotations
no accidents-only owner
what can i price this at to sell privately?

volvomax · May 2009

Wholesale is @ $8000.
Add a couple grand for private party.

Real-World Trade-In Values

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles