Real-World Trade-In Values

breld · March 2010

I do prefer the hard top - I like the way it looks with the top up, and it would seem to me that it's marginally quieter with the top up.

Though I do like the "facelift" for '09. I also understand they revised the transmission to make it a bit smoother. Any insight on that?

I did look at that '08 GT PRHT today (dealerships are closed here on Sundays, so it was just a "kickin' tires" look). It looks great - there's nothing that would indicate wear beyond its 7,200 miles. And they even lowered the asking price on the window by $500 - to $21k.

They also have an '08 Touring PRHT, same color (blue), 17,000 miles. Sounds just like yours. They're asking $19,500 for that one. Also Mazda certified.

Glanced at new 370z's too - funny how they look so large after looking at the Miatas.

ateixeira · March 2010

Changes for 09 that I can recall:

* new door panels, so the bottle holder no longer sticks out
* face lift outside
* new taillights
* intake sound infused to the cockpit (yes, really)
* higher redline, a touch more power
* new speedo/tach, not red so you can actually see the new redline

I'm sure they tweaked a few minor things, but the funny part is the most important change was that door panel. The old one hits you right in the knee and just gets annoying. I added some padding to rest my knee against.

Two owners have actually taken a sawz-all to the door panel to get it flush, crazy!

Don't be afraid of that 17k mile sample. The B2B warranty is half way up, but you don't tend to put lots of miles on a Miata, so as it ages it will still be a low mile example.

hsudog · March 2010

Interested in selling a 2007 Camry Hybrid with 33,000 miles, as it is a 3rd car in 2-driver family.

Options are: Sunroof, Leather Seats, Navigation system. Excellent condition overall, but tires will need to be replaced in a few months. Car in Houston, TX

Local "cash for your car dealer" only offering $14,000 due to recent drop in camry prices "at recent auctions".

Interested in feedback whether this is realistic price, or if prices temporarily low due to recall issues with Toyota.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

birdman98 · March 2010

Trying to reduce the number of SUVs in my driveway.

Trading in a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited for either a Prius IV or Audi A3 TDI (Philly area).
Mileage: 35,700
Exterior: Blue-gray
Interior: Gray
Options: NAV, 5.7L V8 HEMI, Park Assist, Rear Cam, Moonroof
Great shape, new brakes, no claims.

KBB Trade-in: $21,150
NADA Clean Trade-in: $22,100

Right now, I'm getting offered $16k by Toyota and $17k by Audi. I'm willing to take a haircut to avoid the hassle of selling myself, but this seems steep.
Is it normal to get such a large reduction for trade-ins?
Any advice is appreciated.

ateixeira · March 2010

Regardless of where you sell it, I'd do so before the new model comes out. Yours will seem older when it does. Good luck.

jayrider · March 2010

If there is a carmax near you might try them. They don't want your jeep. You are getting auction value. Figure you are about 2k under what you could sell it for. Now you could put it on ebay with no reserve -- low miles -- might get a bit more. Otherwise shop it to jeep dealers-used car lots- etc. Good luck.

fezo · March 2010

What do think of this, guys? 08 Mazda 6.

South Jersey
2008 Mazda 6
14,830 miles

jayrider · March 2010

Fezo -- there is a glut of 2010 6's. Msrp 21170 auto sport -- sell 17133. All day long. Only 1100 more than the 08. I really like the look of the 2010's.

ateixeira · March 2010

Mazda's new styling is overdone, plus my head bumps the rear door opening in that back seat. Just look out for that.

fezo · March 2010

I understand the new ones can be had cheaply. There is more equipment on the older one. I don't think a comparably equipped one would be under 20K but I'm ready to be convinced!

fezo · March 2010

Does your head bump in the older style 6?

jayrider · March 2010

If it means anything to you, the 08's do not have stability control. To me that is a big problem irrespective of any additional equipment advantage.

fezo · March 2010

Yeah, that I noticed. Depending on what I can get otherwise it might change the picture from just looking at Mazda. On the other hand I'm imagining not too much of what my wife wants isn't on a base car except for the sunroof.

We currently don't have stability control in any of our cars but that will change as the vehicles get replaced. They are all old.

igozoomzoom · March 2010

I took a look at the dealer's website and the car is overpriced at $15,995. It's a 2008 Mazda6 i Sport VE (Value Edition) 4-door, which is very common. The power moonroof isn't easy to find on one of these, so that's a plus. But the Dealer Retail TMV price is about $15,300 for the color, options and mileage.

It appears to be a "Certified Pre-Owned" Mazda, so it gets a 7yr/100k mile Powertrain Warranty (from original sale date when new). It also looks like this particular dealership includes oil changes for life and service loaner vehicles for life also. If all of that is true and you could get the car for under $15,500, it'd be a good deal!

The same dealership has a 2009 Mazda6 i Touring, silver with black interior and only 6421 miles priced at $19,890. It has the Moonroof & Bose Package which includes Bose Centerpoint 10-speaker audio system, 6-CD in-dash, Sirius Satellite Radio and Power Moonroof. It also gets the 7yr/100k CPO warranty in addition to the balance of the 3yr/36k Bumper-to-Bumper new car coverage.

Edmunds TMV Dealer Retail is $20,177 or for Certified is $21,938, so $19,890 isn't a bad price! The Mazda CPO website shows the price at $22,895 (just a fluffed up window sticker price) so they're advertising it for $3,000 less at the current price. I'm sure there's another $500+ discount to be had. To get a moonroof on a 2010, you'd have to get the Touring Plus or Grand Touring. The Grand Touring is the only 2010 to get the Bose stereo. Between the warranty coverage and the options, this 2009 is better than NEW, in my opinion....you should check it out!

Here's the link- http://www.msmazda.com/certified/mazda-mazda6-i_touring-2009-UMM42282.html

ateixeira · March 2010

I don't recall. I test drove one in 2002, IIRC.

I tend to remember things like that. The strangest car I've driven that had that problem, oddly enough, was a big SUV - the Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

fezo · March 2010

I appreciate the advice. I think we might be going in a little different direction. (I'd love that Mazda for myself but we're buying for her at the moment.

I showed her an 08 Legacy with 28K on the odo. We'll see. It's certainly cheaper which may rule the day but stay tuned. By the weekend we should be doing something.

breld · March 2010

So these two Miatas are still available and the dealership just reduced their asking price:

2008 Blue GT PHRT, 6 speed manual
7,200 miles, Mazda certified
Premium and Suspension packages (according to the Mazda website)
$20,494

2008 Blue Touring PHRT, 6 speed manual
17,300 miles, Mazda certified
Suspension package
$18,494

I'm encouraged by the reductions they made, but am curious as to how aggressive they may get on selling one of these. They've had the GT for about 6 weeks, the Touring for a week longer. I'd like to have an idea of what auction is on these, and work up from there.

For right now, there's also the option, as I posted previously, of a new 2009 GT, soft top in the yellow, premium and suspension packages. Dealer says they'd do invoice less the incentive, which would be around $21,500 (though I haven't confirmed that pricing with him yet).

With that 2009 option there, it makes me want a better deal on the used ones, but that may not be reasonable.

Thanks, as always, for any thoughts.

nanotube · March 2010

Update on this story just to give a data point to my Carmax trade experience. Summary: awesome deal

So we appraised our Elantra last August for $9k but we didn't pull the plug because we cannot agree on a deal with a Camry at the Toyota dealership (turned out to be a wise choice :P) Also to quickly recap we bought the car new in June 2007 for $12,395 and $13,770 OTD. MSRP=$16780 and I benefited a lot from the nice guys at the Elantra Price Paid forum.

Here is the update: finally sold the Elantra to Carmax in Febuary with 9700 miles (1500 more miles driven since August) and for a price of ... $9k! The car is now listed on Carmax website for $13,599.

ateixeira · March 2010

I love that yellow but I'm still favoring the used Touring.

jayrider · March 2010

Auction prices change daily so current values may not reflect what they got them for. Figure 1500 to recondition and cpo the car. Then add 2k for profit so those prices seem pretty good. Subtracting $3500 from retail would probably be close to auction.You could work on the profit margin some but I don't think you will get hurt at those prices -- especially the low mileage one. I would look at what a brand new one similarly equipped would sell for. Look at edmunds cost to own and see what depreciation numbers look like. Folks are always afraid they are going to pay too much but there is no absolute number spread that will get an exact price. It takes all the fun out of buying. Do the research and I think these guys are only looking for a reasonable profit. Doesn't look like Gouge City to me.
Did a little quick research -- a new one would cost 29k. Projecting 9k in depreciation for 2 years. If you bought it for 20-21k -- fair price ESPECIALLY with the super low miles. How bad do they want to sell? Never know. The real point is do you really want the car? If so then getter done.

breld · March 2010

Aren't you a little biased?

Yes, that Touring seems to be a "sweet spot" for pricing and features, since you get the 6-speed and larger wheels.

breld · March 2010

Great advice jayrider. Thanks.

I'll get out to this dealer over the weekend and see how it goes.

ateixeira · March 2010

Busted.

I've always thought a Miata doesn't need amenities to be a great car. There are times I wish I'd purchased an even more basic model, the Sport.

Having said that, the thing I'd want from the GT are the seat heaters.

jayrider · March 2010

If you really like the test drive -- do your best on price and start walking. Wouldn't lose something I REALLY want for a few hundred dollars. When you are taking your last few breaths you won't be thinking " I'm glad I let a few bucks keep me form buying that sweet ride." :shades:

longislander1 · March 2010

I bet there's plenty of wiggle room on those '08s. Values are probably being hurt a lot by the '09 incentive. A dealer near me has an '08 GT soft top with 11.8K miles, certified, advertised for $17,900 (and if I remember right, they had it at $17,500 at one point; they must think it's worth more as the weather warms up). If I were you, I'd go with the new '09. $21.500 sounds like a good price.

longislander1 · March 2010

I can't say enough good things about the Legacy. I own an '08, as well as an '08 Outback. Good cars. Bulletproof. There's a reason why Subaru is doing better in sales than just about every other carmaker.

fezo · March 2010

Stay tuned. I think we will have a final result by the end of Saturday.

fezo · March 2010

Hey, zoomzoom! You still there? I have a question in case I go to look at that thing. What does the Mazda certified program cover? Sell me the concept.....

The Legacy still is leading but it's a small trunk which, since my wife uses the car as her office, may be an issue.

fezo · March 2010

How much do you think this is overpriced?

tifighter · March 2010

Dunno. When new, the invoice was $21548, so it doesn't seem that great to me.

fezo · March 2010

My guess is about $3k too much. I have a TMV value on it and a competitor that is selling a reasonably similar car for $16500 which I would consider more like it.

We'll see.

28firefighter · March 2010

This is a car my friend has looked at and is interested in...wondering where the numbers really fall.

2004 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro S-Line
6spd Manual
96k Miles
Black on Black
Sport Package (S-Line)
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Satellite Radio
Moon Roof
18" Wheels

Car is in pretty clean condition. Minor paint chips on the lip of the hood, one that has a little surface rust that the dealer will fix. Unknown if the timing belt has been done or the coil packs - not sure when Audi Maintenance recommends those items be done.

Dealer is asking 10,888...not really sure what they have into it - we saw it before it was taken through service and detail.

What say the wise ones? This is in the Pittsburgh Area.

Thanks!

ateixeira · April 2010

If he's unsure about the coils I'd ask for a 12 month warranty at least.

breld · April 2010

Update (and conclusion) on my Miata search.

On the two '08 CPO PHRT's, I got them down to $20k for the Grand Touring model and $18k for the Touring model, plus TTL. Didn't seem like great deals to me, but reasonable, and nothing else in my market to compare to (in the PHRT model anyway).

So I went with the new '09 Yellow Grand Touring. Even though I would have preferred the hard top, I just couldn't resist the fun yellow color (kinda different for my conservative self

), the revisions made for the '09 model and the deals available for the leftover '09. With the premium package and suspension package, the MSRP was $29,170 - I paid invoice less incentives, at $21,649 plus TTL.

Thrilled with the car and the deal. As always, thanks for all the advice and comments.

ateixeira · April 2010

Amazing price, and I like the color just as much as you do. Congrats.

Hopefully we don't see you here for a while, asking about its trade-in value!

breld · April 2010

Yeah, no kidding.

I think I should be happy for quite awhile now. A CX-9 and the Miata should serve all purposes very well. Have the practical, kid-hauling, all-weather, comfortable ride for most of the time, and then the pure fun factor for the weekends. Just like you!

roadburner · April 2010

Nice car. I want something in Dakar Yellow; I wish you could get an E46 M3 in that shade...

jayrider · April 2010

You probably lost the price of your new miata in depreciation on the bmw you sold. :shades: In 3 years it will still be worth decent money and you can get that young and carefree feeling just by turning the key. On sports cars it usually is better to buy new than late model used. Not the same for a chevy impala. Nice cars but man do they drop the first year. Got one on my look list next year.

breld · April 2010

Yeah - you're not kidding there.

The interesting thing to me is that the combined purchase price of my new CX-9 and this new Miata was actually a bit less than what I paid for the BMW a few years ago.

Would much rather have two "dedicated purpose" cars than one, do-it-all, car (as great as it was). Lesson learned I suppose.

deltheking · April 2010

My guesstimate on this one is around 6.5k-7k trade value. But a 96k mile Audi is a potential disaster. Just ask Isellhondas-a Honda salesman here-- He has nightmare stories of Audis..And a close to 100k mile Audi--well,I would be very very cautious !! Just MHO though !! :P

28firefighter · April 2010

Just as a follow up, he ended up buying the car. Was $9800 OTD. Car is in immaculate condition, and he knew what he was getting himself into.

As much as my brain told me it probably wasn't a good idea, after driving it, I can see why he bought it- doesn't even compare to my 2009 Legacy with 10k miles on it in driving, handling and comfort. The car was dealer serviced all 96k miles of its life with the previous owner (1 owner vehicle), so I think it'll be okay - I could end up biting my tongue though.

Thanks for the help guys.

ateixeira · April 2010

Would much rather have two "dedicated purpose" cars than one, do-it-all, car (as great as it was).

Absolutely.

I kept trying to find one car that did it all, but in the end you make huge compromises.

deltheking · April 2010

Like a compromise between a minivan and a sports car--well what can you get for this compromise ??Nothing !! :P So 2 separate dedicated cars, then , I guess !! :P

ateixeira · April 2010

Maybe I wanted too much, but I was thinking a light, efficient, convertible sports car that could seat 8.

tifighter · April 2010

a 96k mile Audi

As a 3-time Audi owner, I can say with some level of confidence, that this will end in tears.

However, since I've had three, what does it say about me?

PS- Note that I now have a Honda and a Nissan...

jayrider · April 2010

Buy one of those 60's 4 door lincoln convertibles and put a set of bilstein shocks on it and all your prayers will be answered. :shades:

ateixeira · April 2010

Love the one from Entourage.

What do you think a clean one would cost? Too much, I'm sure.

roadburner · April 2010

Would much rather have two "dedicated purpose" cars than one, do-it-all, car (as great as it was).

That's my approach. Unfortunately, my wife says no more additional cars or motorcycles. I'll have to flip one to get another...

gouldn · April 2010

I like it, but as alluded to in previous posts, it's better to have two cars that do each of their purposes well than one that tries to do everything.

I'm gonna maintain and keep my beater 01 Forester for hiking/camping/home depot runs and sell my x3 to switch to a sedan (Looking at 07 Infiniti M's and 07 BMW 550i).

So what can I expect for my X3 on a trade?

2007
AT
"Space Gray Metallic" with gray leather
Premium package, no other packages
38xxx miles
Dealer maintained
Condition is about right for age/miles. No damage, no crashes. Very little incidental wear (no dogs riding with me, etc)
I'm the 2nd owner (bought CPO), clean title, no loans.
Everything works, no issues whatsoever ... certainly not the AT issues that people complain about on this car.
SF Bay Area

jar4 · April 2010

2005 Ford F-450 Rack Body with 107,000 Mi 1500Lb lift gate.
Diesel Power Stroke,Dual Rear wheels, 12 foot Bed.

White, some dings and scratches. looking to purchase off of a lease.
Would like a general idea of value.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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