Real-World Trade-In Values

kyfdx · August 2010

So.... what are they asking?

roadburner · August 2010

They are asking $23,837; I'm thinking that is a bit high...

kyfdx · August 2010

Doesn't seem way out of line, though...

Wouldn't you rather have a stick? You can find a plethora of M3s.. '03-'05 for $25K-$27K, and with less miles than that one... (granted, $3K-$4K more is a big difference..)

roadburner · August 2010

The upside is that my wife could drive it in a pinch; right now she only has the X3 and the '02(which has no power steering or A/C).
I checked the Carfax and it shows a purchase record in NH in 2004 and there are no other records until 2009 when it is reported to have been "Imported from Germany". I ran the VIN and the car is definitely a US spec car, so I'm thinking that the car most likely belonged to a member of the military. All the more need for a thorough PPI as who know what happened to it while it was across the pond...

deltheking · August 2010

So the car was bought in NH,then shipped to Germany and then reshipped back to US ?? Am I reading it correctly? I know it could be nothing -- but personally I would avoid such a car especially if it`s not shipped new by the manufacturer. Who knows what happened there or what happened during shipping? I personally would be very wary of it though. There are lots of M3`s in that price range . :shades:
There should be an interesting sales story coming on !!!

roadburner · August 2010

I'm thinking the car was purchased in NH as a Euro delivery- but I could be wrong.

qbrozen · August 2010

Well, yer in KY, so it could differ a bit... but here in the NE snowbelt, that would get right around $18k trade-in.

roadburner · August 2010

Well, yer in KY, so it could differ a bit... but here in the NE snowbelt, that would get right around $18k trade-in.

If the car received a clean PPI and I could get if for @$20,000 I'd grab it in a heartbeat!

qbrozen · August 2010

That might be tough. You will probably have a hard enough time getting them down to $21k is my guess.

roadburner · August 2010

That might be tough. You will probably have a hard enough time getting them down to $21k is my guess.

Well, I'm not in any hurry to get another car so I guess it will depend on how bad the dealer wants to move the car; it's been on their lot since June 28. I suspect that the manual cloth seats turn of the typical BMW buyer who "wears" his/her car as opposed to actually driving it...

roadburner · August 2010

I went and looked at the car today, and I guessed right. It was purchased by a US Army officer and it stayed in Germany until October of 2009. I checked the Service Book and it has a full service history from German BMW dealers up through 54,000 miles. It turns out the color is Velvet Blue- a BMW Individual color. The PO even posted some pictures of the car on one of the E46 M3 sites. They can be found here(scroll down to the bottom of the page). And here is how it looks today.
A beautiful car- and very tempting...

28firefighter · August 2010

That looks like an absolutely beautiful car. Well maintained to boot - besides, something about a german car being serviced almost its entire life in germany just sounds awesome.

BTW, wanted to let you know that instead of going for a 530i, I picked up that 2004 330xi that I was asking Q about last week. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to go back to driving something non-german.

roadburner · August 2010

BTW, wanted to let you know that instead of going for a 530i, I picked up that 2004 330xi that I was asking Q about last week. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to go back to driving something non-German.

I was bitten after taking a ride in a BMW Bavaria 3.0 in 1973; ten years later I bought one and I've had a BMW in my garge ever since.
Don't hesitate to ask any questions- here or to roadburner@carspace.com. I love talking Bimmers!

corvette · August 2010

It's a beaut. I thought you didn't like sunroofs? How'd it end up at a Ford dealer?

roadburner · August 2010

It's a beaut. I thought you didn't like sunroofs? How'd it end up at a Ford dealer?

I don't like sunroofs, but it's very hard to find an E46 M3 without one- I've only seen 2 or 3. I REALLY like the manual seats; one less thing to go wrong. As I said, the PO is a US Army Aviator who brought the car back from Germany. He's now stationed at Fort Knox and with family and job commitments he didn't have much opportunity to drive the car. Rather than let it sit he traded it for a new car for his wife. I wish I had known the guy BEFORE he traded it, we would have both come out ahead. Still, I'm going to have to take a long test drive to make absolutely certain I can live with the SMG II. He did retrofit the E60 M5 SMG shifter; it looks much cooler than the M3 piece.

Sandman6472 · August 2010

That's a beautiful car man...looks like a win/win situation if you can get it at a fair price. Really starting to like MB's and BMW's now...classy cars!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

deltheking · August 2010

Boy, It looks well maintained and looks amazing. Just double check it ,take it for a long test drive and make the decision. But that color looks good and I think in due tin=me you will even like the sunroof !!! :P

roadburner · August 2010

Just double check it ,take it for a long test drive and make the decision.

I will and I've set up a pre-purchase inspection at the dealer.-

roadburner · August 2010

What does Galves say about a Cosmic Blue 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring?
64,000 miles, almost new tires/brakes
No Nav
I'm thinking maybe trade value of $11K-13K...

qbrozen · August 2010

uh... well... you'd be correct... IF you didn't have all those pesky miles.

I'm afraid they are going to hit you at about $10k-$10,500... maybe wander up to $11k if it "glows in the dark."

roadburner · August 2010

Thanks!

erics6 · August 2010

Looking for trade value on a 2005 Subaru Outback wagon. Thanks!

Portland, Oregon 97201
2.5 automatic with all weather package
63,000 miles
blue/silver exterior with black interior
automatic with all weather package (heated seats/windshield/mirrors)
Good condition.
A few exterior scratches, new tires, maintenance is on schedule.
No prior damage/accidents.

roadburner · August 2010

I drove the M3 SMG today. Absolutely hated the gearbox. If it had a proper(read: manual) transmission I probably would have forgotten all about the PPI and it would already be in my garage.
Rats.

lemmer · August 2010

Why did you hate the SMG? I assume I would too, but I've never driven one.

roadburner · August 2010

Why did you hate the SMG? I assume I would too, but I've never driven one.

In manual mode it does not shift as smoothly as I can. It seems hesitant and jerky- even on the most aggressive Drivelogic setting. I really like the M DCT in the E9X M3, but the SMG just isn't in the same league. I'd take a 335i with the six speed auto before I'd have an SMG car.

woodyww · August 2010

I'd take a 335i with the six speed auto before I'd have an SMG car.

I agree. I haven't researched it, but to me the SMG just seems like a gigantic repair expense waiting to happen, esp. on an 80K mile car. Not that an auto trans can't fail, or be expensive, eventually, but personally I'd trust it more.

roadburner · August 2010

Not that an auto trans can't fail, or be expensive, eventually, but personally I'd trust it more.

I checked out M3 Forum and most of the SMG problems involve relays, sensors, or switches- but if the main hydraulic pump goes south, you are looking at serious money. And a rebuilt SMG box costs @$2,000 more than a rebuilt ZF autobox for a 335i...

corvette · August 2010

Welcome back, woodyww!

A lot of the newer five/six/seven speed automatics are newer designs, but adding a gear to a standard automatic is probably not as complicated as designing an SMG from scratch.

jessekac · August 2010

Looking for a trade in value on a 2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport (automatic). Dealership offered me 16K. Car has 13,000 miles on it is cherry.

tifighter · August 2010

Hey, Woody is back from the dead.

Welcome back...

qbrozen · August 2010

Location?

Here in the northeast, it should fetch $19k trade-in as long as there is nothing wrong with it.

rayainsw · August 2010

2001 Honda Accord LX
[ I think - might be EX?
checking later today - I am 1,000 miles away
from the car. ]
Amherst, NH 03031
4DR
V6
Automatic
91,000
Green w/biege interior
Alloys, moonroof, 6CD
Condition - average.
Tires - new.
Battery - new.
One owner.
2 prior accidents - both times fixed to a high standard.
Private party sale -
my Mom can no longer safely drive...
Thanks!
- Ray

qbrozen · August 2010

Moonroof makes it an EX, I believe.

So.... with the bad carfax, you are probably sitting on a $4k trade-in vehicle.

If it needs NOTHING, try listing it for $6995. Should go pretty quick to the first $6k cash that comes along. Could hold out for more if you aren't in a rush.

rayainsw · August 2010

"Moonroof makes it an EX, I believe.

So.... with the bad carfax, you are probably sitting on a $4k trade-in vehicle.

If it needs NOTHING, try listing it for $6995. Should go pretty quick to the first $6k cash that comes along. Could hold out for more if you aren't in a rush. "

Sounds good - thanks!
I appreciate the insight.
- Ray
Trying to help my Mom [ 89 and-a-half ] do this long distance
is a challenge.....

ateixeira · August 2010

You lookin' at buyin'?

I say go for it. A pre-grin speed3 is a gem.

I can't stand the new face they put on those.

achenator · August 2010

There is a gorgeous 6spd 08 M3 coupe for sale with 20k floating around on the bimmer forums. $46k, Fully loaded except for dct. Best deal on a current M3 i've seen yet. KInd of rare- red on red.

roadburner · August 2010

You lookin' at buyin'?

No, I'm looking at unloading my '07 MS3. Three years and 65,000 was/is enough for me...

roadburner · August 2010

There is a gorgeous 6spd 08 M3 coupe for sale with 20k floating around on the bimmer forums. $46k, Fully loaded except for dct. Best deal on a current M3 i've seen yet. Kind of rare- red on red.

Sounds great! Unfortunately I'm limited to cars under $30K... :mad:

ateixeira · August 2010

Mind if I ask why? Too high strung?

circuitt · August 2010

Anyone know if 13k for a CPO 2008 honda civic lx couple,
with 20k miles , is a decent deal?

circuitt · August 2010

totally flawless, not a scratch, automatic, cause well.. i drive 50 miles a day round trip in traffic, so need something with good mpg.. would rather have a stick, but..
not so much while sitting in traffic two hours a day.

qbrozen · August 2010

I test drove one recently and wasn't thrilled with it myself. Very quick, of course, but tight inside, unsupportive seats, and the gearing was way too short (55mph max in 2nd gear??). Just didn't hold a candle to the GTI I bought instead.

roadburner · August 2010

Mind if I ask why? Too high strung?

I actually think the car has more of a Jekyll/Hyde personality; it can serve as a totally practical and pleasant daily driver yet still be a bit manic when you push it. That said, I have some concerns about long term durability and I also want to return to a relatively light RWD platform. It doesn't help that the two Louisville Mazda dealers have totally incompetent parts and service departments. I suspect that both dealers have a "No opposable thumbs" hiring policy...

steine13 · August 2010

Friend of mine is looking to trade this in:

2002 Prizm LSi, 49k miles (!) from short daily commute.
Automatic, No-Sale Green
Sunroof, Tires > 50%
2nd owner, car is clean but not detailed.
Two problems:
CEL is on (3 codes for evap. emissions)
AC just died.

I don't need it, don't really want it, but the idea of it going for peanuts to the Honda Dealer when she buys a new Fit on Saturday is giving me, well, fits...

What do y'all think this oddball is worth, as it sits?

Thanks in advance,
-Mathias

qbrozen · August 2010

stick or auto?

Busted AC kills it. Did Honda dealer give a number yet? IF it was in good shape, it would be a $3k car with auto or $2500 with stick. But now we gotta start deducting for these problems. Gotta hit it AT LEAST $1k for the AC, if not $1500. And another couple hundred for the CEL.

So where's that leave us? If the dealer is offering anything over $1k, they are being more than fair, IMHO.

If it really bothers you and you feel you must rescue it, don't get buried. I think you might go $2k for an auto or $1500 for a stick and keep your fingers crossed.

steine13 · August 2010

Sorry qb, automatic. Can't believe I forgot that.

Must be out of practice... I haven' bought a car in 3 years...;->

Thanks for the #s, you're confirming what i thought...the dealer "shud" be between $1 and $1.5.

Thanks again -Mathias

qbrozen · August 2010

That's actually an excellent deal, as trade-in is right around $11k.

Which makes it a little suspicious, to be honest.

circuitt · August 2010

Maybe they had to make room for the crz, basically I went in on a weekend, so i got the shot gun deal, "spot delivery" I set ridiculous terms, knowing the 1st contract would probably fall through, well it did, they asked for more money, I stood my ground and said no, because well, I could of waited 3-6 months to come back, with a 740 score and more down.. currently i was at 695, with only 1k down, was not really
intending to buy that weekend..
so they had no choice but to drop the price of the car if they wanted me to keep it,
i had no problem walking and they knew it.

qbrozen · August 2010

That's great. Congrats.
Would even have been a good price for NON-cpo.

nj2pa2nc · August 2010

Wilmington, North Carolina
2006 Acura TSX
4 door
Manual Transmission
109760 mostly highway
Milano Red/Ebony
Nav and all the standard equipment
20% worn on tires
8's in front 6's on rear-
all service done by acura/honda dealers-maintenance book filled out and stamped
no damage other than rock chips
garage kept

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