Real-World Trade-In Values

robbieg · December 2011

At least in Pittsburgh, they really don't come off of sticker that much for new ones. D.C. is almost 1500 cheaper. I would imagine that they do come down a lot on the loaded ones.

I was looking at a cost of ownershop table and it says that Equinox depreiciates about 5800 in year one. This is apparently wrong. I guess the Equinox is like the CR-V in that you gotta buy new.

I think the 2009 Pilot is the buy right now.

qbrozen · December 2011

well, actually, that's not completely wrong. Hell, its almost dead-on correct.

Looking up here on Edmunds, it tells me that a new 2012 Equinox LT1 AWD has an msrp of $27,530. Using the number I gave earlier, a 2011 has a trade-in value of $20k, so that's $7500 depreciation.

But that's with over 17k miles, which is high. Using the average of 12k for one year brings the value up to about $21,500 .... leaving $6k depreciation.

stickguy · December 2011

I can't see this working out logistically, but what the hell.

a 2005 BMW 330ci (coupe). At a BMW dealer, and very clean. just over 80k on the clock (a bit stiff IMO)

Black over saddle leather (not tan, the darker baseball glove color). Gorgeous color combo.

Had H-K sound, 17" wheels, etc. Probably relatively standard equipment though.

They had come down to $14,500 on it, but what say the oracles?

I suspect in NJ in the winter a RWD coupe is not going to be a hot ticket, so if I decided to go that way, it would have to be a lowball!

qbrozen · December 2011

so this was an auto, nonsport, right? Its between $10-11k. So 14.5 is still a bit high in my book.

stickguy · December 2011

they had it "on sale" at IIRC 14,995, and after 1 round of negotiations they came down to 14.5. Of course they also started my trade at 6k (ah, no).

If I needed a car, and had nothing to sell (so was paying cash) I think I could have gotten them to drop their shorts on it. Tough sell (RWD, winter, miles) I would guess, so 12.5K in cash dropped on the desk might have done the deal.

That one though was getting a bit out of the price range, and maybe not something I want to turn my daughter loose in (which of course is the ultimate plan).

but still darned nice. An E46 IMO is really the perfect car.

gtrips07 · December 2011

Tampa Fl
04 Acura TL
4DR
99,000
Grey Ext Black Interior
Non-Nav
No major dings, front end repainted by Acura due to dirt in paint at time of purchase
Needs Rt Front Window Regulator
T-Belt Replaced at 75k w/ water pump
All service at dealer w/ records
Tires Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 70% tread left
All highway miles
Inside Immaculate

Looking for wholesale price; thinking 7-8k range?

gtrips07 · December 2011

2008 Volvo XC90 V8 Sport or 2009 Vovlo XC90 R Design V8
Looking for Auction Values for the above with around 12-15k miles per year.
I was told November Manheim for 2008 in November was around 23k w/ 29k retail value. Do not have any info on 2009. The V8's are rare will they be hard to find at an auction?

Also is a dealer willing to find you a car at auction if you commit to give him a certain number over costs? I.e., give him2k over his cost plus pay him cost plus 500 for CPO warranty?

qbrozen · December 2011

automatic, yes?
If so, your guess is right on the money as long as that repaint stands up to scrutiny.

qbrozen · December 2011

ah, well, let's see... Galves is $22k-$23k on the '08 with 49k'ish miles. Add $600 for DVD and $800 for Nav.

And '09 R design is $26-$27 with 38k'ish miles. Add $700 DVD and $900 Nav.

Don't know if a dealer would go for that blindly. "Cost" can vary greatly when purchasing from auction. All you can do is try.

Searching manheim for all '08 and '09 v8s coming up or up for auction, I found 7 nationwide, with projected prices of $21k (60k miles) up to $34k (R design with nav and 26k miles). There is only 1 '08 sport, no nav or dvd, 45k miles, grey on grey, and the selling dealer is wanting about $27k for it.

So, is Galves accurate in this case? Not so much. Unless you can find one that was traded in cheap rather than bought at auction.

gtrips07 · December 2011

Thanks!

Yes Auto and I always disclose paint because it could be seen if someone saw repair history from dealer. Paint job was very good and when I thought about trading at different Acura dealer they never even noticed.

gtrips07 · December 2011

Thanks for your input.

Because they are few and far between do you think dealers will negotiate? It seems like most used ones are marked up 5-6k over auction/wholesale values. Do you think there is a chance at getting for around 2-2.5k over what they have into them?

The reason I was thinking the auction route was that the dealer gets to make a profit without having to keep a car in inventory and by offering to give them cost plus they have a firm profit margin plus make money on the warranty. I would even consider financing through them so they made something out of the box if they were competitive.

Also, are dealers willing to buy from another dealer for a certain used car?

Thanks again!

qbrozen · December 2011

Also, are dealers willing to buy from another dealer for a certain used car?

Well, technically, dealers buy from each other all the time ... it just happens in auction format.

I personally always shoot for $2k-$2500 over. I have been known to pay as much as $3k, however, when the car was quite rare and the dealer was quite stubborn.

gtrips07 · December 2011

What do you think on a 2008 Volvo xc90 V8 Sport No Nav but non-OEM DVD with 32k miles that the dealer is listing for 29.9k? I think it is way high considering it is not CPO and looks like it needs a new set of rubber. I was thinking CPO with new rubber in the 25.5 to 26k range.

Thanks again

qbrozen · December 2011

I was thinking CPO with new rubber in the 25.5 to 26k range.

uhh... no. That's only $1k over trade-in value with those miles. $29,9 would be an OK purchase price for CPO.

gtrips07 · December 2011

Thanks for your help.

Do dealers work with you on tires? A lot of what I have seen used has non OEM and tires run about 800 a pop and I don't look forward to putting new rubber.

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but are there any other warranties that are as good as CPO? Had it on my Volvo V70 T5 and it paid for itself many times over with very little nitpicking.

stickguy · December 2011

Hey Q, how much difference do some miles make?

You pegged the 2005 325i with 83k on the clock (steel blue) at ~10.5-11K.

How much for the same car, in white over tan, still a 2005 (AT, RWD) but with only 43K on the clock? Looks to be comparably clean?

I need to get this over with soon!

Oh, the used car lot that has the white one is asking 14,995 for it. Same place that had the 2003 with 53K on it for 12 grand.

Thanks!

qbrozen · December 2011

Funny thing about miles: it hurts more to be OVER the average than you gain by being UNDER. Each car is slightly different, but on an '05 325, the value goes up $67.50 per 1k under the average of 67k. It gets penalized $90 per 1k over 67k.

So roughly $3k difference between your 2 examples.

qbrozen · December 2011

Tirerack has half a dozen choices under $225 each. I wouldn't pay dealer prices, that's for sure. Hell, you can get the very highly regarded Continental DWSs for $235 each.

stickguy · December 2011

Interesting. So 13.5 is reasonable, shoot for 13 if I want to play hardball?

stickguy · December 2011

also the reason I am tending to look at higher mile units!

Though I do have "rwd in winter in an area where it snows" phobia working on my side right now!

qbrozen · December 2011

don't sweat it. Good set of snow tires and you are all set. My best snow car ever was that 190E with NO traction control, mind you, and a set of snows. It is the first car I put snows on, though. Going to see if my current snows from the GTI will fit the 540.

And, yes, your numbers are reasonable.

nyccarguy · December 2011

If you really want to play hardball, make your offer & when they accept it, make a remark about how you've read so much about how well AWD BMWs handle in the snow. When they tell you it is a RWD car, look REALLY dissapointed & say "damn, I didn't realize that.". Walk out & tell them you'll have to think it over. They'll call you the next day:)

woodyww · December 2011

"I do have "rwd in winter in an area where it snows" phobia working on my side right now!"

I have that phobia too. It's a valid attitude. I also have a RWD 5-series that I have a set of snow tires for, & with the snow tires, it's "decent", & driveable, in ploughed areas in eastern MA. But I wouldn't want to be driving it on a ski trip to VT, or caught in a freak blizzard. So figure the cost of a set of snow tires & wheels into the equation. And weather is getting crazier, it seems......lots of used AWD bmw's out there.....

stickguy · December 2011

I don't have the phobia. I just plan to use it to my financial advantage!

down here in jersey, we don't have to drive in real snow very often, so on real bad days it can just stay in the garage. I most likely would not even bother with snows if I am driving it. maybe when my daughter can solo?

Hey, I spent 4 years in upstate NY with RWD cars, and the one that had bias ply snows probably had baldies anyway. Duster, an Opel, a Hornet, and a corolla. not exactly your basic snow mobiles there. At least the foreign cars had AS tires!

tj11119 · December 2011

Looking to trade in my car, appreciate your help in getting a trade in value, thanks

Location: San Diego CA
2008 VW GTI
Body Style: 4dr
Engine: 2.0t DSG AUTO
Driveline: fwd
Mileage:49100
Color: Gray exterior, cloth int
Major Options: Sunroof, dsg
Condition:
No dings, no damage, some rim curb rash.
Tires - ok
All maintenance done

qbrozen · December 2011

About $13k. Maybe $13,500 on a push.

If you have the 18" wheels, that adds a couple hundred bucks.

dillydill · December 2011

to qbrozen, Bill, sebring95, and atexiera among others. I appreciate all who post and make this a great board.

This probably isn't the right place to post this, but I am not sure where to. But here is an update.

We ended up trading our 99 Sienna XLE with 175K and needing lots of work towards a 2011 Sienna LE with 32K CPO.

In July, I was looking at a couple XLE Limited's and Bill posted that our 99 was around a $1K trade. This was before check engine light, abs and tire light came on. Now I needed to get a new rear cat and a new rear wheel bearing and abs sensor.

Based on info from qbrozen I figured a good number on the 2011 was $21-$22.

Without much back and forth we settled on my 99 van plus $19895 for the 2011. Plus TTL.
Wife is happy = I am happy. Having good numbers and the knowledge ahead of time made the whole thing smooth.

Thanks again.

stickguy · December 2011

bmw dujour. Pretty sure I can peg this one!

anyway, found a 2003 325i 4 door. AT, premium, heated seats. IOW the usual. Clean, 1 owner carfax FWIW.

88K on it.

dark gray over gray. Really nice color combo. Looks snappy in the pictures. have not seen in person.

listed at $9,999, on a smaller local used car lot (mom and pop shop style, but seems to always have nice stuff, and alsways a few Bimmers).

I am guessing that RW if it checks out it is maybe an 8K cash car? 10 sounds high for a 2003.

tj11119 · December 2011

Thanks!

doesn't look so bad

qbrozen · December 2011

good deal. congrats.

qbrozen · December 2011

8k might be a little light. You'll probably have to add another nickel. Even $9k is pretty reasonable if its all there, knee deep in rubber, etc.

stickguy · December 2011

thanks. Hopefully I can get over to look this week, but not counting on it. Probably have to hope it lasts until after Christmas.

8.5 still doesn't sound too bad, if (like you say) it checks out and has no immediate needs.

But of course, dropping an 8k, I write a check now, offer sounds good to me.

ateixeira · December 2011

Congrats, and always remember Happy Wife = Happy Life!

Karen_S · December 2011

A reporter is interested in talking with shoppers who held, or are still holding, onto their vehicle longer than usual and are now finally returning to the market. You should have already bought after deferring a purchase, or expect to buy in the near future. If you are interested in commenting on your experience, please reply to pr@edmunds.com no later than Friday, December 23, 2011 and include your contact information.

cadillacmike · December 2011

Here's 1 of two. this one is a CTS:
Location: Tampa, FL
Year make model: 2008 Cadillac CTS AWD Premium package
Body Style: 4 door sedan
Engine: 3.6 L Direct Injection
Driveline: AWD
Mileage: 27,600
Color: Silver with Lt Grey leather interior (technicaly light platinum with light titanium interior (w ebony accents!))
Major Options: Chromed CTS 18" wheels, extended sunroof, HDD based nav system w/ Bose 10 speaker surround, XM, DVD & MP3 player capability, actual spare (instead of inflator kit), Adaptive Xenon outer-space headlights, split folding rear seat, fancy wood interior, performance brakes, cooling system, suspension, etc. It has EVERY option except the engine block heater, and in FL that's not needed.
Condition:
Interior: outstanding, no wear in back at all, really none easily spotted in front either, carpets are stain free.
Exterior: no dings, no paint work, no accidents, etc.
Tires - New Vogue 235-50-ZR18 V rated.
Brakes new less than 1,000 mi since replacement
Maintenance up to date
Other:
GM build sheet states "unit built without wood steering wheel and shift knob" and of course it doesn't them, but it is a "premium package" CTS, and has the PQD RPO code on it. Dealer friend says they likely ran out of these items when building the car so they skipped them, it's about a $50 difference in value that i can tell. Car is Cadillac CPO with 1 month of original warranty remaining plus 2 yrs of CPO warranty or 100,000 mi.

cadillacmike · December 2011

Here's is # 2, this one is a V8 STS:
Location: Tampa, FL
Year make model: 2009 Cadillac STS V8 NorthStar Platimun edition
Body Style: 4 door sedan
Engine: 4.6 L NorthStar VVT
Driveline: RWD
Mileage: 11,000
Color: Silver with cashmere leather interior all leather wrapped interior and suede (alacantra) headlinings & vanity visors
Major Options: 1SG package with adaptive cruise control, side blind zone alert, lane departure warning, Heads up display, sunroof, nav system w/ Bose 15 speaker surround & 6 disc changer, XM, DVD & MP3 player capability, actual spare (instead of inflator kit), Xenon outer-space headlights, rear seat pass thru, fancy wood interior, performance brakes, cooling system, suspension, etc. chrome 18" wheels (avail ONLY with platinum ed), exclusive suede (alacantra) headlinings, hand stitched leather interior panels (in addition to the seats) It has EVERY option except the engine block heater and AWD.
Condition:
Interior: outstanding, no wear at all, seats barely breathed on, carpets are stain free.
Exterior: no dings, no paint work, no accidents, etc.
Tires: New 235-50-ZR18 W rated front 255-45-ZR18 W rated rear.
Brakes: new less than 500 mi since replacement
Maintenance: up to date
Other:
Cadillac CPO plus 1 yr of original factory warranty remaining

rayainsw · December 2011

'Xenon outer-space headlights, ....
Brakes: new less than 500 mi since replacement '
For exploring outer space?
Owned by a NASA astronaut?
Seriously, though -
Um - new brakes at 10,500 miles?
THAT seems very odd...
- Ray
Ex-Rental?

lemmer · December 2011

Maybe they warped early.

qbrozen · December 2011

Sound like a couple of nice cars. Too bad they still depreciate so harshly.

The CTS is going to be right around $21k. Could see a dealer wandering up near $22k if it glows in the dark.

STS might see $18k. That's a damned expensive 11k miles.

ateixeira · December 2011

Used car bargain?

robbieg · December 2011

Does the Premium package add a lot to the CTS AWD?

Right now, I think the 2008 CTS and the 2008 G35X are good buys used. What do you think? Basically a lot of car for the money. Still have a little warranty left.

qbrozen · December 2011

The platinum adds just $750. A performance package adds $1500, though.

Oh, wait, sorry, that's the STS.

CTS adds nothing for premium. You get a DEDUCT for not having leather. Moonroof adds $650, 18" wheels adds $550, and Nav adds $700.

AWD is a $900 add.

sbuhler · December 2011

Would appreciate a wholesale value on the following:

2008/GMC/Acadia/SLT2
FWD
55,000 miles
Blue exterior
DVD player, sunroof, NO nav
very good condition, tires less than 4 months old
All maintenance up to date
Southeast Louisiana

Thanks for your help!

fezo · December 2011

Wow. You can still buy a Cadillac without leather? I'm stunned.

corvette · December 2011

I believe the base models, like BMW and Mercedes, come with a very convincing synthetic leather, otherwise known as vinyl. My 3-series had it, it never bothered me, and nobody else seemed to notice or care. That's one part of the "premium package" I can live without!

nyccarguy · December 2011

We leased a 2007 BMW X3 with leatherette for 3 years. It held up beautifully after 46,000 miles. Kid's milk spills, no problem. Wife's water breaks on the passenger seat, no problem.

It does tend to get hot easier as it doesn't breathe like leather does. Just to give an example; if we left the X3 parked outside in the sunlight when it was say 55-60 degrees out, my wife would turn the AC on when she got in the car.

fezo · December 2011

For the most part I am just as happy or happier with nice cloth seats but will admit the leather ones in the Solara are kind of changing my mind....

For some reason I find those lightly used Caddies intriguing.....

pblx3 · December 2011

Hi - I would appreciate info on the trade in value of this suv

Location: DC Metro
2009 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD
Mileage: 26750
Color: Black/light gray leather
Major Options:
navigation
rear entertainment system
remote start
tow pkg
Condition:
Overall Good
A few minor dings
All maintenance done when due and up to date
Tires - Of the 5 tires (including full size spare) - 2 are new tires, 1 needs to be replaced, others normal wear.
Other: rear door on drivers side replaced due to damage (pole in garage - ugh!)

Thanks much!

qbrozen · December 2011

Well, down there the FWD shouldn't hurt much. Probably looking at about $19k.

qbrozen · December 2011

oh boy. tough call with the previous damage. Is this on carfax? The quality of the repair is really going to affect the number.

This has a moonroof, too, no? If yes, ..... well, good grief. My wild guess would be anywhere from $24k-$27k.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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