Real-World Trade-In Values

roadburner · March 2012

Many thanks!!!

marylizus · March 2012

Our 2002 mazda van had the check engine light come on last week. Mechanic says its the transmission. The light will come on and it will drive fine, then every now and then it starts jerking and riding rough. Then it will be fine again.

We were planning on buying a new car this fall, but now we'll buy it this month. Ugh. We were planning on trading in the van. Didn't expect to get much for it...maybe $1000. It's 110,000 miles with some rust and it leaks oil. My mechanic says just take the van to the dealer and don't say anything. Will this work?

In the past, we'd drive our cars for 10-12 years and then donate to charity, but we no longer itemize deductions and I'd like to get something out of this van.

Advice?

Thanks.

stickguy · March 2012

they will give you something, but that might be about it. Just give them the keys and let them look it over. If the light is on, up to them to look into it.

steine13 · March 2012

The light will come on and it will drive fine, then every now and then it starts jerking and riding rough. Then it will be fine again.

You may be in luck... that sounds exactly like what a friend of mine went through with her '01/02/03 Mazda van... not sure what year exactly.

The good news is that in her case, they reprogrammed the transmission electronics via a factory service update -- dunno if it was a recall or just a TSB -- but it didn't cost anything and it fixed the problem.

In her case, it showed up much earlier, though, so it may be unrelated. It's worth hitting the Mazda forums and/or taking the van to the Mazda dealer for a look-see.

Good luck,
-Mathias

marylizus · March 2012

Thanks Mathias. I know I've followed up on the 2 recalls I had. But I'll check the TSB's and the MPV forums. And I might take it to the dealer. I have a good mechanic and I trust him, but people can be wrong.

robr2 · March 2012

but even the dealer doesn't know what the DSG tranny is. In the ad, they call it a MT and an Automatic.

Keep in mind that those descriptions are from a check list presented by the software. The person entering the data can only tick off what's presented.

jipster · March 2012

Any generalizations one can make when buying a used car from a dealership?

I'm looking at a 2006 Nissan Altima S (4 cyl) with 93k miles. Very good condition... only problem are tires are really loud.

The sticker price on car at dealership lot is $12,600. The internet sales price is $10,400. KBB and Edmunds put the trade in at around $6,700, private party at around $8,200 and retail around $10k.

The car has been on the dealership lot 24 days. It's a one owner with limited maintence recorded on Carfax. Original owners have not returned phone call so I can inquire about history.

I understand some dealerships trade out after a vehicle has been on their lot 30 days, so is dealership more likely to take less money the longer a car has sat on the lot?

How would you play this one? I'm thinking startout with an out the door offer at $8,200 (6% sales tax) .. maybe go up to $8,600. :confuse:

jipster · March 2012

I've got a 2004 MPV... does indeed sound like "shift shock". A reprogramming of transmission control module may be in order, or it may need replaced. Much less than a new trans though. Try unhooking battery cables and see if this helps any. This will reset the trans computer brain. If van does better, then shows old symptoms, you'll know your trans is fine.

May be worthwhile to know what code your MPV threw? Symptoms also sound a bit like ignition coil problem. Either way, that van is worth a HAIL of a lot more than $1,000.

qbrozen · March 2012

Trade-in is more like $5500. Maybe $6k on a push, as that is what they are going through auction for.

Your numbers may be a bit low, but it can't hurt to try. Personally, I'd be thinking $8k purchase plus the $480 tax, plus the DMV and doc fees for a potential total of about $9k OTD.

fezgin · March 2012

Hello,

After 2,5 years buying BMW upon receiving green light from you guys, here I am again. Looking at a 2009 A5 3.2 manual transmission quattro with 20K miles. According to listing, it has premium package, s-line package, technology package and also Bang and Olufsen stereo. The guy did not mention nav but as far as I know navigation package is required for technology package. It is from a private party and he is asking for $35K.

What do you guys think?

J

qbrozen · March 2012

it is a fair price. Going for $33k at auction.

lancerfixer · March 2012

Got a retail question for you.

Where would you peg the following:

'02 BMW 530i, sport pack/auto, xenons, cold weather pack, light blue (silver/blue?) over black leather.
101,000 miles, VERY nice condition in/out, newer Michelin Pilots, maintenance records available.

Couple interesting things about it: It's got the BMW "seat twist." The dealer (not a BMW franchise, but a new car dealer) doesn't want to investigate it.

Here's the other wrinkle: the car has been on their lot for the better part of a YEAR now. I'm assuming it's a combination of the color and the jacked up seats that keep this a lot queen...
There seems to be about a 3k spread between TMV and KBB.

What say the experts? What would be a good low-ball-but-not-insulting offer to the dealer (it should be noted that I've done business with this dealer in the past, and plan to in the future.)

Thanks!

stickguy · March 2012

what exactly is the "seat twist"?

fezgin · March 2012

What would a dealer offer for it ?

qbrozen · March 2012

A dealer might be at $31-32k, depending. If it is an Audi dealer and the car is perfect, they might step up on it to $33k.

qbrozen · March 2012

Does this have the premium package? If not, that could be holding it back, too.

IF it has premium, it might do around $7k at the block. If they've had it that long, I might try for $7500 and hold my ground at $8k.

If it doesn't have premium... well, I might knock as much as $800 off for that.

What are they asking for it?

roadburner · March 2012

what exactly is the "seat twist"?

One side of the reclining seat sticks while the other side still moves- twisting the backrest. It's almost certainly a cable problem. It's a fairly easy fix. Here's is some additional information.

lancerfixer · March 2012

They've got it for $10,987 on their lot, although it's been listed as low as $9,987.
I have to say that I don't know what to look for when looking for the premium package...it's pretty well loaded (sunroof, xenons, side and rear sunshades; the rear sunshade has broken the tabs but the motor still functions) but no nav or CD changer.

stickguy · March 2012

just curious. Private sale on this. Asking $7,995. Looks clean in pictures.

Very Clean and only 71,000 miles! Light Blue with Tan Leather interior, loaded. Automatic, heated seats, moonroof. Well maintained, service records, clean CARFAX.

sebring95 · March 2012

Looking to buy this for a relative.

Columbus, OH
2009 Honda CRV EX-L, AWD
20k miles, local lease turn-in
Ugly light blue over gray leather.
Assume it's very good condition but haven't checked it out yet.
Dealer won't talk $$ over the phone which is annoying but this is the best one I've found so far.

stickguy · March 2012

I don't have the actual numbers, but I am willing to bet they want shockingly close to what you can get a brand new one for!

sebring95 · March 2012

Their asking price is about $4,200 under what we could get an identical new one. Reasonable for a Honda I think but I'm curious if there's more money on the table. There are certainly some out there very close to new car prices (at least asking price) but there also appears to be a ton of these coming off lease right now.

qbrozen · March 2012

power/memory driver's seat and power passenger seat will tell you if its premium.

Honestly, I've never seen a non-premium E39, but I'm assuming it works the same as a 3-series in that regard.

qbrozen · March 2012

Between $6k-$7k at the block, depending on condition.

qbrozen · March 2012

Roundabout $20k-$20500 at the block.

If its not CPO, I would think $23k should get it done, even for a Honda.

What are they asking?

sebring95 · March 2012

$23,600 non-CPO. It's at the worst dealer around....salesman had no clue what I even meant when I asked if it was certified. He had to ask his manager :sick: Just had one show up at my preferred dealer. It's at the other end of the spectrum so might be worthin looking up as well:

2010 LX AWD, 21k miles. Non-CPO. Asking price is within $2k of a new one....

lancerfixer · March 2012

Ah, ok, then...yeah, it's got the premium package.

I think what I think it's worth, what the dealer thinks it's worth, and (most importantly) what Mrs. Lance thinks it's worth are all three different numbers.

Thanks!

qbrozen · March 2012

The LX is only worth about $17k at auction. Figure $20k kills it retail. Could push lower.

EX-L sounds like they are pricing it aggresively. Maybe even get them down to $22,500 and its a good deal.

jipster · March 2012

Came across this car on Craigs list. Does it seem priced appropriately? Lots of rebuilt title cars for sale on the market. This guy seems pretty straightforward. Has pics. Worth the risk? Thanks.

Price: $ 7,749.00 Miles: 50180 Body: 4D Sedan
Model Year: 2007 Color: blue transmission: Automatic
Make: Ford Engine: 2.3L 4 cylinder
Model: Fusion VIN: 3FAHP07Z97R214729 REBUILT TITLE

Equipment
 6 Speakers CD player changer  Radio data system Air conditioning Power driver seat Power windows Steering wheel mounted audio controls Speed-sensing steering ABS brakes Dual front side impact airbags Low tire pressure warning Overhead airbag Front fog lights Security system Bodyside moldings Power door mirrors Driver vanity mirror Illuminated entry Passenger vanity mirror Tachometer Tilt steering wheel Cloth Front Bucket Seats Split folding rear seat Passenger door bin  AM/FM radio MP3 decoder SIRIUS Satellite Radio Rear window defroster Power steering Remote keyless entry Four wheel independent suspension 4-Wheel Disc Brakes Dual front impact airbags Front anti-roll bar Occupant sensing airbag Rear anti-roll bar Panic alarm Speed control Bumpers: body-color
 Driver door bin Front reading lights  Rear seat center armrest Telescoping steering wheel Trip computer Front Bucket Seats Front Center Armrest w/Storage
 Speed-Sensitive Wipers

Comment
SE!! FOG Lights!! Alarm, Fog Lights, Power Package, 6 Way Power Seat, Chrome Grill, Sirius, Steering Wheel Audio Controls, and MUCH MORE!! Clean CAR!!

However the car had been wrecked from front end driver side the airbags Never deployed as it Shows in the pics , please read and look to the pics very well before u make your call CAR VALUE IN BLUE BOOK $10,500 .

corvette · March 2012

Most people say to deduct 1/3 of what you would normally pay if it has a rebuilt title. Also consider that the airbags probably weren't replaced (and even if they were, the system may not be working correctly).

tommister2 · March 2012

I've heard there are issue getting insurance on these rebuilt vehicles (I don't have any first had experience). You may want to check with your insurace agent if you are seriously thinking about it.

lemmer · March 2012

Here is some information on the car before it was repaired.

jipster · March 2012

Thanks for the info everyone. Damage doesn't look too horrible. May be worth a test drive.

sebring95 · March 2012

Dealer wouldn't budge on the 2009 (via phone) from $23,500. It really wasn't what we wanted (horrible color to boot). Went to look at the 2010 at one of the better dealers that I've bought from before. It was pretty good shape but going to need tires in 5-10k miles and they wouldn't go lower than $21k. Cash deal, no trade. Bought a new LX AWD for $23,800 and it's a MUCH nicer vehicle than the previous CRV. $2,800 difference AND needing tires....not sure what person is going to buy these used :confuse:

explorerx4 · March 2012

If you do take it out for a test drive, take it out on the highway to see if it tracks straight. My '07 Fusion had no vibrations on the highway.
Did they run into a Louisville fan?

jipster · March 2012

Did they run into a Louisville fan?

Nahhh, we Louisville fans aren't that hostile. Must have been one of those nearsighted U of K fans. Go Cards!

lancerfixer · March 2012

Don't think that was the dig he was going for...

explorerx4 · March 2012

It could go either way. The car is damaged front and back. :shades:

explorerx4 · March 2012

Worth taking a look at?
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=06105&endYear=2- 013&modelCode1=FUSION&showcaseOwnerId=1149982&startYear=2010&makeCode1=FORD&list- ingType=used&engineCode=Hybrid&searchRadius=75&showcaseListingId=307233638&listi- ngId=307170956&Log=0

tommister2 · April 2012

Edmunds has one of these in their long term test fleet - http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/Vehicles/2010-ford-fusion-hybrid/

Looks like the dealer has had this one for 6 months. Wonder if that makes them more likely to deal or more locked in on their price? The pictures look nice. Never hurts to look!

nyccarguy · April 2012

If you do come take a look at it, let me know. There's a Pepe's in Fairfield;)

qbrozen · April 2012

I'm of the opinion that a rebuilt/salvage car is worth about half.

A clean one went through NJ auction recently with 59k miles for $7900. Let's say as high as $8500 for one with 50k and real clean. That gives me a fair target of $10k-$11k retail. Let's go ahead and put that on the high end at $11k. That gives me $5500 for this rebuilt car. No way in hell would I go a penny over $6k.

qbrozen · April 2012

If its clean, that's a damned good price. Almost too good. These are fetching the high $21s at the block. Not sure why they are having trouble moving it.

robbieg · April 2012

Any thoughts on used prices for an Enclave? My local dealer has 2011 CXL AWD with 15000 miles for 31,000. Looking for a 2009 Enclave CXL AWD with average miles (high 30's low 40's) and can't seem to get a read on what the prices should be. Most are priced the same as the 2011. Would an Acadia be priced the same?

qbrozen · April 2012

Either something is wrong with the 2011 or you should jump on that deal. Its worth $34k wholesale.

An '09 with low 40s would be in the $25k zip code. So figure $27-28k retail.

I don't know how the Acadia lines up features-wise. Is an SLT1 the same? If so, its pretty close to the same value. SLT2s are maybe $1k more.

robbieg · April 2012

Thanks for the info. The 2011 is at a volume used car dealer. Last month they sold 888 cars.

Off to meet my wife at another dealer. This time going to look at a 2009 G37X with 25000 miles, no nav, white with tan seats. In Pittsburgh, PA. Asking 25,900.

By comparison the volume dealer has a 2011 G37X with 24000 miles for 28000.

sebring95 · April 2012

We looked very closely at the Enclave last year and there seemed to be a lot of problems/complaints with the '08/'09 vintage I don't scare easy from a reliability standpoint but based on the number of used ones I was seeing it wasn't very reassuring. I'd surely find a newer one if that's the route you're going. Hopefully they've worked out some of the bugs. Or take that Infiniti and run.

buster6 · April 2012

Hi everyone, it has been awhile. I wanted to see if I could get out of this lease early without getting to beat up. Could you help me with a realistic trade in value?

Phoenix Az
2010 G37 Journey 4 door with premium/nav
35,000 miles
silver exterior with light grey interior
Tires 2 new, 2 at 30% left
Brakes new rears, front at 40%
all maintenance done (15k and 30k at dealer)
no prior damage or insurance claims

Thank you in advance!

explorerx4 · April 2012

Good info. Kind of scary that a Hybrid has been sitting around that long, referring to the technology.

explorerx4 · April 2012

I've been to Pepe's in New Haven a couple of times.
Good pizza!

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