Real-World Trade-In Values

Kirstie_H · April 2012

If you ever had a difficult conversation with an older loved one about his or her poor driving, a reporter wants to interview you. Please email pr@edmunds.com by April 5, 2012 with your daytime contact information and a few words about your experience.

qbrozen · April 2012

That's alot of miles compared to the others at auction. I'd have to guess you might see $20k on it.

robbieg · April 2012

Well wife thought the Infiniti G was too small. She is now set on a SUV. Car isn't for me, so I am happy so long as the wife is happy. She drove and liked a 2009 RX 350 AWD black with tan with 29000 miles, no nav. $29000. Gave us a great deal on our 2005 - Subaru Legacy GT with 68000 miles auto and been through a big wreck $6000). Kind of happy with the deal might ask for 500 more off.

sebring95 · April 2012

Hard to go wrong with a Lexus. Hope it hasn't been wrecked like that Subie they're taking on trade!! :P

qbrozen · April 2012

2 black ones went through PA auction recently. 29,712 miles for $28,400 and 29,771 miles for $26,600. I would guess the latter is less loaded given the price difference. So $29k for that one would be a fair deal.

The subie is not a limited, right? If not, I'm thinking $5k? Maybe $5500 if the repair is top notch.

robbieg · April 2012

Correct. Not a limited. I have no idea that it is a top notch repair but we told them about the wreck so it has to be. okay

The one we are looking at doesn't fit the milage but at the very least we know the we are the neighborhood of a fair/good deal. Honestly, that is all that we want. Now, some might want the best deal. I just want something fair. The last thing I want is to think that I got taken advantage of.

Thanks for the help. I will let everyone know when my wife gives it the go ahead.

stickguy · April 2012

I also tried to convince my wife she wanted a BMW 3 series sedan instead of a small CUV. Didn't work for me either.

robbieg · April 2012

I tried the BMW sedan route too. It was the cheapest car I found. $22000 for a 2008 CPO 328xi. I thought they were giving it away. However, she thinks a BMW is too flashy for her right now.

caravan2 · April 2012

Which area of the country are you in? I'm looking got G37. I could offer you more than trade.

Best regards,

buster6 · April 2012

Thank you!

buster6 · April 2012

Around 20k, I cannot sell it. The lease residual is $22k and I have 16 months left. I am going to have to wait this one out.

robbieg · April 2012

Just wanted to say thanks for all of the help.

We don't have the car yet but agreed on the numbers. Planning on signing the papers Friday afternoon. Had a very positive experience. My wife said we found a place to buy our cars now. The best thing the dealer is literally less than 5 minutes from my house.

Details. 28800 for the 2009 RX 350 AWD with about 29000 miles. 6000 for a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Auto with 68000 that had been repaired. The Lexus is off lease so it has some warranty left.

I am very excited because the car was less than 29000 which to me is a very expensive car.

qbrozen · April 2012

good deal.
congrats.

kyfdx · April 2012

One owner... for sale in my community..

V-8
71,000 miles!!
That bronzey, orangish color (lol)

A cursory examination shows it to be in great shape..

Asking $7200

Whaddaya say?

(like I need a 5th car)

qbrozen · April 2012

So have you seen a doctor regarding this head injury of yours? :P

I'm assuming this is a Series II? It would probably bring $3500 on a trade and $4k at the block.

$6k should be plenty to bring it home.... and then another $5k to keep it repaired that first year.

kyfdx · April 2012

LOL.... thanks..

corvette · April 2012

I notice you didn't say you were no longer interested. :P

jaa37jaa37 · April 2012

Any advice on what I could expect either as a trade-in or from a private buyer? It's got 130k, no major dents or scratches (rear bumper has a few, of course), runs well. It's been in a couple of accidents that required body work but no engine repairs.
The major issue is that the A/C isn't working - we're pretty sure it's an evaporator problem. It works after a charge and a refill of the fluid, but the fluid is leaking somewhere, and we can't find it anywhere in the lines, even using the UV dye. My mechanic thinks it's the evaporator and says it would cost $500-600 to repair.
It's AT, gray/gray, moonroof, front side airbags, CD player, tires still have plenty of tread, brakes in good etc. This is in NJ. Any thoughts are appreciated!

kyfdx · April 2012

I notice you didn't say you were no longer interested

Well... those head injuries tend to linger..

I was out for a walk yesterday that takes me by the vehicle... As I was approaching, a couple were crossing the street to take a look at it. Struck up a conversation with them about it. (imagine that.... me talking about cars!).

They have a Suburban and were looking for a winter vehicle that might be a little easier on gas.. I don't have any direct knowledge of fuel mileage on a '99 Disco with a V-8, but they said the Suburban got about 12 in town, and I told them that the Disco probably would be about the same.. maybe one or two MPG higher, at best...

The better half of the couple seemed surprised when I said that the Disco would be maintenance-intensive... I guess younger people have little memory of British-made cars.. It amazes me that people will consider a vehicle without knowing anything about it...

I told them the car looked great, had probably been well-taken care of, but that it would not be cheap to own, other than the purchase price. "You should only buy it, if you'll get real enjoyment out of driving a Land Rover.. not for any utilitarian or financial reason."

qbrozen · April 2012

Probably around $4500 from a dealer. I could buy a clean one retail for the $7k-$7500 neighborhood. Figure $1k less private party. Knock another $1k off for nonworking AC. So ask $5995 and hope for $5500 if you are lucky.

explorerx4 · April 2012

There is a red one for sale locally(not sure of the year) locally,
The other day the rear window had $3500 FIRM written on it.
Drove by it yesterday, rear window was clean.

woodyww · April 2012

I had my own "disco (II) fever", starting about 1999, but ending up buying a a used Range Rover. One of the most beautiful vehicles I ever owned. Got 12 mpg--15 on the highway--& the main problem I had was the stereo kept failing, but I traded it in before the warranty expired. Got tired of taking it in to the dealer multiple times in the year I owned it, but I still miss it.

The '99 DII was rumored to be the "least reliable" of DII's. But there are quite a few Disco II's on fee-bay, many with low miles, like this 2002 with 68K miles in a really nice gold color, for 68K miles, for $7500, it looks gorgeous. Whether or not it's insane to buy a used LR......well, the right low-mileage one, at the right price?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-LAND-ROVER-DISCOVERY-II-SE-68-925-Original-M- iles-Winter-package-NO-RUST-/180846274947?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2a1b472983

Kirstie_H · April 2012

A reporter is looking for new-car buyers who feel they've been victimized by unscrupulous salespeople. Email pr@edmunds.com no later than Friday, April 13, 2012 with a few words about your experience.

qbrozen · April 2012

They always turn my head, too. But, I did drive one once back when my wife wanted one, and I found it pretty miserable. It really is a "truck" and not a luxury anything, IMHO. And, obviously, that's fine if that's what you want... I just don't think that's what most people are looking for when they think Land Rover. A Chevy Trailblazer is better mannered.

kyfdx · April 2012

If you think I shouldn't buy it, just say so..

mkupneski · April 2012

I was hoping that some of the experts here could help me determine what a fair trade-in value for my VW might be............

2011 VW Tiguan SE
2.0L turbo - automatic transmission
FWD
18,000 miles
White exterior / tan leather interior
Alloy wheels, touchscreen (non-nav) factory radio
All maintenance records from VW dealer
balance of 3/36,000 warranty and service
no damage or accidents - very clean (I am detail "nutjob" even if I say so myself)
Cincinnati, OH area

Thanks in advance...........
Michael

nyccarguy · April 2012

I've got to ask: "why are you getting rid Of it so fast?"

stickguy · April 2012

I started reading the details without noticing who the poster was, and the first thing I thought was, what the heck is Anonymous poster selling her precious Tiguan for already? What a shock to find it was someone else!

mkupneski · April 2012

I am thinking of parting ways with the Tiggy to get something a bit larger. We thought we could live with a smaller SUV, but over time the lack of interior space has become an annoyance. Other than its size, we love the vehicle.

Michael

nyccarguy · April 2012

Interesting - what are you looking at to replace it with?

I have a Pilot that has tons of space, but doesn't exactly score well when it comes to "fuel economy."

qbrozen · April 2012

Friends don't let friends shop drunk. :P

qbrozen · April 2012

hmmm... this is a tough one with not alot to go on.
Here is what I'm seeing:

01/18/12 SEATTLE Lease $21,000 3,435 Avg BLUE 4G A
01/12/12 RIVRSIDE Lease $22,250 4,966 Avg BLUE 4GT A
02/06/12 NJ Lease $19,800 6,796 Avg NIGHT BL 4GT A
02/22/12 CEN FLA Lease $23,600 18,888 Avg NIGHT BL 4G A
04/03/12 OHIO Lease $22,500 21,042 Avg REFLEX S 4G A

So here we have 2 cars that sold for more than 3 other cars with LOWER miles. Doesn't make much sense. I'd guess a dealer might hit you anywhere between $18k-$20k, depending on how they read this data.

In any case, my guess is it is going to hurt your wallet.

kyfdx · April 2012

There is a big spread on MSRPs with the Tiguan..

If his is the SE with leather and moonroof, that might bring quite a bit more than an -S- model... Not so much, if it were older, but it's almost new...

Too bad its FWD.... he is local to me..

qbrozen · April 2012

Those are all SEs, BTW, but yeah, I have no idea of their options.

zyaaaaa · April 2012

Hi qbrozen - if you wouldn't mind would you tell me what kind of range I can expect on this currently? The time has finally come to trade it in and purchase something new.

2008 Nissan Xterra SE, Black
4.0 V6, 4WD, Auto 43,800 miles
All supplemental airbags, towing package, cargo cover
Clean condition, newer tires, no accidents or repairs ever

ZIP is 32226

Thanks again!!

qbrozen · April 2012

A dealer can expect mid-$17s at auction. So... depending on where you trade it and the mood they are in, you can probably expect offers around $16k-$16500.

zyaaaaa · April 2012

Thanks again! The wheels are in motion... literally, so I'll let you know how it goes.

sebring95 · April 2012

Since we're talking Nissan's, thought I'd ask what you're seeing on these:

Columbus, OH
2008 Pathfinder SE 4wd 4.0L Auto
69,000
Red Brawn (sounds tuff huh?)
Bose, Moonroof, Backup cam
Good shape, few scratches but nothing serious
Decent Michelins, say 50%

Might trade it on a new one before they sissy them up later this year. Hopefully the Nissan dealer would give me more than someone else.

Kirstie_H · April 2012

An automotive organization would like to speak with used car buyers who bought cars that they later found out were not up to date on recall repairs. If you are willing to discuss your experience, please email PR@edmunds.com no later than 10 a.m. Pacific /1 p.m. Eastern Friday, April 20, 2012 with your daytime contact information.

jam1000 · April 2012

Location: Washington, DC metropolitan area

Year/Make/Model: 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Body Style: 4-door SUV

Engine: 4.7 liter V-8, automatic transmission

Driveline: 4WD
Mileage: 61,000

Color: Dark gray ("graphic metallic clearcoat") / dark gray ("dark slate gray")

Major Options: Trailer tow package; plus Laredo "F" package (which includes Mini Overhead Console, Universal Garage Door Opener, Remote Keyless Entry, Luxury Group, Automatic Headlamps, Auto Dim Rear View Mirror, 6-Way Power Seats, Security Alarm, 6 Infinity Speaker System, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Illuminated Vanity Mirror Sun Visors, Tires: P225/75R16 OWL AS)

Condition:

Probably best characterized as fair to good. Interior is clean, non-smoker, etc. Exterior paint is in great condition, no dings or scratches to speak of, but there is a crack in the plastic bumper in front. Air conditioning may need work (blows, but not the coldest; don't know yet whether it needs more refrigerant or is something more serious).

Tires - good condition; relatively recently replaced

Brakes - fine

Maintenance - regular grease / oil / filter changes and other routine maintenance

Other: no prior damage/insurance claims, repaints, etc.

Thanks!

jaa37jaa37 · April 2012

Do you think it'd be worth it for me to get the A/C fixed myself? I just wonder how many people are even willing to purchase a car without working air conditioning. Only problem is I can't be 100 percent sure it's the evaporator, so I'm a little leery of spending $600 to fix a car I'm just going to sell if I can't be positive the repair will solve the problem...

sebring95 · April 2012

Well if you're skeptical of spending $600 on a fix...where's a buyer going to be on this? They're obviously going to want to hedge the amount they pay for the car to ensure repair. If I'm a buyer I'm going to look at it from a worst-case scenario and low-ball you by enough to get it fixed. You're competing for buyers comparing similar cars with working AC so how much is someone willing to gamble on your car?

qbrozen · April 2012

Low miles is a big plus. I'd shoot for $5k from a dealer and $7k private sell. Definitely go the latter route, as finding one with miles as low as yours is going to be real tough for a buyer.

ateixeira · April 2012

What would my Miata fetch, trade and private sale:

2008 Mazda MX-5 Touring PRHT
convertible with power hard top
2.0l 6 speed manual
RWD
21k miles
Dark Blue, black interior
Sport package with upgraded alloys and Bilsteins
Very good condition, not perfect
Tires at about 40%
Never crashed, even minor

nyccarguy · April 2012

Hey Q! Just curious as to how much X5 diesels are crossing the block at. I'm sure the '09s have to be coming off lease.

Thanks as always bro!

woodyww · April 2012

Do you think it'd be worth it for me to get the A/C fixed myself? I just wonder how many people are even willing to purchase a car without working air conditioning. Only problem is I can't be 100 percent sure it's the evaporator, so I'm a little leery of spending $600 to fix a car I'm just going to sell if I can't be positive the repair will solve the problem...

No. Don't be pouring $600 into an 8 y.o. Honda Civic with 130K miles just for the A/C. It'd be different if it were a Benz or Lexus maybe, but how many people expect an older economy car w/130K miles to be perfect?

Also, you said: "It works after a charge". Just do that--you can buy cans of freon at Autozone & it's pretty easy to recharge the freon even for a Putz home mechanic (like me). If all else fails, wait 'til January in NJ to sell it....

nyccarguy · April 2012

I'm sure people aren't expecting a "perfect car" at 8 years old & 130,000 miles (although my '01 Prelude with 146K still blows ICE COLD), but working AC is something that's expected, especially in the northeast.

If he says: "It just needs a recharge," that's code for Bull Salt. If it just needs a recharge, then why doesn't he do it & sell it with working AC.

People want to buy cars that have working AC, not money pits.

zyaaaaa · April 2012

You nailed it again! I ended up asking for 17k for some cushion and got 16.5K, which is what I really wanted.

Now my grandfather wants help with his trade. Could you help with a value on this vehicle?

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Year/Make/Model: 2010 Chrysler Town and Country Touring
Body Style: Van
Engine: 4.0 V6
Driveline: FWD
Mileage: 39K
Color: Light Blue Metallic Exterior / Tan Leather Interior
Major Options:
Customer Preferred Package (28L)
Media Center 730N
Sirius Backseat TV
Condition:
I'd say Good condition - nothing major
Tires - New, less than 3 months old with maybe 2k miles on them
Brakes - New, less than 2 months old
Maintenance - All completed at intervals with records.
Other: He got into a fender bender last year with minor damage (less than 1k) and it was fixed by the dealership through insurance.

Thanks!

Kirstie_H · April 2012

I second that. It may not be anything big anyway. We had a similar issue on our '98 pickup a few weeks ago. A re-charge would have masked the problem. Took it to an independent shop and it was something like a leaky valve or seal that was allowing the freon to escape. $118 later and it was fixed.

If you don't fix something basic like the A/C, buyers are going to deduct the amount needed to fix it from the price they're willing to pay. Better to just get it fixed, as the buyer's estimate may be way off.

qbrozen · April 2012

I just don't know.
There is no option in the Manheim data to show PRHT. On top of that, there has only been 1 Touring model in the past month or so that had miles even close to yours. 19k miles, above average condition, sold for $17,500. No idea if softtop or what.

sorry.

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