Real-World Trade-In Values

stkntraffic · April 2013

Your points are well-taken. I know what you mean... the Rogue is based on a Sentra platform but more comparable to the Altima in weight.

In my Mom's case, I think it's more "perceived" safety than anything else. I guess being able to sit a little higher and see a little better (even if it's only about 6-8 inches difference) makes her feel like she has a better situational awareness.

BTW she has decided on the CX-5 Touring, and will purchase it tomorrow. She's getting a 2014 model with the bigger 2.5 engine.

ateixeira · April 2013

Cool, I test drove a 2.0 with my sister and the bigger engine must be far better.

Should have better residuals too.

steine13 · April 2013

... for the CCBA card, maybe.

In three weeks, one of my "Subaru bucks" coupons will expire, and soon after another and another... you see where this is going.

So maybe it's just time to go down to my friendly neighborhood Subaru dealer and order up a stick Outback for June delivery or something.

Q, can you please look up Vibes for me? I doubt you'll find a lot of sticks, so I'll just subtract accordingly... there are a couple other pluses and minuses, but it's a pretty ordinary car, well cared for if not well-loved...

2007 Pontiac Vibe 5sp 78k miles
Dark gray over black cloth
The usual power equipment + cruise.

Side & Side curtain airbags & ABS
Those were options back then...

No traction control, no fancy stereo, no roof, no alloys
Clean, non-smoker, one-owner car; clean carfax

There were no trim levels and only one engine.

Thanks a lot in advance,
-Mathias

qbrozen · April 2013

Not real consistent at the auctions.

04/25/13 ST PETE Lease $7,800 78,084 Avg WHITE 4G O
04/25/13 ATLANTA Regular $6,700 81,093 Avg WHITE 4G A
04/25/13 CHICAGO Regular $6,100 85,245 Avg BLUE 4G 5
04/05/13 FT LAUD Regular $8,300 90,270 Avg GRAY 4G A

sooo... I dunno... $6500? 6k?

steine13 · April 2013

Thanks, qb, that was fast work!
That's a little better than I thought, even.
My threshold for a private sale was "at least six" and that should be no problem.

What ppl are asking for them on craigs is another matter, plain crazy.
Thanks again -Mathias

qbrozen · April 2013

well, now, if you just said that to begin with, I would have cut you a check. ;b

tjc78 · April 2013

2003 Camry
Boring beige/beige
75K
excellent overall, LE 4cyl w/alloy wheels
South Jersey

Only negative is the headlights are a little hazed.

All up to date maintenance/newer tires.

Trying to pinpoint a Private Party number.

I'm thinking ask 8K take 7K. Is that too optimistic?

stickguy · April 2013

if it had a moonroof, it would be a great alternative to my Volvo if needed. Or a more reliable upgrade to my son's TL.

stickguy · April 2013

for my SIL. And I can't believe she lasted this long!

LI NY area.

it is a 2008 MDX with Tech package. about 50K on the clock. overall OK shape. Had some scrapes and nicks dealt with, so some paintwork on the side but no body work (I don't think). Dealer maintained, tires/brakes/etc. should be OK.

dark red with tan guts. no other options but the standard full load (navi, etc.) that came with the tech package.

Only need a trade value, since she won't private sale.

qbrozen · April 2013

I don't think that's bad at all. Most with those miles are in the mid $6k range at auction, so even bargain dealers would be listing them for $9995.

qbrozen · April 2013

My guess is they would hit her around $20k. The above average ones (which are just about all of them below 60k, apparently) are getting $23k, which the one average black one got $21k. So it really depends on how hers stands up and if they want it.

stickguy · April 2013

thanks. It should show OK, and the miles are on the low side. I think 20K was her threshold. Though once she decides to look it is usually a done deal.

She once traded in a very nice accord (on a Volvo) because it needed wiper blades and the tape deck heads were dirty. At least that was the best reason she could come up with.

tjc78 · April 2013

Thanks, Q. I appreciate it.

ateixeira · April 2013

For some people, any excuse will do.

Why rotate tires? Such a hassle, just trade the car!

sebring95 · April 2013

Funny, but back in the day my family owned a couple dealerships. My father ran a very honest business and people really trusted him. I recall several instances where a customer would be told their tires were getting worn and they should have them replaced. A couple instances the (usually) elderly customer would say "well, maybe you should just order me a new one". Some would even have him pick the color or whatever options he thought they needed.

socalsprinter · May 2013

Can't locate a solid source for pricing of used Sprinter vans. Edmunds TMV is always thousands of dollars below sellers asking price. Ebay Motors Completed Listings show no sales. KBB has nothing to offer. How do you figure out what it's worth in order to make a fair and reasonable offer?

2006 Dodge Spirnter 2500 High Roof Cargo 158"
43,000 miles
Power windows, locks, mirrors
Keyless entry
Cruise control
It appears to be in perfect condition.

Edmunds TMV Dealer Retail $18,903.

The dealer is advertising it $29,000.

$10,000 shades of grey.

Read me a book.

sebring95 · May 2013

It's really tough to find values on used commercial vehicles. I buy for a company fleet and sometimes pick up used stuff but it's hard to find published values. I usually try to put it into perspective vs a new one. A 2006 with only 40k miles is quite rare. I looked at a site I buy from and most 2006 models have 150k-200k miles and are going for $17-$19k. My experience is they'll come down a couple grand on a cash deal. Based on that $29k might be a little high but really it just comes down to what it's worth to you.

robr2 · May 2013

Boston
2002 Ford Ranger XLT
Super Cab
V6 - auto
4WD
87K miles
Black Exterior/Gray Cloth Interior
Alloys, bedliner, soft tonneau
Dealer cleaned interior, dealer prepped exterior - chips touched up, one tiny ding, no dents
Tires/Brakes about 50%

Dealer asking over $9K.

nyccarguy · May 2013

asking $9K for an 11 year old Ranger? That's nuts!

robr2 · May 2013

...asking $9K for an 11 year old Ranger? That's nuts!

I figured about $6K would be reasonable. If it were a Tacoma, I could see $9K - they get stupid money used.

ohenryx · May 2013

re: price for used Tacoma. "they get stupid money used".

You can say that again. At one point I was thinking of a used Tacoma, until I saw the pricing. "Insane" is the word I would choose.

qbrozen · May 2013

Yikes!
Well, best info I can offer is a 2006 cargo with 85k miles that went up to $11k at auction.

$29k? I think I'd rather buy 2 of the 85k mile examples and still have money left over.

qbrozen · May 2013

About $4500 at the block. $6k would be low. $7k should do it.

robr2 · May 2013

Thanks Q. A $2500 spread seems high but you're the expert.

qbrozen · May 2013

Deal is $1500 profit on a unit is about the screaming point. They gotta keep the lights on, after all.

So $4500 hammer price, plus fees, plus transport, plus spit shine, plus a few minor fixes ... and next thing you know it hits the lot at $5k-5200 all in. Gotta pay the salesman his/her cut .... so is the dealership willing to make a $500 profit? Not likely. $6500 is a possibility, depending on all the minor details, but I give $7k as my "fair for all parties" number. Dealer isn't making a killing and you aren't overpaying.

robr2 · May 2013

I know Q. This is a local service station owner who has one or two vehicles for sale at a time. His overhead is a little lower. I just think he is shooting for the stars at the $9500 asking price and will be insulted at even $7K.

steine13 · May 2013

Hello q,
I have a question regarding the Chevy Volt... buddy of mine is looking into leasing one; went test-driving in Detroit yesterday, thought it was a cool car.

The leases are all 36 months, and he was wondering what the 3-year old ones bring at auction...? Drivetrain is a given; I don't understand the model nomenclature, unfortunately.. so if you could cut & paste some 2010 examples in the 30k mile range, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thx in advance -Mathias

qbrozen · May 2013

Ah, a bit different then, yes. Price it more like private party, so yeah, your $6k seems better. Although, if he just finished putting $3k work in to it... well...

qbrozen · May 2013

Probably about $150k would be my guess .... wanna know why? :P

robr2 · May 2013

Probably about $150k would be my guess .... wanna know why?

OOOH OOOH - I know, I know!!!!

Because 2011 was the first model year.

qbrozen · May 2013

winner winner chicken dinner.

Here are the very few 2011s:
03/27/13 PITTSBGH Regular $23,100 18,455 Avg RED
04/02/13 SO CAL Regular $23,000 20,727 Avg NONE
05/07/13 DENVER Lease $22,900 23,492 Avg LT BLUE

steine13 · May 2013

Weisenheimers...

But thanks, that does give some context.

Pretty healthy numbers for a bleeding-edge car in its first year, no?

Cheers -m

Sandman6472 · May 2013

The a/c on the wife's Mazda3s is still a bit wonkey and only works on fan speed 3 and 4 when it's hot and sunny but 1 and 2 also when it's cloudy. Don't plan on doing anything to it and hoping to nurse it along until the 2014 models show up on dealer lots. But my question is this, should it flake out completely, is it worth it to fix it or will that be $ thrown out? The vehicle has almost 120k on the clock so I'm assuming that it'll go straight to auction as it's probably a 6 out of 10 looks wise...a bit tired but a complete detail would work wonders especially on the cloudy headlights. We keep going back and forth here on what to do as I say it won't matter price wise if the a/c works or doesn't. And it has happened a few times in the past where we've put $ into a vehicle only to trade it within a short period of time...wasted $ which drives me nuts!

So what does the experts here say...fix or not fix when and if it does go south on her? Right now we're just staying the course and plan to leave it at our kids place for a week or two and use her vehicle while school is in recess. Am also thinking that the Mazda store would probably give her the highest trade figure to stay in the family which is probably the best solution here for her. It's been a great vehicle overall and the a/c is the only issue right now after we replaced a few motor mounts back in early 2012...we've gotten our $ out of this puppy and would gladly welcome another in the fleet though probably would go for the 2.0 engine since the 2.5 is a bit much and the added mileage would be nice as she does drive this puppy a lot!

The Confused Sandman :confuse: :sick: :shades:

tjc78 · May 2013

Doesn't it all depend on what it would cost to fix? When you say it doesn't work on speeds 1 & 2 what does that mean? It doesn't cool well enough or it actually doesn't even turn on?

You live in Florida. I would think the first question asked when looking at a used car is if the A/C works. Heck I'm in Jersey and its one of my most important things!

nyccarguy · May 2013

That would be my 1st inclination is to see exactly how much it will cost to fix. Used car values are high right now. Take it to a carmax & see how much they'll offer you for it. Either way you go, it's obviously cheaper to fix the AC problem than to spend upwards of $20K on a new car. But you do live in FLA & you will need the AC from now until October. You work hard & have worked hard all your life. And you've got the funds. Like I've said before, you deserve it. Why wait another year? Your current car is going to accumulate more miles, possibly more problem$, & will decrease in value. Start test driving with your wife & get 2 quotes on her current 3. Go from there.

Sandman6472 · May 2013

Personally, I'm ready for her to buy now but she wants a 2014 model and refuses to look at a '13. Since we buy our own vehicles, she could go out today and purchase but she loves what she has but "says" she wants to downsize. This week she's gonna use my kids Accent so she can really see if this is doable for the next 7 to 8 years...personally, I disagree but it ain't my choice here. Probably will fix the a/c once it quits totally just don't think there'd be any added value when trading in since the miles are so high.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

stickguy · May 2013

just use fan speed 3. so technically the AC does work.

in any case, you really need it diagnosed before making a decision.

also, is this a fan issue? You keep saying AC, but is it the same if you have the AC off and are using the heat (if you even know what that is down there!)

tjc78 · May 2013

I know it's hard to understand. It sounds like something as simple as a blower resistor, but then he said on cloudy days speed 1 and 2 work. Sandman, either way it may be a simple fix. It may need a cheap part or a quick recharge. The system may be just a little low.

ohenryx · May 2013

2011 Sliverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LT
Texas Edition includes:
5.3L V8
6 spd auto
HD Trailering pkg
Locking rear differential
20 chrome clad wheels
Locking tailgate
EZ lift tailgate
Pwr seat adjuster  driver 6 way
Auto dual zone A/C
Steering wheel radio controls
CD player with USB
Bluetooth for phone
Fog lamps
Chrome door handles / mirror caps

Only two options beyond the Texas package, neither important
1) Rear window defogger
2) Underseat storage (dealer installed)

Original MSRP on the window sticker is $35,157. The area is Houston, TX.

I purchased this new in October of 2011, it has +/- 6,900 miles. The exterior is sheer silver metallic. The oil has been changed once, imperfections are limited to some minor road rash on the right front chrome wheel and a standard assortment of very minor door dings.

I am now working downtown, and parking on the thirteenth floor of a parking garage with a tight spiral ramp. The overhead is so low I have changed the radio antenna for a shorter version. This truck barely fits in the parking spaces provided, and is very hard to maneuver. I love the truck out on the road, and absolutely hate it in the parking garage. Which is one of the reasons the miles are so low.

Im thinking of a small SUV (Toyota RAV4 (wish they still made it with the V6) or Honda CRV, or Hyundai Santa Fe Sport). I dont usually do trade-ins, preferring to sell myself, but in this case there is a lot of potential savings on the sales tax. How much do you think a dealer is going to give me on this for a trade in?

And no, I am not upside down or under water on this, I only owe about $15k.

ohenryx · May 2013

A quick follow-up to my previous post. I dropped by the closest Chevy dealer and test drove a a new Equinox, a FWD 1LT model. They had it listed on their web site with an internet sales price of $26,440, which is almost exactly what Truecar.com said it should sale for. I asked them to evaluate my trade, and they came back with an offer of $23,500. I nearly fell out of my chair, and asked them if they realized we were already going with a discounted sales price.

I'm still trying to figure out if I missed something somewhere, I really didn't expect an offer of more than $21k for my trade. Hell, if I were selling it myself on Craigslist I wouldn't expect to get more than $22 to $23 for it.

stickguy · May 2013

Well, did you take it?

Sandman6472 · May 2013

Yes, did you accept the offer? Have driven the vehicle you want to purchase and they are very nice actually. it's too bad Chevy doesn't sell the Captiva here in the U S as it's the same vehicle just a bit smaller and only seats 5. Right now it's only for rental fleets but I did see one for sale at our local Hyundai store a few months back. Was very surprised to see it there but maybe these vehicles are sold used up north?

But I have to believe that you took the deal with the biggest smile plastered across your face!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

ohenryx · May 2013

No, actually, I didnât jump on the deal. Several reasons.

1) I wasnât under any pressure to make a quick decision
2) I didnât like the seats.
3) Iâm still trying to decide if I believe what I was told, or if I should continue looking for something hidden.

The main obstacle was really the seats. If I had been comfortable sitting in the vehicle, I probably would have taken it home. I also drove a Traverse while I was there, and my oversized bu** fit much better in that seat. I donât need 3 row seating (in the Traverse), and would prefer the smaller model (Equinox). It would be a lot easier to maneuver in the parking garage, which is a prime consideration. Not to mention the Equinox has more horsepower, and weighs quite a bit less, meaning it performs better. However, Iâm afraid I could never sit in the seat for hours on a road trip.

I expect I will get my trade evaluated at a couple more dealerships, just to see if they are in the same ball park. And continue to look at my other options (Nissan Murano, etc).

stickguy · May 2013

well. job 1 is finding the car you want. No point it working a deal (good or not) if you don't like the car.

but, why look a gift horse int he mouth? If they stepped up because they really wanted your truck, be happy and take the money!

corvette · May 2013

Their trade-in offer may not equate to a "buy bid" to purchase the truck outright, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

ohenryx · May 2013

Iâm mulling this over. One possibility is to buy a new 2013 Silverado. They have a new Silverado, 2013, same truck as mine, even the same color. Itâs online at $26,338. And I have another $500 in USAA kickback, makes the net difference $26,388 minus $500 minus $23,500 == $2,388. Da*n near pocket change, and I have a brand new truck (2 model years newer). Decisions, decisions.

I was talking with a friend of mine, drives a Cruze. He got the private offer back in February, extra $1,000 from Chevrolet. He traded in a 2012 Cruze with 15k miles for a new 2013, and paid less than $1,000 out of pocket, including TT&L. People are apparently paying insane prices for late model used cars. But I still have real doubts about that trade in offer....

corvette · May 2013

The 2014 Silverado is redesigned, if memory serves, which may explain the bargain price on a 2013. Is the equipment level the same as your truck?

On the other hand, if you are unhappy with trying to squeeze your full size truck into the parking structure (I detest parking structures and can't imagine climbing 13 floors in one every day), I think you need to keep looking for a smaller vehicle that you like.

Sandman6472 · May 2013

To pay under a $1k for a new model is a pretty sweet deal actually. Get something with low miles, under 10 hopefully, and a new warranty...sweet!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

qbrozen · May 2013

sooo... your silverado is too big, so you'll trade it for a new one. What am I missing?? :confuse:

Anyhoo... their trade offer is actually just about right. Hell, with those miles, you might even push another $500.

ohenryx · May 2013

QBROZEN: Thanks very much for the reply, and the information. I am still astounded, but now Im more willing to believe. I guess Im just showing my age here. For most of my life, I was told (more like had it pounded into me) that a new car depreciated drastically as soon as you drove it off the showroom floor. In these modern times, that no longer appears to be true.

If the dealer is going to give me $23.5, he will have to get at least $24.5 or $25, just to keep the lights on, right? Why would any consumer with half a brain pay that much for a 2011, when the very same dealer has a brand new truck with the same options, even the same color, for $26,388? Makes no sense to me, but Im now going to accept it.

If theyre selling that high at auction, then I should be able to get the same (or close) from a Nissan (or other non-Chevy) dealer?

sooo... your silverado is too big, so you'll trade it for a new one. What am I missing??
You didnt miss anything, I just failed to disclose all of my thought processes. I like this Silverado, it fits me very well, I love driving it. My only problem is with the parking garage. While ruminating about this trade-in offer, trying to make sense of it, it occurred to me that perhaps the new 2013s were going for a lot more money, so I investigated and found that wasnt true. Being a mathematically inclined person, I couldnt help doing the math, and realizing that I could upgrade to a brand new truck, 2 model years newer, for what amounted to (almost) chump change.

Im going to continue looking and thinking. I have an older vehicle which I drive to work (because of the parking garage), and I can keep doing that. Or I can upgrade my parking  that would run about $75 to $100 per month by itself. And I hate recurring charges, much preferring to pay once and be done with it.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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