Real-World Trade-In Values

corvette · August 2013

Congratulations on buying the Passat and selling the Silverado. I think you'll enjoy it! I think we've already said this, but be sure you change the transmission fluid on the Passat every 40,000 miles.

Definitely sign up with CCBA. We'll have you talking about what you're going to trade the Passat for before the week is up!

tifighter · August 2013

Late model used car prices are insane.

Agreed.

I just bought a new car over the weekend. I briefly looked at used options, but the pricing is crazy. Especially as there are some great new car promos out there for summer, plus subsidized financing.

The flip side, as you note, was that I got more that I expected for my trade in. A lot more.

stickguy · August 2013

a few years ago, I was working with a local dealer that was semi-retired, and mostly bought cars from the auction by order. I got to see his computer set up. It was addictive. you could watch 6 lanes at a time, and he could bid on anything online.

anyway, all the cars (at least those at that manhiem) were rated (I assume by the auction company) and you could see that. mostly condition report (paint/body/tires/interior/etc. So, you had a reasonable idea of what you were getting.

there is also time before the sale to check out the stock. I know they could look at sit, but IIRC could not start? Though you could watch/listen to them drive in. so some dealers (including this guy) basically did (or hired someone to do) a PPI (but again, I can't recall if they could start it up.

I do know that there was the option of returning it if the car was not as represented (say 5 miles away the engine started pouring out smoke). Might have been some sort of arbitration, but the buyer did have recourse (but not for chickening out, just misrepresentation)

jwm40517 · August 2013

A used car dealer friend of mine told me last month about going to auctions and watching dealers taking a picture of vin #'s with a smart phone and getting a Carfax report instantly on the phone.

jmellon · August 2013

I would appreciate any input on a fair trade in value for the following vehicle. Thank you.

Location: Cleveland, OH
Year/Make/Model: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4X4 Hemi
Body Style: 4dr SUV
Engine: 5.7 Hemi V8
Driveline: 4WD
Mileage: 51300
Color: Exterior, Red - Interior, Black
Major Options: 20 inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, navigation, heated/ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, towing package
Condition:
Interior is excellent, small ding in front bumper
Tires - Were replaced a few months ago and in excellent condition
Brakes - No issues
Maintenance - all maintenance records available
Other: No damage or insurance claims, clean title

kyfdx · August 2013

I've seen that APP. I entered the VIN manually, as I was inside an office, but the person whose phone/APP I was using says he uses it frequently...

I think it was a Manheim APP. Gives you auction values and with a button push, a CarFax report... very handy.

qbrozen · August 2013

Well, I don't have any Overlands to go by, so I'm going to say its an Overland Summit. I have zero idea what the difference is.

You'd be looking at around $28-28,500.

sebring95 · August 2013

Curious what you're seeing on these. Brief chat with the dealer looks like I could possibly swap for a new one (a '13) for not a lot out-of-pocket.

2012 MDX Tech AWD
23,000 miles
Aspen Pearl with parchment
Couple small marks on the seats but otherwise like new. Tires are 9/32.

nycconnect · August 2013

I would appreciate any input on a fair trade in value for the following vehicle. Thank you.

Location: Stamford, CT
Year/Make/Model:2008 Toyota Sienna
Body Style: Minivan
Engine: 6 cylinder, auto
Driveline: FWD
Mileage:55000
Color: white Exterior, Gray interior
Major Options: 8 passenger, 17" Alloy wheels, Dual power doors, Power seat, Temp display, Trip calculation, Remote, All service records available along with new tires, brakes, battery
Condition:
Clean shiny paint with minor dings from grocery store cart
Tires - new
Brakes - new, Battery - new
Maintenance - regular maintained per the manual

Looking to trade this for Honda. Thank you for your time.

nyccarguy · August 2013

Howdy neighbor! I'm in Stamford too;)

jmellon · August 2013

Thanks

nycconnect · August 2013

Hi neighbor

Looking for Sienna?

qbrozen · August 2013

with the high miles, about $32k.

qbrozen · August 2013

CE/LE = $9k-10k
XLE = $14k

nyccarguy · August 2013

Nah! Thanks for asking though. I'm good with the 3 vehicles in our stable.

nyccarguy · August 2013

Hey Q! I need your help for the (possible) trade value for my Mom's Cayenne

2011 Porsche Cayenne V6
Sand White Exterior/Black Leather Interior
55,000 Miles
18" Cayenne S Wheels
Navigation, Front & Rear Parktronic, LED Daytime Running Lights, Power Rear Liftgate
V6 - 4WD
Tires have 75% tread life left
Recent Service that includes oil change, filter change, brake fluid change, new spark plugs, new front & rear brakes, rotors, & sensors,
Exterior is 8/10 (1 scratch on the rear Liftgate & a scuff on the rear bumper)
Interior is 8/10

Thanks as always!
NYC Suburbs

tifighter · August 2013

Wow, your mom drives some miles.

sebring95 · August 2013

Thanks. I passed on the deal...they got to around ~$5k difference to get into a new one (actually higher than I expected on new one but also were giving me $36k on trade). That's about where I wanted to be but just decided I didn't want to spend the money. Plus by the time I added the accessories that are on mine I'd be out another grand.

They had an identical '12 on the lot with 30k miles that they had certified and were asking $40k. That's about where I was on the new '13! But I suppose if people don't know you can negotiate a $48k vehicle down to $40k....that used one might look ok. Dealer thought the new '13 models would be gone this weekend.

nyccarguy · August 2013

Yes she does. She took delivery of it on 1/1/11. Both my parents absolutely love the car & the way it drives, but even basic maintenance is extremely expensive. At 50K miles the car required a major service (I mentioned above) that cost something like $4200. And that's the going rate (I called 3 other Porsche dealers to check). Between that, the regular oil changes, & the $1000 in new tires they bought about 15,000 miles ago, they've spent 10% of the car's MSRP in 2 years & 8 1/2 months. Can they afford it? Yes. It is a matter of do they want to or not.

ohenryx · August 2013

$4,200 for a regular maintenance may be a new record (most I've heard of at any rate), but the $1,000 for new tires is not even close. Someone here in the forums bought new tires at a BMW dealership and spent $2,500 or thereabouts.

I remember hearing someone talk about the cost for a heater core on a Mercedes, this must have been at least 40 years ago. I realized then that I would probably never own such a car, even if I did arrive at a place in life where I could afford it.

Speaking of affording it, the first regular paying job I ever had was working in a service station the summer of 1965. "Clean that windshield for you, sir?" "Check under the hood for you, sir?" And there were the fat cats who had a credit card, which was a fairly new thing at that time. I really, really wanted to be one of those fat cats with a credit card, telling the attendant, "Yes, clean the windshield and check the tires for me, please."

Big sigh.

ON EDIT: Actually, I have heard of even more expensive tires. The original Hummer, the military vehicle, was something like $1k per tire. But I'm not sure that counts, that would be more like treads for a tank than tires for a passenger vehicle.

nyccarguy · August 2013

Like I said, it was a big service. New spark plugs (DI engine needs em @ 50K), oil change & filter change, brake pads, rotors, & sensors on all 4 corners, air filter, cabin filter. I know it is expensive, but Porsche parts aren't cheap to begins with & they charge a lot of money for labor.

corvette · August 2013

If they keep it, I'd find a good independent Euro mechanic. No need to pay dealer labor rates to change spark plugs.

nyccarguy · August 2013

This is true, except the indie mechanics are Porsche specialists & thy aren't cheap either. The other issue is the fact that my Mom needs a car, the indie me handicap doesn't have loaners;).

tjc78 · August 2013

Just saying if the indie saves her $500, the $75.00 rental looks pretty good!

I miss loaner cars. My Genesis had them for every service, but my Lacrosse only if its a repair longer than a day.

My wife loves the Cayenne, but its way past our budget and since I'd have to pay to have work done with service prices like that a used is seriously off the table!!

sebring95 · August 2013

Here's one I'm thinking about since I can't find anything I like better than my '08 Pathfinder...I may just get a newer one.

Silver Edition V6 4x4
14,000 miles
Sunroof
Nice shape all around.
Columbus area, private seller has it.

I have a buyer lined up for mine already so this could be easy if the price is right.

nyccarguy · August 2013

The main reason my mom is looking to dump the Cayenne is that it is only 5K out of warranty and the computer that runs the radio/CD/NAV/Bluetooth has gone nuts. The dealer spoke to Porsche & they got the repair approved under warranty, but "what's next?"

tjc78 · August 2013

What does she want to replace it with? Lots of nice choices at that price point.

nyccarguy · August 2013

I think she's leaning towards a BMW X5. She's got to drive it again. With a 2014 body change looming, there might be some smokin deals coming up on 2013s. She drove it back in 2010 before she ordered the Cayenne, but preferred the Porsche.

She loves the service department of the BMW dealer by her house (she even took her Cayenne there for a few oil changes).

I'm also going to see if she'll consider a 5er. She had an '05 E60 530i that she loved.

Mr_Shiftright · August 2013

I'm lookin' to buy a 1998-2002 Ford Ranger, V-6, Auto Ext Cab. Any idea of roughly what dealers are paying on Manheim for these?

roadburner · August 2013

Wow. When the transfer case and the front driveshaft imploded on the X3 the total bill from my BMW dealer was $3555- and that was at 136,000 miles.

When I had the plugs changed(they lasted over 113,000 miles!), the intake cleaned and the engine oil, ATF, and transfer case oil changed the total bill was $646. And that work was also performed at my dealer

I get 84,000 miles out of the front pads/rotors while the rear pads last for 72,000 miles and the rear rotors are good for twice that.

UHP all-season tires were $736 mounted and balanced at my local tire shop, and they last for over 43,000 miles.

All of which is a roundabout way of saying that your posts are making me seriously reconsider buying a Cayman S...

nycconnect · August 2013

nyccarguy · August 2013

Roadburner -

There's also a lot more to my Mom's Cayenne than the (I presume CPO from knowing you) Cayman S. My Mom's Cayenne is a heavy, AWD vehicle, with a DI V6 engine. It's going to chew through brakes & tires. Most drivers doing 10, 12K per year will most likely trade the car in and only get away with paying for a few oil changes.

I actually bought the OEM good years from a local tire dealer. Under $200 each including mounting and balancing & tax. Plus $69 for an alignment.

We've had a few oil changes done at our BMW dealer.

I have a customer with an '05 V6 Cayenne that he has an indie mechanic do the work (180,000 miles). His mechanic only has the computer & service manuals & tools for the 1st generation Cayenne.

All that being said & the maintenance costs being as high as they are, Porsches are truly exquisite vehicles. They really pour over every single detail from how much the wheels weigh to the exhaust note at start up. I can't help but laugh to myself whenever I hear someone refer to a Cayenne or a "base" Boxster as "not a real Porsche."

My parents love the way BMWs drive. Dad had an '04 & '07 X5 (both sport pkgs). Mom had an '05 530i & an '08 328xi. A 2011 X5 was pretty much a no brainer for them until they drove the Cayenne. They both said "no comparison."

If my parents notice the difference, then someone with your incredible driving skills would definitely think a Porsche is something special. But then again, you've got your kid in college, so I'd at least wait until be graduates;)

qbrozen · August 2013

sorry i missed this earlier.

Figure maybe $43k-44k.

nyccarguy · August 2013

On a trade in? Get out! Thanks!

roadburner · August 2013

I guess the other thing is I'm getting old and set in my ways; having to deal with another dealer group where I'm not wired in is perhaps more hassle than I want to put up with. Still, i may relent and go wit a P-car.

whitall · August 2013

Would like to know reasonable trade in value for this car. I like to negotitate my new cars and would like to know a fair trade-in that I can negotiate and then still negotiate the price of my new car as well. I know sometimes they mark up the trade but then don't give you much off the sticker. Thanks!

South Jersey area, near Cherry Hill
2006 Nissan Murano SL
6 cyl AWD auto
46500 miles
Color=Merlot
alloy, sunroof, 6 cd, leather seats, heated front seats, NO Nav
exterior is in good condition. Some minor scratches or chips. The rear bumper needs repainting due to the corner being repaired and was only spot painted on the right 1/4 of the bumper.--no dent though
tires replaced 41000 miles, brakes replaced same time, oil changed regularly, serpentine replaced
Interior, excellent, no tears or stains.
no repaired damage except bumper.

Dealer sent a mailing saying they are offering approx 10k but will vary based on mileage and condition. I don't know if that is based on purchase of new vehicle at msrp. I am leaning towards NOT getting a new Nissan but do want another crossover.

qbrozen · August 2013

about $24k-25k trade. So figure $26-27 private sale.

qbrozen · August 2013

2000 4wd XLT:
08/15/13 ALBANY Regular $3,200 80,849 Avg GREEN 6G A Yes
07/30/13 PHILLY Regular $4,650 104,735 Above RED 6G A Yes
07/31/13 NY Regular $4,200 107,729 Avg WHITE 6G A Yes
07/25/13 ATLANTA Regular $3,100 125,413 Avg WHITE 6G A Yes
08/13/13 OHIO Regular $2,900 127,642 Avg BLUE 6G A Yes

qbrozen · August 2013

wow. miles are super low. $10k isn't all that unreasonable. Guess if they want to get picky and ding you for repainting the bumper and knock you to $9500 or so.

sebring95 · August 2013

Thanks!

ramped · August 2013

This is perhaps a bit off topic, but hopefully someone can help me with a decision.
To partially shield my elderly mother's estate from future nursing home costs our lawyer suggested we buy a car that will hold resale value for several years. (In Florida, a home, one car and a small amount of cash are exempt from confiscation). It will be driven very little as mom no longer drives. It essentially will be stored.

The car can't be an exotic or an expensive luxury vehicle. We are thinking about something in the low 30s sticker range. My mechanic suggested a Honda or Toyota for maximum future resale.

Any suggestions?

tifighter · August 2013

Having recently shopped for cars, I'd rank Honda slightly ahead of Toyota for resale, but they are both strong. $30k would be in the loaded Accord range, or CRV depending on what you are looking for. Both are gold standards for resale from what I've seen.

Resale can be a little regional as well. Example - if you live in the NE, Rockies or PNW, a Subaru can be pretty desirable too. But Honda and Toyota are in demand everywhere.

ramped · August 2013

Thank you, Tifighter, for the excellent suggestions. My father-in-law loves both of his Subarus. Our '06 Honda Pilot has been trouble free.

The vehicle we purchase would most likely be a sedan, in Florida. We also are wondering whether a hybrid would be a good idea?

qbrozen · August 2013

I wouldn't suggest a hybrid given that the car will be driven so little.

Getting a really good deal on a Honda or Subaru is your best bet. You also want to avoid as many options as possible because options, for the most part, depreciate more (eg, the Nav system you pay $2k for will only add $500 to the value of the car as soon as you drive off the lot). And, if she can live with it, get a Civic rather than Accord or Impreza rather than Legacy (a 2010 Accord 4-cyl EX that you paid $4k more for when new is only worth $1500 more than a 2010 Civic EX [with the Civic retaining 60% of its value vs 56% for the Accord]).

ramped · August 2013

Thank you, qbrozen, that is excellent advice. My mechanic wasn't sure that a hybrid would be a good idea for this purpose, either. I think Civics are excellent cars and something I have been considering.

As the purpose of this is to protect as much cash as possible, would maybe something like a Volkswagen Passat be possible option? Perhaps the new Avalon? These have both been mentioned to me by friends. As I mentioned earlier, we are considering going into the low 30s.

explorerx4 · August 2013

Why not a used car? A lot of depreciation is already built in and it can still be a nice car.
It seems like you are going to be the only driver, so make sure you take care of the battery with a trickle charger. This requires a garage.

tifighter · August 2013

I don't usually of think VW as strong in terms of resale, but the TDI models seem to hold value very well. So I guess a Passat TDI might be an option.

Sounds like you are looking at bigger sedans. I think a Camry/Avalon, Accord, and maybe a Passat TDI could fit the bill. In any case, if this is for a driver that you describe as 'elderly', I think the most important thing is to see which she is comfortable in. These cars have become rather advanced with touchscreens, lane departure this and camera that. See what she is comfortable in first, then go from there. I can't imagine my mother dealing some of the features the cars I recently test drove had, but as they say, your mileage may vary.

qbrozen · August 2013

As mentioned, avoid VW gassers, as those depreciate more than the previously discussed Japanese cars.

I can't support the idea of a used car in this case because cars that hold their value well, such as a Civic, do not make for good used buys. And cars that do depreciate enough to make for good used buys continue to depreciate steeply until you get past that 5yr/60k mile mark, at which point they start to make more sense. But it sounds like you are looking for something more trustworthy than a 5-yr-old car.

ALTHOUGH, I could see making a pretty compelling argument for something like a CPO Mazda6. Just looking real quick, the first one that popped up for me is a 2010 6i with just 15k miles for $13,791.

kyfdx · August 2013

Are you going to eventually drive this car? Or, is it just until Grandma passes away, and then you can sell it?

Or, is the plan to qualify for Medicaid, then sell the car and keep the cash? (not sure about the legality of that, but I don't live in FL)

If you are going to eventually own and drive the car, then your own needs are important.... If you are just looking to cash the car out in the future, without using it yourself, then that might open up a lot of other possibilities.

tjc78 · August 2013

"(In Florida, a home, one car and a small amount of cash are exempt from confiscation"

Wow, in Jersey they take it all!!

As for cars, if it has to be sedan in the low 30's I'd go with a fairly loaded Camry or Accord. Avalon will get near 40K these days I believe. I bet an Acura TSX holds value pretty well too.

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