Real-World Trade-In Values

rroyce10 · February 2002

..... As a rule, kinda. Each store has their own little way of doing biz., but across the board I would give it a positive .. Maybe..

Some dealers really have no idea what some vehicles are really worth, if it's not their type of product. --- this is an example only.
I was at a huge Chevy store in Georgia (largest in the country) ..a couple of weeks ago. The customer was trying to buy a new, loaded up Excursion 4x4 limited. He was trading in a 9k loaded up 2000 Subaru S Forester. Gheeez, you thought the guy was trying to trade in a Bayliner..l.o.l.., I hit it at $16 in my mind .. they started out at $12, they called 4/5 different people and dealers ... this took, I bet 2 hrs. As soon as the customer got fed up, and Soooo discouraged, that I stuck my stupid head in and said "I'm a player for $16,200" .... well the New car Mgr loved me -- and I'm sure, the Used car Mgr (new by 2wks) would love to assassinate me.
Oh Well, the deal got done ...

Terry.

rkrieger · February 2002

it's that metallic turquoise color.. 112000 miles on it.. brand new tires... automatic trans..stereo system less than 6 months (11 cd) and 4 new polk audio speakers. outside in good condition for a 9 year old car... (one ding on the trunk with a matching mark on the back bumper) inside drivers seat is a bit worn.

Just curious if it would be worth it for me to drive it into the ground (probably another couple of years) or try to sell for the down payment for a new toyota!

Thanks for any input

brick22 · February 2002

Thanks for your reply the other day, Terry. I just saw that you've give two quotes to FNKY24 who wants to sell the 1999 Lexus. One for a trade-in and one for a private party sale. What do you think I can expect from a private party sale for my merlot m-ed. with 40,000 miles? It's in excellent gleaming condition except for a few scratches on the plastic back window and has new ultra high performance all season tires. Need to know today if you can! Thanks--cowgirl

rroyce10 · February 2002

........ Are you really a cowgirl ..?

Put this little rocket in the paper for $8950, explain it's an "M" edition, miles, 1 owner, must sell, etc, etc.

You should see an easy $7,9/$8,1/$8,300+ ..

Terry.

brick22 · February 2002

Thanks for getting back. I'll let you know what happens.

You called me cowboy in the other post--just clearing up the sexist languague! I did used to be sort of a cowgirl, though!

rroyce10 · February 2002

...... Ok, lets assume it's in pretty good condition, tires are fine, miles won't bother a "real" import buyer. It has some kind of "Fat daddy stereo" system in it ..(probably worth more than the vehicle. .l.o.l.) .. it's an auto, and these little things are still popular..

I would retail it --- throw it in the largest paper in the area for $3,495, make it look like a diamond ... and let some nice person come over and give Ya $2,5/$2,7/$2,900. Then go buy a new Solara ...

Have fun ...

Terry.

metmdx · February 2002

Hey guys,
Found 2 '99 CPO 540ia in my neighborhood.
1st is Black/Sand interior. 22k on the clock. Heated seats, premium pkg. They're asking 38,700.
2nd is Orient blue/sand interior. Same equipment.
26k on the clock. That dealer is listing at 39,900. What's a price to run with here on either/both? Both are Auto tran.
Thanks,
metmdx

im_brentwood · February 2002

Youre in the NY City area IIRC, right?

Shoot.. prices seem pretty realistic.

I mean, a 99 with well under 30K 540ia seems to be an easy $35K car across the block... add in sale fee ($300ish), detail ($90), transport ($100).. $750 or so for the warranty... recon in the shop... If they came from Manheim they gotta have close to $37K in em.

Otherwise they musta bought em real right, because I cant imagine theyre only giving themselves $3-4K to play with on these.

That being said, I think the Black car is a better buy. Better color (Up there) as Blue is just so-so and Black up there is always good. Plus better miles and cheaper.

Start em at $37K, but if it came down to it, a 22K mile 1999 540ia Certified from the dealer for $38,700 isnt bad a'tall. Still, there's gotta be $1K in there to play with at least.

Whatcha think Terry?

Bill

jamesmurray · February 2002

I appreciate it greatly
James Murray

metmdx · February 2002

You're close. Westchester county. Just 1st thing north of NYC (besides the Bronx)!.

im_brentwood · February 2002

Glad to help James! Let us know how ya make out.

Met.. good luck

I envy you right now.. I miss Diners!

Bill

rroyce10 · February 2002

..... It has no miles, it has the Prem and the heated seats -- Me personally, I would take the blue .. but, if you like the black, then take it. It's worth more at trade time, if you stay up north.

Just don't try to trade it, at Amelia Island in June ... l..o..l..

Yep, those are the right #'s ...

Terry.

acrafton · February 2002

Terry,
Went to the dealership and it is still there and chatted with the sales guy and offered $35K for it (1999 E300 TD with 27K). He is happy and tells me that they have not had any serious offers on the two TD they have (the other is a 98). Sales mgr comes back with sales guy and says $37,900 is as low as they will go as it is a low mile TD. I politely point out that it has been there since november and I am ready to move. He says $37,500 is as low as he will go so I leave my name/number with them . . .Sales guy calls back and says give him a few days to work the sales mgr . . .will let you know.

Adam

rroyce10 · February 2002

...... This is a good thing ...believe it or not. He's working you ..and now, you can work him a little ..l.o.l...

I just pulled the auction reports from November and guess what ..? Not only have they changed price (of course) but they are actually doing about $600 more (hey, it's Benz.)

So, this works kinda in your favor .. do they take it back to the auction and "maybe" see $33, and then pay the auction fee $300, transport $125 and someone to rep their vehicle $200..? (Oooooh, they can't send their own guy, that's for sure ..l.o.l... he's too Bz getting his nails done) --- Or, take the $35/$36 figure.

Don't keep me hanging .. :-) .. let us know.

Terry.

cfzig · February 2002

I have a 99 Mercury Mountaineer with 36,000 miles. That was in flawless condition up until a few weeks ago

The vehicle was in a serious car accident($8500)worth of damage. Prior to the accident I was looking to trade the truck in and was given numbers from $16,500 to $18,000.

Now that the car has been in an accident of this magnitude. How much less should I be expecting to recieve for this trade now?

Thanks
Zig

im_brentwood · February 2002

After its been fixed... Expect a $1,500-2,000 whack IMO.

Unfixed? You dont want to know... tough call without seeing it... but.. $5,000-7,000 strikes me in the forehead.

Sorry

But hope YOU are OK!

Bill

rroyce10 · February 2002

...... Don't Zag, but it will all depend on who and how the work is done ..

Let's say it's puurrrfect, it's still gonna cost you at least $1,500. And depending on the job .. it could cost you --- pick a number, $2,0/$3,000+++. Stay on top of this deal..!

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2002

..... Almost forgot .. is everyone Ok..?

Also --- What about FRAME damage, better get that nailed down, right from the jump ..!

Terry.

justblaze · February 2002

Hi..I as hoping for a trade value on this...

69000. miles, "champagne" tan color, every option leather, moonroof, its a automatic. It has 3 small ding on the sides, about quarter sized. Leather has some wear, nothing out of the ordinary no rips or anything. Thanks!!!

kmwvma · February 2002

Hello
Wife and I just discovered 8 weeks ago she is pregnant after 4 years of hard work!...anyway we think it is time to trade in our 92 Acura Legend LS for an MDX. It has 130,000 miles on it - regular wear - overall great condition. Always get lots of compliments for a 10 year old vehicle. Front leather seat is starting to show wear - put in nice alpine stereo/cd player a couple years ago. Radiator cracked couple years ago and recently changed a speed sensor. Otherwise tires/oil/tune-ups. Taking a trip to Las Vegas this weekend from Yuma and want to test drive an MDX. How much should I anticipate from a trade in and will I get any more from an Acura dealer?
Semper Fi!
kmwmva

annam1 · February 2002

Please help me figure out whether I should sell this van or give it away. This is a top of the line conversion 32K new with 153,000 mostly highway miles on it. All options except leather. First owner didn't seem to take care of it but I change the oil every 3K and filters and anything else that I read should be changed. Just put in new A/C in September. Has good tires. The Bad things: 1) Driver's seat back manual latch has been broken by teenage driver so the seat back is Waaay back. I'm still looking for a replacement or may have it soldered in an upright position. It can be driven this way with a cushion but a long journey would be a pain. 2) There is and always has been a strange sound in the back. I replaced the rear axle last year and other mechanics have looked at it and no one knows what it is. I don't want to unload a potentially dangerous vehicle on anyone but the teens in my house are buying their own cars now and I'd like to buy a smaller van. Any idea on it's worth? The engine only has 123K miles on it. Thanks for your help.

Anna M.

ghulet · February 2002

A friend of mine has a 98 Saturn SC2 he's thinking of selling. It's equipped kind of strangely, as follows:

a/c, AM/FM CD
automatic
red/gray cloth
power moonroof, but
manual windows & locks
no alloys

It's only got 19k miles. He wants to sell it cuz he doesn't drive or need it (lives in Chitown near the lake, no parking). It's in great condition, interior looks and smells new, no scrapes or dings.

What's a good 'in the paper' price for this? Thanks.

metmdx · February 2002

Bill: Thanks. As for diners, they're great, but like everything else, their prices up here are going "nucking futs".
Terry: Thanks for the confirmation.

Decisions, decisions.
metmdx

rschneid · February 2002

What kind of trade-in value should I expect with a 98 Pontiac Trans Am w/o ram air, loaded, good shape, 47,000 miles? Thanks for the info

driverj · February 2002

We are looking to trade-in this vehicle:

2001 nissan sentra se w/ performance package option. No sunroof. I've checked the TMV of the vehicle here on Edmunds as well as KBB. The disparity on the numbers seems high. What do you think is the best price I could get for the car. The dealer stated to me, I should not have too much of a loss in this case. Of course he is also wanting to sell a car. I am looking at an Altima or a WRX. Oh yeah, it has 7300 miles.

Thank!
judd

driverj · February 2002

I have a transferrable service agreement on my vehicle that I purchased for $595 at the time I bought my vehicle. If I do trade-in my vehicle after about 1 year, how much would this be worth to me when I do trade-in my vehicle?

Thanks,
Judd

rroyce10 · February 2002

...... Whoa ..that will all depend on the warranty co., You know, like the type and the length, stuff like that.

But as a rule (if there is such a thing) .. you should get back "around" 30/40% ..

Terry.

jagdean · February 2002

Bill here's one for you.
1988 Jaguar VDP 198,000 miles
Topaz/Cashmere
engine sounds rough.

10k_oregon · February 2002

I am looking to trade this vehicle off, but would like a figure to expect. This vehicle is loaded with leather, rear air, 3rd row seat, 5.9l v-8, premium sound/cd, power driver seat, 4wd, tow pkg, 51000 miles. The vehicle is in great condition and has a 100,000mi extended warranty which I believe is one time transferable.

bvira · February 2002

Nissan Sentra 1996 GXE, 5-speed manual,
76000 miles, silver,power lock, power windows,
cruise control, didn't have any problems, in great condition.

geenee72 · February 2002

I have a 1994 honda Civic LX......ABS...A/C, Dual airbags, cassette Power windows and locks. small damage to front drivers side headlight and bumper. New brake pads, rotors and front CV's. Interior is in fair to good condition. 112,000 miles. any help would be appreciated.
also.....it is 5 speed

apvitale · February 2002

I've been wrestling with this for some time. I have a 2000 Honda S2000 that is in great condition. I bought it in Feb. 2000, and found out a few months later my wife was pregnant.

Anyway, I've been looking at trading it in and gotten a wild range of quotes. Anywhere from $22k to $26k. What's a realistic trade in value?

Here are the specs:

2000 Honda S2000
Silver ext./red int.
20k miles
Rear spoiler and wind deflector between the seats
Upgraded stock speakers and amp
A couple of dings on the passenger side (which I can get fixed)

Any help you can provide is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Andrew

ingeh · February 2002

We have a 1997 C230 Mercedes with leather interior, moonroof, some other options, pretty clean and in good condition except for a couple of small dings in driver door. But it has high mileage - 110,000.

I love the car but I've driven it since October of 1996 and I would like to try something new. When we purchase another car should we just trade it in and negotiate as best we can with the dealer (we are pretty good negotiators), or will it be more beneficial to sell it to a private party?

If it's only a few hundred dollar difference between the dealer and a private party, my time is more valuable and I'll "pay" the few hundred bucks to not have that hassle. If there is a $1000+ difference, we would probably go with the private party route.

Can you provide us with advice on which route to go? Thanks!

nickm2 · February 2002

Any thoughts on what a 97 Civic LX with 46,000 miles on it would get for trade in Phoenix? A couple of minor scratches in paint, etc. Nothing too bad I wouldn't think- but I'm not a professional.... Thanks!

rroyce10 · February 2002

....... I haven't read the figures on the difference, I just kinda hang around auctions and dealers and such, I find that a little more reliable ..l..o..l...

Well let's see .. it has 110 big klicks, a little steep for the year. What, isn't there a 7-11 any closer than 100 miles ..?

So let's say it's nice .. it's clean, new sneakers, all the service records from MB .. or a Tech on paper and it looks and drives like it has 40k.

I'm thinkin if it's stand tall, it's worth in and around that $9ish figure .. It's gotta see $11ish maybe $12 on the retail side.

Bill likes to buy the "ultra milers" ...

What do you think Bill ..?

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2002

.... Let's assume it's an auto, it has new tires ... and it's just a average 46K 97 with some scratches.

I'm thinkin, the miles are the "big" help here. It will do all of $8 ..

I hope this helps ...

Terry,

rroyce10 · February 2002

...... Well this thing has no miles ... it's an SE --- and it has one of those new fangled things call an automatic .. right ..?

It should do the mid $11's ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2002

..... Your welcome, your bill is in the mail.

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2002

...... Your getting no help from the miles ... and there is a lot of these up for sale right now ...

Figure $10.5/$11 ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2002

....... It has only 19K, it has the slider, CD, it's red ..and it's an auto.

But .. No p/windows.. locks, wheels -- Who ordered this ..? The Marquee De' Sade ..?

Oh well, it will still sell, it's a SC2.

It "might" do $7,500 at the block cause' of the klicks .. on the retail side, plug it in at $9,500 and let someone come over and abuse you to $8,900 ..

Good Luck ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2002

...... Big Vans are all over the place, and there all lookin' for a home ..

From what your tellin' us ..$800 to $1,500.

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2002

.... Ok I give up ..! Is it a coupe or a 4dr.

Since you are married, I will figure it's a sedan.

From what your tellin' us, it sounds nice ..and cared for. The miles on the overall shouldn't hurt to bad at all -- if it's nice.

I hafta figure "around" the tall $4's ...

Semper FI -- is that Navy talk ..?

Terry.

im_brentwood · February 2002

Are you even THINKING of buying this?

DONT.

If you own this, take some digital pics, throw it on eBay, give it a good description, and watch the bidding stop in the $1,500 range.

Otherwise.. its a $500 car on trade...

I am assuming the odd broken door handle, VCM screen is flashing all sorta stuff, base of distributor is oily..etc...

Sorry

Bill

im_brentwood · February 2002

Hmmm.....

What color is it and where is it?

Well, I will assume that its' like.. ohh... Smoke SIlver, Brilliant Silver or maybe WHite. Maybe its Black up north.

Its an $8,000 unit.

And Bill buys the megamilers if they cheeeeeeeeap and I can flog em cheap and quick on eBay.

Which may be a place to sell it for $10K.

Bill

jimmyj1945 · February 2002

Titanium (Silver) with grey interior. In Texas. One-owner, no smoker, garage kept, excellent condition, 13K miles. Please advise trade value and individual sale value. Thanks,

JJ

rroyce10 · February 2002

....... That is the right color for that vehicle, bar none..!

Ok -- let's just say it's about showroom .. So you are going to be in and around that $23ish figure (real money)

And if you desire to retail it, start it up at .. let's say $26,900 and let someone come over and give you a breathtaking story, about how broke they are ... and get the ultra high $25's, or the low $26's ..

Good Luck ... and keep us up to date.

Terry.

jimmyj1945 · February 2002

How broke they are 25-26K..LOL.

Thanks for your help,

JJ

rroyce10 · February 2002

..... I hear it all the time --- My wife's sister is going to have surgery in July for something. My eldest son needs a new $3,000 computer at Yale. My uncles next door neighbor is getting a new roof --- that's why I think your 99 E430 21k Benz, is only worth $35.

Hey, thanks for stoppin by .... l..o..l..

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2002

...... These are nice SUV's .. one of my personal favorites.

And this has Aaalll the toy's ..4x4, 5.9, tow pack, SLT ....

The miles are a little stiff for a 3 year old .. but right now, it still will pull the mid $16's -- IF, it's clean, the sneakers are newish and there hasn't been too many gang wars with the supermarket carts ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · February 2002

..... Did we miss anybody ...?

Speak up now, or forever hold your peace ...

Where have I heard that before .. sounds familiar.

Terry.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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