Real-World Trade-In Values

im_brentwood · March 2002

The Vauxhall is fine.

In fact, it says "hi"

=D

Bill

im_brentwood · March 2002

I picked up a few lately...

Bought a 95 Pearl White, 70K, Just super nice, Paid $10,500 for that.. sold it quickly for 12,650.

Bought a 94, Jade Green, Also super clean for $9K with 81K miles. That sold for $11,500.

They are nice cars, but I think theyre a little underpowered myself.

Bill

mikeintn · March 2002

Their used car guy said they did indeed really want my truck, apparently it is a pretty hot seller around here, although it is Tennessee, not Texas. Plenty of urban cowboys around these parts. The dealer has a seperate American dealership that moves trucks pretty strongly. It also helped that I had copious records for the maintenance on the truck, as well as using synthetic oil and babying it for the last year and a half.

They did not fine any $ in the glove box, but maybe there was an old pack of Altoids in there.

I am picking it up tomorrow and am thrilled with the deal I got. I even let them do the finacing at 25 basis points over what I had already gotten from PeoplesFirst as a thank you for the deal.

It makes me feel good that you pros think I got a good deal.

Thanks again for your help.

MIKEinTN

qwalls · March 2002

Thanks. I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever pull the trigger. :-) You guys have been a great help not just in buying, but in helping me sell my '91 Honda and my '97 Explorer. Of course I'll still be around. I may not post much, but I'll still be reading everything that goes on. This place has become a way of life over the past year. Have a great weekend.

Q

nshah7 · March 2002

Hi Guys/Gals,

In the near future, I'm going to be trading in my LS400. Any help on real world trade-in values from the experts out here would be extremely helpful.

Thanks,
-N.

Specs are as follows:
1994 Lexus LS400 in Chicagoland
about 85K miles, white w/ gray interior
Anniversary Edition with Traction, Sunroof,
AM/FM/Tape/6-CD changer, Gold Package,
Heated seats, memory system, Nakamichi,
tires and brakes about 10K old
Great condition - not a scratch - I mean it.

zoomzoom79 · March 2002

you stole our car!! (and rolled back the odometer to boot)

Seriously, we have a 94 Anniv. Edition and until now we haven't seen or heard about another one. Great car.

nshah7 · March 2002

Cool ... you're absolutely right - I think I've seen 1 in the Chicagoland area in the past 5 years. They are extremely rare to come by and I agree they're great cars - I haven't had any problems with it so far. It's just time for a change - but I'll sure be sad to let it go :-( ...

hondaown · March 2002

just wondering what the trade-in could be for a black honda accord 2001 EX V6 coupe 24K in excellent condition (3-year, 36K warranty) in a deal to acquire a new Passat GLX V6 4motion. also, what do you think a good price on the Passat would be? 4 percent over edmunds base?

zoomzoom79 · March 2002

nshah ... I think we will have ours until the wheels fall off. At 118k the paint still looks like new, interior looks like new, and no problems. Just curious what you want to replace it with.

BTW: At least here in Atlanta that car would easily sell for $15000-$16000 and trade in here would be $12000 or so.

nshah7 · March 2002

zoomzoom, for the trade-in/retail prices, I think you're right on the dot, I've looking at prices on Cars.com, etc. that's what they retail for - so I guess the trade-in would be $12K.

While I agree that this car is flawless, I'm looking for a slightly smaller and more sportier car. The top contenders are Lexus GS430, Audi A6 4.2, BMW 540i or the MB E430. Both the GS430 and the A6 seems to have availability issues (BTW, the GS300 and A6 2.7T are plentiful), the BMWs are great cars but I wish they made better BMW dealers (I'm 29 and most of them ignore me when I walk into the showroom) and I think I can get the MB E430 Special Edition for invoice (because I was offered that price last year in the July-Aug timeframe).

-N.

p.s. I think the paint on the Anniv. LS400 is awesome. You really have to work hard to scratch it. I've had a few scuff marks but they come right off with just a little soap water - quite amazing in my opinion.

zoomzoom79 · March 2002

For reliability I would pick the GS430 .. for fun-to-drive and looks the 540i is hard to beat .. especially with the sport package.

denise925 · March 2002

Hi -- Can you help me with what I should expect on a trade in?

1997 Pontiac Transport. Extended version, sport package. Roof rack, power windows, etc, cd player, air/heater and stereo controls for rear seats, captains chairs in middle row, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise control and stereo controls on it. 2 sliding doors -- power sliding door on passenger side. White. Pretty good condition -- no dings, scrapes, paint looks good -- carpet a little dirty, but most wear was mainly on mats. 82K miles. Runs great. I'm in California, bay area. Anything else you need to know? Thanks for the help.

fezo · March 2002

I have to assume the signs indicating sale are just there for decoration. I can't imagin you ever parting with one of those. Now as for getting stuck in one......

Asked my 13 year old if she remembered meeting you. She said "Yeah, the guy with that car, right?" She loved it BTW. Now some year I actually have to drive the thing! See you in November....

kcskcs · March 2002

Hi just wanted a idea of a trade in value on a 2001 GMC Safari SLE with 7000 miles. Excellent condition. Power windows, mirrors, seats. Dual heat and air . CD/cassette AM/FM. Also has custom installed LCD monitior and VCR.

Thanks

handsfree1 · March 2002

My brother just got married and now he needs to go to a 4dr. So that means his 01 Toyota SLE has to go.

It's got the V6,roof, wheels, sunroof, leather, dash cd, silver outside, grey inside, every option and 8,800 miles. Its new, and he is worse than we are when it comes to his cars.

He has read all the books, Edmunds and the 2 others, is it worth $25,000 on a trade, that's what he thinks. What do you think ?

Thanks again. You guys have helped us out 3 times already, our cars and my Dads. My hubby thinks your site is, the best site for auto information. He checks your information now before he make car loans to his people in Philly.
Your the best, thank you.

suvshopper4 · March 2002

Thanks for the info on the Lexus GS300, Bill. Appreciated.

I like their look so much (along with the 1990-ish Maxima), it makes me wish I had a need for such a vehicle. But I don't.

Regards,
ss4

lancerfixer · March 2002

You STILL have that Seville? LOL. :-)

rroyce10 · March 2002

...... l..o..l..... Well, It sure looks great now ..!

F u n n y ...! I almost fell off my chair ...

That Voxenslobbin looks like NEW ... I'm thinkin' $19,995 ..! :-)

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

... First of all, I think your brother should get with a marriage counselor first ..l.o.l.

I'm sure I have read this wrong .. $25 ..?

It's a loaded up SLE, it's has the Slider (sunroof) right ..? JBL. .. right ..? V6 .. right ..? heated bun warmers .. right..? Trac ctrl..right ..?

No Convert .. right ..?

If this is the *Convert* .. on a trade with 9k, it's worth (if it's perfect) .. maybe, just maybe on a hard push with everything going his way (including his wife) .. it could, it might, it's possible to hit $25.

Now, if it's the *Coupe* (hardtop) ..that's the one -- that the top doesn't go up and down on, then he's lookin' at the mid to high $17's

Let us know ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

..... Yes, there is a few things I need to know ... is this a Convertible van ..?

Does the top go up and down ..?

Well, never mind ...

The miles are a little stiff on this one ... drive to the beach a lot ..? 3800 motor I'm sure .. It has the quads and the dual air and all the right toys.

If it's nice, clean (except for the mats) You are in and around that $6ish figure ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

..... Sounds like a nice one .. color can make a difference here.

It has no miles, plus it has the "Gorilla" entertainment system ..

No AWD .. right ..?

It should do around the mid $14's on a trade ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

.... It sounds nice, but if I read your profile right .. your from the great state of the Crimson Tide .. Yeah roll on ..!

The miles are stiff on this one .. and it's black, no help there.

Other than the miles and color .. I feel the vehicle should do the high $17's, if it's an auto.

The GLX V6 is in demand .. I would think 4% would be more than fair.

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

..... For the year, it has little miles -- it's the right color ..

If it's "Walkin, talkin', stalkin' death" -- I mean it looks, drives and for intensive purposes .. is new all the way around --- Based on what your tellin' us, this vehicle should do a strong $12,5/$13.

What's your thinkin here Bill ..?

Terry.

ctate76 · March 2002

Two questions. First, what should I expect in trade for a 2000 Nissan Xterra XE with 2WD, V6 engine and equipped with utility package? The car is yellow and is located in Boston. Second, because the SUV is 2WD, would I be able to expect more in trade if I took the car down South where 2WD is not necessarily needed? Is this common (taking a car to a dealer in another state for trade)?
Thanks

im_brentwood · March 2002

Yeah I figured that you'd like that picture, I made it just for you.. haha

On the LS400? $12K easily.

Bill

93fsu1 · March 2002

Have you noticed that trade in (used car auction prices) are going up?

Or are they flat or declining?

handsfree1 · March 2002

Sorry Terry, that was my fault. I was in a hurry, or I should say, "we were in a hurry" when I wrote that.

Hey garbage in, garbage out, Ha. It's a COUPE and the number my dummy brother was trying to get, was $15,000, not the $25,000 figure.

It's like new anyway, and it even has the "bun warmers". The dealer, and from what he read, said around $15,000.

Do you still think the $17,000 is a good number? Next time, I will let the "clowns" write this themselves, Ha!
Again, super thanks.

amazon · March 2002

For an '03 Acura 3.2TL base non-navi. $10.5K in between. Thanks to Bill and Terry for all your help. BTW, Germain Toyota wanted $10.3K plus my Volvo for a loaded '02 demo Camry SEV6 with 5500 miles. Needless to say, I walked.

mikeintn · March 2002

Hey Bill and Terry,

Picked up the Acura MDX on Saturday, traded the F-150 SuperCrew in on it. Actually ended up getting the MDX at MSRP and got 22,600 for the truck. I could not believe the deal, but the people at the dealer told me that they have several dealers, including a Dodge dealer and they really wanted the SuperCrew on the lot as an alternative to the 4 door Dodge Ram in case someone wanted to go in that direction. I guess that explains the Coma Se Yama with the case of chips!

Drove the MDX home in a driving rain, over 200 miles of interstate. It is a really solid vehicle and I love the toys it has, Bose Audio with in-dash 6 CD, sunroof, heated seats. I did not spring for the Navi system. I'm part Tennessee Blue Tick Hound, so I can find my way out of any place.

Thanks again for the advice and help on this. Next car purchase for us will be in a little more than a year when my son turns 16......

MIKEinTN

bonk3 · March 2002

Hey there,
I am in the market for a new car and I am looking to find out how much my old truck would be worth in a trade in. Still got my old window sticker right here so will go off that. 94 toyota std bed DX, Cardinal Red, 2.4L 4 Cyl, 4 spd auto, power steering, all weather guard equip pkg, chrome pkg, chrome rr bumper, sliding rr window, front vent windows, air conditioner. and only 43K miles. Condition wise I would rate it on the top side of fair or the bottom side of good. The main problem is that I have had my wheel covers stolen so I don't have hub caps.
Thanks for any help on the value that you can give me.

riceman3 · March 2002

What's the going rate on a 99 boxter. Good condition, about 20K on the Clock. Figure Blue w/ Tan Interior, 18" wheels. I'm in the bay area and am thinking I can steal one coming off of lease?

chow3 · March 2002

Wonder what you guys think about the saab 9-5 wagon, standard, 2.3t with or without leather. It seems this would be a good fit for me. I'm in Florida and it seems none are to be found. I'm thinking of using a ny connection at auction. what price range with 35-45k miles? good value? thanks

googe1 · March 2002

I have a completely loaded(leather, sunroof, power everything, Bose stereo with 6cd changer) 1998 VW Jetta GLX-VR6(41K miles and great condition) that I've leased for 4 years. I'm considering trading this in to a dealer and buying a new car, but I feel like they're stiffing me on the trade-in value. What do you think it's worth?

rroyce10 · March 2002

...... It's a lease right ..? what's the pay-off ? (and don't ask the dealer .. ask the leasing co.)

Well anyway, it sounds nice, it has no miles, and a VR6 ..and in demand. auto ..?

If it's super nice, clean, interior looks 01 ..and new sneakers, then my friend it's worth in and around the mid $11's on the trade side...

What do you think it's worth ..?

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

..... Yep, your right .. they are hard to find, I think Bill drives them all, then sticks em' on his lot.. .l.o.l...

But, Bill knows what years he's lookin' at .. what year are you lookin' at ..?

Ok .. I will just give you an idea then.

99's, with let's say 40ish miles -- super clean, knee deep in rubber. 2.3's are doing in and around the low to mid $17's with an auto and cloth, in the NY area.

Are they a good value ..? Only if you can buy em' cheap and used ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

..... Ok .. let's assume it just flat dead puurrrfect (right color). No parking lot kisses, new sneakers, little ..or no scratches and less than 2/3 minor little bitty dings, that can be hardly seen ...

This will probably do in and around the high $30ish at the block..(real money) ..

Food for thought .. Have you driven a TT yet ..? More vehicle, less jingle.

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

.... Sounds like a nice little truck, no miles and a hard to find auto to go with.

Go to Henry the hubcap guy .. spend $50 and throw some on. This little bugger, should be an easy one on the trade side .. and especially on the retail side.

If it's clean, nice, just a few little dings and small dent's it will do a hard $3+ on a trade. Personally I would throw an Ad in the paper, get it detailed.. make it look like a diamond for $4900, and grab a quick, easy $4,500 .. These are a "hard to find" ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

..... Gheeeez, you didn't do good --- You did GREAT ..!

Between you, Q and Amazon.. I'm going to start following you guys around.. I need these nice trades. l.o.l...

Congrats ..!

Terry.

rroyce10 · March 2002

..... Yeppers, that Solara will do all of the $17's ...

Good luck ..and keep us posted.

Terry.

im_brentwood · March 2002

Yeah...try finding a nice 9-5 wagon tho.. theyre tough.

I see prolly 10 sedans for every wagon I see.

Terry caught the last round.. sos I can head off to Ale House

Bill

rroyce10 · March 2002

..... Fortunately .. or unfortunately, depending on what side of the fence your on, the used car market is up.

Waaaay Up ..!

Terry.

amazon · March 2002

I used to live in Orlando, and will go there for a wedding in August. Where are you located? And, the Acura is Sweeeeet!

cecilt · March 2002

I asked a few weeks ago about selling my '00 BMW 323ia fully loaded w/ nav. and you all gave me some numbers. I do about 25k annually and was thinking of selling it at the end of this year when it should have 70-75k ticks. On higher end cars $30k+ what is the best/smartest thing to do: 1) Sell after 3 years(in my case about 75k ticks) 2) Drive them 6 years and accumualte 150k ticks. What do say $34k bimmers go for in scenario 2.

aguywhowrites · March 2002

5-6K in California. Strange dynamic here. Beemers= popular cars. That and lease deals strongly support prices on late model trades. As lease deals expire, prices decline. As longest leases, 60 months expire, there is a pronounced decline. After five years, yuppie cachet completely disappears and reverses. Poseurs view purchase of 5 yr old BMW as pathetic and disappear from the market, leaving only impecunious gear-heads to bid.

Hard to advocate a "trade it in every two years philosophy," but with BMW, it could be justified.

Of course, this brings me to another point. a 2001 325ci with high mileage, say, 25K can bring 28K, barely less than the initial purchase price.

Given that tiny depreciation, how are $500 per month lease prices justified? A lessor who leases a car like this for 3 years might see only 6k in depreciation during that time. But he collects 18K for the car. Then the lessor gets to do it again. It constitutes a form of loan-sharking in my opinion. I'm surprised some enterprising bank hasn't entered the market with rock bottom rates to arbitrage the low depreciation. Theoretically, one could comfortably offer a $350 per month 3 yr. lease with modest initial payment.

Incidentally, I think this lack of depreciation in late model used BMW cars is completely irrational. Even a BMW suffers more than a couple of thousand dollars of wear and tear during the course of a year.

bretfraz · March 2002

I agree with the guys, clean it up really nice, make sure everything works, and sell it yourself.

Several years ago my parents had a similar Toyota truck they wanted to sell. It was prolly in the same condition as yours. They put it in the local paper and Auto/Truck Trader and sold it to the first person that called and drove it. For full asking price.

Those little Toyota trucks are always in demand.

93fsu1 · March 2002

cold A/C, white, 101,000 miles, 5 speed (no other options such as sunroof or CD). No dings or dents, clean, new sneakers. Trade in vs. sell it myself in Tampa.

Thanks.

aguywhowrites · March 2002

I don't like black, but otherwise I don't care about colors. I tend to buy used cars and then drive them into the junk pile.

Generally, what colors are going to give me the biggest bang for my buck? That is, what colors are LEAST popular?

ghulet · March 2002

We had a discussion about this some time back. I think the car experts here will tell you that colors are kinda 'regional' (depending on climate) always, but there are of course 'hot' and 'tired' colors based on fashion. As a rule: black good in the north, bad in the south. The reverse is true for white (though I would say 'less so'). Hunter greens, popular in the mid-90s, aren't the best right now. Silver is always good, and is particularly hot right now. Reds, depending on the car and shade, can be good or bad. I keep hearing the term 'no sale blue', which I don't quite understand (I think blue works pretty well on some cars). Aqua and turquoise, bad and worse. Beige metallics are OK on 'conservative' cars (sedans, maybe SUVs) but not so good on sporty models.

Of course, these are my opinions, which can and likely will be disputed somewhat.

cecilt · March 2002

I thought. I estimated about $7-$8k if I sold it myself private party. I'm in VA though. Let me ask you this, is there a better car to buy if I'm going to be doing 25k/year that will hold resale value better. What about selling every 3 years. Any particular car. I thought when I bought the BMW that I would want it for 6 years but the itch to get something new already set in(considering the new Infiniti G35 when it finally comes out). Cars are an addiction. I've realized this.

suseml · March 2002

This may not be the place to post this but you have been so kind to advise me in the past....

Does the dealer still get holdbacks and other incentives on a car that has been in demo service? How do you figure out how much that is. We are looking at a Ford Van.

Thanks so much!

Real-World Trade-In Values

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