Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Real-World Trade-In Values

110111315161100

Comments

  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    Hi Bill, You asked me that before, and I posted you with #543......Just to bring you up to date...l..o..l...#438, #535, #537, #546, #592..and to bring me up to date #599...You must have been Bz.....
    Terry.
  • donnafitzdonnafitz Member Posts: 15
    Just picked up my beautiful new Toyota Sequoia today...got 20K trade-in for my '99 JGC Laredo (amazing, eh?) and $1,000 off sticker....a great deal if you ask me and this car is FAR superior in every possible way than my Jeep. I really felt prepared after researching this site and the tundrasolutions.com site.......thanks to all!
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    The 525it I'm looking at is at the "Used Car Store" located in an auto mall where all the franchises are owned by the same individual(I bet you know who ;) ). I told the salesman that I was going to try to sell the ti before I made an offer on the 5er. Here's my question: Do you see anything wrong with going to the BMW dealer located in the same mall and asking what they will pay outright for the ti? I'm thinking that they might offer a bit more than the used car store since they can sell the car as a BMW CPO. Or do most of these malls share appraisers? BTW, the 5er is now in the paper for $16900; my buyers check revealed no accidents and maybe $1000 in repairs, tops. BUT it still has 8 months left on the BMW CPO warranty so I can just take it up to the BMW Store, pay the fifty buck deductible, and get @$750 of the repairs fixed on Munich's nickel.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    Thanks for remembering me. No, I haven't bought anything yet, still looking. I sent an Email to Malibu for some info, since they aren't too far away and you gave them a reference.

    There is a local dealer in my area that offers a buying service (they are actually a leasing company/garage that occasionally sells sed cars, mostly trades). They do a large used car leasing business, and also sell some.

    basically you work out what you want with them, he checks the auction books and gives you a price which includes a thouroughly once over (brakes/oil/tires, whatever it needs), pretty much like a certified car at a much better price.

    This only makes sense if you know exactly what you want.

    Also, if anyone wants more info, send me an email (this is in the southern NJ area near Phlia.).

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Thought you said you left the biz.. My bad.

    It's sorta like smoking... once you start you cant stop :)

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Glad I was able to help you out!

    From what I know, sounds like you also did well on the Sequoia too.

    Best wishes with your new SUV, from the weather reports I keep hearing you're gonna be needing the 4WD!

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Lemme guess...

    Good old Sammy Boy? He actually used to own some stores down here (North side of Orlando area) which he sold to AutoNation USA (Lucky him assumign he didnt get paid in stocks!).

    I'd say that you're probably dealing with the same Used Car people, however, you may try swinging it buy the BMW store just in case.

    Keep me posted on what happens.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Glad to help!

    Malibu is very good to deal with as long as you know how you're buying the car:

    Straight out of the lanes. "Oh, the back tires are shot? Oh well. Oh, it needs a total detail? Well, I guess you're gonna have to detail it then."

    But their pricing reflects that. And I would have no reservation buying from them again, I have before and theyre very straight shooters. Remember, we generally buy cars sight unseen!

    Bill
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    You guessed him. I should know something early next week. I'm interested in your new project; can't wait to hear the straight scoop!
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    Works for me. I'd just assume pick my own tires and know what was done to the car. It's just not worth 3K to have a dealer give me a printout.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • art37art37 Member Posts: 8
    Hi!! am new here and new at this type of forum....need some wisdom please and have been scrolling to try and learn ... see that Bill/brentwoodvolvo has been immense help - and would really appreciate it if you can give some much needed input here.... live in Southern USA and have a '99 Dodge 8cyl 1500 Quad PK with an extra - a locking lid....want to trade it in to get out of the high monthly payments and to an affordable monthly or buy out if can nego a good deal... looking at a newer used Durango SLT??? '99 or 2000 with low mileage ...how can I figure out what dealership will give for a trade-in on truck....just went out of its 36,000 mile warranty is in very good condition mechanically and body condition..orig owners and have great credit and goal is to own Durango outright or have reasonable monthly payments....is that do-able??? any feedback on the Durangos??? thanks so much for any help - art37
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    Some food for thought....a lot of this deal is going to depend on what may be 'owed' on your vehicle.....everything in a car deal is negotiable....Except..your pay-off (so, make sure you have a exact 10 day. )

    You didn't mention, if this was a SLT or auto on yours...V8 size is important. But, this will give you a good idea. Your mileage is not going to help..so let's hope you have New tires. Let's just figure 5.9 / auto / Slt...who-ever you might deal with, is going to be thinking somewhere around $13,800 to $14,500 ish range..with everything being just about peachy.
    If you are looking at Durango's (great vehicles )..... I will just give some figures that I have seen in the last 2 weeks..the Dealers can sell one to you in a 99 Durango 2wd with low miles for around $19,000 ish or less...and if you go with a 2000...nice / clean etc, A dealer is able to sell one for about $21,000 ish or less. This will at least give you an idea....but this is pretty darn close...depending on the equiptment.

    Good Luck,
    Terry.
  • art37art37 Member Posts: 8
    Terry Thank you so much for your input... can't believe I posted a long message here and went to connect and it got erased.... am in awe and you guys are so incredible - thanks for being here to help out... finally read all the 600 some posts and info is unbelievable... anyway mistakes were made in purchasing the new truck (horror story in of itself)...wish to trade-in while it is still reasonable yr/mileage and into a Durango... anything we should keep in mind when shopping for a used one??? the engine on truck is a Magnum 5.2L SMPVI V8 4 spd auto....sliding rear window, tow kit, tint windows, tires are good - upgrade on the rims... replaced back bumper when a wood pole was backed into - only remnant left is a tiny ding in tailgate and replaced bumper has small ding...interior is buff - non smokers... truck is white and live in texas... numbers is where problem is and if am understanding you correctly - make sure now what the exact payment owed is within a 10day period??... owe 18g - willing to make a 5g lien payment in order to make trade-in value and owed value in sync but don't know if even that will help...what options do we have... wish to get monthly down to $200ish or if buyout anything less than 18 would be a savings... is that possible or not do-able...Mega Thanks for all you help - muchly appreciated!!
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I'd say that RR is right about there as far as the trade-in value goes.

    However. I'd say that if you want to lower your payments, you're better off refinancing your current truck via a site like peoplefirst.com

    Say you owe $18K on it, and it's worth around $14,000 or so. You're about $4,000 negative, equitywise.

    So, say you have $5,000 down and are able to buy a Durange, used, for $19-20K.

    So you then have to finance $18,500 or thereabouts. (Say the Durango is $19,500 and your truck is $14K)

    There's no way to get to a payment of $200 there. Upper $300s (Assume $20.50/mo/$1,000 financed over 60 mos at about 9.0%, which is a strong rate and you have $380 or so without taxes or tag fees.

    Bear this in mind before you go through the motions. You may be better off throwing the $5K towards your payoff and then refinancing the $13K balance. Try a site like peoplefirst.com

    You ought to get just below $300/mo, but you'll be back at 60 months again. However, you wont be out of equity.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Exactly my point! :)

    Bill
  • art37art37 Member Posts: 8
    Bill Thank you very much for your input also... you guys are too much and really learned alot here today going thru all the posts.... and what an incredible service you do for all of us folks - you are a saint in my books - Big Time!!! after looking at all you had said and the previous post by rroyce with his advice kind of was figuring this might be the route...will look into the "people" site... sincerely appreciate your time and value your advice.... Thanks!!!
    btw just out of curiousity - what would hold better value after vehicle was paid off - dodge truck or the durango?????? thanks again !1
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Glad to be of help! :)

    Well, From what I have seen, Domestic Full-Sized trucks seem to hold their value well in the right areas, and I'd say that Texas is a good market for them. (They are very tough to shift in the NY City metro area for example).

    I think that SUVs are a fad. In fact, we're strating to see the very beginnings of the market on them die off.

    My prediction? By the year, say, 2007, You'll see the death of the ML320, X5, Many of the Toyota SUVs, Several GM products, etc.

    Again, no crystal ball.. but Im curious to see what happens.

    Bill
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    I wouldn't fear too much drama in this market....to many SUV's are yet to appear...Who would of 'thunk it" -- a Buick -- ( it look's cool ) .... Right now, I would just say...pick your poison.
  • 4x4jeepin4x4jeepin Member Posts: 3
    Have an chance to purchase a 97 Dodge Dakota sat 4x4 for wholesale price were can I find what a wholesale price is.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Well,

    I'd need a lot more info to help you:

    Mileage, Model, Color, condition (Any paintwork? Clear title?), Equipment, What State the car is in, etc....

    These can vary quite widely. Get me some more info and I can give you an idea.

    Bill
  • 4x4jeepin4x4jeepin Member Posts: 3
    Its a white 97 Dodge Dakota SLT ,4wd , 38000 Miles, 2 door extened cab SB AM/FM/Cass. Condition clean ,A/C, in Iowa, cruse control, bed liner, the rest is standard equipment, paint is glossy
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Thanks,

    That helps a lot. I don't have oodles of data to go on, but it appears that if it's nice and free of paintwork, It appears to be worth around $12,000-12,500 or so wholesale.

    If it's a V8, that goes up roughly $500-1,000 or so it seems.

    However, whenever someone claims to be selling a car at wholesale I tend to get suspicious.

    Why? Why sell it privately for wholesale when they can just run it over to a dealer and get a check cut for thereabouts and save all that hassle.

    Let me know what they want for it, I'd also try and get a VIN ahead of time if I were you and run a carfax on it.

    Not to sound pessimistic or anything, but it sorta begs the question...

    Bill
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    Well, I went over to the "Big Lot"-some name, huh?-to buy the Touring tonight and it turns out it sold yesterday. Drat. We had too many irons in the fire this weekend to go in and haggle. The blasted thing had sat on the lot for nearly four weeks so I figured it would last another couple of days. Plus, I really dreaded starting the serious buying process since the sales guy knew zip about the car and thought my name was "Buddy". Still, my loss. Snooze ya' lose, and all like that. Thanks anyway for your help. As an aside, Bill Collins has moved into the old Raceland Mall and also sells Nissans. Inside the mall is a small "Museum" of oddball cars Bill Sr. has collected, one of which is a silver blue Citroen SM with a "For Sale" sign on the window. My ever-patient spouse will go into orbit if the 'troon follows me home but it IS tempting, nightmare mechanicals and all... Know a good marriage counselor? ;)
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    B,

    Dammit! I told ya you shoulda gone for it..:) oh well.

    A Citroen SM? Do you know WHY they call them SMs?

    Are you NUTS?? Ooohhh... don't go there.. French complexity with Italian mechanical bits? Forget divorce.... you'll have to wear your nomex 24-7.

    Dude... get a 2002 turbo if you need an old toy. And I actually do know a good one (Marriage Counselor) in St Matthews :)

    Bill
  • 4x4jeepin4x4jeepin Member Posts: 3
    Well , the truck is owned by a business, which they have a new truck coming, we are to agree on a wholesale price and that price the dealer will use as the trade in allowance towards the new truck. I go to the dealer same day and write the dealer the check for our agreed wholesale price.
    Dealer doesn't care no money on his part,,just paper work. it must be a tax advantage for the truck owner to do it this way.. Does this make since? didn't want to pry into the legal part on his part. Just seemed to be away to save 2 or 3 thousand or even 4. Never bought this way before, know the owner,, he saids every two years they do this they ask dealer what the buy the truck out right the highest bigger gets truck, well run car fax on truck too. You know after reading this
    if he sold me the truck private, all he would have to sign just the title and I write the check.
    IF I go thru the dealer i'll have to sign forty some odd papers, like
    I said may be there is an tax advantage but you got me thinking thanks
    any other comment would be helpful.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Now it makes sense.

    See, when you buy a car from a dealership, you only pay sales tax on the trade difference. So if it's being traded against a $30K truck and you give them $15K they only pay tax on $15K instead of $30K.

    At 6% that saves them $900.

    At worst you may have to pay a doc fee or dealer fee to handle the papertwork, but I think that's a small consideration for the savings. Now it does make sense. As long as these are people you know, I'd say to go for it!

    Bill
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    You didn't mention whether or not, this was auto or not...makes a Big difference $600- $700 .
    Terry.
  • art37art37 Member Posts: 8
    Bill and rr ... just wanted to stop by again and Thank You!!! for your help - really appreciate it ... art37
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    You are very welcome.!
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    I know this is the used car place, but I've got a new car question for you, and I realize you may not know the answer, but here goes:

    I want a 2001 A4 1.8T Quattro. Loaded up the way I want it, MSRP is $29,600 and invoice is $26,400. Do you think I can get it for $27,500 in Denver? Can I do better, or should I readjust my sights upwards a little? I really don't want to haggle very long (20-30 min tops). I'd like to start at $27k and go up to $27,500 in a short amount of time. I know Audi has some super lease deals right now, so I thought that the price on the cars might be a little soft as well right now.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    let me jump in on this since Audi is a brand that I am very experienced...

    I think your on the right track. If the car is in stock and not the hottest combination of colors and options you should be able to slice up a deal in your higher number area. If the dealer has no selection then your chances are slim, but if he has a decent inventory, $1000-1500 over is very do-able...I would start at your low number and work up, soon as the salesperson says "no way no how" and he or she will, express your interest to buy "right NOW without alot of hassle"...I can't speak for the Denver market but if you were in my audi shop in Connecticut you have a deal in less than 15 minutes and driving that afternoon...

    Enjoy the car, it's a great one.

    Rich
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    I understand Audi has lease deals right now at 3% (MF of .00125). Do you know how long these deals are going for? And do they apply to 24 mo. leases as well as 36 mo. leases? I'd be at 12,000 miles/yr.
  • bgabel1260bgabel1260 Member Posts: 135
    Shouldn't A4's be "cheap", now that the newly redesigned model is only 6 or so months away from hitting the market? I've seen some pretty good lease deals advertised here in Philly.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    It depends on the region...again im not familiar with your area but the buy rate money factor in Ct is a few clicks higher but not much... its not uncommon for them to drop it that low. Which is very strong and a huge benefit for you.
    Audi programs are usually month to month.

    Audi/VW changes MF based upon their sales in a particular region and how their own internal lease portfolio is doing. If they start leasing to many A4's with sunroofs with 5 speed's they might drop the rate on slick top, automatics only.
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    You guys are definitely the exception in the car business, and I truly thank you for being forthright. I wish some of you lived in Denver so I could deal with you without all the games.

    Now for a story of a dealer that gives dealers the bad name. I went over to Elway Toyota last night to have them give me a cash quote on my 4Runner (there are no Toyotas that I would buy right now). Before I went inside, I went around the lot and found two used '98 4Runners IDENTICALY EQUIPPED like mine (one was even the same color). They both were for sale for just about $25,200 or so. I then had them appraise my car (it's in great shape and only has 34k miles). He offered me.....$18,500. When I pointed out that he had 2 on the lot that were identical for over $25k, he said "They have 100k warranties and have undergone a $1,200 inspection, that's why they're priced so much higher".

    #1 - the warranty is powertrain only, and only extends 6 years from the date of sale, so on a car like mine, it's really a 3 year/75k warranty (Isuzu offers 10 yrs/120k for no charge straight from the factory, and Hyundai offers 100k standard, so what's the big deal about a 3 yr/75k warranty?).

    #2 - I just had the 30k service done one month ago AT THEIR DEALERSHIP (and according to them, everything checked out fine). I have done all my maintenance at their dealership. They've got full maintenance books on my car (which would be used to their advantage when they sold the car, I'm sure). They're not going to do any inspection. They're going to rely on what they did one month ago and call it good (I would if I just did the work one month ago). There might be some quick inspection, but $1,200? Yeah, right. If they truly need to do a $1,200 inspection, I would like to know why I paid $330 for an inspection that apparently is no good or not reliable.

    I should have guessed when someone called him "Rocco".

    I didn't expect $25k, but I did expect $21-22k. $18,500 was an insult and any true pro would not have even thrown that out there. I'll be selling my car privately. What do you guys think? Was this guy trying to see if I was a [non-permissible content removed] that had no idea of what I can really get for my car, or was that a "we don't really want your car, so I'm going to lowball you on it" quote? I can't imagine they didn't want it, so I'm guessing #1. Their used 4Runner inventory is pretty tight right now (only had about 6 or 7 of them on the lot, and they are a HUGE dealership - they probably have over 100 new 4Runners sitting on the lot).

    I thank you guys again. I just wish I could find salespeople like you in real life and not just on the internet...
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    I just got off the phone with the salesguy at the Audi dealer. I understand that when the dealership gets financing for someone through a bank, the dealership gets a spread over the buy rate. But he was telling me that they do that with Audi Financial Services, too. Is that right? I thought the spread applied only when dealing with outside finance companies, not captive ones. If that's the norm, I'm fine with it. I just thought that you didn't do that when dealing with Lexus Financial/Audi Financial, etc.
  • ant_live01ant_live01 Member Posts: 11
    I about to trade in a 93 Mercury Topaz with 95505 miles, state inspected, but has a value tap. KBB trade in value is $1,190, Edmunds is $1,414. What could I expect from the dealer?
  • williamshimwilliamshim Member Posts: 40
    I'll soon be trading above vehicle it's 1998, about 53500 miles, good to excellent condition. I'm in Philly area. I'm thinking that it should be worth about $14000 to $16000. Is this correct assumption?
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Glad to be of help! :)

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Thanks for helping mmcbride.. I was clueless there! :)

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Well,

    Clueless on the Audi market values I meant! As far as the 4-Runner goes, I think it's worth more than $18,500. However, they did make some valid points.

    1) They probably have those marked up about $3,500 or so. Remember, we make money on used cars. Not what you may have wanted to hear, but its the truth. And like an old saying goes "Even a laydown wants $1,000 off".

    2) Reconditioning. The cost of a Toyota Certified warranty is about $600 or thereabouts on a 4WD 4Runner. Now, the car has to have an inspection done in order to qualify for it, so there's what, 4 hours min of labor? $300. And, whenever I've sold a car like that we usually do have recon costs. A $25K 3-yr old car has to be really nice to sell. You'd mentioned a scratch, there's $50-100. And Then you need to look at Tires, Brakes, etc. They need to be new or like new to make it saleable. Your tires may be in nice Shape, but unless they've got 80%+ of the tread left on them, forget it, I would replace em. Same for the brakes.

    Even so, Like I said.. $20-22 is the range for yours I think. I could personally put $20,500 in your truck and still have room for recon and to make a few bucks. Maybe they didnt need it..etc.. Who knows, but I think they were low.

    And you are in Denver, where those are pretty strong. Would I put top dollar on that down here? No way! What the heck do I need a 4WD for in FL? Same as a 2WD up there. So you've got the right product in the right market.

    Hope this helps.. and you'll love the A4! :)

    Bill
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    I forgot to mention. They are a one-price dealer. So the $25k on the sticker is what they get for the car. No ifs, ands or buts. That's why I said I expected something in the range of $21-22k. I know the dealer makes good money on used cars, but even if they invested $2k in the car, they would still clear $4,500. That seems a little obscene to me. And the one scratch is so small I couldn't even find it to show it to Rocco in the bad lighting.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    We earn a spread on finance contracts, nt generally on lease contracts (For diff reasons).

    However, we treat captive finance co's the same as outside banks. The only rules are like the "3.9" rates, those are generally buy rate deals.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Money factors on subsidised programs arent always "reservable" but it depends on the program.

    They really ar no-haggle there? Hmm... Must be a Denver thing. they do haggle down here!

    Bill
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    Why (if you don't mind me asking) do you not make money on the spread on a lease? Is that just you guys or is that standard in the industry?
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Well,

    If the car has noisy valves.. expect to get in the $500 or so range for it. A lot of times older domestics arent worth that much, especially with possible powertrain problems.

    Bill
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Well,

    I think that your 98 Accord V6 is worth around $13,500 or so, So $14K is possible. But bear in mind that I'm looking over auction results here and several with miles in the 45K range have sold for the low-mid $14Ks.

    The 53K miles does hurt it a bit.

    However, it'd be worth a bit less than that in the Midwest or Southeast!

    Bill
  • rroyce10rroyce10 Member Posts: 9,332
    Really..? one of John Elway's stores..? What a small world..... I was in one of his Toyota stores about 4 years ago, when we came back from Breckinridge. I thought I had seen it all - He was ..Smoking Winston's - my hero ! ( or one of ) He talked about car's ..I talked football for about an hour..He chain smokes, I would have never believed it ( nice man ! )

    But anyway.....Let's see about this car thing ....I think this is a great Idea for you try to sell it on your own...in the Denver market you should be able to fetch - 'if'...it is jam up and jelly tight -..somewhere in that $21,500 to $23,000 range...have it cleaned and detailed make it look "new"...and put it in the paper...about $1,000 - less - than the dealers top priced same vehicle....and see what happens.
    Now the A4... you should be able to buy one for $27,300 ..$27,800 on the push ( but start at the 27 # )-- just food for thought...consider the VW Passat ( same car ) and ....save a couple of grand.
    Good luck,
    Terry.
  • donnafitzdonnafitz Member Posts: 15
    Just curious, why is the Edmunds used car appraisals so much lower than the Kelly blue book for the same vehicle with the same info input (condition, miles, equipment, etc.).?? Both ask for zip code, so I assume regional differences are also considered. The differences are quite high. For trade-in, there was a $3K difference, and $5K for retail. Makes it difficult to know the true fair price.
  • hkchanhkchan Member Posts: 420
    Please give an example. The handful that I've run through had differences of less than $500, with Edmunds showing higher values.
Sign In or Register to comment.