Real-World Trade-In Values

abtseller · May 2002

One of my friends has been looking for a 2wd Suburban for camping, hauling kids, etc. He knows that the (2wd) resale will get hit, not an issue. It will be a keep-until-dead-forever car. He wanted something in the $10-12K range, and was hoping for a '94-'95, but we couldn't find any.

Our buyer here at work said "good luck", he just bought a '99 Tahoe we traded for (with a ton of miles). Apparently there is no supply of decent GM big SUVs in that range.

He ended up with a '92 Suburban with 150K on it that was a one owner, always serviced, etc, for $8500. We beat the owner into submission for a new (complete-calipers, etc) brake job and a full ($200!) detailing.

We spent about 3 solid hours driving, crawling under, kicking tires, and probing everything we could find, and there was a typical laundry list of "little things" that we deducted for (the guy started at $10K) but overall, the truck was extremely solid.

So, was $8500 a fair price for a loaded '92 2WD LS with decent rubber, shiny paint, and freshly shampooed carpet, or did I help my buddy get the shaft?

Ed

stickguy · May 2002

A friend stumbled upon this, and is looking for a reasonable price (private sale, not at a dealer).

2000 TOYOTA CELICA GTS
Spectra Blue, 6-speed manual transmission,leather interior, dual front and side airbags, cruise control, power windows, power locks, power moon/sun roof, am/fm/tape/cd player, 8 speakers, alloy wheels and wheel locks, tilt steering wheel, daytime running lights, fog lamps, remote keyless entry with alarm, leather wrapped steering wheel, rear spoiler, only 16,000 miles.

What's fair on a private sale, and what would trade in value on this be (for comparison)?

Thanks in advance as always.

rayd23 · May 2002

Terry, just wanted to say thanks for your suggestions. Its nice to have an idea of what is possible in a sale rather than make my own assumptions (or worse have a dealer give me his own unique interpretations)!
Ray

butchbr73 · May 2002

in East Tn, have a 98 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4x4. loaded, every option, including heated leather seats. 55k miles. auto, etc.. new tires, brakes. Color is silver w/ grey interior. Great condition inside and out. Serviced at Nissan dealership. Looking to upgrade to new Pathfinder/Infinity, 2000 or 2001 model.

Price on trade-in. Also, any suggestions on the new one? What range in price would these things fall, anything special I should be looking for?
thanks,
Brent

guy44 · May 2002

Bill/Terry,

I'm awaiting a delivery on a Honda Pilot in June and will be trading my 1999 ML 320.

It is the base model w/o leather seats or CD player with the only notable accessory being a Moonroof. It has 50K miles. It is a dark blue/purplish color. The interior is mint and the exterior is in good shape (no dings) but a couple minor paint nicks.

I have two related questions. First, it definitely needs new tires but I'm not sure if I buy them myself whether or not I'd get my money back ($600+) on the trade. My Honda sales person advised me against buying new tires for that reason.

Second, I've got orders in at two Honda dealerships in hopes of keeping them honest on the trade. Is this a sound strategy. I welcome your comments and trade value.

Thanks in advance!

abtseller · May 2002

different dealerships? You need to visit the inconsiderate buyers thread, unless you happy to toss one of your deposits away.

Ed

guy44 · May 2002

Ed,

I'm not planning on tossing away one of the deposits. I told both dealers what I was doing and this is very common with Honda dealerships with waiting lists. The dealers as we know often manipulate the waiting lists as well. Since I've ordered the Pilot sighe unseen (no Demo vehicle to test drive or any pricing), I am entitled to a refund of the deposit if I choose not to buy it. We did the same thing on our Odyssey without incident and by the way the dealer who told us we'd get the vehicle in April of that year still didn't provide it to us when the second dealer provided it to us in June despite the fact that the first dealer received a larger allocation and I was closer to the top of their list. If I choose not to buy the Pilot from one or for that matter either dealership, they will still sell it to someone else on the list at MSRP.

abtseller · May 2002

just when I thought I'd heard everything... I suppose it wouldn't be a big deal if it were something that they were lining up for, but the impression I got was that you had "special ordered" something, as in, a one of a kind purple car with pink interior that the dealer would be stuck with.

Ed

guy44 · May 2002

Ed,

I'm not planning on tossing away one of the deposits. I told both dealers what I was doing and this is very common with Honda dealerships with waiting lists. The dealers as we know often manipulate the waiting lists as well. Since I've ordered the Pilot sighe unseen (no Demo vehicle to test drive or any pricing), I am entitled to a refund of the deposit if I choose not to buy it. We did the same thing on our Odyssey without incident and by the way the dealer who told us we'd get the vehicle in April of that year still didn't provide it to us when the second dealer provided it to us in June despite the fact that the first dealer received a larger allocation and I was closer to the top of their list. If I choose not to buy the Pilot from one or for that matter either dealership, they will still sell it to someone else on the list at MSRP.

guy44 · May 2002

Ed,

You're obviously a guy with a lot of knowledge in the car selling business. The two dealership idea I thought would at least leave me feeling like I didn't take it in the shorts on my trade in. I feel like when I'm shopping for a high demand car such as the Pilot, that I've got no leverage.

Last year I was on a list for the Acura MDX. It was due in September and the dealer gave me trade in value. Well it didn't come in until three months later and they reduced my trade value on my ML 320 by $3000. Maybe I'm crazy but I couldn't buy that my car depreciated $1000 a month for three months. I know I had been driving it and for three more months and would have been willing to spilt the difference but figured they didn't care because there was someone else on the list to take it their hands that same day. What else can I do in these situations. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Steve

abtseller · May 2002

maybe keep Bill and Terry's number handy, which you know will be a fair value, and take it with you to the dealer. If they're under the value that you get here, you know that they're trying to stick it to you. Perhaps in the mean time, tell everyone that you know that you're current ride will be available in a little while, and try retailing it while you're waiting for your new car to come in. If you have friends that "know" your car already, it should be an easy sale. Especially if you offer a finders fee.

Ed

irish21 · May 2002

Hello,a dealer told me my 99 Cougar had a trade-in value of $8100. The Cougar is Silver, V6, automatic, sport package, convenience package, no cassette, has a cd player, power driver seat, spoiler. Mileage is 31175 miles. There is a pencil point dent in the door and two half inch white spots on the passenger side (white car?). One wheel has scuff marks from curb. The dealer said that would cost $200 to replace.

Thanks for you help.

guy44 · May 2002

Ed,

You're obviously a guy with a lot of knowledge in the car selling business. The two dealership idea I thought would at least leave me feeling like I didn't take it in the shorts on my trade in. I feel like when I'm shopping for a high demand car such as the Pilot, that I've got no leverage.

Last year I was on a list for the Acura MDX. It was due in September and the dealer gave me trade in value. Well it didn't come in until three months later and they reduced my trade value on my ML 320 by $3000. Maybe I'm crazy but I couldn't buy that my car depreciated $1000 a month for three months. I know I had been driving it and for three more months and would have been willing to spilt the difference but figured they didn't care because there was someone else on the list to take it their hands that same day. What else can I do in these situations. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Steve

irish21 · May 2002

Hello,a dealer told me my 99 Cougar had a trade-in value of $8100. The Cougar is Silver, V6, automatic, sport package, convenience package, no cassette, has a cd player, power driver seat, spoiler. Mileage is 31175 miles. There is a pencil point dent in the door and two half inch white spots on the passenger side (white car?). One wheel has scuff marks from curb. The dealer said that would cost $200 to replace.

Thanks for you help.

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... Very good description, thank you.

Well, these are not really burning up the driveways, going or coming .. it sounds like the dealer is correct on this one, there could be a few buck here or there, but thats about it.

Sorry for any bad news ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

...... Burb's are funny creatures 2WD or 4x4, it doesn't matter .. there is always a home for em'.

If it kinda looks good, runs well, knee deep and the headliner isn't hanging in your face .. and the seat springs aren't punching through your spleen, It's easy to see a $8,5 price.

I'm at the auctions all the time .. I have seen dealers pay 5/6/$7,000 for Rustomatics with 200k, so if he has a 7.5 on a 10 scale, he did well ...

I hope this helps ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

...... Your Welcome .. stop by anytime.

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... Ok, we have a 99 ML320 with 50 klicks .. and it's "no sale blue" -- and no leather gut's ..

Lot's of miles on this puppy .. tires, I would let them do it -- these ML's are coooold and there is a lot of em' for sale. I would have to think you will be in and around that $19/$20ish figure on a trade.

Don't shoot the messenger ... l.o.l....

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... The miles are fine for the year, slider ..? -- .. it has the bun warmers, so your set to go there... l.o.l..

New rubber .. and stoppers -- and it's the right color, so if it needs -0- .. looks 01 and stands tall, then you should be in and around that $14/$14,5 figure on a trade ... just make sure it's clean when you go a shoppin' ..

Good luck ... and let us know what happens.

Terry.

bretfraz · May 2002

with Suburban's, what are the numbers on this?

*1990 2WD Suburban
*165,000 miles by original owner
*aftermarket rear AC (dealer installed)
*aftermarket interior kit (front seats, overhead console, door panels, all done by dealer)
*full power
*new auto trans at 95K
*been wrecked twice by teenage drivers. Nothing major but dad sprung for full respray by dealer in OEM colors. Looks pretty good.
*brand new tires
*runs strong, idles smooth, shifts great, AC ice cold, very reliable for its age/miles
*belongs to a friend of mine who's interested in a 1/2 ton truck.

Thank you!!

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... Oooooh, another blue .. how nice. Actually Toyota stole this color off the Dakota's ... l..o..l... ---- silver, black , red .. blue, tuff sell.

All in all, these are pretty nice little vehicles .. small, cramped, uncomfortable, expensive, but nice .. to a particular market.

This one has no miles .. it has all the nice Yota toys.

You gotta be careful with these .. I have seen a few Yota dealers "hang" themselves in these .. they have a HUGE book on the retail side and a small market that want's to purchase them.

The Ultra clean, low milers .. are doing "around" the $14's at the auctions. The *retail books* can kick these up to $19 plus. Kinda like Land Rovers, big book, little trade-in value.

A fair price to everyone .. so no ones feelings get's hurt, would be around $17.

You have my interest .. let us know.

Terry.

stickguy · May 2002

Terry, you should change your handle to Carnak (get it?). It is a private sale, also listed on EBAY, and the take it now (or whatever they call it) price is $17,000. The bidding start price was 12k, who knows what reserve is.

I will pass the info along.

irish21 · May 2002

Thanks for the info. It validates that this dealer has positive marks. Back when the car had less than 20000, one dealer told me the value was
equivalent to salvage value, possible bent frame,questionable mileage, severe rust and damage. Another told me they had to replace all the wearables before they could get rid of it; even if the tires and all were in excellent condition. other dealers told me Kelly etc on the internet do a disservice to the customer by giving the customer an inflated, unrealistic value; per the dealers. I just may have found another dealership like my old Nissan dealer. I was sooooooo unhappy when they sold the dealership...10 yrs of service to my 200SX ...
2 service depts. stranding me late night/early morning. Thanks again for the info.

guy44 · May 2002

Terry,

I was figuring the trade value on my ML would be about $20K so it looks like I'm in the ball park. Thanks for your input.

rroyce10 · May 2002

.... It sounds like these folks were giving you the "straight and narrow" .. and obviously are trying hard for your business ..

So, good luck ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... You are very welcome ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

...... I'm not clear on all of the Xtra dealer stuff, but I gotta think the dealer has like, maybe $3/$3,500 in it ... and he want's like $5990 for it --- Sooo, I'm guessing here .. $4,5 takes it home.

But, let me know .. these Burbs, can reach out and get silly Peso's.

Terry.

bretfraz · May 2002

Actually the burb is owned by a friend who had all that stuff done to it when he bought it in 1990. It was a loaded Burb to begin with, then the dealer added the interior upgrade and the rear AC. About as snazzy as you could get in 1990.

He keeps saying, "I need a truck now that the kids are in college but who will ever buy this thing?" I'm tellin him, "there's all kinds of people that want old Burbs. Just put a price on it and it'll sell".

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... Sooo, it was/is a loaded up LS/LT with a "high end" conversion kit by the dealer right ..?

Do you know who the conversion company is ..?

If it's a nice job, from a good company like Explorer, Happy Times, Gladiator, etc .. it might be worth $8, or even more on the retail end -- if it's clean and nice, he will have nooo problemo selling it..

Terry.

bretfraz · May 2002

8 grand....ya think?? Boy, he'd be happy with $5-6k and over the moon at $8k.

I don't know who did the conversion kit; I don't recall a brand name (I drove the thing for a week and didn't notice a name). I can ask.

Thanks for the info. I'll pass it on.

rbrenton88 · May 2002

Update on the Millenia inquiry...

You said to start them at 16.5 and seal the deal at around 17. I forwarded your comments to my friend, though he didn't see the email until after the purchase. Turns out he started the offer at 16.5, and then settled at 17 even. done deal.

Looks like you were spot on! you da man!

-RB

rroyce10 · May 2002

...... Thank you very much for the update ..!

It's nice too know I'm not talkin' to myself (which I do alot of anyway.) ... l..o..l...

Terry.

abtseller · May 2002

on the 'burb advice, I figured that he was ok, but you always wonder. I'm actually pretty suprised that the '90 would go that high, with the old body style and all.

Ed

rroyce10 · May 2002

...... Now don't start getting Lottery fever ... l.o.l...

If it's nice .. and the Conversion will stand tall. Some of these were excellent and some were just hoe-hum. I remember some that would hit our Chevy store new, and you couldn't sit in em' for a month because the glue for the wood panels would make your eyes bleed. .. l.o.l....

But, if it looks sharp, drives A1 .. the tranny and engine runs strong -- a great Ad -and- a quality detail inside and out, it can made to look 98ish -- then a $7950 retail asking price will do him right .. and then he should see his $6,5/$7,0, especially now with spring popping up all over, and the Burb peeps are out lookin'.

Terry.

de_vu · May 2002

Hi,
I have the following car:

1998 MB SLK230 with less than 12K miles.
Silver with black/red interior with
Every factory options available at time of purchase.
(Bay area, CA)
What do you think the dealer would give me for this car?

Also, let's say I bought a new car for 20K and get 15K for my trade in. On what amount would I have to pay taxes? all 20K? or only on 20K-15K = 5K?

Thanks,

De

mthopper · May 2002

Hi!
I am dealing on trading in my 97 Plymouth Grand Voyager towards a new van. I can figure out the invoice on new but am getting conflicting stories on my trade in value. I have checked KBB, NADA, Edmunds and Black Book amongst others and get ranges from 5,930-8,355 trade in values. The lower ranged values did not consider any options.One dealer offered me 4500 (via a phone conversation based on good condition with all options) They always explain that if working with MSRP for new they will give retail for trade otherwise if I am working with invoice then I will get trade value. Is this true? Also, one dealer looked at the vehicle and when I explained all of the extra options he said he only uses the vin # for appraisal if the vehicle is in good condition.

Sorry to be so long-winded so here is the run-down on my van. It is an iris colored SE/Rally. It has 94000 miles and includes 3.3 V6 with platinum tipped plugs. (Whatever those are?) There is rear/air and heat, dual climate control, tinted glass, overhead console, radio/cassette with equalizer and premium speakers, 7 passenger seating with two integrated child seats, luggage rack, remote keyless entry and privacy glass. (I still have the sticker with options listed...can you tell?) The vehicle runs great and is clean.

Thanks for any imput!

de_vu · May 2002

Hi,
I have the following car:

1998 MB SLK230 with less than 12K miles.
Silver with black/red interior with
Every factory options available at time of purchase.
(Bay area, CA)
What do you think the dealer would give me for this car?

Also, let's say I bought a new car for 20K and get 15K for my trade in. On what amount would I have to pay taxes? all 20K? or only on 20K-15K = 5K?

Thanks,

De

abtseller · May 2002

I follow the Caravans where I'm at, and I think that $4500-$5000 is about where you'll end up, max. They don't have a great wholesale value, but if you detail and retail (hey, that rhymes) it you can probably get all of $6900 and a bag of chips.

Ed

ghulet · May 2002

Can I buy your car for $15k? Just kidding. Your interior is called 'black salsa', BTW. Sounds like a nice car.

rroyce10 · May 2002

....... Like Wow man .. like, it has like, nooo miles -- Far out ..! .. l.o.l....

Nice color combo .. the miles are short, that's for sure. If it looks like it has 12k inside and out, no parking lot kisses .. no Arby's bags under the seats, no funny mushrooms growing through the carpet .. then it looks like you will be in and around that $25 figure ..

I don't remember the tax structure on the Left coast, Perhaps someone here will know .. we have a lot of left coasters who follow this tripe.

Terry :-)

rroyce10 · May 2002

... Do you remember the tax base in CA. ...?

de_vu · May 2002

Hi,
I have the following car:

1998 MB SLK230 with less than 12K miles.
Silver with black/red interior with
Every factory options available at time of purchase.
(Bay area, CA)
What do you think the dealer would give me for this car?

Also, let's say I bought a new car for 20K and get 15K for my trade in. On what amount would I have to pay taxes? all 20K? or only on 20K-15K = 5K?

Thanks,

De

rroyce10 · May 2002

...... I think you need to re-boot your compute -- I think it's on automatic re-dial .. l...o...l...

Terry.

de_vu · May 2002

Is your post addressing me? If so, I think I'm too dense to understand your message :-). (I don't have dial-up!)

De

abtseller · May 2002

Edmunds' server. It did it to me a few times also.

Ed

tarheelz · May 2002

Here's the deal. I've got a white 1990 Nissan Stanza XE, 200,000+ miles estimated (odometer quit in 1996 at 98k). 5speed manual tranny. It has some body damage on the passenger side that has been pounded out by a body shop, but there is some rust. There is also some rust above the rear bumper. The car runs pretty well and it has been 100% dependable for 12 years.

The interior is mint. Nissan must have used Kevlar upholstry!

Question: What to do with it? Heck I'd take just about anything to get it out of my hands. Think a dealer would take it? Junk yard for parts? Thanks.

abtseller · May 2002

its worth $500 to someone if it runs, maybe more.

Ed

JingleJill · May 2002

I have a 2001 BMW 330i, 5spd, sport package, sunroof, cd, and xenons. Car has 28k miles and a brand new set of tires. Any idea what a dealer would give me on trade-in?

im_brentwood · May 2002

Hmm...

Methinks we have a $200ish unit here...

Donate it and take a $1K or so write-off is what I would do.

Bill

im_brentwood · May 2002

Sounds like a nice car.

Where ya located and what color combo?

Unless its' Black/Black in Miami or something..

These are good merchandise, but 28K on an 01 limits your market a tad. I would figure it for about $28,500-29K.

Terry?

Bill
Fixed computer. Much happier

Real-World Trade-In Values

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