Real-World Trade-In Values

lancerfixer · May 2002

Bill's psychic. He knew the value before whawkins asked! LOL.
Oh, wait, that was a re-run. Is it late May already?

lanzz · May 2002

Bill/Terry - have you guys seen any of the new CL500/600 Benz's hit the auctions? I have a friend who - let's just say - he's got it like that... What's the retail on a lightly used ride in New York - dark color, less than 10,000 miles?

Thanks - Ed

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... Oooooooh, these are such nice rides, absolutely my kind of vehicle ..

With 02's with 7/8/9k and "in the wrapper", are doing in the ULTRA high $80's++ ..

I'm guessing, but you might pick one up on the retail side, for a mere $97/$99ish+++ depending on the color, and how nice this "real deal" is ... they are few and far between. A black one in NY, will start in and around $115

I bought one last month in silver, it was puuuurrrfect with 7,500k and paid $89, and sold it 3 days later for a $100 over --- did I do good ..? he.. he.. he..

Terry :-)))

im_brentwood · May 2002

Yeahup.

Look in book. Look at "Clean" add several thousand. I was standing next to the UC Mgr of MB of Orl a few weeks ago... He went to a nickel over clean.. No dice.

Then I looked it up in MMR.. Yeah, he was light! Those suckers do ALL the buckage..

Bill

JPham · May 2002

JPham · May 2002

http://www.craigslist.org/best/2953344.html

steine13 · May 2002

Even in no-sale blue....only $22k after 3 (ok, maybe almost 4) short years? Really???
I thought Benzes held their value... isn't that a close to $50 car new?
Geeez.. don't give me any ideas....
NO! Bad Mathias! We just bought a sienna...
Sigh...
-M

romy4 · May 2002

This truck has auto, cruise, air, tilt, bedliner, indigo blue with a custom cap and only 16,800 miles. What would it bring as a trade.

Thanks,
Ro

im_brentwood · May 2002

Sure... Bad color combo, HIGH MILES... 68K on a Midnight Blue.. That kills the car!

Make it a Smoke Silver with, say, 35K miles.. And there is a huge difference. See, that was a car, described that way, that nobody really would want.

Bill

im_brentwood · May 2002

Sounds like an $8,500 truck to me.. But I think you can get mid $10Ks for it retailing it awfully easily.. especially if its' "In The Wrapper"

Bill

afk_x · May 2002

Audi A4

All the goodies - dark blue ext / ivory int - 34K miles - 2.8 liter automatic - VERY clean - 2wd!

So Cal area

rroyce10 · May 2002

Here's one ........ What year ....?

Too your room.

Terry.

ghulet · May 2002

that Ivory interior...cloth, leather or pleather (aka leatherette)? 'All the goodies'--Sport package? Xenons? Sunroof? Power seats?

rroyce10 · May 2002

....... Thank you Gman ..

Terry.

metmdx · May 2002

Hey guys,

1999 CPO 528 with little over 17k on it. Auto with the basics (no sport susp) conservative ox green w/ sand interior. Body is p-fect. What ya think?

Thanks,
metmdx

afk_x · May 2002

1998 Audi A4

All the goodies - dark blue ext / ivory int - 34K miles - 2.8 liter automatic - VERY clean - 2wd!

So Cal area

im_brentwood · May 2002

Hmm... realistic retail? I'd have to say $33,500ish or, ideally, less.

With miles that low it could hit $29K at the sale.. they own it at $30,500-31K after transport, cert..etc...

Bill

im_brentwood · May 2002

It is worth around $15K or so wholesale.

Bill

lngtonge18 · May 2002

Here's my dilemma: I'm thinking about trading in my 00 Hyundai Accent (black 5 speed hatchback with AC, cassette, and dark tint). It been a good car and only has 23k on it, but I want something with more power and more features. The problem is I have a high interest loan (12.75%) and thus haven't been able to pay it down much in the 2 years I have had it (the high interest is another reason I want out of the car). In other words, I'm way upside down. I think pay off is around 8000 currently. Anyway, I'm wondering what is the best way to deal with the transaction. Should I offer to pay sticker on the car if they artificially increase the trade-in value of my car, or should I deal on the price of the new car and take their low ball trade offer? Which is the better (or easier) way of getting a decent price without having to pay too much out of pocket? I'm planning on putting down 2k out of pocket, hopefully enough to offset most of the negative equity. In the past, I was only offered 4k trade-in, when it's supposed to be worth 5k. Is it wishful thinking to try and get 5500-6000 in exchange for paying sticker on the new car? The last time I tried to trade using the Blue book and Edmunds prices (on a 97 Altima), the dealer
wouldn't budge on their lowball offer and sticker price offer for the new car (a Mitsu Lancer). It was a frustrating and futile experience and I ended up taking the trade out of the equation and selling on my own. However, an Altima is an easier sell then an Accent, so I think selling on my own would be too much of a hassle in this case. I need some advice here! How should I go about this transaction without getting raped again?? Any insight is appreciated.

im_brentwood · May 2002

Well,

Do you like the Hyundai? If so, keep it and refinance it. Go shorter term, lower rate, so ya pay it off faster. If you have excellent credit, try www.peoplefirst.com for a refinance.

Yes, unfortunately you're burined here I am afraid. This is, reality-wise, a $3,500-4K car as a trade. I have seen lower-mile Automatics sell for under $5K at auction. Hyundais, unfortunately, have very weak resale value.

OTOH, MSRP on An Altima? Uhh... NO! Try $500 over actual invoice and I bet you are an owner. (There may be an ad fee on a Nissan Invoice of $200-400 or so so if there is a discrepancy, ask to see the original one).

Bill

blackcurrant · May 2002

Silver with red/black interior, 43k miles, 6spd, looks like new. Can't be many of these at auction. What's the money?

Personally, I'd prefer the 98 and newer with the LS-1.

Have you seen a price jump between the 97-98 F-bodys with the LS-1 V8?

Thanks

jim_loves_cars · May 2002

A couple of weeks ago I posted regarding my '93 Civic. Here's the specs:

'93 Civic Si, 137,000 miles, In good shape mechanically (new timing belt, belts, hoses, recent clutch, good rubber on tires, newer brakes, etc.). A little "used" in the interior, but nothing a good detailing can't fix. Some small dings and dull paint spots on the exterior, but again it will buff up nice when detailed. No accidents.

The way I recall it, Bill said KBB price was actually correct for once, I should expect to receive around $2,500+ for the car on a trade. He then suggested that I sell it privately (price it at $5,300 and hope for 4.5k).

I went to a dealer today to look at a new car, negoitiated them $50 into their holdback and then talked trade. They started at $500 (the car's worthless to us) and finally went up to $1000 (we're taking a risk here!). They never even looked at the car. Well I walked based on what I've read in this forum. I wasn't going to take less than $2,500 for my car.

Are they trying to hose me, or am I misinterpreting the value of my car? They said they will not re-sell a used car with over 100k on the odo, so it'd go to auction. They weren't sure what they might get there, but doubted it would be more than $1000.

So is my car worth $1000 at auction or more? Are these guys trying to nab my car for cheap or are they doing good by me? Will they call me back in a couple of days and say they spoke with the Regional Grand Poobha of Auction Sales and say they have reconsidered and are prepared to give me more for the car? If so, what's my reply?

Your expert knowledge will make all the difference here. Please clue me in!

-jim

lngtonge18 · May 2002

I meant I had tried to trade in a 97 Altima on an 02 Lancer. The dealer offered only 4k and it had 67k, auto, keyless with alarm, power everything, and alloy wheels (it was the limited edition model). I owed 6800 and trade in was supposed to be about 6500, so it should have been an easy trade. He wanted me to pay sticker on the Lancer and give me only 4k on the Altima. I argued with the finance manager and sales manager to no avail. I opted to not trade it in and got 7k by selling it on my own, but it took 2 months of worrying over it.

I do like my Hyundai, but I just want a better equipped car with more power. Can you give me some advice on which way I should go about losing the least amount of money? Is it easier to deal on the new car price or the trade-in value? Since I know the difference between invoice and MSRP, I would think it's easier to offer to pay sticker on the new car if they give me say 5500 on the trade. I don't want them to make a killing on me! There has got to be a way to lessen the impact on my wallet and still feel like I got a decent deal. My dad got 4k when he traded in an 86 Accord LX 5 speed with 130k on a 92 Accord EX 5 speed. I find it hard to believe a 7 year old Honda with well over 100k is worth just as much as a 2 year old Hyundai with only 23k and a full factory warranty transferable to the next person. If I was shopping for a used car I would much rather have the newest least used car I can buy and if it has a warranty, thats even better. Has the used car market changed that dramatically since 92 or are dealers simply trying to screw people even more? I would think my car would be something the dealer keeps since its low mileage, has a factory warranty, is low priced, and is in mint condition. That's gotta count for something!

airmac1 · May 2002

My car is a 1995 Mazda Protege Lx, Beige exterior, (123,000 highway miles) (14 inch all-weather new wheels used only 25,000 miles out of a 60,000 treadlife with custom rims)original tires are only 13inch, Radio/Cass, PW,PDL,PM, Air, Defrost, Cloth seats in good shape no tears, only a small ink mark on driver's seat, Carpet/Mats in good shape no broke control buttons, it has been in a accident recently but the Mazda dealership put a new hood, front bumper and headlights. Paint is pretty good, only a few scratches no dents. New Brakes all 4, rotors all 4, shock plugs, battery.

Now the only problems is this: My driver's seat is broke where it rocks back a lil bit, the lock in the trunk has a key broke off in it, the air intake hose is partly split so I know air leaks out and takes away from power and gas mileage. Should I fix any of these things before showing it to dealership or pricing-wise it won't matter 2 much.

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... It's hard too say what your vehicle might really be worth ... Bill and I can't see it.

But, let me play the "Devils Advocate" here. Not knowing the dealer here, it's hard to say what the UC Mgr thought, they could be a small store .. or a store that is mostly domestics.

If you detail the vehicle, and it shows a 7.5 on a .. 1 - 10 scale, that's a big help. --- If you take em' in dirty, newspapers, Mcdonalds invasions, February bird droppings --- you look in .. it looks back kinda thing, then you are going to get a 3,4 maybe a 5 on a 1 - 10.

Does it have 131k ..? Yes. Does it look like it..? -- No. It looks like it has 231k. Most dealers will get "weak knee'd" .. and hit it at a Nick and maybe a Ghee Whiz on the push, and I understand it .. I would.

A high miler, must be lookin' like a ultra low-miler ... I can't speak for Bill, my own experience tells me I have seen Benz's with 200k that looks like 50k, Buicks with 150k that look the same .. sharp! And these vehicles get sold everyday ..

It's kinda like a Job Interview .. you go in with wrinkled old jeans and a scraggly T-shirt and paint from the garage, there's not much chance on that "particular" position. You go in, lookin' dressed well, clean .. your chances are about 99% better on that "particular" position. ----- works the same way with a vehicle ...

Bill is probably right .. it's worth $2,0+, but it has to look like it -- whether you go trade or down Retail rd.

I hope my ramblings make sense ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... l..o..l.....

Read the above post ... seems like you guys might be in the same boat.

The seat, and the other stuff, I wouldn't bother with .. the key in the trunk, I would have fixed or just removed. (you have trunk release)

Make it look nice, have all the service stuff sittin' on the seat .. and make sure, they know you have a new this and that. You should see around $1,5/$2,0 on a trade ..

Good Luck ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... Are you sure this a 97 SS ...?

Terry.

raptor303 · May 2002

Hello,

I have a 1991 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, Red. The car has only 36,000 miles on it, since it has only been driven around town. There is some wear to the clutch now and it is a little rough between 1st and 2nd, but it has never failed to go into gear or popped out or anything. The car has been to my mechanic every 2 months and everything has been kept up on the car. The interior is gray leather, and the leather shows some creasing, but no where has it worn through. The paint is great, as the car has always been garaged. There are some small chips, but that's about it. It has been in one "shunt" wear the car was parked and another car parked next to it somehow ripped off the little vent thing behind the door. It was all repaired professionally and you cant tell the difference between the original and replaced sides.

Thanks.

-Mike

rroyce10 · May 2002

.... Wow, 36k and it's 11yrs old ... it's the right color for that type of vehicle.

It sounds like you have taken excellent care of it .. inside and out.

The scratch by the door, I wouldn't give it a second thought. With it being a handshaker, I might consider having someone look at it .. perhaps an adjustment because of the non-use, I don't think it's a big deal.

This is a tuff little bugger for a Dealer ... I'm thinkin', they might do $2,5, -maybe- $3,0 on the push, the turbo might scare them.

This is a perfect vehicle for Retail rd. --- Clean it up (if it needs it) ... but, make it look like a diamond .. through it in the biggest paper in your area with a big, beautiful 5 liner Ad, for let's say $5,950. Then let someone come over, punch your lights out for $4,9/$5,500 --- it's spring, this should go fast.

I hope this helps ...

Terry.

blackcurrant · May 2002

I'm very interested in your car. I'm in CT. Are you nearby, per chance? Thanks

dfascia@yahoo.com

blackcurrant · May 2002

Yessir, why do you ask? In fact, it's got the 30th anniv embroidery on the seat headrest, which, come to think of it only confirms it's a '97.

Do you suspect it's a plain Z with aftermarket hood and SLP exhaust and an SS badge? Why do you ask?

Ummm, anyway, They said they think they have it sold for $14,900. I was gonna call Monday to check on it. He said the buyer was taking to long to get the money from the bank.

What do you think it's worth, Terry?

rickandcheryl · May 2002

We are going to purchase a new sedan, probably a Toyota Avalon or an Inifiniti I-35, maybe a G-35 and would like to know what our 2000 Corvette is worth on trade. The Corvette is loaded will all available options including both roofs, plus it has over $5000 in extras. It is in excellent condition with only 15,000 miles. It is red with a black interior and is under factory warranty with a transferable GM extended warranty. We have clear title to it. Looking to purchase/ trade in Southern California. Thanks for your assistance, it is appreciated, Rick

icefan1 · May 2002

1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. AWD,V8,PW,PDL,AC,ABS,TOW,Silver/Quartz color in an out,after market Pioneer CD player, 124K, Viper Alarm. AC not working, minor dent in drivers door, otherwise in good shape. Thanks for your time and consideration of its trade in value.

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... It's a 93 with 124k ticking away.

It's a 4wd and a V8 .. kinda rare.. that's some help.

You have no breeze and a parking lot kiss, no help there. But, you do have the right color and the toys... more help.

If this Jeepster will clean up and look 98ish inside and out, plus the sneakers are in great shape .. then you should be in and around $2,5/$3,0 on a trade -- if it's not nice, start deducting.

Good luck .. and let us know.

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

..... The miles are low, the color is ok, it's a 6 speed .. right..? .. big help.

You say it's loaded up, so I will assume it has HID, heated bun warmers, Bose, M wheels and the Sport suspension.

If it's a baby doll .. little or no "real" scratches, no wear from "tonnage" on the seats, it looks like someone has "hovered" in them, fascia front and back looks 02 --- then you should see $33/$34+ .. if not, start deducting.

Right now, Vette's are going at a premium price .. I was at an auction last week, where I saw 51 run through. They are doing around $1,5/$2,0 more, than 2 months ago.

Terry.

im_brentwood · May 2002

No kidding on the "Vettes! You think those are bad, looky what these stupid Jags are doing!! The darned things are appreciating!

Bill

rickandcheryl · May 2002

Our Corvette has all the standard equipment plus the following Regular Production Options (RPO's); Dual removable roof panels, high polished aluminum wheels, 6 speed manual transmission, adjustable sport leather bucket seats, compact 12 disc changer, active handling system, heads up display, electronic dual zone air conditioning, performance handling suspension package, power telescoping and manual tilt steering wheel, six way power passenger seat, memory package, body side moldings, fog lights, twilight sentinel, luggage shade and parcel net and carpeted floor mats. In addition to this it has an additional $5000 in owner added extras, is in excellent condition, no scratches, very shiny paint and no interior wear. Hoping to sell outright, but have not had any offers. Will most likely have to trade in. Thanks, Rick

abtseller · May 2002

aren't worth a penny in trade-in to the dealership. If you kept your stock parts, you should consider "de-customizing" it.

Ed

maxwellsdad2 · May 2002

Our wagon has approximately 57K, leather interior, dual front airbags
ABS, CD/Cassette 4sp AT, completely loaded, and a very good sound system. The interior and body are in very good shape, some nicks and scratches. The gas gauge is not reliable and the pwr antenna is not working, however the radio play is not effected. I would appreciate it if you can provide me with a trade in value and also what should I realistically expect to receive if I would sell it to a third party.
Thank you for your time.

rickandcheryl · May 2002

Here are the owner added extras our Corvette has; Corsa Performance exhaust, Vortec ram air intake, relocated MAT sensor, nylon MAF ends, exhaust X-pipe, custom front and rear lettering, steering wheel graphic, sheep skin seat covers, padded leather arm rest, interior emblems, Powerloader II, Lloyds mats..floor and cargo area, dash mat with Corvette script, B&M performance shifter, padded case for extra top, Noah car cover, clear front license plate cover, Euro tail light kit, painted (red) brake calipers, rear dress up plate - chrome, 172 degree thermostat, throttle body coolant by-pass, Red Line fluids, transmission and rear axle, "CAGS" defeat module and last but not least is the 72 month/72K mile GMPP transferable extended warranty. While I realize that most of these items don't mean a thing to a dealer looking at the car as a trade in, they are there. These are the items that most Corvette owners add to their vehicles and should add to the dealers asking price upon resale. Would like to at least recoup some of the cost. Thanks again, Rick

rroyce10 · May 2002

........ I can tell, you have a lot of self earned pride for that beauty, I will bet it looks super.

Don't shoot me ... I'm not here to hurt your feelings --- But, even though all those options are very expensive, and you worked Very hard for them. They do diminish the value of all vehicles, especially Vette's.

It's kinda like lift kit's in trucks for $3 grand, or $4,000 stereo's in any vehicle ... they go no-where, in a big fat hurry.

I know those Corsa's are expensive .. I have a set on my boat, and I know the family quite well in Ohio.

But, when it comes to these type of vehicles .. you are better off removing as much as possible to the stock item.

One of the problems you are having, selling it is .. the vast majority of Vette. buyers won't give it a second look. They will Ooh and Ah .. but their new vehicle is still down the road.

As sharp as it is too you ... you loose at least a dollar for every dollar spent, on re-sale. I would think at trade time .. you are lookin' in and around $30 ... maybe.

I'm sorry, I wish I had better news ...

Terry :-(

icefan1 · May 2002

Just sold the '93 Grand Cherokee to a private party for $4,100...just wanted to check what the trade value would be and you confirmed what I thought. Thanks again. Now I need to find a new ride!!

sgrd0q · May 2002

I completely agree with rroyce10. I was in the market for a 911 a year ago and I wouldn't even look at all the modified ones, like turbo look this or turbo look that. I like them lean and mean

And as I was looking, trying to make up my mind, I saw some stock ones go really fast, while the ones with the extra equipment seemed to stay on the market forever...

blackcurrant · May 2002

How 'bout that 97 SS, watcha think, buddy?

ahlin · May 2002

2000 Nissan Max GLE.... loaded including moonroof.....sterling mist with frost leather......19800 miles..... trade and or private sale value? Excellent condition...... no parking lot dings etc.

rroyce10 · May 2002

... You are quite welcome ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

....... The SS's, like the Trans-Am's are on a role right now. They are getting big $$ at the block and dealers are on the hunt for em' (don't ask me why.. l.o.l.) -- this one has the right color and miles are low for the year. It "seems" like all the years are hot, I have been watching em' close. It's crazy to see this vehicles do Xtra clean book plus a ghee whiz .. and then some

The reason why I asked, I have seen some "knock off's" run through .. and I never knew they even made em'. Hey, what the heck, fake Rolex's .. fake SS's ..l.o.l.

If it's a nice one, and it's all there .. they are doing in the strong $11's .. so by the time they get em' home and "on line", I could see an easy $14,900 -- But, I would start em' at $13,5 ...

I hope this helps ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · May 2002

...... Right color on the Maxima .. miles are loooow.

These are nice vehicles and they sell well .. should be on everyones top 5 list.

If it's super nice and clean .. no kisses and will stand tall -- then this will do the high $16's on a trade. If you decide to retail it .. make it look 02 and in the paper for $19,950, and grab $18,5/$19,5.

Good luck ...

Terry.

blackcurrant · May 2002

Here's another - speaking of maximas.. in the NE of course - 98, SE, 5spd, beautiful dark blue w/tan velour interior, immaculate, 52k miles, 2nd owner with maintenance records including original window sticker, matched set of new tires. This is a base model with no roof, skins, bose or seat.

What's the street value? I think it might bring 11k on a good day at the sale. I thought i'd ask 13,900. Is that right, or shoot for low 14s?
12s?

rickandcheryl · May 2002

Thanks to all for the input, not what I really wanted to hear, but, oh well, that's life. Will just keep it on the market until it sells, then go buy the retirement car. Thanks again, Rick

Real-World Trade-In Values

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles