Real-World Trade-In Values

dpvwia · July 2002

Bill,

My wife and I are trading-in or selling our 98 Accord EX V6 couple. It's dark green, has 65k on it, and is in very good condition, with exception of a pretty significant 'ding' on the rear quarter panel, and some nicks in one of the alloy wheels. I'm the sole owner, it's paid for, and has been well maintained, no accidents, etc. Also, the tires need to be replaced.

First - what do you think it's worth as a trade-in? Second, should we fix the ding and replace the tires before we try to sell or trade it?

Thanks,

Dave (zip 43212)

robr2 · July 2002

...I guess you, ahem, the body shop owner already made all his boat payments - a Red Label sounds like something nice for a tin knocker to drive around in!!

cschwartz1 · July 2002

Let's try this again!!! This time with complete info:)

2000 Expy Eddie Bauer 2WD
Estate Green
5.4
Tow PKG
Captains Chairs
30,250 miles
4 Brand new (under 300 miles) BF Goodrich tires
No wrecks, dings, or scratches
Tiny chip in windshield but it has been repaired

Hope I mentioned all the important details.

oxx93 · July 2002

Bill--What Could I get for a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with 7000 miles? It is black with graph. interior, chrome wheels, tp monitors, rain sensing wipers, towing package, 10 disc changer, moon roof, heated seats. It is a lease that I might be looking to get out of. Any advice would be appreciated.

bretfraz · July 2002

what he needs is this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1844798806

stickguy · July 2002

I didn't say I wanted a cloth seat Vovlvo with 75k on it, but it seemed right5 up Dave's alley. Must have been hard to find in '98 ( a teal stick shift T5 with cloth? Must have been the only one made).

Of course, for $6,600 or so (what the bid was up to with 2 days left) it would be in my garage.

stickguy · July 2002

`UP TO $9,100 ON THE t5.

And Bill, you can get professional help for that Vaxhaul fixation. those were some seriously nasty rust buckets.

stickguy · July 2002

I am seriously hooked on Ebaymotors. If I ever figure out how to bid, I will be in some serious trouble.

Actually, the prices seem rational. The '99 9-5 I was watching went for exactly what Terry ssid it should (about 12.5K), so no big deals on a no reserve.

ghulet · July 2002

...on eBay motors, I see something that seems like it sold on a phenomenal deal, but it's usually on an older car, so the 'risks' are definitely greater. Add the fact that the purchases are sight unseen, and often involve major travel time and expense, and the 'great deal' on paper often dissipates.

That said, I'm hooked on it, too. Good, cheap entertainment.

rroyce10 · July 2002

..... What is all that ..? A used car lot in the Ukraine ..?

Yeow, don't they make any color besides no-sale blue..?

Terry ;-)

rroyce10 · July 2002

..... From your profile, I see you are from up North .. so the color is a help, plus you are getting lot's of help from all the right toys and the looow miles ..

If you it's still new, you should be in and around that $26 figure on a trade ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2002

...... It's a EB, so you got some help there, new sneakers, big V8, quads, tow pack, miles - ok, etc .. it's a 2WD, so no help there.

If it's a nice one, with no meteorite dust and it is still "stand tall", then you should be around that $21ish figure on a trade.

Hey, good luck ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2002

..... The miles are a little stiff for the year .. and we have some work to be done, it's an auto ..right ..?

Usually, it's to your benefit to have scratches and dent's removed, unless it turns out to be a $5,000 job or something .. l.o.l.. sounds like $300 to me. $300 spent, should bring you $1,000 .. On a trade, you should be in and around that $11ish figure, if you go down Retail Rd. then try $12,9 in the paper and you should see $12/$12,5 if it is knee deep and purrffect all the way around.

Honda's are funny little critters, big re-sale as well as a big trade-in .. Coupes don't sell as well as the 4drs, in some cases it might be better to trade a Honda if there is a tax benefit ...

Good luck ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2002

.... The miles on this one is stiff, stiff, stiff.

It sounds ok based on your description .. it has the dual air, quads and such, but $4,0/$4,5 is all the $$$ on this one.

There is is alot of em' out there, So if you are seeing $6/$7,0 on a trade .. that my friend is an over-allowance.

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2002

... You little devil you .. you have your own site -- Das Boot Motors by Mathias .. hey I like it. l.o.l.

The Corolla is an LE and I know you, I bet that thing is like a "Swiss watch" ... even with the miles, you are in a great area (College's everywhere) someone in Ann Arbor will probably pay $3,5/$3,9 for it.

The Van doesn't look too bad, miles will hurt it .. but it's another $3,9 in the paper, maybe see $2,5/$3,0 ..

No sweat for you ..

Terry.

pierac · July 2002

I'm looking for the trade in value for my white 95 KIA Sportage EX 4x4. It has Power windows/door locks. Roof rack; full size swing out spare tire; AM/FM Cassette. Very clean interior. Exterior with usual door dings from parking lots. No dents. However, Wife had small front end accident 6yrs ago. Professional repair. Can't even tell. Vehicle has 98,600 miles. I have paper work for all maintence. Even changing the timing belt at 70,000.
I'm guessing around $2000.00 I've gotten a lot of comments about how it is a cute little SUV. I think that's fair for a well maintained little SUV. Please help. Thanks

anonymousposts · July 2002

I bought a 2002 Civic SI 5-speed in white for $16,300 (invoice is $18,500 and MSRP was $20,000) and got $12,200 for my black 2000 Civic SI 5-speed with 40,700 miles and paintwork on it. How'd I do in your opinions?

ghulet · July 2002

That's why, a few posts back, Terry (or was it Bill? Sorry) mentioned that it doesn't make much sense to buy a recent-model used Honda. They're expensive used and comparitively cheap new; you can practically drive some models for a year for free, theoretically.

schpilkas · July 2002

Hello,
I have a fully loaded 96 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS with only 54k miles, white, cloth interior and very clean with only minor paint chips on the front. What could I ask for a trade-in?
Thanks for you help...

schpilkas · July 2002

I've purchased it new in Los Angeles and it's never been driven outside of Southern California. Thanks again for any feedback!

phollie · July 2002

Gents,
Can you help out with a price for a black Saab 9-3 base model?

Blk leather interior
21k miles
loaded (roof, abs, etc)
NO power seats
wood (ok, fake wood) trim
cd changer
good shape
Pacific Northwest area

rroyce10 · July 2002

...... Would love to help ..!

What year .........?

auto ..................?

Off to your room .. and no cartoons ..!

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2002

...... The miles are nice and low for the year .. it's the right color, no matter where you live.

So, if the tires are deep .. it's an auto and everything else is 100%, then you will be in and around $5,0 on a trade.

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2002

...... Wow, that's quite a deal ....!

Terry.

rroyce10 · July 2002

........ Well lets see -- it's a 4x4 that's a bunch of HUGE help and it's a EX ... ahhh the miles are super high for a Kia and you don't say if it's an auto or handshaker ...

Sooooo, if it's as cute as a bug .. and everything is hunky dory on it, then maybe around $2,0 on a trade.

Hey, good luck .. and let us know.

Terry.

schpilkas · July 2002

Terry,

Thanks for the input! Now off to find a dealer and a new used car. I've been researching 95-97 M3's and it seems that prices have dropped considerably. Three dealers were willing to drop their advertised price by $4-$5k...and they were all clean and mechanically sound without any negative history. What price do wholesalers purchase these cars at??

Thanks again...

pierac · July 2002

Thanks for the help. It's a hand shaker. The Auto was just too under powered. I'll let you know what they say. I live in Phoenix. Trucks and SUV's do well here. Paul

grist · July 2002

I have a 1994 buick lasabre limited, leather interior, good-fair condition, no body/paint damage. What would you estimate the trad in value in Orlando?
Thanks,k

grist · July 2002

I have a 1994 buick lasabre limited, leather interior, good-fair condition, no body/paint damage. What would you estimate the trad in value in Orlando?
Thanks,k
PS 97800 miles

volvodude · July 2002

Bill/Terry,

I'm looking for a real-world trade in value for my sister's 2001 Toyota Sienna LE. Vehicle is located in the Seattle/Tacoma area and has the following:

21,000 miles (I would rate condition as Very Good....no hits, no dents, tires good, interior good)
Silver Shadow Pearl Metallic over Oak Cloth Interior
Towing Package
Vehicle Skid Control
LE Extra Value Package (Keyless entry, roofrack, captains chairs, heated mirrors)
LE Upgrade Package (Power Sliding Door, Alloy Wheels, Full-size spare, JBL Premium six-speaker stereo/CD player
Auto-dim mirror, temperature & compass.
NO sunroof, NO leather

Did I forget anything? Hope not...I don't want to get sent to my room!

Thanks for your help,

Duane

m1911 · July 2002

I'm considering my first dealer trade-in for a new vehicle. Here's my trade-in:

-- 1999 Acura 3.0CL
-- red
-- sunroof, cruise, cd, etc...all standard
-- 48,500 miles
-- interior is clean (despite having tan leather)
-- a couple of small nicks in the passenger door molding and 1 small scratch in rear bumper
-- accident 3 years ago that required replacement of hood, bumper cover, and 1 headlight ... I have the paperwork proving no frame damage (~$1800 worth of work) ... the work is good on the outside, but under the hood you can tell that work was done if you look hard enough (minor overspray and fender bolts have paint scratched off from the wrench - they took fenders off to check for other damage)

I need tires on it and brake pads, but was debating the value of spending $600 for them if I wouldn't get anything out of it.

I got offered $12.5 at the Acura dealer (he said the car had too many miles, so they'd have to wholesale it -- sounds like a load to me, but ...)

Thanks for your time.

phollie · July 2002

Trying to cover particulars, I forget the basics. Lets try it again.
2001 Saab Base 9-3
Auto
Blk leather interior
21k miles
loaded (roof, abs, etc)
NO power seats
wood (ok, fake wood) trim
cd changer
good shape
Pacific Northwest area

im_brentwood · July 2002

Hmm... I'm sorta with Terry, but I am thinking between $1,500 to $2,000 if the truck looks like a low-mile 99. Really I like this one closer to $1,500 myself. Like Terry said, Miles are really high for a Kia, it just kills 'em.

Sowwy

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2002

Not the Ukraine, Try Yahk, Brtiish Columbia. Seriously

And they'll be repainted different colors. The Real rustbucket I have will be Grey, the one I just got from NJ in January will be Burgandy/Lt Grey, and those 2 will be Pink/White and Light Green I think...

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2002

Hmm...

More info on the M3s! Mileage, Colors, equipment.. yadda yadda...

But M3s can be all over the place pricewise. I've seen 95s with low miles do $18K+++

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2002

Hmm...

I'm in Orlando too!

Your Buick is worth, as a Trade, $2,500 I would think based on what I have seen around here.

In the Auto Trader or Sentinel? You should ask in the mid $4,000s and you'll see between $3,800-4,200 out of it on a private sale I should think.

I have no use for it, but I know dealers who might that I could put you in touch with if ya get stuck. But you're better off getting it detailed and retailing it.

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2002

Hmm..

Good color, good van, high miles... but not horrible.

Methinsk $17,500 to perhaps $18K.

Hope this helps!

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2002

Well, otherwise clean, that's a $14K vehicle.

But we have racing slicks, weak brakes, ($600.. about right to doit right, after nearly 50K miles I'm sure we'd need rotors as well). And we have paintwork, some scuffs/nicks..etc...

I mean, you might see $13K.. but I'd be pegging it myself around $12,500.

If you were to retail it, do new shoes. If it were me, I'd go grab a matching set of used rubber for $150.

Bill

im_brentwood · July 2002

Ahh, now we have the year of the SAAB and the miles. I'll ASSUME it is a 4-door.... (hint hint)

Lotta miles on this one too, And you're not in the northeast, but at least you aren't in Tallahassee or Amarillo or Topeka...

I am thinking like $17,500. Equipment sounds about as good as you can get on a base... No power seats tho, really? Hmm..ya live and learn.

Whatcha think on this one Mr Terry?

Bill

amcmill13 · July 2002

I just needed to know what I would be potentially be offered for my car.

Area: Raleigh, NC
Car: 1997 Toyota Corolla 4dr DX
Mileage: 99,839 (yeah it's a lot)
Color: Dark Blue
Options: Power Door Locks, Power Windows, Power Sunroof, Automatic with Overdrive, AM/FM Stereo Tape, Tilt Steering Wheel, Power Steering.
Outside: The paint is in good condition (it's not dull still has a glossy finish) however, there is a long scratch on the passenger side.
Updates: Tires are less than 1yr old, New Brake Pads and a full car service done a month ago.

So what would I possibly be offered?

bslate · July 2002

Bill-

Thanks for your thoughts on my BMW. You estimates sound fair and about the ballpark I expected.

The top on the car is in PERFECT shape (i clean/polish the window frequently and keep a soft towel between it when top is down.

Anyway, thanks for the advice. I may try and keep it awhile longer... but the "new car bug" has bit pretty bad...

Thanks

Brad

cstowe · July 2002

I have been out for about a week doing research on this. First, here is a repost of my origional request with UPDATES:

I am putting myself in the market for a new (to me) car and I have arrayed a few choices. First, I will either sell or be trading in my 1991 Jeep Wrang 4.0HO,61K mi,blk,grey softop,sans a/c. Any thoughts? - UPDATE: Not a Islander or Sarah, but nice (full carpet, soft and bikini tops, tilt wheel, AM/FM, factory 5-spoke alloys, recline seats, back seat, etc)

Second, please throw me some opinions about the cars in my "selection universe" listed bleow. I like luxury and reliability and want to stay around 20-22K (not incl trade)
Assume a "certified" car from the dealer, good options and decent color.

1999 Volvo S80-T6 (first choice I think)

1999 Lex ES300 (drove one, too boring and I can't justify the price over an Accord)

2000 Infiniti I30 (what are these going for at auction in Dallas?)

2001 Accord EX-V6 (guy told me I can get a 2002 new one for $1200 UNDER invoice till the '03 comes out!)

2001 Passat GLX (now off the list)

2000 Saab 9-5 SE (just found out that my company is part of some program that lets me buy a NEW 9-5 LINEAR for 6750 BELOW invoice...thoughts?)

I know this is a diverse list but each have benefits that balance off the others.

Are these cars realistic for my price range? Any coments on reliability, resale, comfort, performance?

Any info you (anyone) can give is appreciated.

UPDATE-
My company is part of some deal where we can get several "deals"
6750 off MSRP on a new 9-5 LINEAR ONLY
or
If I can find a dealer who will do it I can buy the infiniti from the dealer at the auction price +1.5% +s/h if he buys the car from NNA or NMAC
or
I can take the Honda deal and be done with it.
or
I can keep looking for the Volvo with no deals.

Sorry for the long post, HELP!

cstowe · July 2002

I have been out for about a week doing research on this. First, here is a repost of my origional request with UPDATES:

I am putting myself in the market for a new (to me) car and I have arrayed a few choices. First, I will either sell or be trading in my 1991 Jeep Wrang 4.0HO,61K mi,blk,grey softop,sans a/c. Any thoughts? - UPDATE: Not a Islander or Sarah, but nice (full carpet, soft and bikini tops, tilt wheel, AM/FM, factory 5-spoke alloys, recline seats, back seat, etc)

Second, please throw me some opinions about the cars in my "selection universe" listed bleow. I like luxury and reliability and want to stay around 20-22K (not incl trade)
Assume a "certified" car from the dealer, good options and decent color.

1999 Volvo S80-T6 (first choice I think)

1999 Lex ES300 (drove one, too boring and I can't justify the price over an Accord)

2000 Infiniti I30 (what are these going for at auction in Dallas?)

2001 Accord EX-V6 (guy told me I can get a 2002 new one for $1200 UNDER invoice till the '03 comes out!)

2001 Passat GLX (now off the list)

2000 Saab 9-5 SE (just found out that my company is part of some program that lets me buy a NEW 9-5 LINEAR for 6750 BELOW invoice...thoughts?)

I know this is a diverse list but each have benefits that balance off the others.

Are these cars realistic for my price range? Any coments on reliability, resale, comfort, performance?

Any info you (anyone) can give is appreciated.

UPDATE-
My company is part of some deal where we can get several "deals"
6750 off MSRP on a new 9-5 LINEAR ONLY
or
If I can find a dealer who will do it I can buy the infiniti from the dealer at the auction price +1.5% +s/h if he buys the car from NNA or NMAC
or
I can take the Honda deal and be done with it.
or
I can keep looking for the Volvo with no deals.

Sorry for the long post, HELP!

cashford · July 2002

I have preorder a Nissan 350z and want to trade my 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT when the new car ariives in Aug/Sept.

I live in Plano, TX 75093
14k miles
excellent condition
No accidents
Automatic
Black
All options available for GT
Tires are original and are worn on front

Any idea on what to expect from the Nissan dealer

shenequa · July 2002

I have a 95 Mazda Millenia with 146,000 miles on it, in great condition, and fully loaded. What would the retail/trade in value be at this time?

I appreciate the help in advance...

SJA

qwalls · July 2002

Hey Bill and Terry. Here's one for you. It's my Mom's 2002 PT Cruiser. The Dr. told her she can't drive anymore because of her eyesight. It's a Limited, automatic, moonroof, power windows and doors, CD, chrome wheels, chrome grill and bumpers - basically every option, and then some. Dealer had it priced at $27k, and Dad talked him down to just under $24k. Dark blue exterior, gray interior. Only 1300 miles. (Mom didn't drive much) What do you think, trade-in and retail. A lexus dealer offered him $16k. It's in new condition. Links to pictures below.

Thanks,

Q

http://qwalls.net/images/pt1.jpg

http://qwalls.net/images/pt2.jpg

saturnvue1 · July 2002

Hey Bill & Terry-

My sister in law has a 98 Buick Century with 120k, cloth with power doors, windows, etc.

What is trade in, wholesale, and retail for this vehicle. It's that emerald green color with no body damage.

Thanks

lancerfixer · July 2002

I'm back...71 new posts! You guys have been busy. Thanks for the links, stickguy and Bret...I did like that Viggen convertible. Any Volvo I look at, though, HAS to have the cold weather pack...oh, and not be teal green. :-)

butchbr73 · July 2002

Terry/Bill,
Hope all is well... saw a 1999 Lexus GS400 last night, white w/ beige leather, heated seats, moonroof, standard items, no nav. new tread, noticed a few nicks, but not significant, looks like it was treated well. Doesn't appear to have any body damage and/or paint work, but I haven't confirmed that yet. The only part that scares me is the mileage, 63,656, but then again, its a Lexus.....

Let's say she is clean, what are these doing at the blocks, and what would you expect retail on this bad boy would be? Any opinions on these cars would be helpful...

Your help is much appreciated.
Regards,
Brent
TN

ddelise · July 2002

20,500 miles. All options (sunroof, leather, trip computer, spoiler, child seats, metallic paint, etc.). Original MSRP 29,900. Car is in nice shape - tires look good (2 new), always serviced by Volvo, etc. Thoughts on trade in vs. private salee price???

Real-World Trade-In Values

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