Real-World Trade-In Values

akangl · September 2002

How'd I do? We decided to cut the Jeep from the herd too......long story on all this and I really need to email you I know. The Jeep and Dodge will be leaving in November. Anywho.....I just made a deal on this sweety a couple days ago. Here goes:

1990 Chevy Suburban K1500, Silverado, 4X4, 350 V8, auto, 9 pass, black/red with red interior, am/fm cass, a/c, pwr windows, locks, mirrors, it has a 4 inch lift and 33's for tires (tires are about 30%), nice alloys, runs great, 150K, looks like a 95 on the outside (some minor wear and tear) and an 01 on the inside (non smoker, very nice). Paid a grand total of $5000 for it. Not too shabby huh?

fladriver · September 2002

Terry....the G20 I was looking at was sold already!!! I'd appreciate it if you can give me your guess on 2001 Altima SE, 15000 miles, leather, sunroof, power seats, drawback is color is black. This would be for me to buy in South Florida. Thanks for your help.

rroyce10 · September 2002

..... You are welcome. Sorry to hear that, it sounded nice .. but try to remember , low mileage nice vehicles go fast. The average vehicle, with just ho-hum average miles have a tendency to sit around ..

It's a black vehicle in Florida .. no help there, that's for sure. l.o.l.. normally a dealer would have $13++ in a vehicle like an 01 SE and asking $16+ .. On this one, I would guess $12,0 -- try the high $13's and see what happens.

Black is super in Chicago, Philly and New York --- In Florida, it's the kiss of death.

Good luck ....

Terry.

rroyce10 · September 2002

.... You little devil you .. how are you .?

Well you know your vehicles .. miles might be a little on the stiff side, but it's hard to break those 5.7's, plus it is a 4X4 .. so you did good.

I have seen a few of the 88/92's run through .. and if they are halfway ok, they still do $3,0 at the block .. the problem is, I never get too see the real nice ones, Someone just puts em' on their front lawn, and they are gone in 48hrs or less ...

So email when you get some time ...

Terry ;-)

agt_cooper · September 2002

Terry,

I'm having a heck of a hard time finding a nice Maxima here in the D.C. area, so I widened my search to the I30.

Here's one I found in MA.. (boy did I ever widen my search!!!)

2001 I30 Touring
Silver outside / black inside
11875 miles, so I'm guessing great condition
(As I'm sure you know, the Touring edition gets all the toys, bun warmers, roof, Bose, etc....)

Carfax says it was sold at auction on 9/20/02, Eastern Region, so it hasn't been gathering dust long on this dealer's lot.

How much do you suppose he's got in it, and how much do you suppose he'll really want out of it? Asking price is 26,495, which seems pretty high to me.

Thanks for your help, as always!!!

steine13 · September 2002

You asked about detailers in Michigan, and Terry thought I might be able to help...
Sorry, I clean my cars every 6 months, whether they need it or not. Can't help. I'd ask the next guy I see in a really shiny 5yr-old Bimmer or Mercedes. Just be careful as you chase him down not to look too threatening; we have concealed carry now in MI...
-mathias

lancerfixer · September 2002

I asked this question of Shifty on another board, but I'd like to get your take as well. Here's the copied message.

Local third-rate used car lot has an '86 190E 2.3.
Body's in really good shape, interior is good (I think it's MB-TEX) with the exception of a cracked dash. 180k miles.

Everything works except the sunroof which is missing a switch. There's a small exhaust leak and the battery is shot. Other than that it's mechanically sound. They're asking $1,750.
So. For a run around town car, whaddya think? What issues should I be looking for?

TIA.

stlshopper12 · September 2002

Terry...have one last request. I have still had no luck in selling my '01 Grand Cherokee Limited, 4x4, V6, 12,800 miles, white, tan leather, sunroof, 10 disc cd changer, non smoker, excellent condition, and in St. Louis. Tonight I am going to attempt to trade it in on a new 02 Civic. The Civics are listed at $15,500 for the 2 door EX model at a local dealership. I'm curious as to what kind of trade in I should expect. Thanks for your help.

tblazer503 · September 2002

may be able to get the Civic at a cheaper price... depends on what you think its worth... Looked on carsdirect.com, and they are basically selling online for invoice... seems there is a manufac-dealer rebate for the '02 since it looks like the '03s are out... Just a thought...

coolcar10 · September 2002

Terry/Bill,
I was wondering if u could suggest a trade-in price for my 98 Toyota Camry. Here r the details --
Make/Model - 98 Toyota Camry LE
Miles - 55000
Color - Dark Green
Located in - OH
Condition - Clean (few scratches)
Tires - 18k old Michelins
Aftermkt - CD Player, Keyless entry
Accidents - rear-ended once (trunk,fender), excellently restored

I was offered $7k which I thought was too less. KBB value was $7.4k, edmunds is $8.8k last time I checked.

Do u think i might be better off selling privately?

Thanks.

vegibbs · September 2002

I have a 1999 Sierra (beginning of the new design)light duty pick up truck. SLE, Reg cab, Reg bed, 5.3L V8, 29.8k miles. overall condition is good (no major flaws, no damage, paint (dark blue) and interior looks really good) two seater with a center console. I was curious what I might be looking at if I traded it in. Thanks for the help.

rroyce10 · September 2002

.... Sounds like a pretty nice vehicle .. the miles are low, it's a SLE 5.3 so theres some help there ..

I guess the holdbacks would be it's a Reg cab and no long bed .. if it's a nice one, tires are deep and needs -0- .. on a trade, in and around the $11's.

Terry.

rroyce10 · September 2002

.... The miles are fine for the year .. it's an LE, so you have all the power stuff .. if it's nice and clean, no french fry invasions - then I might "think" the dealer has picked up on the damage, a good used car guy will "feel" the paintwork and doesn't really have to see it ..

So, if I understand your info correctly the ultra low $7's would be about right on a trade. If Ya sell it outright, you need to disclose the damage, I think in this situation I would trade it.

I hope this helps ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · September 2002

.... I remember this one, the only holdback was the 6, still it's a 4x4 limited with no miles, the right color and all the stuff .. hmmm, kinda wacky ..

Ok, let me play the Devils advocate here .. the dealer will want to make some money on the deal. If he is not making any jingle on the new vehicle, then he will want to make it on the trade ..

So he has 2 options .. keep the trade for 30 days and see if it sells, if it doesn't sell he can take it the auction. Right now, they are doing $21+ at the block for the nice ones .. if you are up North, the dealer has a very small gamble, cuz the 4X4's will actually go up a little in price in the next 30 days ... But anyway you cut the pie here, you should see $21 on a trade..

Did I make sense, or was I just rambling ..? l.o.l..

Terry.

rroyce10 · September 2002

... You have CWC in MI now ..?

When did that go into affect .?

Terry.

prpeddle · September 2002

Very interested in your thoughts on what I should get for a dealer trade-in for my 2000 Xterra SE 4X4, with 50,000 miles, AM/FM/CD, Moonroof, Green, Very Clean.

I'm looking at a used 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer, I think I have a good idea of a reasonable base cost ($34K - V8, 3rd row, Reverse sensing, black running boards, Class III/IV Tow) however how should I factor in the 13,600 miles the vehicle has. Turned in 1 year lease I would guess. They have indicated $30,900 and believe they can do better. How low should I go... Thanks!

rroyce10 · September 2002

.... Well the price is right .. the only drawback on these little dudes is the cost of repair, cuz' it's Huge.

Now if you have a "friend" that will do the work cheap and you are not paying MB prices, then go for it ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · September 2002

.... Hey, how are ya .? .. taken' a look at the 30's huh.?

I'm a little surprised you can't find a Maxima ...

This being a T, and having no miles and the right color, he had to pay at least $21 and some change for it, there's not a whole lot of em' that run .. so after the auction fee's, transport, a little this and that, he's probably at the table around $22ish - I think $24ish and some change, will take it off his hands.

Keep us up to date ...

Terry.

nyccarguy · September 2002

That sounds like a nice used car there, but for $24is you can pick up a brand new Maxima SE. Just a suggestion.

steine13 · September 2002

We got concealed carry about a year ago or so... I'm all for it, except for the concealed part. Either wear the damn thing out in the open, or stick it in your jacket and have the serial number branded on your forehead... not that I have strong feelings about this subject or anything.

To keep it semi-on-topic: As far as the Maxima, everyone needs to remember that the info given here is about what the market is doing... NOT about whether the market makes any sense... there's lots of cars where ya "might as well" bite the bullet and go for new... BMWs VWs Toyotas Hondas...

-Mathias
(who actually prefers older cars)

greenmax · September 2002

I am shopping for an SUV and found this vehicle at a local dealer (Tx). It's a 97 SR5 4WD, V6 loaded with leather, running boards, 5 spd, 71.5k miles, "dune" color (silverish), tires half-worn, overall in good condition. I run a Carfax and it came as one local owner vehicle. Dealer is asking $13,3k. Could you give me an idea if that's a good price? Thank you very much!

ssp5168 · September 2002

I am presently car shopping and am wanting to trade in my 2001 Honda Accord EX-V6 with 27700 miles. I have had a dealer offer me $16500 for it which is close to the KBB value of $16510. However, I have had someone who use to work at a car dealership tell me that the dealer will turn around and base their price when they sell the car on the NADA value. The trade in value for my car by NADA is $18500 which is considerably higher. I'm just wondering if I have a leg to stand on in getting more for my trade using the NADA trade in value. And what is the difference between KBB and NADA anyway? Thanks for your help.

anonymousposts · September 2002

With that kinda miles on a 2001 and with the new body-style out that offer of $16500 seems kind fair. I traded in a 01 EX V6 coupe last year with 14,000 miles and got $19,500 back then. Sell it privately for $18,000.

rroyce10 · September 2002

...... The X sounds nice, but it has a Ton of miles ... on a trade, it's worth around the low $15's, maybe a tinge more if it's ultra clean and you are a Left Coaster..

The EB sounds like it has all the stuff, including the Back-up beep beep and the miles are ok.. (I love that) .. sunroof ..? It's a 4x4, right ..?

I don't think the dealer has much more than $25 in it, so after a little this and a little that, lets say it hits the table at $26 .. I wouldn't be a player for much over $29.

So let's say you get $15 for yours .. you should be able to trade him for your vehicle and $14, plus the tax and any pay-offs.

I hope this helps ....

Terry.

rroyce10 · September 2002

.... The Kelley blue book and the NADA are really for the "retail side" of the row .. and KBB is off, waaay off.

Most of the info on the wholesale side or trade side, can be off by $2,0 to $5,000 depending in the vehicle, the area of the country and the time of the year. And on the Flip side, sometimes the retail end can be very deceiving .. sometimes it's something for you to really research, a 4WD is worth a whole bunch more in Wisconsin in September than in Georgia, automatics are worth a bunch more than sticks, 4Drs are worth more than 2Drs, etc, etc. these are the things, that the books forget to tell you. -- So, check the local papers and Really see what they are doing (not asking) .. but doing.

NADA is sometimes a pretty good source for the "asking Retail" side. So of you want to sell your vehicle on the street, they can give you a pretty good idea. You just have to be Very honest and put your pride out of the way ... remember, when you sell a vehicle there is 3 prices -- an Asking, a Liking and a Taking price .. you would love to get your asking price, but if you can't you would like to get X .. and if the market gets stiff - then you will Take Y.

Most folks think, their vehicle is Xtra clean when it's just average or a little more or less .. having a vehicle cleaned once every 15/18 months is not a nice vehicle, having the maintenance done once every 15/18 months does not make for a nice vehicle either, bad tires don't help, food fights is never a winner either. .. l.o.l...

But in your case, getting $16,5 on trade, seems to be ALL the money especially with the miles -- Anonymousposts makes a great point, if you are lookin' for $18, you need to go down Retail Rd.

I hope this makes sense, I haven't had my coffee yet ..

Terry ;-)

rroyce10 · September 2002

..... It's a 4X4 SR5 with 71k .. it's a handshaker and it's a V6 with all the stuff ..

Hmmm, these things can get all the money .. believe it or not, that's not a bad price.

Personally, I would have this dude checked out by a Yota guy, it's almost kinda cheap. .. If it's fine all the way around, then start him at $12,5 and see what he says ...

Terry.

tero79 · September 2002

I have a leased 2001 VW GTI GLS, 30k MI, great condition, all maintance completed at 5,10,20, and 30k MI. I need to trade it in for a automatic, four door, because it's a hassle putting my newborn in the back and my wife dosen't drive a 5 speed well. My lease isn't up until July 2005. What would I get for a trade-in? I think I am upside down because I still owe about $16k. What would be the best thing for me to do. Should I take out a $20k loan pay the car off then trade it in and use the other $4k along with what I get for the trade in? Should I just trade it in outright? Or should I wait a little longer and then trade it in?

Thanks for the advice,
Rob Cantero

agt_cooper · September 2002

I finally pulled the trigger....

The 97 Mazda 626 LX V6 with a handshaker, 72k in no-sale green is gone....

In its place, a 2001 Infiniti I30, 17,200 miles, all the standard Infiniti toys (leather, roof, Bose), in great shape...

The difference? $19,000..... Should I go to my room?

sonjaab · September 2002

Syracuse NY dealers $3200 off sticker at one.
$300 UNDER invoice at another. I thought these
were hot cars !

jmh8 · September 2002

First Vehicle I am looking at is an 00 Maxima Se Loaded with every option. It has 15,500 miles.

Second is an 02 Max loaded with 19500 miles. I live in the Chicago area. I am looking at both and am purchasing this week. The dealer wants 19400 for the 00 and 21000 for the 02. Thanks for the help

tblazer503 · September 2002

may want to check into early lease termination fees... those I hear can be pretty spendy in themselves... depending on the lease...

suvshopper4 · September 2002

Nice mention (and quotes) you got in a Knight Ridder News Service article (author not credited) about expensive used cars' repair costs (in your case, a Rolls Royce).
The article appeared in yesterday's Phila Inquirer (a KR paper).
Way to go.

(That was you, right?)

-ss4

saraha62 · September 2002

First of all, this is a great board. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

Ours is a 2000 Maxima GXE. Dark Grey. In Indy. We added leather and upgraded CD player. Miles are only 26k. No dings or scratches--looks good. All the maintenance records are there. Have had zero problems. The residual is $13+something, I forget. Lease ends mid November. Tires? Four, I think. I don't look at the tires, I'm a girl.

I'm thinking there are going to be a lot of these hitting the auctions in the next couple of months. What's a reasonable offer to make to the dealer? We have not decided if we want to keep it or not. It's a great car but I have a hankering for something new. It's probably worth the $13+ but a better price might make the decision for us.

Thanks!
sarah

tblazer503 · September 2002

Manual or auto....?
Location...?
Sunroof?
I think terry will need these..

If it helps any, blackbook lists your car auto, no sunroof for high 14,'s trade low 17's retail... dont know how realistic it is though...

rroyce10 · October 2002

.... Good morning and thank you for the compliment ..

Well for starters, don't be banging on the dealers door for the "buy" figure on your Maxima .. you need to be on the horn too the leasing company.

The Leasing company will make any decisions, not the dealer .. you might find the dealers # a bunch higher than the lease co's. So get with a Regional or the District lease Mgr and perhaps (depending on the lease co.) they will negotiate your pay-off.

The miles are low and it's a good color, besides that you know the previous owner .. $13 is a super low figure, that's what they are doing at the block ... grab it.

Terry.

rroyce10 · October 2002

.... Thanks for the help .. these folks are killin' me ..

Terry ;-0

rroyce10 · October 2002

... Another Chi-town hustler ..huh.

You are lookin' at 2 good vehicles (I hope) .. the 00 has xtra low miles, so it's a hard to find - auto Right .? $19,4 is a little on the stiff side, probably dropped $16++ into cuz' of the miles, I gotta think $18 might take it home.

The 02, has Lot's of miles, they are a dime a dozen .. might have $18 in the miler, I would think $20,0 or less might take it home. Me personally, I would be on the 00 .. but, if you drive bunches of miles, then the 02 might be more your cup of tea.

I hope this helps ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · October 2002

.... I think you need to read the small print in the Ad's, then go check em' out .. l.o.l... even the Base models, with that at ugly teal are stronger than that ...

Terry :-)

lancerfixer · October 2002

Where the heck is your partner in valuing? Has Bill taken a permanent on-line vacation?

bretfraz · October 2002

I saw his reflection in a pic he took for one of his e-Bay cars. So at least he's still alive.

bucwylde22 · October 2002

Well I just bought a 2002 Chevy Cavalier, and i'm on my 5th payment, making #6 next week. It is a 2002 Cavalier LS Sport, Yellow, black interior, factory chrome wheels, fog lamps, sunroof, cd player, cassette, spoiler, brand new tires... had it from 30 miles, now it has 12500 miles. I made a mistake to buy it because i had another car in mind at the time and i made a dumb decision. now i'm looking to get a 2001 acura integra with 24k miles on it. How much do you think i would be able to get on my car? it is in PERFECT!!!! condition, as it is still a very new car and i take very good care of it, also have all oil change receipts. I know i'll lose some but i hope i won't lose TOO much.... thanks..

dtwleungnyc · October 2002

How do you put 12K+ miles on a car in less than 6 months?

gachar · October 2002

1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5, 4WD, Black, 5Speed, 1 owner, new michelins, 90,500 miles  AM/FM Stereo/CD/Tape  Sport Seats
 Keyless Entry System  Running Boards
 Gold Package  Cruise Control
 Rear Wind Deflector  Rear Heater
 Power Antenna  Aluminum/Alloy Wheels
 Luggage Rack  Alarm System
 Trailer Hitch  Air Conditioning
 Tonneau Cover  Leather Steering Wheel
 Tinted Glass
Extra clean in Atlanta GA

gachar · October 2002

Just performed 90k service. Has 2 door dings and a cracked windshield. Do I need to fix these and detail the vehicle before selling? Also, are local news papers better or some website like autotrader.com? Does carmax give a fair deal for selling?
Thanks a lot in advance.

bucwylde22 · October 2002

i put 12k on the car that quickly because my last job was 20 minutes each way, also i commute to college which is about 45 minutes each way. also if you lived where i live, the closest town is 30+ minutes away if you want to do any type of shopping other than wal-mart. i basically do a lot of driving for various reasons, but mileage has significantly decreased since i got a job that is a 2 mile trip each day.

robr2 · October 2002

...in my part of the world, driving 30 minutes gets me maybe 10 miles during rush hour... :-)

Visting family in Oklahoma, I was amazed they'd hop in the truck and drive 60 miles each way for dinner - quite an eye opener.

rroyce10 · October 2002

... Sounds like a nice little rocket .. the miles are a little on the high side for the year .. and of course it's a handshaker..l.o.l...

On a trade, you might see the high $13's, if it's puuuuurfect, deep in rubber and needs -0- ..

Instead of trading it, have you thought about selling it ..? Clean it up, make it look new, big fat 5 liner in the paper for $15,900 and let the college quarterback buy it for $14,9/$15,5 ..

Good luck ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · October 2002

.... Whooo Weeee Gomer, you did good -- Real Good ..!

With a $19,0 difference, I would say yippie ki yea ..!

Why go to your room ..? I would be out cruisin'.

Terry :-)

rroyce10 · October 2002

..... Ok, I give up.

Is it a 2Dr .............. or 4Dr.

Is it a Automatic or - one of those move it around the center part things.

gheez.

dquick · October 2002

I am looking to buy a new car and plan on trading in my 1998 Pontiac Sunfire as the downpayment. The Sunfire has 29200 miles + fully loaded (a/c, pw, pd, cruise control, automatic transmission, keyless entry, intermittent wipers, cassette, etc.)

At 3 different dealerships I was offered $3400, $4000 and $4200 for my tradein. Only the last one is close to KBB which lists at $4145 but I found other sites listing higher tradein values - Edmunds $5178 & VMR $5675 (NADA was really out there with $6175). I questioned the low trade-in amounts and showed them my sources at which point I was told that "that is just paper this is reality" and that they use another source not found on the internet. Is KBB the most accurate source? Is my trade-in really only worth at most $4200? Thanks in advance.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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