Real-World Trade-In Values

rroyce10 · November 2002

...... Hmmmm, I see no winners on either one of them .. but the 02 has a Ton of miles for a 1 yr old vehicle, that's why it's so cheap.

I have a dealer friend of mine that buys these types all the time. Ultra high miles, then brags on what a great deal it was .. me, I spend the extra money, buy the ones with 7/9/11k miles and they are gone like, yesterday.

If you decide to go with the 02, Bret is right, I would Carfax it and have that puppy waaay checked out, either one actually, but that 3.8 in the 99 should run until the second coming .. and the price is right.

Terry.

bcm216 · November 2002

Sorry about that...2wd SLS...

theking · November 2002

I am interested in 2003 Element...How much should the dealer allow me on my 2002 Honda CRV EX Automatic AWD with 7200 miles..and $1500 worth of dealer installed options. Condition is excellent !

cstowe · November 2002

Terry/Board

I finally pulled the trigger and I am the happy owner of a "new" 2001 Pathfinder LE with 11k miles. I got the color wrong in my earlier post, I said it was beige/gold but it is more of a taupe. It looks cool. So it is a LE which means slider, 6-disc, auto climate control, etc but no leather and no power seats. But, with only 11k miles it is "baby doll" no kisses, deep rubber, still has the air-bag warning thing hanging out of the glove box. Also has a tow package. Dealer wanted 22,5 to start off but I knew it was on the lot for 5-months (the cowboys where I bought it don't like [non-permissible content removed] trucks)so I played hard ball. They just became a Nissan dealer so I knew more about their product than they did. So check this out...I walked out of there with it for $20K + TTL ! But get this,,,they are buying me new factory floor mats and are going to NISSAN CERTIFY it to 100K miles!!!!! Not only did they lose money based on what they bought it for, had money tied up for half a year, but are having to spend money to sell it to me. But, I had no trade and was a cash customer so that made them bend over a bit more.

I cant believe it, I got a certified, practically new car for an auction price. I rock.

SO how do you think I did?

steine13 · November 2002

I think you did ok.
-Mathias

bretfraz · November 2002

Great job! I think you'll love the Pathy. I had an Infiniti QX4 and loved it. As long as you don't need a lot of back seat room, the Pathy will be ideal. Also you've got the best V6 motor on the planet in that truck.

Enjoy!!!

steine13 · November 2002

... about that Nissan V6. Everybody loves it, it's made Ward's ten best, etc. etc.
BUT: These things had severe exhaust manifold problems from something like 93 through 96, then a redesign for 97 brought fewer oil passageways in the block leading to oil starvation and piston slap... no horror stories from '98 on, ok. It's not tops for horsepower, nor torque, nor fuel consumption, nor longevity. It's reported to be smooth -- I've driven one in a van, and it was smooth alright, but no more so than my Toyota V6... it's no BMW inline 6 either... so what's the big deal with this mill?
-Mathias

qbrozen · November 2002

I think that subie would be a great beater. I also think, come spring, you could probably fix it up a bit and even make money on it. That valve job is ridiculous if you ask me. I'm thinking new heads couldn't cost that much. Hell, you might be able to buy a crate WRX engine for that kinda cash.

bretfraz · November 2002

I think you have the VQ series engine confused with the 3.3L SOHC V6 found in most Nissan trucks. Not too sure what van you drove unless it was a Quest as Nissan hasn't made a real van in many years.

The 3.3L did have exhaust manifold cracks on a fairly limited run of engines (I had a manifold replaced on my Infiniti under warranty). This motor is currently available in the Frontier and Xterra, even supercharged. It's a real workhorse engine, quite torquey, and should last 200K+ miles with regular maintenance.

The VQ engine spent most of its life under the hood of the Maxima as a 3.0L DOHC. Size was bumped to 3.5L a few years ago. Known as VQ35DE. Completely different than the 3.3L.

steine13 · November 2002

Are you sure about that??? I was always under the impression that Nissan had just the one V6. I know that Toyota has had two -- one truck, one passenger car/minivan -- for a long time, and both are good engines (3.0 car, 3.3 truck).
Until your post, I would have bet Terry's next paycheck that Nissan had only one V6, tweaked a little for each application.
Anybody know fer sure?
BTW, the van was indeed a Quest.
Back to raking leaves, now that the snow has melted...
-Mathias
East Lansing, MI

bretfraz · November 2002

Not blowing my horn or anything, but I'm a cofounder of a Pathfinder/QX4 club on Yahoo Clubs. I know the trucks pretty well.

Here's an engine family matrix from Fresh Alloy, the ultimate Nissan website:

http://www.freshalloy.com/site/features/tech/engines/home.shtml

rroyce10 · November 2002

..... Since Mathias is betting with my money, let me just put my 2 cts in, while I have it - if I may.

If I remember correctly, the 3.0 was in the van til 98, then they went to the 3.3 and assembled in Avon Lake, Ohio -- or was that a V12 and it was assembled in Spain .? Well it was one of the two ...

Terry ;-)

steine13 · November 2002

I guess I'll go to my room.

stever · November 2002

I have a '99 3.3L Quest ("VG 33E") - the engine/drive train were shipped to Ohio for installation by Ford union workers into sheet metal stamped by Nissan in TN. The older ones ('93-'98) had the 3.0 V6, also shipped from Japan, and those are the ones associated with the bad manifold bolts (thru '95 or so anyway).

Or so I've always read -- I really don't want to put my money (or Terry's) where my mouth is against Bret ;-).

Steve

Host

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rroyce10 · November 2002

.... Whooo, Christmas came early for you this year ..

That was one heck of a great buy .. $20 .? Wow - your another one that should be arrested.

No miles and no money .. great Job.!

Enjoy it ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · November 2002

..... Ok, now we got some something to work with .. it's a 2wd SLS, V6, auto, your a yankee boy out of Cleveland, we got 50k, low miles and it's a 3 door .. lotsa help going on here ..

If it's clean, no paintwork, interior is lookin' nice, deep in rubber and lookin' 01, then on a trade, you should be in and around that $6ish figure .. this would be a great vehicle down Retail Rd., $8,5 in the paper and $7,5/$8,0 takes it home ..

Good luck ....

Terry.

stebu · November 2002

Actually, I'm looking for what two examples might go for at auction and retail. Both are silver exterior, no sports package, automatics, both very clean, no damage, and need nothing, NE region, if this last bit helps.

Differences are:
SLK #1 has 12K miles, heated seats, red/black leather, single CD.

SLK #2 has 36K miles, blk/blk leather, CD changer

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

cstowe · November 2002

Terry,

Thanks for the kind words, yes, I do feel like a bit of a criminal but what can I say, they didn't HAVE to sell it to me for that price. And the whole certification thing still makes me laugh.

I think a lion's share of the credit should go to you and this board for providing me with great information during my search. I doubt I would have been so successful without you as a resource. I will be in the market for something new for me (my wife gets the Pathy) in the spring so expect to see me back. I will stick my nose in here from time to time just to keep you honest.

Thanks again!

cstowe

ace10 · November 2002

on a '98 infiniti qx4. 50K miles. sunroof, cd changer, htd seats options. condition is GOOD on the poor to excellent scale. it's my leased vehicle and the bank really doesn't want it back. it's been good to me so far. contracted buyout is $22K, they're pitching a reduced buyout of $15.1K. how does that sound? i don't want to keep it much longer(under 6 months), but it would beat buying another new vehicle right now.... btw-there aren't any sales taxes on the buyout of a lease.

thanks for the help.
ace

maxpower02 · November 2002

going to look for a new Accord next week and I would like to know what the trade-in value would be for the following:

1995 Saturn SL2 in NYC.
31,000 miles (dont use it much)
Dark Blue ext/gray cloth int.
5-speed (I know), power steering, windows, locks, mirrors
power brakes-ABS 4-wheel disc, cruise control, A/C
alloy wheels, original tires, rear spoiler
Premium stereo with cassette/equalizer
key fob, alarm

All scheduled service and repairs done at dealer. Car was in accident 2 years ago; passenger side front door and front right fender were replaced. Repair shop did an excellent paint job, cannot tell car was repainted. The car has no dings (its a Saturn), except for a slight indentation/chip on the lower drivers side front fender. (Parking lot mishap).

I wash and wax regularly, detail once a year, and the car is kept off NYC streets!!! After waxing, the car looks brand new. No smoking or eating in car, interior has no rips or stains.

Now. KBB has it for $2,565 (I hope) and Edmunds for $3,531 (I wish). What do you think???

Terry, keep up the good work, you give good honest info to people, thats getting hard to find these days!

mfletouva · November 2002

I had a discussion with Terry about Intrigues a while back when I decided to trade my Alero for a new one (to recap I got a $27132 Intrigue GL w/sun and sound for $19899 plus $10000 for an '01 Alero GL with 22k for a total price of $9800 or so), and his advice back then was to retail out of the Alero and get an ultraclean '02 GLS with 7/9/11k miles on them. Not that its bad advice, but I looked into it and at least where i am there just aren't any to be found. Best I could do was an '01 GLS with 12k and they still wanted $17 and would give my book value only on my trade (8800). There weren't very many Intrigues made in the past two years and there are even fewer very low mileage examples around, so although it might be a nice idea its just not that feasible.

That being said, I would have to agree with Terry about neither of the two Intrigues Odiemutt mentioned being particularly attractive. There are some Intrigues out there that sort of 'split the difference' between the '99 and the '02--and that aren't former rentals. I would keep on looking.

tblazer503 · November 2002

FWIW, I wouldn't keep it unless you really like it, but since you don't wan't to keep it much longer, I'm thinking numbers private party in and around high 16k, and trade in high 13k right now based on the blackbook. You may break even, you may not... at least you know all the previous history on it, and you know it's a clean one. If you are getting tired of it, I would walk away...

rroyce10 · November 2002

..... I see your from the Mass area .. right now and through "around" April these should go cheap, most dealers in your area should be happy to cut em' loose -- these have never really been barn burners from jump street anyway ..

I see alot of these, and right now if the 36k is puuurffect, waaay deep in rubber, just a baby doll and service is 100%, then it will be doing around that $22ish figure at the block and $26,9 is a good "asking" price on the retail side.

The 12k is ultra low, I will "assume" is just jam-up perfect, it would see around that $24ish figure at the block .. down Retail Rd a good "asking" price would be $28,9. Unless you are sitting around a Trent Jones golf course or a nice SE beach area, I don't ever see them doing large money ...

Good luck ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · November 2002

..... Thank ya, thank ya, thank ya very much ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · November 2002

..... What can I say .. it's gotta be new, no miles and a bunch of nice accessories .. on a trade you should be in and around that $20ish figure ..

Terry.

rroyce10 · November 2002

.... Thanks for the compliment and thanks for a Great description ..

Ok, so we have had a little fender bender, it's a handshaker but you know that .l.o.l.. it's a SL2, it has all the power stuff, everything but a slider and let's not forget those ultra low miles.

Let me be the devils advocate here for a moment .. if I was the dealer, I would be grinding the vehicle up cuz' of the 5 speed, the accident and it needs new sneakers, so most dealers would be starting around that $2,0 figure .. your reply is, it's loaded up, it has -0- miles, service is all documented, it's a non-smoker and it's cared for, it's a hard too find.

I can't see why you wont see $2,5/$3,0, just make sure you do a little detailing before you go shopping ..

Let me know ...

Terry.

ghulet · November 2002

...spend $4-500 on new tires, detail it and put it in the paper for $4500, take $3500.

rroyce10 · November 2002

..... Gman .. $4/$500 for tires .? it's a Saturn, not a Z06 .. l.o.l.. Sears has P205/75R14's on sale for - 4 for $129, so by the time they do the spin and a this and a that it's $200, but still a great idea ...

Terry ;-)

rroyce10 · November 2002

...... Obviously the lease co. has been watching the auction reports .. just for the "grins and glory" of it, go back and hit em' at $14 and see what they say .. $15 is fine, but there is only a few more big auctions left for the year .. also check on that tax thing, a re-purchase is always considered taxable.

Terry.

stebu · November 2002

Terry. Yu'da man.

I have one more. Wondering about trade-in/retail.

'00 Infiniti G20t (limited slip, rear wing, climate), 5-spd, 35K, light pearl green, winter package (heated seats/mirrors's), beige leather, sunrf, climate, Bose, original rubber, wheels/interior perfect, exterior very clean/glossy, has a 2" touched up scratch on fender, no dents/accidents, this one's personal so please be gentle ;^)

BTW, I don't know about Trent Jones but there is a new TPC club near by and Tiger's coming next year!!!

Thanks again.

bryancos · November 2002

Thanks Terry! I leased the vehicle in July 2001, so it's about 17mos old.. so 12K mi for a car that is only 17 mos old is actually UNDER the average! (assuming avg of 12-15K mi per year -- I'm under mileage based on my 12K/yr lease) Not sure what I'll be trading for just yet.. have to find a dealership who's willing to play ball first. Am looking at the new 4runner and a few others. Most of them (other than GM dealers) don't want to talk to me when I mention an 18 mo old trade in... They claim they couldn't give me what I'm looking for. At which point I walk away and go looking elsewhere.
====

9544 of 9585 Bryancos .. by rroyce10 Nov 16, 2002 (08:41 am)
..... Everything is going your way, including your zipcode. It's snowing and 4x4's are going to hold their own ..

It's the right color, it's has all the good stuff, miles are a little on the stiff side, but you say it's "clean to the bone", so that's what it's all about .. on a trade, you should be seeing, in and around $24ish for the vehicle.

So, you are in great shape. By the way - what are you trading for .?

Terry.

mirth · November 2002

stebu - you're selling the G20? Who's gonna defend on the G20 vs. board now? lol :-)

stebu · November 2002

Not to worry, I remain ever vigilant and ready to take up the cause in the face of ignoble attacks upon the G20. ;^0 lol

Actually, the G is still and will probably remain my main steed for now, unless something REALLY tempting pops up. I'm just feeling out some potential dealings. If, or when, I do make a move, the G will probably never slip between the itchy fingers of my circle of extended family and friends.

venturaweston · November 2002

Hi terry,

I'm amazed at the amount of useful information you're able to provide people. now, after too much standing-on-the-edge-of-the-dance-floor-too-scared-to-ask-the-girl-to-dance, i've decided to ask for your advice on trading in my car.

2000 Acura 3.2 TL, no navigation system. 19.5K miles. A few minor dings on the rear bumper, almost non-noticeable to me, everything else is pristine. I've seen the KBB and TMV values; are these reasonable figures to expect from a lexus or BMW dealer (south florida) when i trade mine in?

Thanks for the encyclopaedic knowledge you provide everyone here. it's quite a learning experience for those of us, uhh, less edumacated in such matters.

dtwleungnyc · November 2002

Venturaweston, after stating that you been standing on the side line for a while, you still make the big mistake of not providing the necessary info? The god of "Real world trade in values" frown on you. 8)

Anyway, you will need to state what color the car is, especialy when you are in South Florida. What is the color of the interior? Assuming its leather. Sunroof? Give Terry as much info as possible. 8} Good luck!

venturaweston · November 2002

dtwleungnyc, i stand before you a humbled man.

Silver, Black interior. Yep, leather and sunroof are standard - in fact, the only option available on that car was the navigation, and i didn't get it.

I offer my last girlfriend as a sacrifice to the gods of "real world trade-in values". for me, it's no real sacrifice

clpurnell · November 2002

Looking for a nice commuter vehicle. Here are a couple I found and was looking for your take on them.

http://www2.chroniclecars.com/vehicle_details.psp? id=258816193&fact_name=Zip2%20ID

http://www2.chroniclecars.com/vehicle_details.psp? id=294402163&fact_name=Zip2%20ID

http://www2.chroniclecars.com/vehicle_details.psp? id=285779783&fact_name=Zip2%20ID

Take the space out after the ? for the link to work.

stickguy · November 2002

What's current retail/trade(in NJ) on a:

1997 Volvo S90 (last of the rear drivers)
69K on the clock (just barely broken in!)
Black with Tan guts
fully loaded, no signs of paint or body work
Needs a new power antennae, no other apparent problems
new brakes, good sneakers.
No fry invasion present.

steine13 · November 2002

A friend is being ordered by wifey to ditch this (for a minivan, no less):
'98 Camry LE auto 4cyl 67k miles.
hunter green with, uh, spoiler.
The usual stuff; cruise, auto, power everybody.
no leather, no slider. Clean, no paintwork.

And I'd TOLD him him sedans stink when you have a little kid... but nobody listens to me...
Thanks in advance as always,
-Mathias
East Lansing, MI

thel · November 2002

Its got 151,000 miles, 4.0L I-6, cloth seats, and beigy-creamy-pearl paint that is in good condition. Its a one owner car with good rubber. What kind of numbers are we looking at for this one? Thanks in advance for you help Terry!

sweetv12 · November 2002

'99 Bentley Arnage; blk/tan; loaded; chromes; roof; picnic tables; dual phone; etc. 24K miles.

'99 Rolls Silver Seraph; sunshine/tan; 9K miles; loaded; chromes; no roof; picnic tables, etc.

Any regional diff in value if estimating a TX car or a CA car?

TIA.

P.S. what are the '01 AMG SL500s going for now, btw?

compositfiling · November 2002

Hey Terry, ok, here's the car, a 1985 mercedes 300D, I'm (or my parents are) the original owner, have every service record since the day it was bought, serviced regularly, and it drives perfectly. Interior is immaculate--not a scratch, no tears in the mbtex, smells great, used just as a commuter car. The exterior is nautical blue with creme beige interior. No cracks on the dashboard. I'm serious when I say the interior is PERFECT. The exterior--this is where it needs some work---the right rear door and quarter panel have been repainted (we have a sideentrance garage and on two separate occasions, we've hit the wall while taking a right turn into the garage---the first time, the door was painted at maaco, and they did a crappy job, which doesn't match the rest of the car at all, the 2nd time, we had it done at the dealer, and the job is perfect. The car has some oxidation (fading) on the paint, and what's starting to be rust--about the size of a quarter just at the base of the rear left wheel well. The car has 216,000 miles on it. Everything works except for the cruise control. The car drives great--and has no problems at all, it's just that I was told b/f I can get a new car I have to sell this one. What do you think is a fair price?

I also have another question, what do you think an a4 quattro 1.8 with about 6000 miles on it, one owner, black exterior, automatic, sport package, (but no winter package,) and vinyl, and it's a 2001---absolutely immaculate should go for? He's asking around 25,000, and I feel like that's way way too much--where should I start?----oh, one last thing, we're in the baltimore d.c. area . . .

rroyce10 · November 2002

..... The year is closing, so I'm sure there is a few dealers that will cough up a figure to get it done .. what figure were you hoping for .?

Terry.

rroyce10 · November 2002

.... Let's see here .. the miles are ok, color is ok, it's got leather, slider and all the stuff, tires are original, you say it's a clean one except for a small scratch, it's a T and (ouch) it's a handshaker ..

Well everything Was going your way .. on a trade - in and around that $12,5/$13 range, depending on the dealer.

Now that didn't hurt, did it.?

Terry :-)

TJ is building some of the state of the art golf courses in the country right now, built some beauties down in Alabama. I'm sure me and Tiger will be playing a few rounds together -- about the same time the space aliens take over the planet.

rroyce10 · November 2002

*** now, after too much standing-on-the-edge-of-the-dance-floor-too-scared-to-ask-the-girl-to-dance ...l..o..l...

I thought I heard them all ... !

Sounds like a little rear fascia paintwork for the dealer, probably around $200 to repair, what's that from, dragging your golf clubs at the Polo club ..

Could be a nice one .. miles are waaay low, the only thing that might hold it back is the black interior, but the temps have been aligning with the winter season (huh.?) .. on a trade, in and around that $18 zipcode ..

By the way, whats your old girlfriend look like, maybe I will take her on a trade in .. hehehe.

Terry.

rroyce10 · November 2002

.. Good morning .!

67 klicks for a 98 Yota is nothing, but a dealer will hate it, it's that standard no-sale green color, it's a LE with just the basic stuff ..

So, let's say it's deep in all 4, new battery, freeze has been changed out, wipers are new, service is 100%, needs -0- .. then he will be at that $6/$6,5ish figure .. give or take a Nick either way.

I'm paying $7,5/$8,0 for the ultra cleans, with 35k .. so this should give you an idea.

Terry :-)

venturaweston · November 2002

Thanks for the info. I was hoping to get around $18K; I'm sure they'll lowball me to start, but I'll try to stick to my guns.

>>>what's that from, dragging your golf clubs at the Polo club ..

heh, heh, now it's MY turn to LOL! Actually, i dinged a post backing my car out of an ATM. They don't let guys like me into Polo clubs

By the way, you probably couldn't get rid of the last girlfriend even at an auction - she's high mileage *and* high maintenance!

butchbr73 · November 2002

Hey Terry,
you have been busy in Bill's adsence... its got to be hard to keep up. you do us all a great service, we appreciate your valuable help.

What does one of these babies run at an auction? Lets say a silver with black guts, 4x4, about 6,000 miles on it, looks brand new, the usual stuff, slider, premium package are the additional options. Whats the usual difference between one of these and an '02 Pathy, similar setup? Obviously the Infiniti, is a nicer truck, but the question is if its really worth the extra jingle in the end?

thanks,
Brent
Knoxville, tn

bretfraz · November 2002

Terry can speak to price diffs but as time has gone by, the mechanical diffs are getting less significant.

The trucks are essentially the same; same platform, same driveline, same factory, etc. The QX4 is tuned to offer a slightly better ride but otherwise they should feel comparable.

The big diffs are the equipment and warranty (5yr/60K on the QX4). The dealer experience is quite different; Infiniti dealers are consistently ranked at or near the top of JD Powers surveys while Nissan dealers are the exact opposite. Depending on your long term view this alone might be worth the extra $$.

There are plenty of pro & con about which is the better buy. It's more of a personal value judgment than anything. Both trucks are very good for what they are.

Hope this helps.

rroyce10 · November 2002

.... This is the guy, that moved from Chi-town to the big H .. right.?

I'm trying to help ya bud, but I keep getting server 504 or 405 or no such thing, I even took the ? out .. you gotta remember, you ain't talking to a Rocket scientist when it comes to computers, half the time I can't find my own files and my 12 year nephew won't be back til Saturday ..l.o.l..

Terry.

Real-World Trade-In Values

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