Trade-in Values for a 97 C280?
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Trade-in Values for a 97 C280?
I'm trying to trade my 97 C280 Sport in for a new 05 C230K, but the dealer is only giving me $7500.
My 1997 is in great condition, fully maintained, only one scratch on the paint. It has 71000 miles, Sport Package, CD Changer, Telescoping Wheel, and Sunroof. But, it needs new tires, the windshield has a small crack on it, and the rotors may need to be replaced.
Should I give into the dealer? And trade it in for $7500?
Thanks.
My 1997 is in great condition, fully maintained, only one scratch on the paint. It has 71000 miles, Sport Package, CD Changer, Telescoping Wheel, and Sunroof. But, it needs new tires, the windshield has a small crack on it, and the rotors may need to be replaced.
Should I give into the dealer? And trade it in for $7500?
Thanks.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
"generous"? are you serious?
why is the trade-in value on kkb.com around $8-9K and on carsdirect around 11K? I realize that the dealer has to put in some money into it, but I think they should give me at least $500.
it's actually my first time trading in, so I really don't know.
thanks.
why is the trade-in value on kkb.com around $8-9K and on carsdirect around 11K? I realize that the dealer has to put in some money into it, but I think they should give me at least $500.
it's actually my first time trading in, so I really don't know.
thanks.
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 157
Likes: 1
Here's what you do...
1. "Shop" your car. Got to used lots that will pay cash on the spot for your car, and find out what they'll give you. Now you have the wholesale value of the car.
2. Check comparables in your area. Search allt he classified ads and see what people are asking retail. Look for the lower end of the prices, and new ads will have high prices from dreamers. But, this will give you the range of retail prices.
3. Decide what you want to do. If you HAVE to have the money from your car before you buy a new(er) car, you might want to consider trading, as it is simple and saves a great deal of time.
Don't forget that the dealer will not give you retail for the car. They must pay as close to wholesale as possible in order to make money reselling the car. The trick will be to come up with as fair a price as possible.
I have only trader a car once, as I have always found it more lucrative to sell the car myself.
1. "Shop" your car. Got to used lots that will pay cash on the spot for your car, and find out what they'll give you. Now you have the wholesale value of the car.
2. Check comparables in your area. Search allt he classified ads and see what people are asking retail. Look for the lower end of the prices, and new ads will have high prices from dreamers. But, this will give you the range of retail prices.
3. Decide what you want to do. If you HAVE to have the money from your car before you buy a new(er) car, you might want to consider trading, as it is simple and saves a great deal of time.
Don't forget that the dealer will not give you retail for the car. They must pay as close to wholesale as possible in order to make money reselling the car. The trick will be to come up with as fair a price as possible.
I have only trader a car once, as I have always found it more lucrative to sell the car myself.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
that's pretty generous. Dealers almost always never give KBB or Edmunds trade in values. That gives you a general idea then knock it down a grand or two.
We just tried trading in our '97 A6 Quattro, 78,000 miles, loaded. In good condition, no scratches, accidents, etc. They want to give us $4000! That's the cash value that someone would write a check for the car (they called two different places for appraisal
)
Good Luck! You could always try selling it yourself and probably make a little more than what the dealer is offering
We just tried trading in our '97 A6 Quattro, 78,000 miles, loaded. In good condition, no scratches, accidents, etc. They want to give us $4000! That's the cash value that someone would write a check for the car (they called two different places for appraisal
)Good Luck! You could always try selling it yourself and probably make a little more than what the dealer is offering
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From: Wash., D.C.
C280
Originally Posted by nlpamg
"generous"? are you serious?
why is the trade-in value on kkb.com around $8-9K and on carsdirect around 11K? I realize that the dealer has to put in some money into it, but I think they should give me at least $500.
it's actually my first time trading in, so I really don't know.
thanks.
why is the trade-in value on kkb.com around $8-9K and on carsdirect around 11K? I realize that the dealer has to put in some money into it, but I think they should give me at least $500.
it's actually my first time trading in, so I really don't know.
thanks.
So, $7500 for you and they will sell your car for about $12,000, maybe more if it can be starmark'ed.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Columbia, SC
E300
you need to realize also that Edmunds and KBB are useless in the real world.
NADA runs the show. when you look online, the "average" value is the most realistic value for that car.
NADA runs the show. when you look online, the "average" value is the most realistic value for that car.
Thread Starter
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Well if the NADA values are the most "realistic," then they're still off by almost four grand now. NADA lists the average as $12k, almost $3-4k more than everyone else. http://www.nadaguides.com/uv/viewres...wPr=1&wPg=2032
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Columbia, SC
E300
Originally Posted by nlpamg
Well if the NADA values are the most "realistic," then they're still off by almost four grand now. NADA lists the average as $12k, almost $3-4k more than everyone else. http://www.nadaguides.com/uv/viewres...wPr=1&wPg=2032
