The C class trade-in value thread.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 12
From: Worcester, MA
15' CLS400
The C class trade-in value thread.
I didn't see one of these threads so I started a new one. Recently I've thought about trading in my 02' C230k coupe for a new C class sedan. I went to the dealer and looked around while their car guy looked over mine. My car has a little normal road rash on the front end but other than that its perfectly fine other than having a little high milage (100,000mi). Anyway, the MB dealers first offer was $5,000 for my trade in. I've looked on edmunds and kbb and the going trade in value says $9,000. Looking on Autobytel.com there are a couple in the area for sale but they have 60,000mi and are selling for around $16,000. I'm wondering if I should call the dealer and say give me $9,000 and it's a deal?
So for this thread anyone that has gotten an offer or has traded in a C class in the last 6-12 mo please post your #'s
So for this thread anyone that has gotten an offer or has traded in a C class in the last 6-12 mo please post your #'s
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach, California
2002 C230 Coupe
I was, at one point, looking at a used 2003 E500 and considered trading in my 2002 C230 Coupe. 75K Miles, COMAND, Sport Package, Brilliant Silver on Grey leather, Pano Roof, built-in phone, etc. The dealership offered me $7K on a car that Edmunds says should sell for $11K. IMO, $7K is too cheap to give up a reliable and fully functional car. So I kept the Coupe and will probably drive it until the wheels fall off.
Bob
Bob
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
C320
Last week...
2001 C320 42,xxx
Very good condition
All options except Nav and bi-xenon.
MB deslership: $9,000
Acura dealership: &9,000
If they are offering you $9k I would take it. It's amazing how little these cars are worth.
2001 C320 42,xxx
Very good condition
All options except Nav and bi-xenon.
MB deslership: $9,000
Acura dealership: &9,000
If they are offering you $9k I would take it. It's amazing how little these cars are worth.
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
2006 MB C230 Iridium Silver, 2007 Hummer H3 Slate Blue
I hate to say but your trade in value is based on what the vehicles are averaging at auction, current incentives on new cars etc. Edmunds, NADA and KBB are only guides hence the reason why they state on the disclaimer "this is only a guide..... true value is based on current market conditions." The only book that is accurate is the "Black Book" which the dealer can only get. And if you can get your hands on one expect to get average trade in or less.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
'08 E350 4Matic/ '04 Lexus GX470/ 3 Harleys & 3 Snowmobiles
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
2006 MB C230 Iridium Silver, 2007 Hummer H3 Slate Blue
Almost forgot....it doesn't matter if one dealer gives you 5K and the other gives you 9k your car is still worth X. Its all a numbers game! One may have the ability to show you more by putting your discount in your trade or right off the top of their vehicle. Bottom line is if you ain't happy then sell it on your own. Who cares what the dealer can retail it for.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 12
From: Worcester, MA
15' CLS400
Thanks.. Keep it going. I think we all know about the numbers game and all the other secret things the dealers try. Let's get more numbers in here. If we can get a pool of values we know where to set a goal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,840
Likes: 1
From: MA
E90 M3
I work for a dealer, so I'm going to speak from experience. When we evaluate cars for trade-in, we look at current NADA values and sometimes auction values for cars that have a very small market i.e. high mileage vehicles.
I don't know what options you have, but assuming it's base with auto trans, leather and power seats(no bose, no nav, no sunroof, no sport) the values for your car are as follows:
Clean Trade-In: $8,500
Loan: $7450
Clean Retail: $10,875
In today's competitive pre-owned market, cars retail somewhere between retail and trade, mostly closer to trade. Dealers will often settle for selling the car at trade-in value if the car has been on the lot for more than 90 days.
So, as you can see, the MB dealer's offer of $5k is somewhat conservative but if you're looking to buy an '07 C-Class Sedan (which the dealers are most likely giving away at near-invoice to make room for W204), they're relying on the trade to make money off the deal. Calling them up and saying I'll give you $9k is, IMO, out of the question. You're almost doubling what they offered you.
Expect no more than $6,500 for your trade. If a dealer offers you more, seriously evaluate the car that you are buying and what you're paying, because chances are...you're paying too much. Good luck.
I don't know what options you have, but assuming it's base with auto trans, leather and power seats(no bose, no nav, no sunroof, no sport) the values for your car are as follows:
Clean Trade-In: $8,500
Loan: $7450
Clean Retail: $10,875
In today's competitive pre-owned market, cars retail somewhere between retail and trade, mostly closer to trade. Dealers will often settle for selling the car at trade-in value if the car has been on the lot for more than 90 days.
So, as you can see, the MB dealer's offer of $5k is somewhat conservative but if you're looking to buy an '07 C-Class Sedan (which the dealers are most likely giving away at near-invoice to make room for W204), they're relying on the trade to make money off the deal. Calling them up and saying I'll give you $9k is, IMO, out of the question. You're almost doubling what they offered you.
Expect no more than $6,500 for your trade. If a dealer offers you more, seriously evaluate the car that you are buying and what you're paying, because chances are...you're paying too much. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 12
From: Worcester, MA
15' CLS400
Kevblah, mide does have the bose, sunroof, and a CD changer in the trunk. And your right about the 07's selling cheap (right now they offered to take $3k off which puts it under invoice).
So I wonder if asking $9k is out of the question if I propose to put an order in for an 08' (they just got their first one).
So I wonder if asking $9k is out of the question if I propose to put an order in for an 08' (they just got their first one).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Around here they use KBB as a guide but the reality is, they go by Manheim auction prices and they know the differential between KBB and Manheim and drop it 2K or so for profit. Figure they take your car as-is to auction, make 2K, they are happy, they won't make that selling you an '07 at cost.
Also consider this, from a bank perspective (you'v heard it from a sales guy's perspective). Most banks will not floor (lend money to the dealer to hold the car in inventory) cars with over 60K miles or more than 5 years old. Dealers have to use their own money and they don't like doing that often, more fun to play with other people's money. So the people that buy at auction are usually lower end used car lots. This drives the price down dramatically on these type of cars. I've been telling people on this forum for years, dump your car at it's experiation date (the warranty period) because that's just before the value tanks and you can still get a decent buck for it. People think that if they keep the car another year or two it will save them money, NO, it costs you more. Look at the price guides (Nada, KBB, Edmund...) and see for yourself. An MB will drop more in dollars years 4-6 than 1-3 and the guy that had it the first 3 years had a warranty, new car smell and the latest features and safety items, the guy that had it the next three just has a used car.
Also consider this, from a bank perspective (you'v heard it from a sales guy's perspective). Most banks will not floor (lend money to the dealer to hold the car in inventory) cars with over 60K miles or more than 5 years old. Dealers have to use their own money and they don't like doing that often, more fun to play with other people's money. So the people that buy at auction are usually lower end used car lots. This drives the price down dramatically on these type of cars. I've been telling people on this forum for years, dump your car at it's experiation date (the warranty period) because that's just before the value tanks and you can still get a decent buck for it. People think that if they keep the car another year or two it will save them money, NO, it costs you more. Look at the price guides (Nada, KBB, Edmund...) and see for yourself. An MB will drop more in dollars years 4-6 than 1-3 and the guy that had it the first 3 years had a warranty, new car smell and the latest features and safety items, the guy that had it the next three just has a used car.
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
2006 MB C230 Iridium Silver, 2007 Hummer H3 Slate Blue
Rene
Black Book Value
Average= $10,800 - 3400 for miles = $7400
Fair= $8400 - 2700 for miles = $5700
You should be able to get somewhere between those two figures pending condition and wether or not its been smoked in
Black Book Value
Average= $10,800 - 3400 for miles = $7400
Fair= $8400 - 2700 for miles = $5700
You should be able to get somewhere between those two figures pending condition and wether or not its been smoked in
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
2006 MB C230 Iridium Silver, 2007 Hummer H3 Slate Blue
BTW....Kevblah couldn't have said it any better.
"Expect no more than $6,500 for your trade. If a dealer offers you more, seriously evaluate the car that you are buying and what you're paying, because chances are...you're paying too much."
"Expect no more than $6,500 for your trade. If a dealer offers you more, seriously evaluate the car that you are buying and what you're paying, because chances are...you're paying too much."
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
Bla bla
Never ever, let me repeat, never ever trade in!! You are being ripped off. Yes dealer has to make profit, they ONLY pay you auction price. My 02 Passat was quoted at $5000 at Carmax!! Three weeks later I sold it for $10180!! You just need to be patient, list in paper is NO use. Cars.com and Auto.com sites are ok but you will face a ton of competitions. I listed in Cars.com for a couple of weeks, guess what no matter how low my price went it gets ZERO response. Believe it or not, the best site to advertise you car is Craiglist!!! IT's FREE! I got a response with in days after listing. Yes expect to get several thousands if not more if you trade in. That's it, simple. If you have some patience and smart about doing it, you pocket the thousands when you sell it. In private market you can reduce price to a "give away" pricing point, it will be sold at much higher than dealer trade in/auction pricing. Good luck
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: WA
03 M3 coupe 6MT, 05 A6 (wife + kid's)
Also consider this, from a bank perspective (you'v heard it from a sales guy's perspective). Most banks will not floor (lend money to the dealer to hold the car in inventory) cars with over 60K miles or more than 5 years old. Dealers have to use their own money and they don't like doing that often, more fun to play with other people's money. So the people that buy at auction are usually lower end used car lots. This drives the price down dramatically on these type of cars. I've been telling people on this forum for years, dump your car at it's experiation date (the warranty period) because that's just before the value tanks and you can still get a decent buck for it. People think that if they keep the car another year or two it will save them money, NO, it costs you more. Look at the price guides (Nada, KBB, Edmund...) and see for yourself. An MB will drop more in dollars years 4-6 than 1-3 and the guy that had it the first 3 years had a warranty, new car smell and the latest features and safety items, the guy that had it the next three just has a used car.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, GA
'05 SS Brillant Silver
I've got an '05 C230 Sedan w/ 35k
19", tires with 20k on them
MB factory MP3 CD changer which wasn't avaible option this car
carbon front lip spoiler
rear deck spolier & tint
sunroof
60/40 rears
and the inifiniti dealer quoted me 22k. I'm sure I can get at least 26k for it.
19", tires with 20k on them
MB factory MP3 CD changer which wasn't avaible option this car
carbon front lip spoiler
rear deck spolier & tint
sunroof
60/40 rears
and the inifiniti dealer quoted me 22k. I'm sure I can get at least 26k for it.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
1988 300CE (RIP), 1987 300E
where is this car? I'm looking at W203 cars right now. The main thing for me is to get one before it gets turned in so I dont pay 2K extra right off the top before the first auction. Then it goes to a used dealer and they get another 2K. It's not worth trading in a car that was purchesed new. I think there are three times as many used cars than new cars sold every year. It's a really big business. Just my two cents. I appreciate this board. I've been driving W124 cars for a while and after borrowing my friends W203 car I have seen the light. I've been looking at all years and all options and powerplants. Went and checked out the new 2008 car. It's got what it takes but the front end will have to get some acceptance.
This is a great thread for me. I thought I would get a 2002 sport C320 but now I think I might be able to swing a more recent model. Still the early version appeals to me.
Regards,
Jason
This is a great thread for me. I thought I would get a 2002 sport C320 but now I think I might be able to swing a more recent model. Still the early version appeals to me.
Regards,
Jason
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
1988 300CE (RIP), 1987 300E
Jan Ken Po,
I meant the other car at the top of the thread I guess. Not sure why I even asked. Maybe I was comparing asking prices nationally or something. I've been looking at literally hundreds of W203s across the country.
I meant the other car at the top of the thread I guess. Not sure why I even asked. Maybe I was comparing asking prices nationally or something. I've been looking at literally hundreds of W203s across the country.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Boston
2005 C230WZ
I'm in Mass too, and I've worked at 3 dealerships (2 w/ Benz), and they all use Galves for trade in values. Galves basically is the value that the car is bringing at auction, which is generally going to be a bit lower than KBB Average condition.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
Bla bla
Here's a simple answer, and is based on my experience.
Dealer will give you the "wholesale" rate, which means they won't pay you anymore than what they can get at wholesale. I went Carmax recently valued my trade for 02 Passat GLS, all the sites says it is worth $10K, they offered $5K firm! Was explained to me as wholesale. So wholesale is about half of your car's market value plus and minus few bucks. So in this case they offered you exactly what any dealer would offer.
My suggestion, put on Craiglist with GOOD pics, and a GOOD price, it will sell! Why trade>? Doesn't make sense unless you are looking for a fast sale but you will lose a TON of money. My 2 cents, a lot of peopel do trade.
Dealer will give you the "wholesale" rate, which means they won't pay you anymore than what they can get at wholesale. I went Carmax recently valued my trade for 02 Passat GLS, all the sites says it is worth $10K, they offered $5K firm! Was explained to me as wholesale. So wholesale is about half of your car's market value plus and minus few bucks. So in this case they offered you exactly what any dealer would offer.
My suggestion, put on Craiglist with GOOD pics, and a GOOD price, it will sell! Why trade>? Doesn't make sense unless you are looking for a fast sale but you will lose a TON of money. My 2 cents, a lot of peopel do trade.
