Edmunds Answers questions

I have negative equity in my car but we need a more pratical family car what options are out there for us

ellesc — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:05:45 GMT

I had to get out of a car I had with my ex husband name on it which the car I have now was the only one that I could get in. THat car had negative equity in it too but his name was on it and I didn't know at the time I could have refinaced it to get his name off of the loan so I traded it in and they added it to the new loan. Now my new husband and I are expecting twins and the car I have now can not accomadate my son and twins. We are willing to put $5000 down cash we have a 732 credit score but we are $12,000 negative in the car. We tried a home equity loan but we don't have enough equity in that either.
We are looking for any options that are out there to help us get through this.

I am in the US for 18 months. Should I buy a new or pre-owned car knowing I will have to sell it in 18 months?

ffpicard — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:32:26 GMT

I am interested in buying a Toyota corolla or Yaris. My budget is very limited. I just want to make sure I will not loose money after 18 months trying to resell it.

I am trying to determine the value of several automobiles back in Nov 2003. Any suggestions?

evonsalews — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:07:07 GMT

I need to determine the value of the following vehicles on November 1 2003. In other words how much were they worth - a guestimate on Novemebr 1 2003:
1992 Mustang
1993 Grand Am
1992 Blazer
1990 Blazer
1987 Tow Truck
1992 Cherokee
1991 S10
1983 Camaro
1989 Grand Prix

My used car dealer talks about "wholesale price." Is this anything like TMV Trade-in price?

92camrywagon1 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:55:07 GMT

I am trading in my car at a local repair station. He says "Cars like yours are going for 3000-4000 wholesale" but the TMV trade-in price is $6261.

Is there such a thing as "wholesale price" that's less than trade-in, or is he lowballing me?

How much information must be disclosed regarding a used car's condition when trading it in?

danbarc — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:21:23 GMT

My 2008 Acura was recently damaged in a front end collision that activated the driver's side airbag. Now that it is repaired, I want to trade it in. How much information am I required to disclose to the dealership I'm trading it to?

When dealer buys a car at auction, is the price paid similar to the amount given for trade-in?

Cosmo34 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:19:43 GMT

I am interested in comparing the price a dealer paid at auction vs. the price given on a trade-in to determine the spread between the dealer cost and the price at retail. Car is 2006 Jetta 2.5 Sedan with 25,000 miles. It is certified. It was a fleet car purchased by the dealer at auction. TMV trade in value is $12,590. Retail price is $15,400.

Resale value of rental?

sketch — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:54:59 GMT

I hope this is the right section. I recently purchased an 07 Camry. I asked the dealership if it had a clean title and they guaranteed that it did. However, I didn't ask about it previously being rental because I didn't think of it at the time. Later I found a Hertz sticker in the car and sure enough a Carfax report confirms it was a rental. I know I should have checked first but the past is the past.

My question is will that affect the resale value a great deal when I sell it in a few years? The car runs great right now and it has a 100k platinum warranty on it. I'm just worried about resale value. I contacted the attorney general here in Texas to see if they had to disclose that information to me before selling but waiting to hear back from them. If it won't affect resale a great deal I might now worry about it and forget it.

rolling negative equity balance into 0% loan?

steveburt — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:53:23 GMT

Can I roll my negative equity on my trade into a new 0% loan?

Why is Lexus trade-in value so low with the retail so high compared to any other car in San Francisco?

markmail — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:43:52 GMT

Looking at the acual cash value and the private/dealer retail selling price is thousands off. Is this normal? Should I wait for the retail to come down closer to ACV or just move on to a Toyota or Honda? They're so boring!!!

I want to trade an 04 Honda Civic, but it has a busted bumper. Should I get that fixed before I go to the dealer?

benji1218 — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:07:02 GMT

I want to trade an 04 civic, but it has a busted bumper, should I get that fixed before I go to the dealer? My front bumper has a decent crack on the lower passenger side, it's going to cost $650 to fix. I'm afraid if I fix it I won't get my money back on the trade.

How much is a 1983 Ford F-150 worth? 6 cylinder 5 speed manual, no a/c. 57,000 miles.

sirensong25 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:45:49 GMT

I am looking for anyone familiar w/ older ford pickups and have some questions regarding vehicle value. Here's the story: I need to find out how much a 1983 Ford F150 pickup is worth. It supposedly has only 57,000 miles on it, but I won't believe that until I get a Carfax on it. It is a 6 cylinder 5 speed manual with no a/c. It was damaged in an accident in which the driver at fault had no insurance. The vehicle has to get a new fender, high beams, and some repair to the front wheel. The owner of the vehicle is claiming that the total cost for repair is $6000, but I am interested to know if the vehicle is even WORTH that much?? If you can help me, I'd greatly appreciate it, thank you !!

04 Cadillac Escalade ESVs are selling these days for $5K below book trade in! At auction going for $13K! Why the discrepancy?

ieldeib — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:26:12 GMT

I just sold my 04 Escalade with 63K miles on it, for $17700. It is in excellent condition and was extremely well maintained. We live in the midwest. I tried to sell it for several weeks or more and had no reasonable offers so $17700 was the best offer in my last ditch effort to sell by selling on ebay. Even on Ebay, similar Escalades are selling for even less (avg. around $17-$18K - even dealers asking these prices!, with a few selling for around $21-$22K). I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS SUCH A DESCREPANCY IN THE BOOK TRADE-IN AND PRIVATE PARTY VALUES FOR THESE ESCALADES in comparison to what they are ACTUALLY SELLING FOR ON THE STREET THESE DAYS (to average private party buyers). Even at AUCTION, they get around $15K!!! PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON AND WILL THE ESCALADES EVER GET CLOSER TO THE $23K Trade In values, or will the TRADE IN VALUES DECREASE TO REFLECT THE MARKET SELLING PRICES?

Thanks so much! I felt so bad to sell my Escalade so cheap after what I paid for it and how much I've put into it. :(

Leasing Car, Want to use Trade in as Down Payment

joebob — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:17:55 GMT

Thinking of leasing a car priced at $23,000. How much down payment is too much for a car that you will turn in? The residual value of this car could be around $12,000, so if I need to pay around $11,000 in my 3 yrs of payments, does it matter if I put down more than the 'standard' $2,000 down for leasing? I offered my trade to a dealer, but they only wanted to value the trade in at 3,000. Maybe dealer just won't take trade ins of mor value, since they want you to finance payments..and since they'd rather have cash down.

Will a dealership pay-off my trade-in for me to break even so I can buy a new car from them? No profit from trade.

jtstud — Fri, 23 May 2008 23:28:18 GMT

Car trade-In

Used Conversion Van Prices

kkehler65 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:08:45 GMT

Where can I find these prices on-line?

I have a 07 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lariat fully loaded. I want to trade in. I know I'm upside down so what do I need to do?

traser — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:43:41 GMT

I owe 35 and the cars i'm looking at are under 12.I know the market is rough on trucks now but what can i do besides a down payment to help me trade in my truck?

How much is a Cadillac Eldorado Convertible 1972 in good condition worth please. Today's market price?

kimaylward — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:44:02 GMT

Cadillac Eldorado Convertible 1972 in good condition - the market value

I just lost my job and have a 07 Subaru Outback at $375/month. Can I trade in the car and if so how? Thanks.

petergibons — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:14:46 GMT

The payment is $375\month, thanks to a loss when I traded in my Saab. I would like to get a payment around $200 a month. I see that some companies are offering money down, and I could use this for a down payment on a new lease. My Subaru Outback is an 07, basic model, auto trans with 27K. I have a couple months to get my finances in order, however given that state of our economy sooner is better than later.

Trying to appraise a 2008 Chevy Express but the Express does not show up on your list of used 2008 Chevys?

jacassar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:44:44 GMT

Am I missing something? Other 2008 models are available to choose from but not the Express van. I am trying to appraise a 2008 Express LT 3500 15 passenger van with 16,000 miles. Thanks!

Infiniti G35 deal or no deal? Help please.

dawnflny — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:54:50 GMT

Hi all, I am sorry to post what might seem a trivial message but was hoping someone can give me some feedback. I am looking to purchase a pre-owned automobile and my budget is about 11g dollars. I have not been looking at cars in this class until a friend of a friend told me they had a 2004 G35 for sale for sale for $12,000. When I inquired I found that the car has 71,000 miles on it. It has all the bells and whistles. I have been told the oil was changed every 3,500 miles but they do not have the records. Assuming that the oil was changed regularly and I am going to decide this by the sellers reputation how many miles can one expect to get from an Infiniti G35? I am hoping to get a car that will at least last 100k miles more and am afraid I am pushing it here. However the car is VERY nice! Its this or a Sentra! Should the mileage discourage me? Thanks.

What are my financing options in an upside down trade in?

solitaire — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:24:54 GMT

Hey all,I need some advice,
my past experience buying a car was pretty disastrous. I walked in to buy a $4000 honda and walked out with a $10'000 Audi... a couple of years later,and expensive repairs, i'm back to shopping for a Honda, except now, I still owe $6000 on the audi, and trade-in looks like the best option. At a $4000 trade in value, what are my financing options should I find a car at 4k or less... could the difference be transferred over?

I'm upside down on trade. Is it possible to trade it towards a lease?

morriru — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:04:53 GMT

I'm a couple grand upside down on an 06 F-150, but would like to look into leasing an SUV due to a recent move. I know lots of ppl advise against putting money down on a lease, but is it possible for them to accept a trade where more money is owed than it's trade value? I assume they could just up the monthly payments, but is that the case?

What happens to the value of a vehicle if the parent company goes bankrupt?

toploader9 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:59:11 GMT

This question would relate to the big 3 automotive companies and how there vehicle values change on declaring bankruptcy.

Do Kia cars have bad poor trade-in values?

JimmieJay33 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:18:44 GMT

I just want to know if I buy a Kia and trade it in the next year or two would the value of the car be lower than the others?

Resale Value. ALG lists 1 set of vehicles, KBB/Edmunds/CR/Honda.com all list different vehicles. Which is true?

paul_philly — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:12:30 GMT

I'm looking to purchase a vehicle and resale is ver important. ALG released its 2009 highest residual winners, KBB winners for 09 are completely different. Edmunds TCO states even different vehicles as tops, as does Honda.com (in the compare vehicle section) and consumer reports, Forbes and more. What is the closest truth to resale value (on a purchase, not lease)?

Trade-in value for 2005 Ford Escape?

bret7 — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:37:18 GMT

I have a 2005 XLS Ford Escape with the "Intelligent" 4-wheel drive. It also has the Blaster package which includes 6 speakers/6 CD changer/running rails/oversize tires and roof rack with about 49,600 miles. I have had one accident right after I got it where I lost control on an icy road. Damage was about 11,000. Ford should have totaled it but didn't? Why? Don't know. No Structural damage, mainly the windshield, all windows on passenger side and rear window with passenger door replaced. Vehicle is Copper colored and I know it costs allot to have to repaint it.. Can anyone tell me what the trade-in value would approximately be?

I want to get information how a trade-in works.

blkoso — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:16:28 GMT

I owe like $12,000 in a 2007 car. I want to trade for a pickup of 1999 that cost like $8000. is a good way to do it a trade in?

How does trading in a car to "upgrade" work? Is it worth it if my trade value is less than what I owe on it?

avjeep — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:23:55 GMT

Trade in

My 2006 leased VW Jetta is worth more than buyout. Does it have trade-in value at another maker's showroom?

globaledg — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:36:14 GMT

7000 miles under 39,000 lease cap; outstanding condition; excellent credit rating; don't want another VW; $10,000 buyout; $15,000 Edmunds value

Broken down car and still owe on it. What do I do? 98 Chrysler Concorde.

jennat — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:51:31 GMT

I have a broken down 98 Chrysler Concorde, it needs a new computer. They run about $200-$300. I still owe $4k, and I'm currently behind on payments. What should I do?

Is buying a 2003 Toyota Camry SE, 198K miles in good condition, from the original owner for $6k wise?

irajhh — Sun, 10 May 2009 22:32:14 GMT

Is buying Camry 2003SE, 198K 1st owner good condition for 6k is wise?

The owner says these cars can go for 350k with no problem, but my son says buying a car with 200k is not wise and we will have problem selling it in future, though price is good.

Any comments? Please reply ASAP.

Thanks

I have a 2005 Ford Escape Lewis and Clark Edition XLT. What is a good trade in value?

broggy69 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:38:20 GMT

I have a 2005 Ford Escape Lewis and Clark Edition XLT. What is a good trade in value?

I find regular XLT and Limited but none have the Lewis and Clark Decal on the lower part of the SUV. I bought it used, and just wondering how much it would be worth as a Trade In. A couple of dealers told me around $4,000 which seems low for something I cannot find anywhere. Maybe I have the last one. :)

If anyone can help with links or something I would be greatly appreciated. It has 73,000 miles. All maintance done on schdule. It is in the same condition as when I bought it used.

What's a good 7 seater with some trunk space which will not depreciate badly if I need to sell in 12 months?

tartanmorag — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:17:43 GMT

We are here in this country for another 12 months minimum and our leased cars need to be returned. We need to by a large family car (7 seats plus enough space for dog when all seats are up. We've had the Mercedes GL450, which although an expensive lease was a great car. We now need to buy either a used car or a mid priced new car, but want to avoid big depreciation if we need to sell the car in 12 months time. We may end up keeping the car for 3-5 years if we stay. What should we do?

Does anyone know a good site for posting a car for trade-in valuation with dealers?

ronwags — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:28:30 GMT

Just looking to avoid going into the dealership and skinny-down a list of dealer to visit based on their willingness to engage me on-line.

Am I the only one that thinks the first step in buying a new car is determining the value of your trade?

ronwags — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:23:24 GMT

I see a lot of research that says folks research the car they want first but that does me no good if my trade value doesn't put me in a position to deal. Thoughts about what comes first or is this a chicken or egg thing?

Any chance of trading in a car with a "salvage" title? Runs, drives, cold air.

dfwsteph — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:57:08 GMT

I'm looking to buy a new vehicle and have "great" credit and a down payment.

My current vehicle "runs, drives, and has cold air" but has a salvage title and I'm led to believe won't pass emissions test next year. Is there any point to trying to offer it as trade-in? I'm thinking of buying new same make.
tia

One trade-in and one clunker for a Cash for Clunkers deal.

red1331 — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:47:50 GMT

I have a 1998 Ford Ranger and a 2004 Rx-8. The Ranger is a qualified clunker and the Rx-8 is in very good condition and low mileage (under 44,000). What I am running into is a rip off on the trade-in. I've negotiated prices via the internet. When I agree, I tell them I have a trade-in and then when I tell the I have a clunker on top of it the bottom falls out. Seems dealers don't like to see both and I have been getting way below value (one guy even said whats the big deal since I was already getting 3500). I don't view the 3500 any different as putting 3500 down. Anyone else run into this?

(btw, I am looking to get an Accord Coupe or Acura TSX).

I'm upside down on a car loan and and want to trade. Will a dealer roll over the whole amount of the loan to a new car?

kiba21 — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:48:54 GMT

I would like to trade in my old car for something new but I'm like $3000 upside down in its loan and I still owe the bank $11,000. If I trade it in will the car dealership roll over the whole amount of what I owe or just the $3000?

I cannot find the value of my 03 Chevy TrailBlazer North Face Edition.

mdleslie — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:19:20 GMT

2003 Chevy TrailBlazer North Face 4WD I6 excellent condition with 77000 miles.

Buying a new Toyota Yaris is less expensive then buying pre-owned. What is the sense in that? I am looking at one.

ffpicard — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:13:03 GMT

Buying a new Toyota yaris is less expensive then buying a pre-owned. What is the sense in that?

I am looking at the pre-owned Toyota Yaris and it is less expensive to buy a new- one then a pre-owned. Can you explain the sense of it please?

Will I be able to trade in my '08 Pontiac Torrent in 2011 and still get a descent value out of it.

hautalars — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:22:12 GMT

Since GM is no longer going to make Pontiac and I have a 2008 Pontiac Torrent and my plan was to trade it in 2011, I am worried that now I will not get anything for it in trade in and wonder if I should change and trade it in now?

Carfax shows accident and says car should be inspected. Dealer reduced trade in 50% because it's salvage now. Is it true?

gottabfree — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:29:20 GMT

Car was in minor fender-bender. Carfax shows they began reporting the info 1 and 1/2 years later, recommending inspection should now be done by professional or dealer. The dealer states they cannot sell the vehicle with this on Carfax and car must be sold to wholesaler, so dealer offers 50% of NADA trade in value. Is it true, the information on Carfax would cause a value issue like this?

What is the trade in value of a 2007 Outback Subaru with 34,300 miles in excellent condition?

subu — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:52:11 GMT

What can I expect to get for trade in value for a 2007 Subaru, Outback SW w/34,300 miles in excellent condition?

What is the book value on a 2002 Ford Ranger?

deelite — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:02:48 GMT

I'm trying to find the book value on my Ford Ranger 2002 truck for trade-in purposes. Can you help?

How do I find out what the dealer trade-in value of my car or truck is?

abacus1 — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 08:25:26 GMT

We're trying to budget for a new car or truck and will trade in our old one but we don't know how much the old one is worth. How can we find out?

Can you determine depreciation by comparing same style cars of different model years.

randallm — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:39:10 GMT

I have a 2001 BMW 740i and want to determine what I might lose on deprection if I keep it two more years. Edmunds TMV for Private Party sale shows the 2001 model to be $14,000 and the 1999 model to be $9,700 (assuming same mileage as the 2001 model, same equipment and condition , where possible) Does that mean I can expect to lose $4,300 by keeping it two more years (plus extra mileage deduction, of course) or do other factors enter the equation. The cars look much the same.

Does anyone know how to obtain Manheim auto pricing without being a dealer?

radres — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:35:46 GMT

I am trying to trade-in a 2000 Honda Odyssey EX with 119,800 miles in above average condition. I have received three different figures from three different dealers, all stating that their numbers were based on the Manheim auto wholesale value, but none would let me actually see the report. Is there anyone with access to the data or a place to find it online?

Trade value on 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan?

needcheapgas — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:09:26 GMT

My van has all the options except for leather and power door. It has DVD system, rear heat and air, captains chairs, roof rack, power everything. It does have 82000 miles.

I have talked to a couple of dealers, and they keep offering me 4000-4500. One did come up to 5800. But every online apraisal says it is worth 7700-9800. I am looking to be fair, but do not want to give my van away. Any ideas whos right? I am in the GA area.
THanks!

My 2002 Porsche Boxster blew a cloud of smoke and lost power. Anyone else had this problem?

tlcbama — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:38:38 GMT

the porsche dealership says that i need to replace my 2002 boxster engine. it has 77,000 miles,had no mechanical problems and more than required oil changes. without any warning a large cloud of white gray smoke come out of the exhaust and it lost power. the technicians have experienced the same when they drove it. i am told the cost will be $15,000 plus. is this reasonable and is there a reliable company that can offer me a better deal and warranty engine? also, this cost it about the value of a trade in. what would you recommend?

How have rising fuel prices impacted the market of large SUV and truck sales?

autooracle — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:44:35 GMT

I have noticed that vehicle sales at the dealer auctions have drastically declined on large trucks and SUV's. This will have a huge impact on resale values.

Economical vehicles, hybrids and fuel efficient sedans seem to be selling at greater prices than just 6 months ago.