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+--- Thread: Please help me sell my car! (/showthread.php?tid=31574)
Please help me sell my car! - dmann - 04-15-2007
Hi all,
I am PLEADING for help. I am finally going to part ways with my much beloved 1997 Acura Integra. The new job requires a bigger car and with the miles I am putting on (20,000/year), it is time to take the plunge. I am having trouble figuring out the "value" of my car and am hoping you can help.
Here are the specs:
1997 Acura Integra LS 2 Door Hatchback Coupe (bought new)
114,000 miles
Automatic, Front wheel drive
Cruise control, power locks, power windows, sunroof, AM/FM CD player, AC, rear spoiler, alarm, remote start
Tires are a few years old- have good tread left
New front and rear brakes
New timing belt and water pump
New thermostat, cooling sensor and air filter
Body has some door and hail dings, dents and scratches- no MAJOR damage and no rust
Floor mats are very worn but overall interior is in good shape
Car has been very well maintained (records available) and indoor heated garage kept
I think it falls somewhere between fair and good in terms of body condition according to Kelly Blue Book and it has a couple extra goodies like the alarm and remote start. Do you all think $4500 is a fair asking price? I have been told I'll get between 2500 and 3000 if I trade it in and of course, I'd like to get as much as I can for it.
Any thoughts, suggestions or useful comments? Let's hear 'em!
DM
Re: Please help me sell my car! - BigGuynRusty - 04-15-2007
kbb.com
BGnR
Re: Please help me sell my car! - dmann - 04-15-2007
Yeah, that's the problem as I mentioned in my post. I think the body damage lands me between good and fair and it has a couple extra features not listed as options there.
DM
Re: Please help me sell my car! - davester - 04-15-2007
Where are you located. There are quite large regional differences in car values. Also, is there an active craigslist in your area...if so, check there to see what your competition is. Also check cars.com and autotrader.com for the same info. I assume you've already figured the kbb.com and edmunds.com private party value.
Re: Please help me sell my car! - dmann - 04-15-2007
I am in Chicago. I have been watching craigslist since January and people have listed similar cars for everything from 2500 to 6000! Of course, I have no idea how much they actually sold for, if at all.
I also looked at eBay and again, the prices are all over the map. I'll check out the others you mentioned- thanks.
DM
Re: Please help me sell my car! - lafinfil - 04-15-2007
I usually find if I run it through KBB & Edmunds http://www.edmunds.com/tmv/used/index.html that will give you a good indicator
It seems the last few cars I have sold the buyers came with the same info and we usually settled
on the fair market by owner value. This info has seemed to level the plying field for used cars.
The extras are enough to add a bit more (or ask at least) and in some cases they may
be the deciding factor to push a buyer to yours over another similar one, but some look
at it as "I can add those for x amount myself " - same for high end stereos in that you
may get about 50% of new back if you are lucky so it adds a few hundred bucks.
If you have maintenance records or can refer folks to your regular mechanic as far as it's
maintenance history that may help even if they don't follow up. The fact that you are
willing to offer the info may have some small effect.
Re: Please help me sell my car! - dmann - 04-15-2007
Yes, I do have maintenance records and am more than willing to give my mechanic's contact info. He has done all the work on my car and has copies of all records in his computer.
Thanks 'fil-
DM
Re: Please help me sell my car! - BigGuynRusty - 04-15-2007
[quote dmann]Yeah, that's the problem as I mentioned in my post. I think the body damage lands me between good and fair and it has a couple extra features not listed as options there.
DM
When buying used, I always deduct $$$ on anything customer installed.
Body damage is also a huge negative, also the crappy floor mats, most likely well worn pedals really point to a badly maintained car.
Yes, I understand you did the "very important" bits, but most folks are very shallow and look only at the outside.
I have literally added thousands in value by doing minor bodywork, replacing mats and pedals, and a good detailing. I put in $300, and raised the price by $2500, a car that nobody wanted at $4000 and sat for weeks, sold in one day at $6500.
BGnR
By "Customer Installed", I meant installed by you, not you paying to have it done by a pro, with a warranty. Also, even high-end gear only 30% return out in SoCal. Engine add-ons get a negative hit, a suoercharger usually means the car got a drubbing.
Re: Please help me sell my car! - Gutenberg - 04-15-2007
Cars.com has a very good classified service. You can search for something close to your model that is close to you. For instance within 100 miles of my zip code Acura Integras of that vintage are selling for $6,000 to $8,000, but that's at a dealer with guarantees and all that. So $4,500 certainly seems to be within reason.
Good luck!
http://www.cars.com/carsapp/national/?srv=adlocator&act=index&ft=1&tf=/quick_usedforsale-index.tmpl
Re: Please help me sell my car! - dmann - 04-15-2007
Thanks BGnR, that's the type of info I am looking for. If you were the buyer, what would you look for and how would you value the car.
I didn't repair the body scrapes and dings because I have a $500 deductible and didn't feel like shelling out the money that I could put toward something new. If it will significantly raise the amount I can get for it, I'll go ahead and do some of the repairs and spring for new floor mats.
The add ons like the spoiler, alarm and remote start were all done by professionals and I have receipts. I haven't done anything to my car myself. Way beyond my skill set!
DM