The Gasman

It's been YEARS since I've sold a car. The last time I sold a car it was back when you put cars in the local paper. I'm thinking it's time to part with the s2000 to make room for a DD and then down the road an exotic. Since it's the beginning of summer it's going to be high time to sell a convertible.

Where should I list it?
How much should I ask? KBB has it for like 14500 in good condition.
It runs great, but has a few dings and minor cosmetic flaws. Should I fix them before marketing or just sell as is?

TIA.

sahtt

It's not difficult. You can typically sell car without incurring any costs very easily. List it here and on craigslist and with a good ad and a fair price you will not have any issues. I sell 5-10 vehicles a year between motorcyles and cars, it's really not that much of a PITA.

Whether or not you want to fix issues is nearly impossible to answer. Let's put it this way, if you say "it's really easy to fix" yet you don't fix it yourself, that also says "I'm lazy and or I don't care that much about my car". If it costs 250 to fix yet adds 500 to the value of a car [like cosmetic details often do], then it's worth it but figuring out exact value added is impossible/very difficult. If you give up the specifics I can tell you roughly whether it's worth it or not.

The best way is to be critical of your own ad/car and make improvements if you were the potential seller.

TqPolo

Please don't price your car based on KBB. I recommend browse through the For Sale forums, Ebay, and Autotrader and see what the average asking price is for your model. If you had to use a reference, use Edmund's TMV price.

Poindexter

The last 3 personal cars I sold were through forums. You've got a good name on S2Ki Raj - people trust you.

Depending on where you live determines whether AutoTrader or Cars.com is the other answer - one is used more than the other in varying regions. I wouldn't waste my time with eBay unless you're selling the car for a steal.

TgPolo is right - Edmunds is best for figuring out the value for a private sale. If you were to trade your car into a dealership, look at KBB between Fair and Good.

st4rk

Don't take it to carmax. They offered 8000 for my s2000 (00 with 62000).

timrocks311

i don't.

Poindexter

If it was during the winter, that is no surprise. Dealers have to look at what could happen if the car doesn't retail off the lot.....or if it is too old to secure financing on, or put a warranty on it (company policy at a few dealerships). If it cannot be easily financed (due to age.....typically older than 2003 right now), then they have to turn to the auctions.


There haven't been a whole lot of 2007's to really gauge a range on yet.
2006's are selling for $21,000 to $24,000 right now.
2005's are selling for $19,000 to $22,000 right now.
2004's are selling for $16,000 to $19,000 right now.
2003's are selling for $13,000 to $15,000 right now.
2002's are selling for $10,000 to $12,000 right now....because nobody wants a car a bank won't finance to everybody.
2001's are under $10,000.
2000's are anyone's guess.

They'll probably go up soon - especially if Honda truly kills production.

When looking at those auction ranges I posted, keep in mind there are auction fees and transportation costs a dealer has to pay to get the car back to the lot. Then there are shop bills for inspection and reconditioning. Then they have to make some profit to make it all a meaningful business decision. This is why a car sells for more on a car lot or in a private party sale.

Cars are tough because people are emotionally attached to them. Dealers are just conducting business. You should be glad CarMax even offers you the option to purchase your car outright......but so does every dealership across the country - CarMax just advertises it.

The Gasman

So Edmunds true value says 12,800. I'm thinking about buying a 4 door Tacoma as a DD because our explorer is getting ready to need to go and I think the pickup will fit my lifestyle better. Then assuming things go well, the Gallardo this winter.

THanks for everyone's input. I have to ask my wife, so she may nix my whole idea.

S2020

don't be like me Raj. It's too late for me; save yourself. make your own decision.

The Gasman

Actually, the Gallardo has been approved, its the idea of a pickup I have to sell.