What to pay for a car: Edmunds vs. Kelly Blue Book

[GasX]

I am considering buying a 2000 Ford SVT Contour with just under 30,000 miles on it. According to Edmunds.com customised appraisal feature a private party sale price should be ~ $13,600. According to Kelly Blue Book, the "suggested retail" should be $18,250. I am willing to spend $13500, but the $17500 asking price is too rich for my blood.

Anyone have anything to say about the validity of either pricing tool?

 

[goodoptics]

KBB's Private party value shows $14590 when I enter the following:

Transmission: 5-speed
Condition: excellent
ZIP Code:94587
Mileage: 38000

 

[Entity]

I've heard that you can usually shoot for about halfway in-between the KBB and Edmunds values, depending on the popularity of the car. We got our 1997 Outback for just under Edmunds, but that was more due to good bargaining than anything else.

Rob

 

[satori]

I've always used the edmunds price. I've never really believed the prices Kelly Blue Book gave, since they always seemed hella over-inflated.

As for the Edmund's price for the Contour, if the car's in >outstanding< condition, it could be worth up to 14900. So, maybe the seller is just using $17500 as a starting point, before haggling.

 

[GasX]

thanks - the owner was linking to dealer prices.

That's more like it.

 

[mrchan]

edmunds. if anyone pays kbb for a car (unless is high in demand ie: s2000) they are an idiot.

 

[vi edit]

Damn! SVT prices are actually going UP! A year ago I could have bought a 2000 w/ 35,000 miles on it for $14,000. Now, prices are $1,000 to $2,000 HIGHER than last year.

 

[GasX]

I am going to see a 2000 w/ 29500 miles on it on Sunday. I may well buy it if I can get a good deal. It is all stock except for the 18" Quantum Tek alloy wheels (The stock wheels come with it too )

 

[Rent]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
I am going to see a 2000 w/ 29500 miles on it on Sunday. I may well buy it if I can get a good deal. It is all stock except for the 18" Quantum Tek alloy wheels (The stock wheels come with it too )

*barf*

Good choice How many have you looked at/driven?

 

[GasX]

I drove one off the showroom floor two years ago. None since. I have a lead on a 1998 with 40000 miles and a sick stereo system and exhaust upgrade, but the ad was on contour.org (site is permanently down) and I no longer have the guy's contact info. I have to wait for my next cell phone bill and see if I can deduce which number is his (only a few to that area code...)

There aren't a lot around for sale... (good thing / bad thing)

 

[Rent]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
I drove one off the showroom floor two years ago. None since. I have a lead on a 1998 with 40000 miles and a sick stereo system and exhaust upgrade, but the ad was on contour.org (site is permanently down) and I no longer have the guy's contact info. I have to wait for my next cell phone bill and see if I can deduce which number is his (only a few to that area code...)

There aren't a lot around for sale... (good thing / bad thing)

'98s were the best to mod, but if you aren't going to alter the performance aspect of the car, you're much better off with a '99 or '00. And if its not the Borla exhaust, don't even bother... from what I've seen, the rest suck. Hard.

 

[GasX]

Well, he raves about the exhaust sound, but frankly I want a stock car. That is why the other one is perfect. The stereo upgrade is nice though...

 

[Rent]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
Well, he raves about the exhaust sound, but frankly I want a stock car. That is why the other one is perfect. The stereo upgrade is nice though...

I'd recommend replacing the standard head unit... however, the stock exhaust gives a pretty nice growl

 

[compuwiz1]

Here in CA, where I work and most other dealers too, cars are bought, traded for and sold, using the KBB as the standard. In Washington, it was NADA book. We take them in trade using the KBB wholesale as a guide. A book is just a guide. In some cases you might as well throw it away. Some cars, which we call soft, bring less than wholesale value. Some premium, low supply, extra clean, low mile vehicles bring a premium over wholesale. (yep, even the dealer pays more than book for some models.)

I think it really depends on the market and the predominant book used.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
I drove one off the showroom floor two years ago. None since. I have a lead on a 1998 with 40000 miles and a sick stereo system and exhaust upgrade, but the ad was on contour.org (site is permanently down) and I no longer have the guy's contact info. I have to wait for my next cell phone bill and see if I can deduce which number is his (only a few to that area code...)

There aren't a lot around for sale... (good thing / bad thing)

What cell phone company do you use?

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: Mwilding
I drove one off the showroom floor two years ago. None since. I have a lead on a 1998 with 40000 miles and a sick stereo system and exhaust upgrade, but the ad was on contour.org (site is permanently down) and I no longer have the guy's contact info. I have to wait for my next cell phone bill and see if I can deduce which number is his (only a few to that area code...)

There aren't a lot around for sale... (good thing / bad thing)

What cell phone company do you use?

Verizon - they can't tell me what calls went out or came in until the billing cycle ends...

 

[GasX]

Woohoo! Contour.org is back up - so I got the contact info for the other SVT I am looking at

Gonna go see the expensive one this afternoon armed with the (lower) Edmunds appraisal.