We're looking to buy a particular type of car (won't say what kind so it's not a wanted ad!).We've checked the redbook value on one that we're interested in, which seems pretty similar to the others around of its age.Redbook value is about $17-$17.5K for a private sale.However, pretty much all the cars of its type are listed $19K and above.Dealers mostly list it at $20K.Are dealer sales typically more expensive than private sales!And is the redbook value possibly below what it should be, or are people just expecting too much money!
zirconium,
Oct 5, 5:38am
I just googled "what is redbook!":
Redbook is an American women's magazine published by the Hearst Corporation. It is one of the "Seven Sisters", a group of women's service magazines, first published in 1903.
Redbook's articles are primarily targeted towards married women. The magazine features stories about women dealing with modern hardships, aspiring for intellectual growth, and encouraging other women to work together for humanitarian causes. The magazine profiles successful women, such as Christa Miller, to provide inspirational testimonies and advice on life.
Hmmmm. Please can you give a link, as i'm quite sure this is not what you asking about. :)
Well, they wanted me to pay them $16.95 to tell me how much i sold my car for. I'd just keep a few of the cars you are interested in on your watchlist, and see if they are meeting their reserve or not. - You quickly get an idea if the price is reasonable or not. :)
_peas,
Oct 5, 6:05am
Seriously just throw it out there.People on here will tell you a ballpark for it and any specific things to look for and or avoid about that car.Don't be scared of "the man" slapping you on the wrist if you are doing it in good faith.
luteba,
Oct 5, 7:24am
OK, I'll share in good faith, and hope for the best!We're looking for a Ford Fiesta Zetec 1.6L petrol, manual, 2009 or newer (i.e. the new body shape) with not outrageous kms on the clock. The redbook value was for a 2010 version. Also, does colour make a difference to price!I think I remember reading somewhere that white cars are often harder to sell and therefore cheaper, but are there any other colour-price effects!
thejazzpianoma,
Oct 5, 7:27am
If I want to ascertain a value on a car that I don't usually follow, I usually have a hunt through the "expired listings" on TM. Usually there are a few that have reached reserve which will give you an idea of what they are actually selling for, as opposed to being listed for. Obviously those that have been $1 reserve may be the lower end of the actual sales but often they are not much lower than the typical sale price.
chebry,
Oct 5, 7:28am
Glasses guide was the used car price bible back when dealers were relevant thats long over now and private sales and online car shopping is far more a reliable guide. Dealers put dreamers prices on junk imports and then bleat they arent making money avoid these creatures like the plague.
franc123,
Oct 5, 7:30am
Unless I'm mistaken, for not much more than $20k you can buy one brand new! That way you are getting something with a full warranty, not one which has just come out of warranty. Oh and choose a colour.
thejazzpianoma,
Oct 5, 7:32am
Those have the "powershift" option as well, so if you havn't driven one I suggest you do. I really like manual cars but assuming the 6 speed powershift is as good as VW's version the DSG I would actually go that way, even more so given that the manual is only a 5 speed (6 with the powershift).
Well worth trying anyway if you haven't already.
luteba,
Oct 5, 7:37am
The best "new" deal we've been offered was an ex-demo model (2012) was asking price $24K - so presumably could be got for $22.5K or so, but no colour choice obviously, and still a good $5K more than what the nominal redbook price would be for a 2010 (which generally sitll have 6 months or so warranty on them), which is $5K we'd happily spend on something else. Otherwise, the Zetec is $26K new.That's well more than what we want to spend. So no views on the accuracy or otherwise of redbook!
luteba,
Oct 5, 7:39am
Thanks, hadn't cottoned on to that so might give it a go this weekend.We generally both much prefer manuals for a better sense of power and control (hmm, that didn't come out quite how I meant it.), but would try an automatic if it had found a way to deal with that.
cowlover,
Oct 5, 9:47am
car is only worth what someone will pay for it.Have no idea where redbook get their data so I'd say there values are simply a guess.Turners also offer a price guide so have a look there and see what they say.Their's at least is based on what they have sold.Remember it's likely that their sale prices are much less than people will be asking.Remember an asking price is not the "value" ofanything.
luteba,
Oct 5, 8:53pm
Thanks cowlover, that's really helpful.We too wondered where redbook got their data from.
neverl8,
Oct 12, 1:30am
It's a wierd algorithm .
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