AboutRay Paulsen Expertise confused buying new or used...buy with confidence from dealer or private...consumer fears...paying to much...getting a lemon...accident car...fair value for trade...negotiation process...etc...you simply want a fair deal...
Experience over 30 years in automotive industry, management, retail, wholesale, appraisals, auctions, vintage
I have Toyta Camery LE 1993. 4 cylinder Sedan. With about 133000 miles. The blue book price for this car in a fair condition is about $2000 if I sell it to private party.
Last month I spent about $550 to change the break line and to change the radiator to new one. Then after few days, I found there is another leak going on for oil and antifreeze that will cost me another $300 to fix, but I kept using this car without repairing the second leakage. Instead I kept the car in my house garage with my sister, and I flew overseas to work for one year or possibly I will stay out of the U.S for more than a year.
At this time I am thinking to sell this car for $2000 without fixing the oil gas gate leakage. Should I keep this car on my garage until I go back to the states, and use it again?, or should I ask my sister to go head and sell it for $2000?. When I go back to the states after one or 2 years, I can buy another one for $5000 or $6000.
Answer Hi Sam
We all have a tendency to think our commodity is worth fair market value or slightly more, with you just having spent $550. and having to up the ante to make vehicle right is a stopping point for me along with the fact vehicle going on 17 years old.
The blue book is only a guideline, buying any vehicle that age it comes down to condition and what someone is willing to pay, in your case even if your sister can sell for $1500. I would accept as that would be money towards my next vehicle upon my return, and not having to deal with a vehicle that has been stored for over a year.
Sam, when it's time to buy that next vehicle, bookmark my website to ensure you end up with valid value for your bucks,, till then may you have a safe return home.
