dg0474
Mar 23 2004, 12:53 AM
When trading in a vehicle or selling one, which site is "more accurately" represented of your vehicle, and which do the dealers look at?
I "valued" my trade-in on both sites identically, and there was nearly a $3K variance... I did it a few times to make sure it was not an error..
any opinions?
Thanks!
MarvBear
Mar 23 2004, 08:42 AM
I am not familiar with KBB. Every dealer I know uses NADA and Black Book. When appraising your vehicle a dealer will normally appraise via Black Book or using Manheim Market Report.
We use NADA for our lending purposes in most cases and establishing LTV ratios. IMO I dont think NADA is particularly valuable to a consumer for use in expecting what they may get for their trade-in vehicle.
dg0474
Mar 23 2004, 08:50 AM
Then what as a consumer can we use that we can consider a reliable source to know whether we are getting a "fair" offer for our trade.. ?
MarvBear
Mar 23 2004, 09:04 AM
QUOTE
Then what as a consumer can we use that we can consider a reliable source to know whether we are getting a "fair" offer for our trade.. ?
MarvBear
ThatGuyInCali
Mar 23 2004, 03:55 PM
http://www.edmunds.com
zip-code specific pricing.
ThatGuyInCali
Mar 23 2004, 03:56 PM
...but go there only if MarvBear is sleeping or busy!
alonsoflor
Mar 23 2004, 04:00 PM
MarvBear is in its cave with some clients. Probably puffing some extra OSOhoney-menthols!
MarvBear
Mar 23 2004, 04:59 PM
QUOTE
...but go there only if MarvBear is sleeping or busy!

I stay pretty busy, but always try to make time for you guys and gals.
MarvBear
Mar 23 2004, 05:18 PM
If you guys/gals new how MOST of those figures were actually compiled there would be a fair amount of "shock and awe".
They should ONLY be used as a representation of what you might expect. I could tell you so many stories about compiling the data and submitting to these places that actually the figures are somewhat misleading. They should only be used as minimum indications NOT true Nor average figures.
The only point that I am willing to divulge, is that routinely in the past when I had to complete my NADA results for transmitting to NADA, I had so little time to do it with, I basically went down the sheet checking this that and the other where applicable or no and then transmitted. Since I been in this business so long, I am making the assumption that other people in a likewise situation feel similarly when compiling the data and do it haphazardly.
So, I dont think much of the information is totally accurate.
And I think most of these sites get their info the same way, or at least close enough to the same way to make most of the number suspect.
Oh my, now how bad did MarvBear spill the beans on that one?