jim7485

I have a 2007 IS 250 with something near 240,000 miles.. I am the original owner and considering trading the car in on a newer IS250. The best way to describe my car is fair condition. The rear bumper cover needs to be replaced due to a previous accident. It also has some significant paint chipping on the hood. In addition the left front fender was replaced several years ago but the paint doesn't look quite as good as the rest of the car. My car is all wheel drive and a base model with no navigation system. The steering rack went out a couple of weeks ago and the dealer repair was simply to unplug it and plug it back in. If it indeed fails I think the repair would be several thousand dollars. It's making a little bit of noise now. I've never have the carbon buildup issue but if it does start I am past the nine year mark for the Lexus repair. My wheels are pretty chewed up. But none of them are bent. My tires are run flat nearly brand new . So what is your opinion... is this car worth significantly more than $3,600?

VTsuckah

iTrader: (1)

Well I just looked at auto trader for the same year/model with 100k+ miles. Many are below $10k and they are with much lower mileage and better shape than yours from what it sounds. Remember, dealerships will offer you a pretty low number BC they have to get some level of profit out of the car.

pheonix72

iTrader: (6)

That sounds about right. Given the conditions, I don't think you could even sell it for $4k as is privately.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Pictures would help, but sounds about right, especially for trade in. Private sale, if the car could present well, I'm sure someone would pay up to $6,000. I know one around here with 200k in decent shape sold for $7,900. I think its because the car is still new enough to where people are willing to pay more.

MWIS350

Maybe keep it for winter beater. It's probably worth $6,500. But dealer have to get it less and sell for profits.

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

Dealer did you a favor, take it and run.. Car in current condition maybe worth $3K at best. If dealer had it of course they would recondition it far less than anyone could so they turn around put $1500 in it and possibly sell in for $7-8K..

J3ffrey

As another data point, I just got 9500 at a dealer for my 2007 IS 250 awd.


It had 97000 miles on it and was just a notch or two below perfect..

Icy350

iTrader: (18)

I have an 06 IS 350, with only 66k miles. Its well taken care of so I would say its clean to outstanding condition.

I was offered 10k.

Considering the condition of your car, I would say that would be a fair offer as they go by auction prices + reconditioning fees. Also, not exactly sure who would really be in the market for a car with 250,000 miles.

Personally I would keep it since its not worth to sell, Unless the insurance cost just doesent make sense anymore.

Either way I think its a fair offer from them.

Good luck with whichever decision you decide to make.

darkdream

High school kids will want the car.

Icy350

iTrader: (18)

True. At least they will be driving a nice car

cleethree

That's way too low for a car with only 66k.

Icy350

iTrader: (18)

Our cars just aren't as valuable anymore. Darn the 3is

cruzinZ

Don't expect a high trade in value ever, from a dealer. As for what they offered you.... How much more do you think you can get? Is that additional amount worth you selling private party? Trade in is a convience, never an economical decision. You will always get more selling it yourself. It may take two or three days, or six months. With a car your cars age and mileage the next owner will not get a typical auto loan. They will have to take out a personal loan at 10%-12% interests to buy the car. Also know that people with cash in hand of $6,500-$7,000 will most likely be looking for a lower mileage more expensive car.

Good luck. Your best bet is to be a scumbag and prey on the ignorant for top resale value. If you told a prospective buyer everything you mentioned here nobody in their right mind will buy the car. Look at the positive side. You drove a car 250,000 miles. I would say you got your money's worth out of it. Move on and if you want a car to last longer be prepared to do more maintenance. If you live in snow country move to a warmer climate & that will eliminate rust problems and all of those pesky snow related fender benders due to slippery roadways.