Question From Shlomo: Hi, i have been offered a 2005 accord lx with 36000 miles from a private party. Car is in excellent condition besides for a small crack in the left back bumper.The price is 11,200. I have also been offered a 2007 chevy impala basic model with 20,000 miles for $11,000. Which would you recommend. Thanks

Follow Up Comment:  Hi and thanks for the response. The accord is a 4cy 4 door automatic. The impala is a ls v6. I was wondering if over the long term i would have less problems with the accord. Thanks.

Queen of the Road: Hi there and welcome to AutoBragBlog! It looks like $11,200 for the Honda is a good deal because it’s being offered at a wholesale price. Buying from private party is majority of the time less expensive.

For a 2005 Honda Accord 4C Sedan LX Auto with 36,000 miles, wholesale prices range from $11,700 (being in above average condition) to $10,200 (being in average condition) and $8,600 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices.

A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $9.8k to $13k. In this case, the seller is aiming real high. A private seller will usually aim to sell it for 5%-10%.

Be sure to check carfax on both cars and do plenty of research on the history of each vehicle. Ask for their maintenance records. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection.

About the Impala, just to clarify, which basic model is it: LT 3.5L, LT 3.9L or LTZ?

Question: Hi,
I’m brand new to the forum. headed to my first auction Thursday in search of a truck for myself. would you mind giving me numbers for several cars

2006 Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 crew cab 4X4 LT/SLT trim 5.3L V8. don’t care about miles

also 2007 the same vehicles as abov except LTZ/SLT trim.

thanks for doing this. any tips for the auction would be much appreciated.

Queen of the Road: Hi there! Welcome to AutoBragBlog. Ok, I’ll start by giving you the price range by the average mileage. Unfortunately, there are no GMC Sierra wholesale prices available.

For a 2006 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado Pickup 4WD V8 Crew Cab 5.3L LT with 46,800, wholesale prices range from $17,800 (being in above average condition) to $15,200 (being in average condition) and $12,500 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $14k to $19.7k.

For a 2007 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado Pickup 4WD V8 Crew Cab 5.3L LTZ with 30,600, wholesale prices range from $26,200 (being in above average condition) to $22,000 (being in average condition) and $17,800 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $19.7k to $28.8k.?

What’s the name of the auction you’re going to? The only advice I can offer is to the check condition report of the truck. Be sure to know the right price for the car, because not all cars are a good deal at the auction. Always do a post inspection.

Goodluck!

Follow Up Comment:   thanks again. very unusual to find someone in the know willing to be as helpful as you are. i went to the auction today, but did not have any luck. there wasn’t much to choose from in the way of what i wanted. actually there wasn’t anything. i’m going to try to be patient and find one from a private party, or let my contact find me one at auction. just a little nervous about letting someone else buy a car.

what is a fair price to expect to pay to a dealership in terms of markup? the dealership in town just got a 2006 gmc sierra slt 4×4 crew cab with 35k miles. i know it would sell for about 17.5k at auction give or take, but i also know that i need to take into consideration the dealership needs to make a little money off of it. plus i saw it before they cleaned it up and it was pretty dirty.

thanks again for all your help. you are very kind

Queen of the Road: It’s natural to feel nervous about a stranger is handling your car transaction. Just make sure to follow my advice about checking all reports. 

A fair mark up is 12% - 14% from wholesale prices. It’s too bad that I dont have any Sierra wholesale prices for that trim at the moment. Just try and negotiate as much as possible till their ears fall off. Best of luck and Happy Halloween.

Question From Sean: Queen,

I finally found the 2007 Suburban 1500 4X4 LT, with rear buckets, DVD, 6 way power heated seats, sunroof, 3rd row seating, power rear door etc. Very good condition 46K miles.

The dealer will get me out of my 2004 Suburban 1500 4X4 LT 86K miles in trade (only getting 10K trade, I owe more than that) and sell me the 2007 for $25,500.00. I can’t find any issues with the deal. How about you?

Follow Up Comment: 2007 is a 5.3L FFV LT   2004 is a 5.3L LT

Queen of the Road: Hi Sean. For a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD 5.3L LT with 46,000 miles, prices range from $24,200 (being in above average condition) to $21,100 (being in average condition) and $17,900 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $19,900 to $26,700.

For a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD 5.3L LT with 86,000 miles, prices range from $12,200 (being in above average condition) to $10,000 (being in average condition) and $7,700 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices.

A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $8,900 to $13,800.

Let me get this straight. So if the dealer is accepting the trade in for $10,000, that leaves the sale prices of the car around $15,500? Or is the car being sold to you for $25,500 without regard to the trade in? Is the $25,500 the difference you owe on the car? How much do you owe on the old car?

Did you check the car’s background? Carfax? If it’s only $15.5k, I would be suspicious.  Very suspicious. That price is lower than wholesale prices. If the carfax pulls up clean, I would bring a trusted mechanic to come and check it out. Did you ask the salesman if the car has been salvaged?

Question From Mike: What\’s a fair price on this vehicle? Crew cab, LT, Shortbed, with 10,500 miles, Duramax diesel

Queen of the Road: Hi Mike. I can definitely get some wholesale Chevy prices for you. 

For a 2007 Chevrolet 2500HD Silverado Pickup 4WD V8 Crew Cab 6.6L TDSL LT with 10,500 miles, prices range from $29,800 (being in above average condition) to $26,900 (being in average condition) and $23,900 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $26.1k to $32.5k.

Of course, the closer to wholesale the better. What did the dealership/private seller offer you? If you decide to buy the car, be sure to check carfax and do plenty of research on the history of the vehicle or ask for maintenace records. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection. Best of luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Question: Thanks for your help!

I ran across two other 2007 Tahoes on craigslist that I am considering. Expert opinions on these “deals” would also be greatly appreceiated. And I plan to pay cash, in case that can be used as leverage for a lower offer(?).

Year: 2007
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Tahoe 4WD
Trim: LT
VIN: 1GNFK13007R271773 (carfax: clean title, 1 owner)
Miles: 14,811
Notable Options: navigation system, 2nd row bucket seats, security system, leather seats, 3rd row seats
Buying or Selling: Buying
Private Party or Dealership: Dealership
Dealer’s Asking Price: $28,888 (assuming tax and tags not included)
Dealer Zip Code: 94014
My Zip Code: 93611

Year: 2007
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Tahoe 2WD
Trim: LTZ
VIN: 1GNFC13027R121659 (carfax: clean title, used car certified)
Miles: 12,254
Notable Options: navigation system, 2nd row bucket seats, DVD player, leather seats, 20″+ wheels, 3rd row seats
Buying or Selling: Buying
Private Party or Dealership: Dealership
Dealer’s Asking Price: $34,999 (not including tax and tags)
Dealer Zip Code: 94577
My Zip Code: 93611

I would love to know if these are good deals, and if so, what a lowball offer and target price should be.
Thanks in advance!

Queen of the Road: Let’s see… You’re in Fresno and the dealer is in Daly City. That’s quite a commute. The deal better be fantastic in order to have to travel that far. The San Leandro deal is pathetic. You’d have a long way to go with bargaining. Below are Chevy wholesale prices.

For a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD 3.5L LT with 14,800 miles, prices range from $27,300 (being in above average condition) to $24,700 (being in average condition) and $22,100 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $24.1k to $29.8k.

$28.8k is too high. Use the “I’m paying with cash” reason to pay wholesale prices. Go as low as possible and if the dealer won’t budge from the $28.8k, then leave. They don’t deserve your business.

For a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD 5.3L LTZ with 12,250 miles, prices range from $28,100 (being in above average condition) to $25,400 (being in average condition) and $22,800 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $24.9k to $30.7k.

$35k is beyond ridiculous. That’s approximately a 30% mark up from wholesale prices. Goodluck talking that one down. Have you considered other trucks besides Chevy Tahoes? The 2007 Toyota Tacomas are a grand or two less than the Tahoes.

My advice is if the dealers won’t go lower, then keep looking. Have you tried looking at private seller ads? Private sellers are usually less and many truck/SUV owners are trying to sell their gas guzzlers.

This Is An Update To A Previous Question

Question From Sean: How much should I pay for a 2007 Chevrolet SUBURBAN LT SUV 4X4
Summit White, Ebony Leather, 38,765 Miles
5.3 liter 8 Cyl.
1500

Thanks!

Queen of the Road: Hi Sean. Below is a range of Chevrolet wholesale prices based in the car’s condition.

For a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD 3.5L LT with 38,800 miles, prices range from $25,300 (being in above average condition) to $22,500 (being in average condition) and $19,600 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $21.8k to $27.9k. Private sellers generally sell for 5% to 10% above wholesale prices.

Who are you buying from? Dealer or private party? If you’re certain that you’re going to purchase it, do a carfax and bring a trusted mechanic for a quick inspection. If you, or any of your friends, have any further questions, don’t hesitate to ask us anything. Goodluck and keep us posted!

Question From Sean: How much should I pay for a 2007 Chevrolet SUBURBAN LT SUV 4X4
Summit White, Ebony Leather, 38,765 Miles
5.3 liter 8 Cyl.

Thanks!

Queen of the Road: Hi Sean. I can help you find prices, but I’ll need more info. on the car. Is the model a 1500 or 2500?

Question From Burban: Good Evening thanks for helping all of us over the years, could you check to see what 2007 and/or 2008 Suburbans are going for at the auction…

Year: 2007
Make: Chevrolet
Model: 1500 Suburban 4×4
Trim: LTZ
 5.3 v8 flexfuel option
Mileage: 24,000 to 30,000
VIN:
Buying or Selling? - Buying
ZIP: 64109

Queen of the Road: Hi Burban. Below are quotes for two different mileages for the 2007.

For a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD 5.3L LTZ with 24,000 miles, prices range from $30,100 (being in above average condition) to $26,700 (being in average condition) and $23,300 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $25.5k to $32.8k.

For a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD 5.3L LTZ with 30,000 miles, prices range from $29,100 (being in above average condition) to $25,700 (being in average condition) and $22,400 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $24.5k to $31.9k.

There are too few 2008 circulating in autction at the moment, so here’s an estimate with each mileage.

For a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD 5.3L LTZ, prices range from $37,900 (being in above average condition with 3,500 miles) to $35,000 (being in average condition with 7,000 miles) and $32,100 (being in below average condition with 10,500 miles).

Be sure to do plenty of research on the history of the car, Carfax, and have a mechanic do a brief inspection before you buy. Good luck and keep us posted on how everything goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

Question:   How much would I pay for a new 2007 Suburban LTZ?

MuscleCarGuy:   We have only one price for the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ and it is not that attractive, because it is almost the same as the price for a 2008 Suburban. You should be able to get at least 5% to 10% under the price of the 2008. If your local dealer won’t go that low, you should print the ads below and negotiate a 2008 for those prices. Good Luck!!!

For a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 1500 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A),

The lowest Internet Price: $47,166.00
MSRP: $54,555.00
ePrice:    $47,166.00
Savings: $7,389.00
% OFF MSRP: 13.54 %

For a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 1500 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A),

The lowest Internet Price: $46,590.00
MSRP: $53,175.00
ePrice:    $46,590.00
Savings: $6,585.00
% OFF MSRP: 12.38 %

2nd lowest Internet Price: $46,968.00
MSRP: $53,610.00
ePrice:    $46,968.00
Savings: $6,642.00
% OFF MSRP: 12.39 %

Here is the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban Crash Test and Rollover Ratings.

Question: You completely rock! I’ve got a two-fer for you if you get the time…

We’re selling a:

Car #1

Year: 2005
Make: Pontiac
Model: Grand Am SE 4dr Sedan - Auto
Trim: Color - Silver; Spoiler; 84601 zip
Other: 56k miles on it

… so we can buy a:

Car #2

Year: 2007
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Impala LT - Auto
Trim: Color - (doesn’t matter, let’s say Silver); upgraded radio package w/ 3.5L engine; 84601 zip
Other: New or used with low miles (under 20k). Most previous rentals seem to have the custom 3.9L package but 3.5L engine.

Thanks!

Queen of the Road:  Thanks. You rock too! For car #1, I’ll do both 4C and V6. There’s a difference in price. Keep in mind that these are all wholesale prices.

For the 2005 Pontiac Grand AM 4C Sedan SE with 56,000 miles, prices range from $7,600 (being in above average condition) to $6,175 (average condition) and $4,725 (being below average condition).

For the 2005 Pontiac Grand AM V6 Sedan SE with 56,000 miles, prices range from $7,250 (being in above average condition) to $6,200 (average condition) and $5,150 (being below average condition).

Now for the #2, the FUN stuff…

For the 2007 Chevrolet Impala LT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A),

The Lowest Internet Price: $19,665.00
MSRP: $23,030.00
ePrice: $19,665.00
Savings: $3,365.00
% OFF MSRP: 14.61 %

2nd Lowest Internet Price: $20,557.83
MSRP: $22,240.00
ePrice: $20,557.83
Savings: $1,682.17
% OFF MSRP: 7.56 %

If you were to buy this used, let’s say for around 15,000 miles, prices range from $13,650 (being in above average condition) to $13,000 (average condition) and $12,350 (being below average condition). Again, these are wholesale prices. These would retail for +$1,500 more on top of the prices above.

You should just go all out and get the Police Cruiser. Might as well!