Advice on selling car...

I need a little advice on prepping my 04 WRX to sell. The front bumper cover has some pretty deep scratches in it, to the point that the paint shop said I would be better off just getting a new cover and having it painted. Additionally, the interior plastic has a few nicks and scratches, but nothing major. I also just passed 60K and have been holding off on the service due to its cost. Mechanically, however, the car is flawless and just about back to stock now. Still has SS break lines, Koni struts/STi springs, but is otherwise stock. The questions is, how much of a return will I get by replacing the front bumper cover (think $500 for the cover and paint) and having the service done ($400-$500). Should I also try to replace the scratched trim pieces? Again, no major gashes, just a few more scratches than one would probably associate with a 2004. Thanks for any advice...

 

personally, I would leave the bumper scratch as it is. If I'm a prospective buyer, i'll be more comfortable with scratched bumper than brand-new looking bumper on 60k mile car.

 

If you're trading it it likely won't matter. If you're selling it I'd definitely look into getting the scratches fixed and just mention that the service needs to be done--I suspect the buyer will not worry too much about it and it won't be your problem anyway.

Getting something new?

 

i think seeing (60k service performed) is a big incentive when I've looked at cars, I'm not sure you'll see the return in cash, but you'll get more inquiries I'd imagine.

And yeah leave the bumper alone, the car has miles on it, it's to be expected to some extent

 

What about pricing? 2004 WRX with moonroof, heated seats/ mirrors/ windshield wiper bottle, tinted windows, SS brake lines and Koni adjustable struts, STi Springs? 63,000 miles...

 

What are you looking to buy scott?

 

Probably an 07 Miata. I like the S2K, but insurance sucks and I need something with more interior space than the S2K, plus you can't manually disable the S2K airbag.

 

i wouldn't advertise any performance mods as in the suspension, but tell them if they ask.

Probably between 18-20k

 

Really? KBB seems to indicate high 13's to low 14's for a car in "good" condition which is what I would classify my car as...

 

+1 I had some body issues when I traded in the '03 for the '06 and it would have cost me way more to fix it myself. Just my 2c.

Good luck with the purchase!

 

Cool, well Edmunds is estimating 11K for a 2004 with my mileage in fair condition. That seems way low to me. I am thinking of taking it by carmax, just to let them do the inspection/make me an offer so I have a better idea of what dealers think its worth...

 

I gave more than that for Kris's wagon.

 

I was hoping to sell it for about 15 or trade it in for about 14,2. Does that seem reasonable?

 

I doubt you'll see 14k trade on an '04.

 

What about sale price? Does closer to 15K sound reasonable? Or closer to 14K?

 

I'd say put it up for 16k. Lots of people think their cars are worth their weight in gold--like the 02/03 ones for 18k and crap like that, I mean WTF--but 16k for an '04 should be a decent private party price if it's in good shape. Also gives you some space to go down to 15k and appear generous.

 

There's NFW he'll get 18k for it. I paid 21k for my 05 BRAND NEW.

 

yeah i see that now, i just did a quick search on autotrader, and the low was 18k but that was with half the miles. I'd say 15k now.

 

Psssh, uh, my bugeye is worth it's weight in gold. :wiggle:

 

Just an FYI, any car that has 60k + miles, the dealership trade in value goes straight to "fair condition" no matter what....ask mr. sikes @ sog... plus I've heard this many of times from other dealerships....

 

Yeah. that was the KBB "private party" sale price.