JeffNReg

So I have been contemplating trading my C5 Z06 for a C3 (post for another time, but they are what I grew up with). I’d rather trade (dealer) as I don’t want to deal with no-shows, scams, low ballers, etc. I’ve had my eye on a few high quality C3s, and contacted a pretty well known Corvette specialist dealer, and was pretty surprised at the quoted trade-in value...$14,000. It’s a 2003, MY, 36,000 miles, two owners, 100% bone stock and almost perfect. Granted I was not expecting retail, but probably more around $17,000 or so. I was told the C8 is killing all values, but I’m not sure I believe that.

Anyone else trying to sell/trade coming across the same situation?

tomurphjr

Post it for sale here. I can't imagine you'd have a hard time getting 17k for it.

Speaking of that... Details on the C5?

Mr. Black

That car would be listed over 20k in the Puget Sound area. Stuff's just expensive here.

Your trade in quote is what I expect. They're in it to make large sums of money off of you. That's just the way it goes.

FAUEE

Yup. They want to make a few grand on it. Theyll likely list it at 20.

Also, keep in mind this is a 15 year old car. It stickered in the 40s when new most likely. Most car lose 50% of their value in 5 years, so holding this much after 15 is pretty damn good!

ChiliPepperGarage

Dealers! They'll bone ya on your trade in and they'll bone ya on the C3 you want to buy!

Just buck up and deal with selling yours private party then look for a C3 private party seller. You'll probably save yourself $10K or so.

Evil-Twin

Bone Ya ? I'm not defending any car dealer or salesman. But they dont put a gun to your head. Take the deal or leave it. If the broad brush is, they Bone ya, then you already know that going in. If you want to dance, you have to pay the fiddler.
Not being argumentative, it is what it is. You dont think its fair, but he does, because he is still in business selling cars. Want to fix it, dont buy a car., but you will be alone in your crusade, and they know it. Do you have a right to bitch? of course you do.
Bill

USAZR1

A MY 2003 Z06, with 36k miles, shouldn't be terribly hard to sell, if priced fairly.(less than $20K) Post an ad in the C5 Classifieds. Unless that C3 is something you can't live without and are willing to take a big hit,,,

JMO but I seriously doubt the new C8's are affecting C3 and C5 values very much, if at all. That sound like just a sales pitch.

punz

Hagerity emailed me a price guide today, lets see if I was able to attach it.
Couldn't do it.But these are 03 Z06 values.
4 - 18,000
3 - 22,500
2 - 27,200
1 - 34,800

DDaaryl

Most banks and insurance companies use NADA to establish actual cash value. Average trade in with that low mileage is $14,600 and retail is $19,500. The mileage added about $5k. I expect prices to continue to drop in the future.

K-Spaz

I think all the car mags artificially inflated the C5Z values for years now. Things were rolling along with normal depreciation, then due to the lower pricing and suitability as a track car for very little money, values soared. Ok, it's a better track car than a C5 Z51, but come on... I've seen them sell for north of $30k several times in the last year. It's ridiculous. But with that said, no way would I trade the OPs car when private sales bring what they do. It might be a pain to do a deal, but the difference in $ is way too much to leave on the table.

Around here that car would likely bring $23-25k. If it's super nice, might be a little more. It wouldn't bring it from me, but it would from someone.

Psydef

You'll never get full value trading a car in. The dealer needs to re sell the car so they're not going to give you list price... Better off selling it privately.

djmlax89

When I sold my 03Z a year ago (44k miles with light mods) I listed at $21k private and ended up selling at $19.5. I wasn't in a huge hurry to sell, so I didn't even respond to 90% of the people who contacted me unless I felt they were genuinely interested in the car. It can be a hassle, but you will net a lot more by selling it private party. I'm sure you could easily get $17k or more for yours from the right buyer.

friou

OK, just my take on all this. Dealers are in business to make money, you know the old saying used in a lot of businesses, "buy low, sell high". That is how someone in business makes money. If their terns are unpalatable, look elsewhere. If I were in your position, selling your Z and looking for a C3, I'd start right here. List the C5Z in C5's/Z's for sale and look at the C3's offered for sale by private parties in the C3's for sale in this forum. Seems logical to me! Good luck selling and buying, hope it all works out.