Pricing Used Honda 1998 Accord

[Ms Ida]

Mustachians- Please help! I have someone coming to look at my mom's car and I did not think through the pricing. I would welcome input on what is a fair price.
Car is a 1998 Honda Accord LX
Single Owner
115,000 miles
Well maintained and no history of major issues
Automatic locks are not working great, will sometimes not lock all doors.
Trunck seems a little mustly, Mom thought the seal was leaking a little. 
This vehicle has been out in the elements without a garage in Oregon so the extier is not pristine plus possible trunk leak. 

My Mom might have been the original mustachian, she walked or biked everywhere and was not interested in putting money into vehicles. A good number of miles where for long camping trips she otherwise I think the milage would be considerably lower. The Honda spent a lot of time in the driveway.

Kelly Blue Book is $1665-$3416

Considering the cosmetics are not pristine but the mechanical condition is good, what is a fair price?

[Dave1442397]

I'd say if you got $1,000 for it you'd be doing well. It's 23 years old, probably needs a timing belt ($600) plus other maintenance such as fluids, possibly shocks/struts, etc. Whoever buys it will either spend money to fix it or just run it 'til it dies, but either way they're not going to want to pay a whole lot of money for it.

[RainyDay]

Based on the Bluebook, I'd probably price it at $2000 and hope for $1500.  It's a good car that runs, even if it needs a little work. 

[Ms Ida]

Thanks for the input folks.

[six-car-habit]

$2000

 Put in your ad that you will not take trades of any sort, or payments. Cash Money American dollars only.  Whatever # you put, at this level , be prepared to just lop 10% off the asking price [ when they are standing in front of you with the money, after the test drive ] -  so the buyer feels they have gotten a price reduction.  Also include in the selling paperwork - " Vehicle is sold "as-is" , no warranties are implied or expressed "

[terran]

$2000 was where I was leaning too, so since other people seem to agree that's where I'd go.

To add to six-car-habit's comment about the ad, if the person coming to look doesn't take it and you end up posting make sure you include all the issue you've posted here and explain that you've price it accordingly so people don't show up and then try to low ball you by pointing out all the issues.

[ChpBstrd]

If it runs and drives, it's worth $2500. If the AC works, $3000. If it looks good and isn't rusty, $3500. DO NOT post it for $2000 or you'll be inundated with messages and have seller's remorse by 9 a.m. the next day.

[six-car-habit]

 If its well kept ,spent a lifetime under cover or carport when not being used,  original owner or 2 owner vehicle with all/ most service records from day one + working A/C, wipers, lights, defroster and all electrics work + fresh clean interior - yes $3500.

 If it's got dings and tired paint, pine needles in all the engine compartment creases when you lift the hood [ it is Oregon ] , and smells like wet dog, or wet interior - price it accordingly. 

  If you want to sell it in a week to a month - potentially to the first person who shows up who is actually in the market for that style vehicle , advertise it for $2200 and be willing to take somewhat less.

  If you want to show the car multiple times, have people renege on their appointments and waste your time, advertise it for $3500 and still be looking at it in your driveway in May-June-July

  When i am ready to cut something loose, i can sell it for an agressive price as long as it hits the 'bottom dolllar i need'  value i think it should be worth, if it will likely sell quickly with a minimum of hassle.  Other folks are way more patient and will tell you there could be a $500 monthly " profit"  x2 if you sold it for $3500 in June, compared to the other lower price suggestions.

 

[Ms Ida]

If its well kept ,spent a lifetime under cover or carport when not being used,  original owner or 2 owner vehicle with all/ most service records from day one + working A/C, wipers, lights, defroster and all electrics work + fresh clean interior - yes $3500.

 If it's got dings and tired paint, pine needles in all the engine compartment creases when you lift the hood [ it is Oregon ] , and smells like wet dog, or wet interior - price it accordingly. 

  If you want to sell it in a week to a month - potentially to the first person who shows up who is actually in the market for that style vehicle , advertise it for $2200 and be willing to take somewhat less.

  If you want to show the car multiple times, have people renege on their appointments and waste your time, advertise it for $3500 and still be looking at it in your driveway in May-June-July

  When i am ready to cut something loose, i can sell it for an agressive price as long as it hits the 'bottom dolllar i need'  value i think it should be worth, if it will likely sell quickly with a minimum of hassle.  Other folks are way more patient and will tell you there could be a $500 monthly " profit"  x2 if you sold it for $3500 in June, compared to the other lower price suggestions.

 

I will have to go check the engine compartment tomorrow. There are definitely a few pine needles and whatever the ceder next door is dropping all over on the car. Thanks for the Oregon advice.
 

[Dave1442397]

Do come back and tell us what it sells for. The used car market is a bit crazy right now, and things are selling for more than usual.

[slackmax]

Used car market is hot now, at least in NJ.

Look at Craigslist and ask at the high end of those prices. Cash only.

I just sold a 2004 Mercury Sable in good shape, only 66,000 miles  for $1,800. I put it on Craigslist for $2,000, which is actually lower than the similar asking prices on CL.       

Should have asked for more, lol !    But I wanted to sell it fast, and I did. Got cash, of course.

By the way, some dealerships offered me only $100 for it. So that's not the way to go, lol.