Whose pricing is closest to real world value?

[BigCahuna]

I've been looking at buying a '99 ford cargo van with a 5.4 motor. It has 150k on it auto with ac, manual windows , and no cruise. KBB on line says it's should cost approx $1800 retail from a private seller, and the NADA site says it should sell for More then twice the KBB value. The Nada sites doesn't let you select the motor option or other ones which effect the value in my opinion. So which one gives a more realistic price value?.,,

 

[ryansride2017]

I don't know which is more accurate but I do know that the state of PA only looks at the NADA to determine how much tax I owe them! Obviously they choose the greater of the two.

 

[MrCritical]

I'm thinking the $1800...

 

[Bill in Utah]

14 year old vehicle is not going to be worth too much. It does not matter what engine is in the vehicle over IF it is still RUNNING.

This state (and others) could care less and even does not report the millage any more once a vehicle is over 12 years old. All it says is not recorded on all forms.

Its worth what someone will pay for it. If it was a vehicle that was rare or "special" (ie a Corvette, Porsche or such) then it would still be worth what someone will pay for it but also more info would be available for the pricing for it.

What's it worth to you? What will the seller take? That's the number.

Bill

 

[NHGUY]

I would imagine cheaper,this has got to have rust on it.Vans rust badly,especially at 13 years old.

 

[01rangerxl]

The values are probably wacky because it can vary a lot with full size vans. If this van just did light deliveries and was really well maintained, it could very well be worth $4k. If it has been used on construction sites for the last 14 years it's probably not worth $1800.

I would lean towards $1800 because the majority of these vans are beat to death. I know of plenty of E-Series vans that never saw a coolant change or trans flush in 150K and were lucky if oil changes were done on some kind of schedule.

Also, as NHGUY said, rust is a concern up North. I've seen pictures of a '99ish Econoline from NY where the floor behind the rear wheel wells rotted out completely.

 

[dishdude]

I have found Edmunds do be the most accurate, but going back to '99 and being a cargo van, I would probably look at comparables on CL and Auto Trader.

 

[eljefino]

I missed if 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton...

By this age it is sometimes better to get an old conversion or wheelchair van and rip all the carpeting out, converting it to a cargo van. They are sometimes run less hard and with lower miles.

 

[BigCahuna]

New jersey still requires the mileage when a vehicle is sold. I went over this van and it's pretty much rust free. If I had to choose between 2 vans in the same shape, with the same mileage, obviously I would pick the cheaper one. I plan on doing work in some questionable areas, so having no windows with heavy security locks on the doors appeals to me.The vans condition itself is not worrying me that much , it's how much is considered a fair price based on checking the mentioned sites.I'm sure if someone was selling a '09 Cadillac for $14k, everyone considering buying it, would want to look up the "book value" before making the deal. I've looked up motorcycles values on both sites before and the difference has been a couple hundred dollars difference, but a couple thou difference makes you look closer and wonder how did they come up with those numbers.,,

 

[dave1251]

Put a offer of 1500 on it. But only spend what you are comfortable spending.

 

[MNgopher]

Edmunds is generally the closest to true value I've found for this area anyways. NADA in particular is what dealerships are asking on cars - not what they are getting.

 

[yonyon]

With an older van like that, condition and suitability to the job make all the difference. A rust free cream puff with no noises, cats still in place, healthy transmission, and decent paint might be worth $5k. Add a few minor dings, some rust, a flashing OD light, a misfire, and a sloppy front end and you're probably down to $300 territory.

 

[TC]

For used rides I have bought/sold, I think that KBB has rarely been in the ballpark of what the vehicle actually sold for. KBB was always significantly higher than the real-world final price, perhaps by $1K - $2K. I've always found Edmunds.com to be more realistic in my pricing, both for buying and selling. Others may have had a different experience -- that's just what I've seen over the years.

 

[wmor51]

dealers use black book. thats the actual value .