Belt Auction

How much is fair for this 04 Mazda 3?

Hi I asked this in another catagory and didn't really get help...I really need to sell this car so I would appreciate any advice/tips. I have a 2004 Sedan Mazda 3 with 25,000. There are only minor scraps except on front bumper, there is a hole about 2 inches around. The car was only used for to and from work 40 miles round trip. The engine still looks brand new, and it is mechanically sound. The problem is that while at the car lot a tree fell on it, damaging the roof, hood, and front lights all where replaced and they sent the car to an auction for resale since car had to be rebuilt. So the title says hurricane damage but technically it was caused by wind... I bought from a friend whom I trust and looked into the records and inspected the vehicle, the "hurricane" was actually a tropical storm and there was no water damage or engine damage. He got it at the auction with 90 miles for 6,000 sticker price that was still on car was 16 something. Facts: NO a/c or power locks and windows. Has CD player Has Alloy Wheels Has Power Steering Dual Front Air Bags Rear Spoiler Inside condition:: Great How do I approach selling it? Whst should I say to explain damage/title without scaring someone off? What is fair price? Kbb suggests $10,330 in good condition.which it really is in great condition, i just don't know whatwould be fair considering history? my zip is 36619 I couldn't imagine selling it for that cheap. I realize I only paid 6,000 but I am only selling it to keep my family afloat we recently dicovered my baby has seziures and will my husband missing work for hospital and doctors we are behind.If I was not making a signifgant profit I wouldn't consider selling it. I was thinking about 8500-9500 given the suggested value..

Public Comments

1. put it on craig's list with all of the information above, and tons of pictures. I would ask what you paid for it, and settle for a bit less. be honest and complete with your information, which will increase the percentage of real buyers. we sold our Ranger for $1000 over book on Craig's List due to complete information and lots of pictures - including the original window sticker.
2. If I read between the lines of your description correctly, your car has a rebuilt salvage title. If that's the case, no one is going to pay Kelley Blue Book value for the car - and you are obligated to disclose that information to the buyer. In NY, you and the buyer must both fill out a form certifying that the rebuilt salvage title was disclosed. I'm sure it's similar in Alabama, although I couldn't find any specific information online. If the car didn't have a salvage title, you might get $9,000 for it - I'd want the bumper replaced, since you say it's scratched and has a hole, and that'll knock money off the price. With the salvage title, the car is only worth what someone will pay. In all seriousness, that's probably 50% of KBB. Even though there might not be anything wrong with the car, people would rather have a car that hasn't been in an accident. I think you could ask $5,000 or $6,000 and hope to get that much.
3. KBB value is only a guideline and it really only refers to cars with clean normal tittles. Since this is not the case for your vehicle I find it very hard to believe that you will be able to find any buyer that will pay more than what you bought it for. A car is not meant to be a money making investment for the consumer. If you need out from under the payment you should sell it for what you bought it for. If its payed off and you are simply trying to get a couple grand out of it to pay some bills you should find some other way to do so. If this car had a clean normal tittle you might be able to get 10,000 grand for it since the miles are so low but since the title is officially a damage title the norm is to take about half the normal value. I would advise listing it for less than KBB value without all of the negative details. Once you get a bight you should disclose all of the information and offer to take off the top the cost of a mechanic of their choosing inspection in order to ease their mind. You will definitely not get full KBB value but if you play your cards right you may be able to sell it for more than what you bought it for. Good luck.