Why can't I sell my mini-van? Suggestions?

[shortbun]

A. It's 9 years old in car years and most people buying a van need something that's not getting ready to break down.

B. Most folks are looking for Odysseys and Toyotas IF they're looking for used vans.

I agree that you should take it to Car Max. We sold our 2001 Odyssey to them for good money. Of course, DH was buying a Ford 150 long bed/four door, from them at the time.

 

[MikeinBoston]

I think people are skiddish about buying older cars from private parties in general I know I would be. Try selling to a dealer, taking what you can get for it and just let it be gone!

 

[dis-happy]

Did you buy it new? We sell our older vehicles while advertising that all service records are included. (helps that I have a dh who files everything over the years). Push the fact that it is well maintained, new tires (or whatever) and price it low enough that a family could by it with cash. If you pay property tax you might include what that amt. is----being an older car it should be pretty low and that might make people give it a second look as well. Of course, detail it and wax it so it looks great. GL!!

 

[LisaNJ25]

My Hispanic husband bought me a new VW bug
I guess he missed the memo on buying an older used van.

mine didnt I have a 2003 Chevy Venture

 

[mel&me]

Too old, and mainly discontinued dead model.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Did you buy it new? We sell our older vehicles while advertising that all service records are included. (helps that I have a dh who files everything over the years). Push the fact that it is well maintained, new tires (or whatever) and price it low enough that a family could by it with cash. If you pay property tax you might include what that amt. is----being an older car it should be pretty low and that might make people give it a second look as well. Of course, detail it and wax it so it looks great. GL!!

yep..all done...check check!!

 

[jodifla]

Do you have lots of pictures up with your posting? Our Honda languished for a couple of weeks until we put up pictures, then the calls started coming in.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

yep....lots of pictures...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ype=p&num_records=25&cardist=0&standard=false

 

[mom2rtk]

Too old, and mainly discontinued dead model.

Nope. Every car has a value. Used car prices are actually up substantially since the "Cash for Clunkers" fiasco. There are just fewer available.

We used to have one of these and it was a great dependable vehicle. FAR better than the Dodge Caravans we've had through the years.

Either the price is wrong or the marketing is wrong.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Nope. Every car has a value. Used car prices are actually up substantially since the "Cash for Clunkers" fiasco. There are just fewer available.

We used to have one of these and it was a great dependable vehicle. FAR better than the Dodge Caravans we've had through the years.

Either the price is wrong or the marketing is wrong.

I think both are good! See my autotrader add above...and the price is $1,000+ less than what everyone else is asking...plus it is more loades...leather, dvd, etc.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think both are good! See my autotrader add above...and the price is $1,000+ less than what everyone else is asking...plus it is more loades...leather, dvd, etc.

"Marketing" means more than posting it and letting it be. It means exposing the item to the right target market enough that the right person will find it. Do you live in an area where people with lots of little kids buy used cars? I liked the idea of parking it by a dance studio. But don't do it an such an upscale area that everyone buys only new cars.

Maybe list it on more sites. Maybe you just need to be patient.

But something is wrong if it's not moving. Either the price, the marketing, or your patience. It is worth SOMETHING.

We have started looking at used cars for our son to drive to college here in town in the fall. We are absolutely SHOCKED at the price of used cars, and the stories on the news lately confirm our experience. Once the cars were taken out of circulation for "Cash for Clunkers", prices for used cars jumped, many by as much as 30% since 2008.

You need to find a way to get the car in front of families with children looking for a used car.

There IS a right price for it. Whether yours is right, I have no idea.

 

[holyschmolly]

I'm not sure where you obtained your asking price from....when I quickly entered just the basics into Kelly blue book site, at "Good" condition the van price should be $4950 selling to an individual. So even though you say you are a $1K less than other sellers (and are you sure you are comparing that price to other Pontiacs or just 2003 minivans in general???), you are still asking too much.

 

[mrodgers]

There's only 2 other private sellers within 200 miles of your zip listed on Autotrader. Both of them are less than $5000.

You can't compare the price to other manufacturers and you can't compare your price to the price of a dealer.

As said, KBB value in "good" condition is $4950. That sounds like the regular and not the extended. I got a value of $5780 for the Ext version, but didn't mess with the options.

Good luck. I stink at selling vehicles, which is why I just trade them.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I think both are good! See my autotrader add above...and the price is $1,000+ less than what everyone else is asking...plus it is more loades...leather, dvd, etc.

What anyone else is asking is not the issue

I just did a search for Montana's within 25 miles of the zip that shows on your add. You are high when you look at age and miles!!! Sorry but 94K is not
"low milage" for most folks

As I indicated above there are bank finance issues with FSBO cars. You need to undercut the dealers and I don't think you are.

I would also reword my advertisement "Do you homework" really doesn't come across well

 

[timmac]

+1 to what PPs have said about KBB value. When selling a vehicle, that should probably be the first place you look.

Without looking at the exact details of what options your vehicle has, and despite your insistence that you're $1000 lower than other people, it seems you're about $1000 overpriced (or more).

Your ad says "great deal compared to what dealers are asking"... well, of course it is. If it weren't, I can't imagine why anybody would buy through private sale at all. Remember, you can't compare to what dealers are asking, it's not a fair comparison. Most dealers will help with financing, and offer a level of personal service, possibly even some limited warranty, etc, that you just simply can't compete with. Add to that, most dealers charge more for cars than they're worth anyway.

The unfortunate reality that seems to be too easily overlooked is simply that a vehicle which is 8-9 years old and just shy of 100k miles simply isn't worth very much. Though the drive train on even the cheapest/worst cars will likely last well beyond that with decent maintenance, there's still plenty of other things that can and will need repair in a vehicle of such age.

 

[dismiss]

I think alot of people are afraid to buy "discontinued" Auto Company cars,
I like both the Pontiac Vibe and the Saturn Vue. But would no longer consider either. Even tho "they" have claimed that service will always be available, will you really be able to get parts or service in the future from a defunct company?

Have you considered trading the van in. Even tho it used to be the least attractive option; I have got good trade in values in the last two years
because 1- they want to make the sale and 2- there are not many used cars around and the dealer can turn it quicker.

For an 8 year old van with 94,000 miles, I would not want to spend over $5K
at the most

Good Luck what ever you do
Keep us posted

 

[Kellydelly]

Anything that is priced right will sell, regardless of the make or model. I think people are totally overanalyzing why your van isn't selling. Price it better and it will be gone a lot faster .

 

[Lewisc]

Years ago I was selling a car. I listed it for what other cars were advertised at. A "buyer" gave me a low ball offer. I wasn't interested. I think he was planning on reselling the car.

He was then nice enough to tell me the "real world". Real world values are based on what the car is selling for at auction. Book values are what banks used to use when deciding how much you could borrow. At the time the real numbers cars were selling at from private buyers was only a little higher then what the books claim dealers will give you for a trade in. I dropped my price by almost 2K and sold it immediately.

A couple of people called me up and asked why my car was priced low . What was wrong with it? They had the same car and didn't have any buyers. I told them my lower price is what I was told the car would sell for.

Other posters gave you the hard facts. Pontiac isn't making cars. A car with 94K might start having issues. A buyer would only consider your van if it was a great deal. You don't have the kind of vehicle that people want to buy. You have the kind of vehicle a few people might "settle" for if the price is low enough. A previous poster suggested 5K. That's probably a reasonable listing price. Looks like trade in value is around $4300. That may be your best bet.

Other posters already told you dealer pricing is irrelevant. A dealer will offer a short warranty. Might be willing to replace brakes or tires if necessary. Assist with financing. Your price probably has to be at least 2K less then a dealer price.


edited to add

Anything that is priced right will sell, regardless of the make or model. I think people are totally overanalyzing why your van isn't selling. Price it better and it will be gone a lot faster

It's really that simple. Some of us are giving the OP reasons why the car is worth less then she thinks it is. The truth is the car isn't priced right. The OP will have a long wait if they think they'll find a buyer who has to have that year/model van is willing to pay $$$.

 

[sparklynails23]

I'd pay $4500 to $4800. If you price in the 5's, you'll get alot more looks.

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

Traded in our 2002 Montana (same features as yours) almost 4 years ago now, about 40,000 less miles than yours for $8000. Trade in was in OH. (look like you are MI). Just to give you a reference point on your $6400 price.

I hated it ... as PPs have said I had problems with the engine which are well documented for the model -- the intake manifold gasket failed just past the warranty period on ours and our friends as well. Also had head gasket failure ... just too much to happen before 50,000 miles.

And that info is out there on the internet. Not saying you haven't done a great job taking care of it and you may have not had any problems, but it has got a bad reputation.

Good luck with the sale.