chewonyou

You can predict what your car is worth by working backwards.

In late 2008, dealers were selling brand new leftover 2008 350Z Enthusiasts models for $23,000 not including TTL. That was the last market clearing price on a new car. These aren't rather numbers either. These were numbers that you could get from using Zag, USAA, AmEx, etc. You would just walk in the dealer with a printed sheet with a set price.

Those were the 2007-2008 models with the VQ35HR and they are generally more sought after than VQ35DE models.

It's now 2010 meaning those cars are anywhere from 3-4 years old. 2007 2008 2009 2010 = 4 model years = 4 years old.

Assuming 25-30% depreciation over 4 years which means it would have held its value incredibly well, you would predict that 2007-2008 models are worth anywhere from $15,500-$17500 at BEST. If you don't believe me, check out the for sale threads and see which 2007-2008 cars did NOT sell despite having been on there for months on end.

Your car is a 2006 and not a VQ35HR so logic would tell you that you would have a hard time selling it for the same price as a VQ35HR. I would say if you priced it between $13500 $16,000 at most, you'll have more success in actually selling it versus just "showing" it.

You can do as you want but in my experience and based on my observation, this is probably the optimal price range where you'll actually get enough offers to have one come through.

Sure you could play the "I can wait game" like we so often hear on the for sale threads. But remember this, in this day in age, information is nearly priceless and too easy to access. The days when there is an idiot/sucker willing to pay more than the lowest price they "heard" about are over.

Fairly Z

For $13,500 I'd sooner keep it and use it as my bedside dresser. Thanks for the input, though.

chewonyou

I'll play Devil's Advocate.

Let's say its worth $18000 right now and you bought it $24,000. It is a 2006 model which means it is a 5 year old model (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010).

If $18,000 is its true market value, then it means it only depreciated $6000 in 4 years. I'm using numbers that are in your favor.

$6000/4years = $1500/year depreciation or $125/month rental/depreciation rate

If it only depreciates $125 per month, why in the world would I ever buy used? I would just buy new and sell it used later myself (whether I would be able to successfully sell it later is another story). Simply put, it makes very little sense to buy a car that holds it value well used.