Well said pm203

That was my point. We all know AMC Pacers arent worth chit but Ive seen some go for some big dollars on ebay because somebody thinks it cool. What I think my car is worth and what a dealer is willing to pay are two different things.

Those sites help people who would have no clue get a feel for what they might be offered. Not necessarily what its worth. If ya dont like them, dont use them but there is some good information on them.

Racegirl 3
You seem to have a good handle on the situation and seem reasonable.Unfortunately,the majority of the public get their info from these sights and consider them not only accurate,but what their vehicle is really worth.The bottom line is that the market fluctuates weekly if not daily,and there are too many variables for a do it yourselfer to get the right dollar value.A good guide?..maybe,accurate??only marginally..

Depends on its history, condition, has it ever been wrecked? Origional paint? Dont know where Bean pit is but a RWD 740 in the northeast in February isnt helping the value any

here are some wholesale prices from manheim auction where id say more then 75% of used car dealers by there car's this is just last week's prices:

BMW 740IL IL 1998 BLUE 4 8 Gas 70110 $8000

BMW 740IL IL 1998 BLACK 4 8 Gas 90613 $11900

BMW 740I I 1998 BLACK 4 8 Gas A Y X SR 83344 $11300

BMW 740I I 1998 TAN 4 8 Gas A Y X SR 79287 $11100

That 98 740 blue must a been a turd

Now,thats good info.

Edmunds dosen't write checks to buy cars, dealers do.

You can shake your computer or blue book and I will guarranty a check dosen't fall out.

Wholesale (Trade In) value is what dealers are willing to pay. You can shop your trade in from dealer to dealer to get an accurate value.

Please keep in mind that most states will give you a sales tax credit. This should be taken into consideration. Some dealer will work on smaller profit margins when they know there is a "retailable" trade involved in the deal. It's like selling 2 cars. As a dealer I loved retailable trades.

Damn. You guys are right. No need to do any homework before buyin a car. Total waste of time. Im sure what the dealer offers is by far the best and most fairest deal cuz we know car dealers arent out to make a profit, they are there to help us buy a car.

Whatever.

Geeessss, Invest hundreds of thousands in buildings, inventory, and properly trained people, and want to make a profit. Those scumbags!!!!!Next time you buy a tv ask them if they will show you what they paid for it and then offer them a 1 to 3 percent profit and see how fast they show you the door. take the good advice your being given, any object is only worth what it can be cashed right now for.