Advice on selling Taurus Wagon - Ford Forums

Dwolf · 06-24-2008, 16:50

I have a 1997 Taurus Wagon... It has 130,000 mile on it.. It's been a very good and reliable car. I'm buying a new car and want to get as much as I can to offset the cost of the new car.

So here's the thing. The check engine light has been on and off for almost two years. The mechanics test said it's the Catalytic Converter. About a month ago the light was off, so I got the car inspected and it passed.. Of course the light is back on. I certainly want to be honest when selling it.

I went onto Blue Book and my year and model said Good $2285 Fair $1875

I would be happy to take the fair price..

Other wise the car is in good condition.

I've been told after market converters might fit... costing a lot less.

So I want to sell it but don't want to scare people away.

I'm just not sure how to advertise it.. ?

Of course I wonder if the converter is truly a problem.. could it be a senser ?

All feedback is welcome..

Thanks

coonerboy · 06-25-2008, 04:51

KBB tends to be a little hi on there values. I would start it out at $1700 and the work down from there. Replacing the dual converter y-pipe will run the buyer $300-$600, so they will probably want to dicker on the price

RickMN · 06-29-2008, 19:04

First off, KBB is the retail price. That's the price dealers charge retail customers. Even then, both KBB and NADA values are usually off in fast changing markets like we have now. Your best bet is to follow the prices being asked on VEHIX, EDMUNDS, and your local classifieds. Then call the owner after the sale and ask how much they actually got.

You will NEVER get retail from a private party. Why should they pay YOU retail? A dealer usually gives at least a 30 day warranty. Private sellers should consider themselves lucky to get halfway between trade in and retail.

Second, expect to take pretty big hit on price with that code. Any buyer that asks a shop for an estimate is going to get the price for an OEM converter.

Finally, these days,

**jwko** · 06-29-2008, 21:52

Myself? I would start off at $2200 and work down. Someone will come along and buy it sooner or later, may just take a little time.

KBB list Private Seller prices on that car for my zip 72930 as:

Excellent
$2,555
Good
$2,205
Fair
$1,775

**360ci** · 06-30-2008, 16:43

Yes, everyone likes to haggle. I'd start at $2200 as well and hope for the best. If you can take your time in selling the car, do so, it might give you a couple extra hundred bucks.