What's a fair price for this car?

[homesick_american 1]

My grandfather died recently and left behind a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. I don't know the trim but my mom is thinking of asking $7k for it. The blue book value for the cheapest trim is about $5100 and the most expensive trim is $7700. Since my grandpa was sort of a tightwad (one of his most admirable qualities) I'm thinking he didn't get the most expensive trim on offer. My mom wants to sell it to my husband and I and I want to buy it since we want to have kids, we'll be hauling around quite a bit of stuff as we get settled, and it makes things easier on my mom and uncle in settling my grandparents' estate.

So...what would you pay for a low mileage 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan? What's a fair price to offer?

[eau_xplain 2]

If you have a CarMax (or its equivalent) in your area, perhaps you can see how much they would pay for the van. You can then use that to gauge what would be a fair price to offer to your mom.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

homesick,

Find out the trim. Find out the exact mileage. Get it inspected by a mechanic you trust.

Once done, go back to Kelley Blue Book, plug in your learnings and determine price.

And since it's family, offer 20% less

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

See what you can get a comparable car for in the real world (classifieds and such as opposed to the blue book) and go from there.

[homesick_american 1]

If you have a CarMax (or its equivalent) in your area, perhaps you can see how much they would pay for the van. You can then use that to gauge what would be a fair price to offer to your mom.

I'm still in the UK. I think I'll let them come to a decision on price, and ask them what the trim and options are...then do my own research and if I feel they're asking too much I'll show them the fair value. $7k sounded a bit high to me for a 7 year-old Dodge minivan.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

... it makes things easier on my mom and uncle in settling my grandparents' estate.

Don't forget to factor this in to the price you offer. The convenience should come with a price tag attached, to your advantage.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

kbb values

you looking at private party value?

7k seems high

[brnidokiegurl 1]

Funny you mention car max as i went there yesterday. I have a 2004 silverado pickup with 42,000 miles and a matching camper that we paid 1,000 for. THey noted good tires, excellent condition in and out etc etc then came up with 7,000 about half of what i owe big joke, they are giving what is called auction price, then they would take it and sell for 10 - 13,000

[Anyta Holland 1]

Funny you mention car max as i went there yesterday. I have a 2004 silverado pickup with 42,000 miles and a matching camper that we paid 1,000 for. THey noted good tires, excellent condition in and out etc etc then came up with 7,000 about half of what i owe big joke, they are giving what is called auction price, then they would take it and sell for 10 - 13,000

I don't like CarMax, I find them pricey, really pricey...

[Otto 83]

My grandfather died recently and left behind a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. I don't know the trim but my mom is thinking of asking $7k for it. The blue book value for the cheapest trim is about $5100 and the most expensive trim is $7700. Since my grandpa was sort of a tightwad (one of his most admirable qualities) I'm thinking he didn't get the most expensive trim on offer. My mom wants to sell it to my husband and I and I want to buy it since we want to have kids, we'll be hauling around quite a bit of stuff as we get settled, and it makes things easier on my mom and uncle in settling my grandparents' estate.

So...what would you pay for a low mileage 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan? What's a fair price to offer?

I did a quick search of auto trader ads.. found the following:

$12,500 Highest price

$1,800 Lowest price

$5,684 Average price

Mileage plays a big role - some were pretty high..other's within normal ranges. Many are by dealers too so they always seem to ask more.

If it were me..I'd pass on the deal - just to keep from dealing with family that way - much easier to say no and buy a vehicle someplace else than to deal with family issues (should they come up) later..

[Mags 112]

And don't forget, if you did pay them less, in the future you might get loaded comments pertaining to this very fact. "Could you do this for us? Well, you DID get Granpa's van cheaply"...etc etc

I always say don't deal with family of friends this way, especially if you are getting a deal that seems to good to be true (if you bought it for less than the $7000 obviously!).

[rebeccajo 14]

You can also use NADA.com.

[Flames9_RN 359]

definetly need to find out more info as the Dodge caravan comes in many different models, different engines as well, and of course there is the grand caravan, which is a bit longer!!

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

And don't forget, if you did pay them less, in the future you might get loaded comments pertaining to this very fact. "Could you do this for us? Well, you DID get Granpa's van cheaply"...etc etc

I always say don't deal with family of friends this way, especially if you are getting a deal that seems to good to be true (if you bought it for less than the $7000 obviously!).

That might be the best advice.

You pay too much or steal from the family Your choice.

[s2convt 0]

And don't forget, if you did pay them less, in the future you might get loaded comments pertaining to this very fact. "Could you do this for us? Well, you DID get Granpa's van cheaply"...etc etc

I always say don't deal with family of friends this way, especially if you are getting a deal that seems to good to be true (if you bought it for less than the $7000 obviously!).

I wouldn't recommend buying from family, unless they give it to you. Who knows what's been done with the car? It may break down and need a $4000 repair the next day. Who pays for the repairs then?

Buying from family leads to too many unwanted arguments and/or arrangements. If you are willing to pay the fair value for a car, buy one from someone else.