I know it's almost sacriligious to ask this, but I'm thinking of trading in my
crv SE for a car
with more HP. I was just wondering what you all thought the real selling price
would be for a
essentially brand new, perfect condition se with all the bells and whistles.
It's got everything
right down to the tow hitch, roof rack, factory alarm, wheels locks...etc. I
think the only thing
I didn't get was the cd changer. Odometer is at 7k right now.

Your opinion is greatly appreciated (and valued since you all know these cars
well)

John

Check KBB.com for "private seller" prices, most or is that ALL dealers will
want to give you LESS than the "trade-in" values found on that site - sad
but very true - trading is a difficult situation.

A friend recently sold a Volvo ??year for $8500, dealers were offering half
of that AFTER he made his best out-right buy deal on a new Volvo. He
brought his "old" Volvo in the day after the "clean" no-trade deal was made
on the "new" Volvo.
Most dealers sell to wholesale lots or brokers, unless it is an especially
desirable car and they got it cheap in trade!

If you really think about it, NO DEALER is going to tie-up money in your
trade. In other words, they can pick up the phone, call around, SELL it to
a wholesaler quick. If they got it cheap enough in trade and see a quick
turn around on their lot they may keep it for more profit.

DOWNSIDE, most people that are going to buy a relatively new car (i.e. 2001
CR-V SE) are NOT going to buy from a "private individual" unless a
substantial savings can be achieved. You have much more recourse if a
"dealer" sells you a lemon.

http://www.KBB.com
SALTMAN

I have a 2000 CR-V SE in perfect condition with 22,000 miles.  I was considering a trade for a new CR-V.  A local Honda dealer offered me $13,500 which personally I found insulting.  Private sellers are asking about $19,000 for my year CR-V according to one or two I've seen listed in AutoTrader.com.  I added a roof rack.

Thanks to all who replied. Sounds like I'm going to take a substantial hit on
the trade in or
resale.

jsp

Where do you live, J.P.? I may be interested in working something out with
you.

- Rod

A local dealer has ONE brand new silver 2001 EX for $20,500, might be due to my business with them over the years.  The list is at least $1200 higher. 
Your estimation of $19,000 for your 2000 SE sounds in-line and reasonable, hopefully there aren't many for sale in your area.
 
$13,500 is ludicrous for a 2000 SE but typical from dealers for your trade. They can keep yours on their lot or sell it to a wholesaler before the deal is closed on your NEW vehicle purchase.
 
I have SOLD vehicles to dealers, especially when they had less than 50K miles and they were valued above $20,000 and got more than normal trade-in value.  Chevy pick-ups in August before the new models in September are delivered is an especially pleasing time to sell that make. 
 
Most everyone needs personal transportation but they tend to purchase vehicles under $5000 from private sellers quickly (NO CREDIT RING A BELL!!).  A friend routinely buys older (100K - 180K+ miles) Honda's and Toyota's in this range at auctions, cleans them up a bit and makes a quick sell.  He sold a 1983 Toyota Celica GT with 375K miles for $2000, it was a real headache car but the buyer said it was his sons first car and he would abuse the crap out of it anyway.  He bought the car for $300 at auction sold it 3 days later for $2000