I've been the proud owner of a '05 Silver Coupe 6MT since Nov/08. I fell in love with the G my sophomore year of college when it won MT car of the year in 03. I made it my first car purchase after my first job. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..... I've matured since those early shenanigans days and find myself in need of a new car while my family grows.

My car has 140,000mi on it. I haven't put any mods on it, and it only took front wheel bearings, rear calipers twice, engine belts, and normal maintenance beyond those. It needs 2 rear Conti DWS tires, some rust repair, and most likely a whole new exhaust including cats. I'm eyeballing a 15 GMC Acadia at the dealer and they only offered me $2500 for trade-in. I'm hesitant to sell it privately and risk cringing while I watch potential buyers test drive it and burn out my original clutch. Seriously though, it's gotta be worth more than $2500 trade-in, the big difference is the 6MT over the auto. Autotrader shows the closest 6MT from 49201 (Jackson, MI) is like 200 plus miles away. There's gotta be some higher demand for the 6MTs right?

I don't know, I guess I was a little shocked at the low ball trade offer. Just curious what other folks think.

 

I'd say $3500-4500 depending on the condition of the paint, interior damage, how visibly significant the rust is.

You should probably keep the stories about running from the cops and driving recklessly on public highways off the forum though, it's typically frowned upon.

 

I know, it was in my immature years, I don't drive over 75mph now. I guess there's a reason car insurance companies lower premiums at 25 years old. It took me that long to realize, don't drive like an a-hole.

Unfortunately the rust is visible on the driver side door bottom. I bought the car in Queens, NY in 08 for $17,900, but their clean car fax didn't reveal some sort of accident along the driver's side. After about year 3 of ownership the rust started and I noticed the passenger headlight started sun fading before the driver's side. Clearly the car was involved in some sort of driver's side damage. However, I still don't understand how the 1st owner paid out of pocket like $3000ish just to avoid a claim and car fax not picking it up when I bought it.

I've only bought one other car since the G, but I certainly check door jams for paint marks and I take dealer car fax as a grain of salt. It's nice to have, but don't trust it.

 

Dealer trade ins will almost always be lower than private party sales (and on the contrary, dealer selling prices will almost always be higher than private party!). That being said, $2500 does seem like a very low offer; I think Cleric is right on his guestimation.