that actual going-prices for cars always reflected what Edmunds and KBB say they are? I'm not here to debate why they don't always accurately represent what rare or limited-production cars go for, I just wish I could get a '97 Viper GTS for 21k like Edmunds says, or 27K from the KBB, rather than the 40k they seem to go for, give or take a couple grand. Prices for used Corvette C6 Z06s are going for about 13k more than "the books" say they are. Nothing new; I remember looking up suggested values for MkIV Supras and Defenders and not finding values that meshed with actual prices. Try finding a Defender 90 for 6k.
Heck, try finding a YJ or XJ for KBB price. good luck with that one.
I really do wish I could find a MkIV Supra at blue book...
Do they actually sell for those prices, or are the owners on a fishing expedition? I used to pick up the Autotrader, back when there was still paper, and always figured they were at minimum 50% over realistic.
And Bluebook value is what you get on trade in. Retail is a different thing.
gamby
SuperDork
3/14/10 7:40 p.m.
Currently shopping for a 99-00 Civic hatchback.
KBB doesn't have much to do w/ reality. 
I have never had a problem buying or selling with NADA, KBB or any of the book values. They seem to be very close to actual values of everything I've been buying or selling.
81gtv6
HalfDork
3/15/10 9:11 a.m.
It sometimes goes the other way. The Merc i just got for my wife was @ 7k less than Edmonds said it should be, I don't think it would have sold at the higher price.
The jeep we bought was 1700 below kbb in "good" condition, and 2200 below in excellent. I would call the jeep good. We did seem to buy somewhat cheaper than most are going for, though.
Joey
at least the viper pulls up on NADA for 28.4 to 42.1K. Thats close to what people are asking for right?
Mercedes and the blue book price and NADA guide do not compute. They overvalue the price of used mercedes. I guess it must level off, they overvalue prices of used mercedes and undervalue prices of other cars so they have a good average. I think the values might be for insurance and not commercial reasons though i.e. I insure my car for the 12,000$ the guides value my car as for replacement cost should it be totalled.
