RE: selling a 99 A3

["Belt, Stephen D" <stephen.d.belt@intel.com>]

Jeremy sez>

> The car cost a few pennies under 26,000.
> That was with the extended warranty (1500).

> KBB.com, says it is worth 21450 retail
> Rated excellent, which it is, trade in is 17,035.

I purchased my slightly used 1998 GLX in February of this year from 
a local VW dealership.  This was only a couple of weeks after the 
A4's had hit the showroom floors.  The car had 6k miles on it, was 
in mint condition plus an aftermarket exhaust - but no other changes.

At that time I looked up several sources for the approximate value of 
a used Jetta (edmunds, kbb, etc.).  KBB and EDMUNDS had drastically 
different values for the car, so I sort of split them.  I set in my 
mind that $19,500 was a fair price for the car ($21,000 was being 
shown on the window).  I offered that price and it was accepted.

20,000 miles is more than a year off the life of the car.  Edmunds is 
showing an invoice of $21k for your car brand new.  If there are any 
remaining 1999 Jettas on showroom floors, they are likely being offered 
for something very near invoice.

In my opinion, people understand the market value of your car brand new,
are subtracting more than a year worth of value ($4k) and are not coming 
up with $19k.  

Aside from the radio upgrade you've noted, I don't know what other 
aftermarket items you've installed.  In my experience, very little added 
consideration is given to a car with aftermarket upgrades.  If anything, 
most people use these as tie breakers, if there are two similar cars they 
are considering.  Certainly very little money will be added for a car that 
has aftermarket alterations.  Even worse, some people may deduct value for 
having altered the car and affecting the warranty.

The lesson learned on this car is not that VW has poor resale.  In fact 
all cars have poor resale, particularly within the first year of ownership.

As well, all cars suffer worse, when an improved model is offered in the 
following year.  You should have faired well when you purchased your 1999 
Jetta, holding the dealership at bay for this second fact.  The real lesson 
here is not to spend money on aftermarket parts (including extended 
warranties), if you don't plan on owning the car for several years (5 would 
be good).  Or, restore the car to stock and then part out the aftermarket 
items.  This will generally net you more money, with added time and effort.

Regards,

Steve Belt - Scotts, AZ
1998 Jetta GLX