need some advice

[frank]

I have a 1996 half ton suburban 4WD with 144,000 miles on it. The vehicle has been religiously maintained, no rust, no exterior damage with the exception that the windshield is cracked. The interior is fine except the side of the drivers seat has a rip in it. It has the SLT package (all leather, CD, cassette, AC, etc.) I need a bigger tow vehicle so I've been shopping around and have been disappointed with the amount offered as a trade in. Need your help. What is this vehicle worth.

[woodsdweller]

Check with the person you have your insurance with. They should have a blue book price to get you in the ballpark. You can also look at dealer lots to see what a similar used vehicle is going for. Good luck on selling.

[Fish Hound]

What's hurting the value of your vehicle is the mileage. Most new car/truck dealers will wholesale a vehicle with over 100,000 miles. No one wants to buy them at retail prices because of the mileage. You can check on the internet, Kelly's blue book will give you an idea. And the try to sell it out right.

The Fish Hound

[SnellTier]

Yup. Your credit union or bank would be willing to give you the blue book numbers also. I have used this a lot.

You can also look online under Edmund's @ www.edmunds.com. I have used this a lot to find the value of my used cars/trucks and the dealers cost on new vehicles. I usually try to deal wholesale value of mine against the dealer new vehicle cost plust $100. They make a bit more than $100 because of the manufacturer's holdback which I think is like 6 percent, depending on the brand. The dealer has usually done this for cars but holds out for their cost plus $400 on trucks. They can get it and they know it, so they do. I have bought a lot of vehicles from this particular dealer so he lets me have cost plus $400 but charges other people cost plus $500.