Actual 'real' Car Value ?

[BASHO]

I'm just looking at importing starting the process in January so I've been seeing what I can get for what I can afford to spend on the car I want and what the breakdown of costs are to get it in my driveway--and it's good , I can get what I want --but-- it raises a question in my mind as to what the actual value of what I'm buying really is.

Here's the thing , the car model/year/grade is buyable for around $4k at the auction and it will be in my driveway for $12k to $13k which means obviously tax's, fees, charges, shipping and cost's of a whopping $8k to $9k .

I note that a $20k at auction car would probably not cost much more to import--??

This year/model car is being retailed in dealers for anything from $9k to $20k depending on the usual , premium /standard model ,K's travelled , condition and of course, dealer bullshit , the same $ goes for private retail ask but substitute "dealer bullshit" with 'seller optimism' in the case of private seller.

I have no idea what price owners are actually getting for their cars but I do know in many instances it's taking a fair time to sell them and that it would seem as time goes it's getting harder for many when it comes to even breaking even or matching the ask with what a fresh (same model) car can be brought in for.

To be fair perhaps it is only sensible to note that the private sellers will have more K's on the car than when they first bought them along with attendant wear and tear , no matter how carefully kept.

But what is a car that actually cost $4K and is 11 years old, low Klm and excellent condition not withstanding really worth in a falling market.

I remember when the 300z was worth a premium--then it wasn't

I still can't get my head away from the fact that the thing only cost $4k in the first place so how much is it really , really , worth ??

I realy should find something useful to do

Edited December 13, 2014 by BASHO