1997 SR5 Pricing

[eldawg]

Hi all,

I'm new here and am looking for some advice on pricing for a used 1997 SR5 with 4wd and automatic transmission. I'm buying it from a close friend and want to make sure we're both getting a fair deal.

The car is in good condition with a new timing belt and water pump last year and no exterior or interior damage. It has almost 160,000 miles. The Kelley Blue Book value is listed at ~$4950. Edmunds lists the dealer retail price as $4700 and the private party price as $3200.

I'm not quite sure how to interpret these prices. Is the KBB value fair in a private transaction? The Edmunds private party amount seems low based on comparisons I've seen online but I'm sure it's based on something legit.

Any advice? How much would you pay?

 

[tbst]

All those prices seem reasonable to me. But it depends on where you are, a lot.

 

[Millerad1651]

Give him $4 and call it even. I paid $5000 for mine, a 98 SR5 with 156k in really good condition. I'm in Indiana, which is pretty much the middle ground for pricing. If its rusty underneath, knock off some money. Or look through the 100 "what's it worth threads" that we've been getting lately.

 

[alexb]

I paid 6 for mine, but it was 1 owner with PERFECT history and maintenance records. Others in the area were going for less but were crap. Just depends on your location.

 

[eldawg]

Thanks for the responses. I've looked at other threads and am doing research. I'm in Texas. I'm happy to pay whatever is fair, I guess my main question is whether the "private party" or "retail" specifications on the quotes should make a difference (i.e. is it typical for a private seller to ask the KBB retail value).