Need Advice Trading Car for Van

[XFILE36]

Hello there,

I am in dire need to move into a van.  I have a BMW car with half of the usual miles it should have.  I checked Kelly blue book and saw between $3500 and $5100.  I need to move in a van to travel across country.  If necessary, I can do most all remodeling/additions except mechanical under the hood.  I will need help installing the batteries/solenoid (sorry I don't know how to spell it).  I will sell my condo and get a decent profit AFTER. 

The problem is, I have no spare money at all until I sell my condo or sell my car.  Trading is an option, but I would like to get some money so I can buy the first things like insulation, batteries, oven, stove, fridge, heater, a/c, etc.  Another note is I have an elderly cat that needs medications every day, so he will be my co-dweller & I need a/c for him if it is hot outside.  I looked at a couple vans on Craigslist.  The problem is, I don't know the first thing to look for.  I could be buying a terrible van and not know it.  I wanted to know if someone could mentor me and help me choose one.  I see one right now that looks perfect to trade.  Can anyone help?  I would really appreciate it.   (Thanks Bob for the website)

 

[XFILE36]

P.S. I would be willing to pay someone (when the money comes later) to help me.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Where are you located?, we can help you find some local ones that look promising. Or maybe there's even a member close to you that could give you a hand.

 

[XFILE36]

Where are you located?,  we can help you find some local ones that look promising.  Or maybe there's even a member close to you that could give you a hand.

I am in Tarzana, CA, Los Angeles.  Thank you for replying to me

 

[highdesertranger]

Welcome Xfile to the CRVL forums! To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you. highdesertranger

 

[TrainChaser]

What year is your BMW that it is worth so little? They used to be sought-after cars -- has that changed? Do you know how to use Kelley Blue Book correctly, or are you just looking at the basic car value?

No matter the financial situation, the selling of one vehicle and the buying of another vehicle are two entirely separate transactions. People who trade in their old car for a new one are losing money.

Do you have a reasonably decent mechanic? Have him check any prospective vehicle. Also ask him what he thinks you could get for the BMW.

 

[XFILE36]

Does anyone know what to look for mileage-wise? All the ones I see have 100k-200k. ty

 

[XFILE36]

What year is your BMW that it is worth so little?  They used to be sought-after cars -- has that changed?  Do you know how to use Kelley Blue Book correctly, or are you just looking at the basic car value?

No matter the financial situation, the selling of one vehicle and the buying of another vehicle are two entirely separate transactions.  People who trade in their old car for a new one are losing money.

Do you have a reasonably decent mechanic?  Have him check any prospective vehicle.  Also ask  him what he thinks you could get for the BMW.

TrainChaser,
My BMW is a 2005 with 62,000 miles.  It has a sports package, and other extras.  Here is the actual numbers from KBB  $3,861-5,288  Thanks.

 

[XFILE36]

Can I show a link to a van to see if anyone can comment if this would be a bad trade?  https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/6080036842.html

 

[DLTooley]

You can camp out of the beemer to get started but that won't work in LA proper. That price range is a relatively easy private party transaction. Vans are common. Chances of a trade are better in a large area but pure private party is best if you have the time for two transactions.

 

[ArtW]

Welcome! Gary 68 seems to be the CL guru here, and loves finding good vehicles, I'm sure he can be of great help to you, when he locates this thread
He will want to know some specifics, like what kind of van you want (fullsize/ minivan) whether you want a high top, etc
I'd stick with vans around the 100k mark mileage wise if possible, or lower

 

[CautionToTheWind]

What series is your beemer? Look on Edmunds and "street" compare with other cars for sale. Don't sell yourself sort; low mileage cars are hard to find.

 

[XFILE36]

Thanks for the advice Douglas,

Sandi

 

[XFILE36]

What series is your beemer? Look on Edmunds and "street" compare with other cars for sale. Don't sell yourself sort; low mileage cars are hard to find.

Okay thank you!  I saw one for $6,000 with 111,000 miles and another for almost 9k with more miles.  My car has a lot of extras too.  I guess I would be selling myself short if I went with the KBB trade in price.  Thanks again!,

 

[XFILE36]

What series is your beemer? Look on Edmunds and "street" compare with other cars for sale. Don't sell yourself sort; low mileage cars are hard to find.

It's a 325i

 

[CautionToTheWind]

Here's cars.com comparables in your area (long link made small): http://tinyurl.com/krcbvdt

check also autotrader.com & carsforsale.com

Used cars are holding values....many can't afford high sticker prices.

 

[XFILE36]

Thank you so much for all the info.

 

[XFILE36]

Thank You Art,

Thanks for the head's up about Gary 68.  What does CL mean?  I want a full size, possibly B class if I can afford it, or a cargo van, and would prefer high top.  The more space the better.  An RV would be too much though.

 

[djkeev]

CL = Craigs List

 

[LMTLMT]

Here are some with ok mileage and worth looking into. You can always ask if they can take your BMW for trade or partial trade. Is it possible to get a loan from friends or family to cover the rest? Or credit cards to cover the rest? and you pay them back once the condo is sold?

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/6094475012.html

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/6090121499.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/6094331849.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/6090362990.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/6082720849.html