Used car prices by region?

Question

If you go to the website cars.com it shows that used car prices are not the same from region to region for any one model. Could'nt a person make a substantial profit by buying a car in one area of the country and then re-sell it (or trade it in) in the opposite side of the USA?? Thanks

Answer 1

Yes, it is possible to make a small profit from buying a vehicle from one region in low demand and selling it in another region in higher demand. Before doing so, check the market you would be selling in and make sure the vehicle is the model type that is sought after. For example, a Nissan Altima might be hot in a region, but only the SE models and not the S models of the Altima, check which options on the vehicle are sought after, i.e. 4X4, leather, etc. Make sure that you can sell the vehicle you buy for a higher rate in your region. Rates change based on the local wholesale market and auctions, so you can't always go by bluebook values, they are just an average across the country, not a specific region.

Answer 2

The price difference isn't that great and the cost of shipping a car can easily approach $500+ if going coast to coast. Keep in mind that in an open market, prices set themselves. If it was that easy, people would do it and the prices would fall in line.

It would be easier to seek 'good deals' from people who are motivated to sell and then turn around and resale the car for a nice profit.

Answer 3

i make a good living sitting in one place, buying from people who want to sell fast, selling to people who want to buy now. it takes a little knowlage, and these two web sites help alot - kbb.com (always check the value first) and craigslist.org (pick your city) is where i get 70% of the cars i sell, and sell 40-50% there too, the rest on ebay. so YES, "flipping" cars is a decent way to make money, but as for transporting, the key to that would be close cities with big price differences, but you can use craigs to find more info in that area. i'm glad to help if your serios and want to try. just drop me a line.

Answer 4

The pricing isn't that different. Some regions have higher demand for certain types of vehicles. In Vermont, they like Subarus, in Texas, they like Chevy Suburbans.

Answer 5

It has a lot to do with the individual car. Some could have more miles than others, even though they are the same model, year, etc.

Answer 6

you could, but then you'd have figure in the cost to transport that car to the other part of the country. Or, if you drive it, the amount of gas, time and extra miles you put in your car.

If it were easy, somebody woulda already done it!

Answer 7

Naw, the cost of gasoline would gobble up any profit pretty much.

Answer 8

Yes and they do, but it only works on a large scale.

Answer 9

There is not that much difference.