What’s with Kelley Blue Book?
If you’ve been shopping for an M Coupe and need a loan, you were probably very surprised by what the bank told you your dream car was worth. Most banks are now willing to loan 90% of the Kelley Blue Book price for a used car (if you have good credit). The problem is KBB says the car is worth about half of what the market says. Some banks may be willing to look at Edmunds True Market Value or NADA price quotes as well, but they really are not a whole lot better.
These organizations’ price estimates are largely based on a simple depreciation scale rather than the market and seem to no way factor in rarity, desirability or collectability. KBB does not even seem to factor in the S54 engine in the later cars. For an example, my personal dream coupe gets docked for not having a sunroof and for being Steel Gray. It obviously does not seem to gain anything by being one of two made in its configuration, a final model year car, having the S54 engine, ridiculously low miles, etc. A similar M Roadster is actually estimated higher as convertibles are typically more desirable in the average market, but that’s certainly not the case in the M Z3 market.
“KBB says…” is probably the most annoying phrase ever uddered to an M Coupe seller as well. Potential “buyers” expecting to buy an M Coupe at KBB value will be sorely disappointed. I don’t blame those sellers who don’t even return communication of any interested parties that even mention that phrase. For those reading this, know that this is not a bargaining point. If you are able to find a coupe priced at blue book, buy it and consider yourself lucky as it’s a rare occurrence by uninformed sellers.
Some coupe owners have talked to Edmunds about their low estimates, but no one really has any solid data to back up what is the market value. That’s one of the reasons I’m trying to collect sale prices on M Coupes. Perhaps in the future we can have some more realistic numbers from these organizations.
Here are some examples I ran of similarly optioned, relatively stock coupes (I won’t even get into modification values) of various years and mileages currently on the market that I think are priced fairly versus their suggested retail value as given by each of the three organizations:
2002 M Coupe - 7,000 miles
2002 M Coupe
7,000 miles
Condition: Excellent
Private Party
Asking Price: $49,500
Kelley Blue Book: $16,820 (I wish!)
NADA: $25,025
Edmunds TMV:$22,141
2000 M Coupe - 13,505 miles
2000 M Coupe
13,505 Miles
Condition: Excellent
Dealer Retail
Asking Price: $23,800
Kelley Blue Book: $16,280
NADA: $20,400
Edmunds TMV: $15,186
2000 M Coupe - 67,142 miles
2000 M Coupe
67,142 Miles
Condition: Good
Private Party
Asking Price: $17,000
Kelley Blue Book: $10,880
NADA: $14,325
Edmunds TMV: $11,635
1999 M Coupe - 56,980 miles
1999 M Coupe
56,980 Miles
Condition: Excellent
Private Party
Asking Price: $19,850
Kelley Blue Book: $10,710
NADA: $13,800
Edmunds TMV: $10,758
1999 M Coupe - 118,000 miles
1999 M Coupe
118,000 Miles
Condition: Good
Private Party
Asking Price: $15,900
Kelley Blue Book: $6,960
NADA: $10,625
Edmunds TMV: $8,020
What Can I Do?
First, consider talking to a credit union. Credit unions have a little more flexibility than banks and may be willing to work a little more with you. Next, go somewhere willing to look at NADA rather than KBB. It is by far the most accurate of these three organizations (although not quite there). Some credit unions will also be willing to look at comps to find a fair price. Because coupes are rare, these are pretty hard to come by. I’m hoping this site will be helpful with this in the future if I can continue to collect sale prices. Finally, be patient and save up the difference between what you can get for a loan and the price you’ll have to pay for your dream coupe. Good luck!
Cool article. Back when I stumbled upon my coupe a few years ago, I ran into the “it’s only worth X” problem at the bank. Luckily, I had the $$ to make up the difference, so I was able to get my first-of-only-four steel grey over black no sunroof car. I don’t even plan on selling, but it’s good to know someone’s looking into getting the book fixed.
I’ve recently done a full suspension, steering, and braking refresh at all 4 corners of the car, and replaced all the plastic bits on the underside. I did all the work myself (save the alignment) and it was super satisfying. It drives like new again!
I love hearing about steel gray coupes being treated right. Sounds like you have a special one.