ToniCipriani
Seasoned Member
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2025
- Messages
- 94
- Location
- Canada
- V-Series Cadillac(s)?
- (Future) 2026 6DF69 1SB GBW HBF MG9
Pfft. 10-15 year old beige Corollas.
Used Value Trend
- Thread starter Deneed4spd
- Start date
jbawden
Seasoned Member
I think arguing options don't "add value" is a bit of a faulty premise when it comes to the 5BW. In the larger automotive market, if you start at a bigger base value, the natural economics of the depreciation curve generally means you'll get more in the end, all else being equal. No value was added when you paid more in the beginning and got a little more in the end.
When it comes to the 5BW, the big three that absolutely change the desirability dynamics are 10A vs 6M, Iron vs CCB, CF1&2 (or maybe the sunroof). A car with these desirable options (6M/CCB/CF1&2) will always have a broader audience and command more dollars (which lessens the depreciation and adds value) than one without all of that. Not to mention its just more fun and despite @rubberduck suggesting we should drive beige Camry and not indulge in life, isn't that what it's about?
When it comes to the 5BW, the big three that absolutely change the desirability dynamics are 10A vs 6M, Iron vs CCB, CF1&2 (or maybe the sunroof). A car with these desirable options (6M/CCB/CF1&2) will always have a broader audience and command more dollars (which lessens the depreciation and adds value) than one without all of that. Not to mention its just more fun and despite @rubberduck suggesting we should drive beige Camry and not indulge in life, isn't that what it's about?
rubberduck
Seasoned Member
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2022
- Messages
- 2,350
- Location
- Arizona
- V-Series Cadillac(s)?
- 22 CT5V BW Shadow Metallic 6M
Hey, I never told anyone to buy a Camry, but that’s how you save a shit load of money compared to buying a Blackwing (new or used).
I didn’t buy my 5BW in 2022 to “save” money when there were no used ones around. If I wanted to save money I wouldn’t have CF seats and CCBs either (on my CamryWing?).
jbawden
Seasoned Member
Right, which was the basis of my comment...IF you're buying a BW like the person I was responding to is proposing, used is more financially sound (most of the time). We all get that a BW is irrational form of transportation, but its also amazing!! As far as I know we only go around once and it's too finite a time to drive boring.
Last edited:
I think this is true for a lot of cult cars out there…as years go on and people recognize how good the blackwing is without new models being made, people may search for cars with particular options that add value for them. I spec’d mine as I couldn’t find the combination I wanted used…6MT, CF1&2, ceramic brakes, carbon bucket seats, PDR, suede wheel/shifter, sunroof delete, and pre-facelift. If I ever sell, there will likely be someone interested.
bloominguez
Seasoned Member
Only problem is, I've reached a point in my life where I've decided to never buy a practical car again, ever.
bloominguez
Seasoned Member
I was going to say the same thing. Monitor the forum, pay attention when someone is selling something right up your alley, and snap it up. As you well know!
savethemanual
Seasoned Member
Yes, to an extent and likely No.
In a trade in or even a carvana or carmax type deal apart from the manual vs auto expect very little return on options you listed. The only manufacturer(non exotic) where I have seen things like CCB make a world of difference is porsche GT products but we don't have the sheer numbers on our cars to get to that yet.
If you are selling private party and someone is looking and values those options they might make a more tangible difference but even there its hard to get back close to the prices you paid for the options.
jbawden
Seasoned Member
Well, I guess the idea that I would trade an enthusiast vehicle to some corporate clearing house is where you lose me. Going to Carvana is what you do with an appliance like a Kia Soul where option packages are pennies on the dollar in resale. As someone that bought a unicorn at a discount (off MSRP plus mods) and subsequently half selling my OG 5BW, I can tell you with personal experience that these options absolutely make a difference. Again, I'm not at all disagreeing with the premise that I wont recoup 100% of the initial investment, but to think it's not going to make a significant difference is simply choosing to ignore reality.
fordperfaddict
Seasoned Member
definetely, i have problems with wanting the "perfect spec"
dizz81
Seasoned Member
They really don't.
Sold my 22 BW with all the right options (CCB, Carbon fiber backed seats, etc) and got the same amount for it that any other BW of that year without any options was listed for. The mileage was the only factor in value.
Sold my 24 911 with 20k in added option "value" and got the same "market" value as another same model with only 2k worth of options. Once again the mileage determined the value.
Out of the 24+ cars I've owned. Not a single one of them fetched more money because of the options they had. It always came down to mileage and how old the car was.
Sold my 22 BW with all the right options (CCB, Carbon fiber backed seats, etc) and got the same amount for it that any other BW of that year without any options was listed for. The mileage was the only factor in value.
Sold my 24 911 with 20k in added option "value" and got the same "market" value as another same model with only 2k worth of options. Once again the mileage determined the value.
Out of the 24+ cars I've owned. Not a single one of them fetched more money because of the options they had. It always came down to mileage and how old the car was.
Finally-a-V
Seasoned Member
I have to agree with @dizz81 . I think the biggest factor outside of "damage" is mileage. I also think some are confusing trade in vs retail. I think most dealers don't care about options. Only year, make, model and mileage. If it looks very well cared for, maybe they throw you a little extra. The cheaper they can get it, the more they can make on it. On the retail side.....they care. Oh, it's got CF1 and CF2, charge more money. CF seats, charge more money. CCB, sunroof, etc., charge more.
dizz81
Seasoned Member
Agree. Most will list their car based on options. But then it's a crap shoot getting someone to pay extra for the "extra" options. I mean, if they REALLY want them, then they'll give you a headache trying to get a better price than what's listed for.
It took me months of looking at car sale sites to find a BW with the options I wanted. I was logging in every day.
I could have easily just grabbed a random BW, but I wanted specific options. I still haggled with the dealership for a price decrease.
Also, I've found myself checking out the used sales again. Always regretted having to sell my car.
jbawden
Seasoned Member
My arguments are specifically about the 5BW and selling it privately, not the 23 other cars we've all owned and traded. The fact that the loaded model is listed for more on the retail side sort of proves my point that these options do make a difference, its just that I choose to be the one that benefits rather than the dealer.
Similar threads
Double Your Chances!
Supporting Vendors
