Why are outboard prices always so much higher than blue book values?

Question

I've been doing extensive research online for both new and used outboards (Mercurys in particular), but the prices listed by dealers and private parties are often 2 or 3 times what the NADA site says that the average retail price should be. How do I know what is really a fair price for an outboard?

Please help! I really need advice.

I've already been screwed over twice. How can I ever trust someone or some dealer to sell me a good reliable outboard at a reasonable price?

Answer 1

Because they only go by the NADA price when they are buying it or listing as a used. When its time to sell something they try to get the most money. There are dealers around who want to move stock and therefore list it at a more reasonable price.

Answer 2

Blue book values ONLY favor a dealer when you are trading in, even though there are seperate sections for trade-in values and retail values.

Book values are ALWAYS lower than actual market prices... mainly because people always think their product is in better condition than what the book is listing a price for.

Answer 3

It sucks doesnt it?

Quality used outboards are not easy to find, they last forever and new ones are sooo d**n expensive that people hnag onto them, if they do sell them, well, you know the deal there, they ask an arm and a leg.

I am not sure what you mean but screwed over, expect to pay a premium price for a good outboard because if you dont someeone esle will, just a fact of supply and demand.

For instance, I have a 30 year old Evinrude 8 hp, runs and starts absolutely fantastic, it shouldnt be worth much but there is no way I would sell it for less than $400.00 and I am sure I could get it if I advertised it. But then I would be without a motor and woundt be able to replace it for that price.

The typical "Catch 22" consumer style.