Trade Values
:nono
First, a reality check:
> The SSr is a wonderful and fun vehicle albeit quite impractical for most of us on a day to day basis (although a buddy in La Jolla is using his as a daily driver and has for the past 18 months or so and loves it). This impractical aspect of things detracts from 'value' and is why the the values are so low relative to 12 months ago; :banghead
> The transaction price in an open market defines economic value. New, well equiped, '04 SSr's are now selling at in the order of $35-37k while many dealers will market a new '05 for $500 to 1000 above 'dead cost' or in the order of $43-45k;
> one can approximate the market in used by taking the appropriate depreciation (i.e. about 15-20%) off of the above..... :sleep
VALUE
A first series SSR (03/04), in good-excellent condition and on the road for a year or so should bring $28-32k. :cheers
I agree with Marc about the LS2 et cetera;
The 5.3L is not a dog and $10k plus is a lot to pay for the LS2 and decent prop rods. In fact, I believe, Chevrolet should continue to offer the 5.3L as a delete for credit option. Note that it runs on regular (87) as opposed to >91octance that the LS2 requires and does have good torque to boot.
Further, most poeple that bought the 03/04 have taken excellent care of their SSr's such that the used SSr's are a great buy used at the $30-32k range. Any more than that get a new one for $35k in Orchard Park N.Y. from Jason!

arty