I've had my truck in the truck trader for about 2 months now. I think because it's a gas-guzzler it's having trouble selling. Anyways, the trade-in value on kellybluebook.com says 15.3k and I owe 16.5k. Private party value says 16.4 which is what I am wanting to sell it for. I am getting impatient and ready to own a Z again! Anyone have experience with trade ins that can give me a pointer or two?

 

You're going to be at least $2K upside on trade, guarantee it.

 

KBB is just an opinion as far as I am concerned. Not like they will give you a check for that amount. What year, make, model is the truck? What is its condition? and whats the mileage?

 

It varies. When they rape customers on the new car or the new car inerest rate, they will give you anything for your trade. Likewise if a customer is getting a great deal for the new car, the dealer will lowball the trade or jsut tell the customer to keep it. Its a balancing act for them.

 

i got 400 bux above the kbb "fair" rating for my 4x4 ranger at $10,400, only owed 7k so i went for it

course the interior was pretty much spotless and it had 3 month old BFG long trail t/a tires on it

 

wanted to trade in my Z for another car at same dealeship, i checked the kbb value, and it was 15.5k, they ofered me 13k for my Z. they ofered me the nada value that was 14 k (they choose the the one who sugests the lower value i guess), and said that they can only give 1k less than trade in value...so 13k for an 04 Z with 42k miles!!! ridiculous....

 

Keep in mind that ALL dealers will work to make a profit at either the front (trade-in) or back end (sale of a new car) of a deal. In your situation, you have NO leverage on a deal. Sure, they might offer you more on your trade-in to sell you a more expensive car (or one they want to move). Either way, you will walk out of the showroom owing WAY more than you walked in with.

Be patient and try some different ways to market your truck privately. If its in great shape, you'll always make more selling privately. Beware of putting yourself further in the hole by going to a dealer impulsively.

David Muramoto
Senior Editor
Nissan Sport Magazine

 

if they want the car, you'll get your number....if they don't, you're forced to deal with what they will give, or sell privately

 

Yes .

Books like KBB are guidelines not a bible for pricing. The prices are collected from actual sales prices. The book does not dictate prices. One example is a popular (silver) vs unpopular colour (yellow). Silver may bring a better price than yellow.

 

When I traded in my car... nissan gave me $19.500 for trade in.. I got it up to 20,700 ( same as KBB ). Well it only had 15K miles. and smells like new so. Depends, Like he said ^^^^

 

i think most dealers go by dealers auctions.

 

if they rape you on the backend, then yes, they can offer you more on the trade in.......

 

A trade is what it is....just a way for people to get rid of their cars without the hassle of selling it themselves...so the dealers will always take advantage of that aspect. If you really want what the car is worth you'll have to put in some time....I prefer the easy way out as long as I can stay within 1-2k of KBB.....