So I've been pretty close to buying the '07 Z, only thing is they didn't have a PPW enthusiast model anywhere. Anyways, I currently OWN a 2001.5 Audi A4, 1.8t (non-quattro), base model. It has about 96k miles on it. I searched KBB.com and got a trade-in value of $8000-$10000 or something around that. The best price I got quoted from a trade in at a dealership was $6000. I told them "Why so little, at KBB.com I got quoted $8000-$10000". It's also in GREAT condition. If washed looks practically brand new still. Dealership told me that it costs around $1000-$1500 or so to fix it and do whatever they do.

Now the question is, go for the trade in? Are they screwing me up or is it around the price it should be at? Or just sell privately where I can guarantee $8000 or more for it?

 

KBB numbers are derived from sales. KBB does not dictate sales prices. You will see vehicles selling for KBB less 20 percent, and those selling for KBB plus 20 percent. So KBB is an average.

If the car is worth only $6,000 to you, then trade it. If the car is worth more to you, then sell it privately.

 

Maybe my thread will help you out:

https://my350z.com/forum/buying-leasing/246183-how-the-dealership-determines-the-value-of-your-car.html


Basically if it's a large dealership your Audi is a cash car that's going to get picked up by smaller wholesalers.

 

That's actually a very strong buy bid on that particular car, which I would advise you to take and run. I agree that this car is a wholesale piece.

Audis are "back-of-book" cars. This means that their auction/retail transaction prices are subtantially lower than the KBB guide. Your particular car is actually fetching a *lot* less than $6,000 at auction this week.

Good news: You will likely not run into this scenario with your new 350Z.

 

You don't have to "trade it in" (sell it to the dealership) you know?

If you can sell it to someone else for more, then go ahead. I always get at least 2 dealers to give me an outright offer before I "trade-in" a vehicle.

bill

 

The most you'll ever get for a trade-in is KBB trade-in value in "fair" condition. Doesn't matter if your car is brand new. You'll never get more than "fair" value for it.