I can see both sides.

It is a timing thing bigred3297. The bottom dropped out of the big vehicle market (including trucks), so prices were right; especially if you were comparing MSRP against what you gave for it.

On the flip side rambob, you are right, 99% of the time you will not do as well on trade-in as you would selling to a private party.

 

timing is everything. We bought our Avenger at the end of last September. At the time, our dealer was offering more than what our ragtop was worth for a trade, and some good factory/dealer rebates. We didn't trade or finance, we paid in cash. $4500 off of the sticker. Rams and minivans were being offered for 40% off of msrp. $4/gal for gas will do that.

Rambob is right, we sold our trade for $250 more than the dealer offered. The same day I posted the ad. The car was pretty hammered. I just wanted it gone.

More recently, I looked at a truck at the same dealer. No good incentives, and they want nothing to do with my trade. A much cleaner/newer/lower mileage car. Timing is everything. They seem to be moving alot of used rams too. Economical type cars seem to languish on the lot.

Good luck w/your trade or sale. Too bad, that's a really nice car. Not too many sxt awd's around here.

 

Up until about a month ago, I would have whole heartedly agreed with you, however, when we got my wife her new '09 charger, they offered her about $700 more than the KBB RETAIL amount for her tarus, and I forget, but it was the highest out of the trade-in, private party, and retail values. On top of that it had a major problem with the shifter or transmission, that we told them about, and they stuck with their offer. I was pretty suprised. I told her we weren't going to trade it in, that we'd just sell it, but after their offer, it was a no brainer.

BTW, my wife is 6 foot tall and has plenty of room for our two kids' car seats in the back.