Hi all, first post, but been reading for awhile and I guess I've decided to ask a few questions. So, I've been the owner of a '10 GG Lancer GTS for over a year now and am looking to trade it for an Evo sometime in 2011 because the GTS simply isn't enough car for me . It's in pretty much emaculate condition save a few nicks on the wheels. I'm fairly confident that I could get about 1-2000 back if I traded it in RIGHT NOW, because I still owe slightly under 15000 on the loan. Now, for a few questions because I am not an expert in any way of much anything automotive related.

1. Would it be wise to let the loan mature for another year or so to insure better trade in value?

2.Since it is in excellent condition and under 10,000miles, should I try to find a private buyer as opposed to trade-in?

3.I've never traded in a car before, so if that does become the route, any tips to get the most value out of it?

Thanks in advance guys, hope I'll be a part of the Evo community sometime in the near future.

 

1. The car won't go up in value as it ages.

2. It's an option worth exploring. Get an offer from your dealer and watch to used market to get a feel of what you could realistically get for it. One thing to always keep in mind, the cars you see listed are the ones that have not yet sold. Remember that after negotiations its very rare for a buyer to pay full asking price.

3. Bring the car in clean inside and out. Negotiate trade-in value separately from new car purchase price. Do not discuss both simultaneously. Get the price for your Evo agreed upon then negotiate on the trade-in; don't be afraid to walk away, the dealer has more to lose than you do.

 

Thanks for the quick reply, and yea I know the value won't increase at all, but seeing as how I owe slightly less than 15000 and the KBB trade-in suggests around 16500, I was just curious. However, I'm sure by the time I pay another 3000 in it, the vlue will decrease by a similiar amount.

I'm kind of skeptical about the private buyer option though because here in SoCal there are so many dealerships and other private sellers it may almost be to much trouble to even consider. I had a couple friends who were interested, but what I was asking was a bit too much for them.

Yea, once again, I live in SoCal and there are many many dealerships with which to discuss all of this. Thanks for the advice, it will be well considered.

 

to expand on what Kracka said about the trade in, don't even let them know you're trading until you've got the price of the car agreed upon, and beaten down as far as you can take it. good luck

 

Yea, it all seems like common sense really, but until you actually put forth the effort to go into the dealership and give 'em what's what, it's all just talk, haha. Thanks again for the help, guys. Appreciate it.