Short-Throw Shifter: Trade-in Values

The hardest part about the car industry is the trade-in. A deal is often dependant upon the trade-in value, and unless the customer gets their anticipated trade-in value, they snort and stomp and flat out refuse to do business. They act as though their mother, grandmother, dog, and every 2nd cousin on their father's side have been personally insulted. I mean, I love my car too, but it's just a car, and no one should be offended if their car isn't worth as much as they'd like it to be.

I think often times consumers are afraid that sleazy dealers are trying to rip them off by offering way less than what their car is worth. Though it is commonplace, it doesn't happen everywhere. Sometimes dealers will give an honest appraisal for a trade, but due to other fishy tactics, the customer feels cheated anyway.

Sometimes the dealer feels offended in return, as a customer demands full trade-in value for their junker and less than wholesale value for the new vehicle. It doesn't work that way, and never has. The dealer is supposed to rip off the customer, not the other way around. If you're looking to pay wholesale value for a new (or used) car, then don't have hopes and dreams of getting full trade-in value for your old one.

Also, just because Kelley Blue Book says it, doesn't mean that it's true. It's a good reference tool, but no dealer is going to pay you more than what they can pay for your car at auction or wholesale. Dealers will value your trade by comparing it to similar vehicles that have been sold recently at auction.

I hope this helps to give you an idea for your next trade-in. Feel free to comment with questions.

Thanks for reading.
-Biggs