@fezo said:
Those roboletters are a scream. An annoying scream but a scream. I keep getting mail telling me what a high demand there is for 07 Camrys and how actively they are looking for them. Really? There must only be half a million of them out there.
I got one yesterday asking me to trade in my 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. I don't even have a Crosstrek.
The closest I ever got to one when I test drove one a year ago.
@bwia, did you get an email about your "spam" or is there just a flag on it? I forgot how that works but I don't see anything in the spam queue.
Oh, nevermind, I see someone flagged you. Maybe they were aiming for the Like icon and missed.
The automated spam filter we have seems a bit aggessive; I'm always having to restore posts from people wanting lease info. I think all the numbers trigger something.
@bwia said:
Oh, Oh, I may have committed a Venial Sin because I was flagged for Spamming.
Apparently, I got into this predicament when I mentioned a particular auto dealership's return policy. I was not promoting the dealership in anyway. In fact, I was skeptical of the veracity of their unconditional return policy.
I beg for forgiveness and I hope the Edmunds' hosts will remove the offending post. A thousand pardons for this unfortunate faux pas.
Who would do that? Silly. Someone must have been having a bad hair day.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Just saw a news article about hackers getting into car computers and among the top cars hacked were Jeeps.
That reminded me of an incident that happened at the house.
You may have heard me mention my son's friend who scraps cars. He occasionally parks a few in my side yard while waiting to fix them or crush them. One of these is a 2000 Jeep Wrangler.
It was only there a few days when someone stole the doors off it. Just walked in and poof...gone. Turns out it was an acquaintance from down the street. He's trying to get the guy to return them but I advised calling the cops. Should be easy to match serial numbers and I don't want this jerk running around thinking he can steal off my property.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
May be true enough on the 07 Camry but I've gotten similar letters about a 98 Sebring convertible I owned 12 years ago and several others. Waste of trees.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
@oldfarmer50 My pickup was an 83. V8, 4 speed w/overdrive and payload package and some chrome trim. Other than that, just a basic truck(radio, heater, and do 60 A/C). I miss those 2 tone sandwich paint jobs.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
We met with his new radiological oncologist at Loma Linda. She wants my son to have another MRI of his brain next week to see if the tumor has changed since his first MRI 5 weeks ago and to determine, if possible, if there are any new tumors developing in his brain. Also, he has to have more blood tests to see if his white blood cell count has improved or stayed low.
So, there is no need for me stay out here any longer. I have a flight tomorrow morning and will be back home tomorrow evening with the time change .
It seems that the doctor is hesitant to recommend surgery because of its small size. She feels radiation therapy is the best approach and based upon the results of the tests next week, her approach to treatment will remain the same or change.
They cannot determine if the tumor is malignant at this point without a biopsy - but due to the tumor's location, no biopsy will be performed. The oncologist said she is part of a large oncological group which contains surgeons, neurologists, etc. the met before we got there and they determined that the radiologist oncologist should manage his case until or unless something changes.
They want to first determine if the tumor has grown in size before making any further judgments.
I'll fly back out here in a couple of weeks once the test results are in and they are ready to make additional recommendations for treatment. The doctor said we should be concerned because of the tumor's location and my son's symptoms of dizziness, pressure pain in his head, and his memory lapses. The tumor's location is why he is showing this symptomology and she said it is expected.
I'll be home soon just to face dealing with my Dad and his reaction to having a stranger care for him. From my conversations with his caregiver, he has not been easy to care for - no surprise, that's for sure!
"On the way back think of a way OF can tell his wife he is buying a 435 hp Mustang"
Why even tell her? It doesn't have an emblem outside stating it's horsepower. If his wife drives the car and has a comment like, "...Hon, it seems to go so fast - are you sure this is a 6 cylinder car?", all he has to tell her is that, "...sweetheart, you probably have a heavy foot - try not pushing down on the accelerator so hard!" See, all he has to do is deny, lie, hide the truth , and keep up the deception. We all know that love is blind - right?
The trade is definitely the most difficult part of the sales equation from a buyer's perspective. Even an informed consumer like me who knows the car isn't going to grab "edmunds excellent condition money" and gets the GALVES value from our trusty @qbrozen has difficulty getting auction value for trade ins.
When I traded in my 2010 Acura TSX two & a half years ago, I figured I'd have no problem getting what GALVES said my car was worth. Yes it had high miles (49 K on a 2 year old car), but it was a desirable color combination (Black/Black), 4 cyl, & an Acura had the right options (tech pkg), Michelin tires with deep tread, and literally glowed in the dark. Q told me not to take a penny less than $20K.
The first offer I got was $16,500. The Manager tried to make me think that 16,5 was a fantastic offer. "There is a 120 day supply of Cars like yours.". I ended up getting offered $18K from a different dealership & finally got them (2nd dealer) to offer me $19,5.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Two pieces of advice often presented by the experts are abjectly incorrect.
First, as noted, is the recommendation to hide the trade. This is so silly as to be laughable. Sales people are not stupid. They will not be stumped if a trade is sprung at the last moment, so why play games.
I have found the best approach is to research the value of the trade based on its actual condition before visiting the dealership. Tell the sales person what you expect for the trade as well as what you are comfortable paying for the new vehicle. If your numbers are realistic, most sales people will be quite pleased with the information and many will work hard to meet or approximate your numbers.
Second piece of silly advice is to never finance at a dealership. Seriously, dealers have many sources of financing and can often beat the interest rate a buyer may locate themselves.
One bit of advice which is correct is to never tell the sales person you will pay cash. It is always advisable to let the dealer believe there is profit to be made in the box.
Buying a new vehicle is actually quite simple. Do your homework and develop the framework for a deal. Then contact dealers and work from your numbers.
@henryn said:
I'm going to have to (partially) disagree with you on this one. Many, many people never have a clue what they're getting for their trade in.
We agree, though, as that's exactly my point. Many buyers know what they should be paying for the new one these days since the information is now so easily accessible, but very very few have any clue as to their real trade-in value. So the trade is the harder part of the deal for a salesperson and the much more likely place for it all to fall apart. So the "experts" who suggest springing it at the end are essentially suggesting that you waste a bunch of your and salespeople's time.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yeah, they are just awful. I get letters concerning cars I got rid of long ago. I also keep getting them concerning the Leaf. Just yesterday one arrived from a Honda dealership telling me "you only have 7 months left in your lease, we could get you out now!" Well, no, I have 5 months and, no, you can't get me out of it because that's against Nissan's contract. Sigh.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I've found there's a pretty big delta in what one dealership will offer over another.....sometimes thousands of dollars difference.
Like most, I know what I want for the trade, seen what the auctions are doing, CARMAX, looked to see what the market is in the newspaper (if there are a lot for sale and the prices they're asking).
If I'm at a dealership, and they're lowballing me on the trade (meaning $1,000+ off the research I've done), I just move on to another dealership to make a deal. I've gone as high as 4 dealerships, to get a trade number
Again, I'm looking for the delta between what they offer for my trade and the number I'm willing to pay for their new car. I'll do a little pencil pushing on a trade.
I think most of us here have pretty nice cars. We keep them in really good shape. So, I become a little incredulous when a dealer, such as NYC' described, tells me I can buy these all day long at $XX,XXX, only to find a dealer that offers him thousands more.
Bottom line, don't insult me with your trade offer, and I won't insult you with my buy offer on your new car.
That's a game we can all play....dealer low balls on the trade, I can go way under invoice on his new car.
Usually, I don't spend much time with a dealer who low balls my trade, though. That means they want to grind me down with a lot of back and forth with the tower. That's not how I roll....:)
There is a local screamer dealer who owns multiple brands in the area and is constantly dreaming up gimmicks to sell his cars-- free cruises, big screen TVs, you name it.
The latest is a hoot. He says he's up at the Saratoga Race Track for August and he's implying that he comes out of there so drunk that he's likely to over allow on your trade.
He owns a Ford store so maybe I should take the Eclipse over there.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Even now, my Mom is trying to trade in her 2013 BMW X5 on an MB ML 350 4Matic (I think I talked them out of the Jeep). I understand that used cars depreciate. Especially the 1st year of ownership. But does the Jeep dealer really expect her to take $31K for a car that she paid over $50K for just a year ago? "I can't get a dime more than that out of the wholesaler."
Sure you can't. Because you are going to stick it on your lot for $43 - $44K and sell it to the 1st person who offers you $41K for it. $10K in your pocket. I don't think so.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@nyccarguy said:
Even now, my Mom is trying to trade in her 2013 BMW X5 on an MB ML 350 4Matic (I think I talked them out of the Jeep). I understand that used cars depreciate. Especially the 1st year of ownership. But does the Jeep dealer really expect her to take $31K for a car that she paid over $50K for just a year ago? "I can't get a dime more than that out of the wholesaler."
Sure you can't. Because you are going to stick it on your lot for $43 - $44K and sell it to the 1st person who offers you $41K for it. $10K in your pocket. I don't think so.
If an auto dealer owns any vehicle, it's a great car, if you own it, it's value is dropping daily.
Your trade is in low demand, last years style, worn out and if he wanted one, could go to the auction and pick up two for what you're asking.
His vehicle ( new or used) is currently the hottest thing on the planet, worth way more than he's asking, will never decrease in value, safety features never seen before and is so rare he can't believe he has one.
Auto dealers have auto auctions and consumers have money. If consumers had access to auto auctions, the game would be over. Consumers should treat dealers like dealers treat auctions. Walk away from a price too high and buy when the price is right.
If it wasn't for trade-ins, there would be no need for dealers.
Jeez Louise, this may be the worst case of inflated pricing on a used truck that I have ever seen. Or ever will see. 13 years old, 160,000 miles, wrecked, totaled out, and $2,500? Have Mercy!
These old guys around here love the small pickups. GMC Sonoma (especially the 4WD) and the King of small pickups was the Ford Ranger until they stopped making it. The old guys around here pay a lot for just the right truck. Then sit at McDonalds off the interstate and talk about all the fancy people from NY and NJ heading for the southland.
@bwia said:
Oh, Oh, I may have committed a Venial Sin because I was flagged for Spamming.
I "liked" it to balance things out. I mean, I DID actually like it, but I just now clicked "like."
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Hahaha! Just body damage...who needs a body anyway? If the seller thinks a totaled 14 yo truck with 160k miles is worth $2500, I just have to get some of what he's smoking!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@Kirstie_H said:
I "liked" it to balance things out. I mean, I DID actually like it, but I just now clicked "like."
Thanks Kirstie for getting me out of "jail." Feels like getting a J-walking ticket fixed. And for your troubles, enjoy the New England blueberry coffee cake I did not send.
@bwia said:
Thanks Kirstie for getting me out of "jail." Feels like getting a J-walking ticket fixed. And for your troubles, enjoy the New England blueberry coffee cake I did not send.
I imagine was figuratively delicious.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I think the closest CarMax is about an hour & a half away from where my parents live.
Look around there may be others doing the same thing (offering to buy your car). Here in the Houston area we have an outfit called Texas Direct Auto. They primarily sell through Ebay, and they have a large number of billboards up saying "We want to buy your car!". They advertise that they will pay more than CarMax, guaranteed.
I'd be willing to bet there is someone in your area doing the same.
Brilliantly said! This especially holds true if your trade-in has a manual transmission. They'll tell you nobody buys stick shifts anymore. They low ball you. Then turn around and advertise the car as having a "RARE STICK SHIFT!"
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"Two pieces of advice often presented by the experts are abjectly incorrect."
I have a 2+ hour layover here at DFW, so I thought I would do some posting.
Not mentioning the trade to the dealership until the end of negotiations is not a smart thing to do - the dealership knows there is usually a trade if the buyer drove up in his car, so I always factored that in prior to giving the buyer his final numbers.
It always infuriated me when a customer withheld his trade until the end - it was a form of "lying" and I immediately lost any respect for the buyer. There were many times when I would specifically ask the customer, "...what are you planning to do with your current vehicle - trade it, sell it privately or keep it?" They would lie to me and then at the end throw the trade into the deal. That form of deception often got the buyer thrown out of the dealership or I would explain that we didn't want his trade. Or, I would tell him I had to wholesale it and could give him no more than wholesale value.
Those kinds of buyers were the worst because no matter what you did to salvage the deal, invariably the customer ended up unhappy or angry and he would kill us on the sales survey which cost is even more in lost incentive money.
So I usually ended up not selling those customers new cars to protect my CSI averages.
@nyccarguy said:
I think the closest CarMax is about an hour & a half away from where my parents live.
The closest to me is Hartford, a little far to keep the dealer honest.
We we're suppose to get a CarMax close to where I live. They got permission in January to tear down an old KMart and put up a store but nothing listed on their web site.
I'll be furious if the town screwed it up.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
@ken117 said: Tell the sales person what you expect for the trade as well as what you are comfortable paying for the new vehicle.
I agree with most of what you said, and I considered doing this when I bought my new car last week. But, then I realized one problem.
What if I tell the dealer what I want for my new car and what I want to pay for the new car, and his number was actually better than mine. Believe it or not, that has happenned to me once.
I took an ad in showing a 2000 Jeep Cherokee for sale at another dealer for what seemed to me to be a great price, $28K. My current Jeep was coming off lease, and the dealer who leased me the car said he could do better than that price. Now, I keep my mouth shut.
Last week I knew what my trade-in was worth. They were right on in what they offered. If they came in low I would have been on guard and ready to walk....since they were right on I thought they were good...no game playing. The most I could hope for on the 2015 was 4% off so when they went along with that the deal was sealed.
A reporter would like to speak to a new car buyer who made their purchase through a longer term loan, 72 months or more. If you'd like to share your story, please send your contact info to pr@edmunds.com no later than Sunday, 8/24/14 at 10 a.m. PT.
@stever said:
A reporter would like to speak to a new car buyer who made their purchase through a longer term loan, 72 months or more. If you'd like to share your story, please send your contact info to pr@edmunds.com no later than Sunday, 8/24/14 at 10 a.m. PT.
Daughter got a 72 month loan on her MINI back in April. I'll send an email.
Comments
I got one yesterday asking me to trade in my 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. I don't even have a Crosstrek.
The closest I ever got to one when I test drove one a year ago.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
@Fezo, an '07 Camry is a car the finance dept can make a lot of money on. Refer to sub prime car loans previously mentioned.
@bwia, did you get an email about your "spam" or is there just a flag on it? I forgot how that works but I don't see anything in the spam queue.
Oh, nevermind, I see someone flagged you. Maybe they were aiming for the Like icon and missed.
The automated spam filter we have seems a bit aggessive; I'm always having to restore posts from people wanting lease info. I think all the numbers trigger something.
Thanks guys, are you trying to get me shot?
She has driven the Eclipse exactly once. Not only did she complain that she couldn't get out if it she claimed it was "too much car" for her.
Can you imagine if I told her she had to drive a 435hp monster?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Who would do that? Silly. Someone must have been having a bad hair day.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"Thanks guys, are you trying to get me shot?
She has driven the Eclipse exactly once. Not only did she complain that she couldn't get out if it she claimed it was "too much car" for her.
Can you imagine if I told her she had to drive a 435hp monster?"
There is one more possible solution to your dilemma, OF, instead of trading in used cars, have you considered trading in your wife instead?
That way you make your own decisions!
On the other hand, from your comments about her, she's probably a "keeper"
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Jeep must be a favorite for crooks.
Just saw a news article about hackers getting into car computers and among the top cars hacked were Jeeps.
That reminded me of an incident that happened at the house.
You may have heard me mention my son's friend who scraps cars. He occasionally parks a few in my side yard while waiting to fix them or crush them. One of these is a 2000 Jeep Wrangler.
It was only there a few days when someone stole the doors off it. Just walked in and poof...gone. Turns out it was an acquaintance from down the street. He's trying to get the guy to return them but I advised calling the cops. Should be easy to match serial numbers and I don't want this jerk running around thinking he can steal off my property.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
May be true enough on the 07 Camry but I've gotten similar letters about a 98 Sebring convertible I owned 12 years ago and several others. Waste of trees.
@oldfarmer50 My pickup was an 83. V8, 4 speed w/overdrive and payload package and some chrome trim. Other than that, just a basic truck(radio, heater, and do 60 A/C). I miss those 2 tone sandwich paint jobs.
We met with his new radiological oncologist at Loma Linda. She wants my son to have another MRI of his brain next week to see if the tumor has changed since his first MRI 5 weeks ago and to determine, if possible, if there are any new tumors developing in his brain. Also, he has to have more blood tests to see if his white blood cell count has improved or stayed low.
So, there is no need for me stay out here any longer. I have a flight tomorrow morning and will be back home tomorrow evening with the time change .
It seems that the doctor is hesitant to recommend surgery because of its small size. She feels radiation therapy is the best approach and based upon the results of the tests next week, her approach to treatment will remain the same or change.
They cannot determine if the tumor is malignant at this point without a biopsy - but due to the tumor's location, no biopsy will be performed. The oncologist said she is part of a large oncological group which contains surgeons, neurologists, etc. the met before we got there and they determined that the radiologist oncologist should manage his case until or unless something changes.
They want to first determine if the tumor has grown in size before making any further judgments.
I'll fly back out here in a couple of weeks once the test results are in and they are ready to make additional recommendations for treatment. The doctor said we should be concerned because of the tumor's location and my son's symptoms of dizziness, pressure pain in his head, and his memory lapses. The tumor's location is why he is showing this symptomology and she said it is expected.
I'll be home soon just to face dealing with my Dad and his reaction to having a stranger care for him. From my conversations with his caregiver, he has not been easy to care for - no surprise, that's for sure!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
@oldfarmer50 While you are deciding on buying a Mustang, maybe you can buy this to hold you over.
https://screen.yahoo.com/mustang-first-50-years-200300579.html
Have a good flight back.....we were wondering how you were doing today.
On the way back think of a way OF can tell his wife he is buying a 435 hp Mustang.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Safe travels....
"On the way back think of a way OF can tell his wife he is buying a 435 hp Mustang"
Why even tell her? It doesn't have an emblem outside stating it's horsepower. If his wife drives the car and has a comment like, "...Hon, it seems to go so fast - are you sure this is a 6 cylinder car?", all he has to tell her is that, "...sweetheart, you probably have a heavy foot - try not pushing down on the accelerator so hard!" See, all he has to do is deny, lie, hide the truth , and keep up the deception. We all know that love is blind - right?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The trade is definitely the most difficult part of the sales equation from a buyer's perspective. Even an informed consumer like me who knows the car isn't going to grab "edmunds excellent condition money" and gets the GALVES value from our trusty @qbrozen has difficulty getting auction value for trade ins.
When I traded in my 2010 Acura TSX two & a half years ago, I figured I'd have no problem getting what GALVES said my car was worth. Yes it had high miles (49 K on a 2 year old car), but it was a desirable color combination (Black/Black), 4 cyl, & an Acura had the right options (tech pkg), Michelin tires with deep tread, and literally glowed in the dark. Q told me not to take a penny less than $20K.
The first offer I got was $16,500. The Manager tried to make me think that 16,5 was a fantastic offer. "There is a 120 day supply of Cars like yours.". I ended up getting offered $18K from a different dealership & finally got them (2nd dealer) to offer me $19,5.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
So you're saying I should buy a 2 DVD length commercial?
I'm not that far gone yet but I bet they sell 100,000 of those.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Two pieces of advice often presented by the experts are abjectly incorrect.
First, as noted, is the recommendation to hide the trade. This is so silly as to be laughable. Sales people are not stupid. They will not be stumped if a trade is sprung at the last moment, so why play games.
I have found the best approach is to research the value of the trade based on its actual condition before visiting the dealership. Tell the sales person what you expect for the trade as well as what you are comfortable paying for the new vehicle. If your numbers are realistic, most sales people will be quite pleased with the information and many will work hard to meet or approximate your numbers.
Second piece of silly advice is to never finance at a dealership. Seriously, dealers have many sources of financing and can often beat the interest rate a buyer may locate themselves.
One bit of advice which is correct is to never tell the sales person you will pay cash. It is always advisable to let the dealer believe there is profit to be made in the box.
Buying a new vehicle is actually quite simple. Do your homework and develop the framework for a deal. Then contact dealers and work from your numbers.
Can't argue with you Ken, all goods points and duly noted. Two thumps up!
If you click on the flag it will tell you who did it. My guess is that it was probably a mistake.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
We agree, though, as that's exactly my point. Many buyers know what they should be paying for the new one these days since the information is now so easily accessible, but very very few have any clue as to their real trade-in value. So the trade is the harder part of the deal for a salesperson and the much more likely place for it all to fall apart. So the "experts" who suggest springing it at the end are essentially suggesting that you waste a bunch of your and salespeople's time.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
roboletters? ha.
Yeah, they are just awful. I get letters concerning cars I got rid of long ago. I also keep getting them concerning the Leaf. Just yesterday one arrived from a Honda dealership telling me "you only have 7 months left in your lease, we could get you out now!" Well, no, I have 5 months and, no, you can't get me out of it because that's against Nissan's contract. Sigh.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I've found there's a pretty big delta in what one dealership will offer over another.....sometimes thousands of dollars difference.
Like most, I know what I want for the trade, seen what the auctions are doing, CARMAX, looked to see what the market is in the newspaper (if there are a lot for sale and the prices they're asking).
If I'm at a dealership, and they're lowballing me on the trade (meaning $1,000+ off the research I've done), I just move on to another dealership to make a deal. I've gone as high as 4 dealerships, to get a trade number
Again, I'm looking for the delta between what they offer for my trade and the number I'm willing to pay for their new car. I'll do a little pencil pushing on a trade.
I think most of us here have pretty nice cars. We keep them in really good shape. So, I become a little incredulous when a dealer, such as NYC' described, tells me I can buy these all day long at $XX,XXX, only to find a dealer that offers him thousands more.
Bottom line, don't insult me with your trade offer, and I won't insult you with my buy offer on your new car.
That's a game we can all play....dealer low balls on the trade, I can go way under invoice on his new car.
Usually, I don't spend much time with a dealer who low balls my trade, though. That means they want to grind me down with a lot of back and forth with the tower. That's not how I roll....:)
>
>
Thanks for that Houdini, I now see the who flagged me. Oh well, live and learn.
I was going to click on the flag to see who did it but I was afraid I'd flag him too!!
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Screamer dealer laughs.
There is a local screamer dealer who owns multiple brands in the area and is constantly dreaming up gimmicks to sell his cars-- free cruises, big screen TVs, you name it.
The latest is a hoot. He says he's up at the Saratoga Race Track for August and he's implying that he comes out of there so drunk that he's likely to over allow on your trade.
He owns a Ford store so maybe I should take the Eclipse over there.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Even now, my Mom is trying to trade in her 2013 BMW X5 on an MB ML 350 4Matic (I think I talked them out of the Jeep). I understand that used cars depreciate. Especially the 1st year of ownership. But does the Jeep dealer really expect her to take $31K for a car that she paid over $50K for just a year ago? "I can't get a dime more than that out of the wholesaler."
Sure you can't. Because you are going to stick it on your lot for $43 - $44K and sell it to the 1st person who offers you $41K for it. $10K in your pocket. I don't think so.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Is there a CarMax close by?
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
If an auto dealer owns any vehicle, it's a great car, if you own it, it's value is dropping daily.
Your trade is in low demand, last years style, worn out and if he wanted one, could go to the auction and pick up two for what you're asking.
His vehicle ( new or used) is currently the hottest thing on the planet, worth way more than he's asking, will never decrease in value, safety features never seen before and is so rare he can't believe he has one.
Auto dealers have auto auctions and consumers have money. If consumers had access to auto auctions, the game would be over. Consumers should treat dealers like dealers treat auctions. Walk away from a price too high and buy when the price is right.
If it wasn't for trade-ins, there would be no need for dealers.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Me too except I was afraid I'd find out it was me who did it by mistake.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
oldfarmer, I found just the truck for you. Never worry about parking lot dings again. This one comes pre-dented. If you read the auto check under accidents it says "minor issue: Nice touch.
ebay.com/itm/Nissan-Frontier-SC-Extended-Cab-Pickup-2-Door-2001-Nissan-Frontier-SC-Extended-Cab-Pickup-2-Door-3-/111437575369?forcerrptr=true&hash=item19f23274c9&item=111437575369&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
Here's a pic>
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Jeez Louise, this may be the worst case of inflated pricing on a used truck that I have ever seen. Or ever will see. 13 years old, 160,000 miles, wrecked, totaled out, and $2,500? Have Mercy!
13 years old, 160,000 miles, wrecked, totaled out, and $2,500? Have Mercy!
Aww, that'll buff right out.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
These old guys around here love the small pickups. GMC Sonoma (especially the 4WD) and the King of small pickups was the Ford Ranger until they stopped making it. The old guys around here pay a lot for just the right truck. Then sit at McDonalds off the interstate and talk about all the fancy people from NY and NJ heading for the southland.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
I "liked" it to balance things out. I mean, I DID actually like it, but I just now clicked "like."
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Hahaha! Just body damage...who needs a body anyway? If the seller thinks a totaled 14 yo truck with 160k miles is worth $2500, I just have to get some of what he's smoking!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Thanks Kirstie for getting me out of "jail." Feels like getting a J-walking ticket fixed. And for your troubles, enjoy the New England blueberry coffee cake I did not send.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I imagine was figuratively delicious.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
>
Look around there may be others doing the same thing (offering to buy your car). Here in the Houston area we have an outfit called Texas Direct Auto. They primarily sell through Ebay, and they have a large number of billboards up saying "We want to buy your car!". They advertise that they will pay more than CarMax, guaranteed.
I'd be willing to bet there is someone in your area doing the same.
I had to lookup the meaning of venial. LOL.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
@mako1a
Brilliantly said! This especially holds true if your trade-in has a manual transmission. They'll tell you nobody buys stick shifts anymore. They low ball you. Then turn around and advertise the car as having a "RARE STICK SHIFT!"
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"Two pieces of advice often presented by the experts are abjectly incorrect."
I have a 2+ hour layover here at DFW, so I thought I would do some posting.
Not mentioning the trade to the dealership until the end of negotiations is not a smart thing to do - the dealership knows there is usually a trade if the buyer drove up in his car, so I always factored that in prior to giving the buyer his final numbers.
It always infuriated me when a customer withheld his trade until the end - it was a form of "lying" and I immediately lost any respect for the buyer. There were many times when I would specifically ask the customer, "...what are you planning to do with your current vehicle - trade it, sell it privately or keep it?" They would lie to me and then at the end throw the trade into the deal. That form of deception often got the buyer thrown out of the dealership or I would explain that we didn't want his trade. Or, I would tell him I had to wholesale it and could give him no more than wholesale value.
Those kinds of buyers were the worst because no matter what you did to salvage the deal, invariably the customer ended up unhappy or angry and he would kill us on the sales survey which cost is even more in lost incentive money.
So I usually ended up not selling those customers new cars to protect my CSI averages.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
The closest to me is Hartford, a little far to keep the dealer honest.
We we're suppose to get a CarMax close to where I live. They got permission in January to tear down an old KMart and put up a store but nothing listed on their web site.
I'll be furious if the town screwed it up.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I thought I had flagged him too for a second there. If you do flag someone by accident I am pretty sure you, and only you, can remove it.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
@oldfarmer50
The closest CARMAX to me is in East Haven which is a little south of Hartford.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I hope it wasn't me...if it was it was an accident. I actually did a "like" for you recently, but, maybe pressed the wrong button.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I agree with most of what you said, and I considered doing this when I bought my new car last week. But, then I realized one problem.
What if I tell the dealer what I want for my new car and what I want to pay for the new car, and his number was actually better than mine. Believe it or not, that has happenned to me once.
I took an ad in showing a 2000 Jeep Cherokee for sale at another dealer for what seemed to me to be a great price, $28K. My current Jeep was coming off lease, and the dealer who leased me the car said he could do better than that price. Now, I keep my mouth shut.
Last week I knew what my trade-in was worth. They were right on in what they offered. If they came in low I would have been on guard and ready to walk....since they were right on I thought they were good...no game playing. The most I could hope for on the 2015 was 4% off so when they went along with that the deal was sealed.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
A reporter would like to speak to a new car buyer who made their purchase through a longer term loan, 72 months or more. If you'd like to share your story, please send your contact info to pr@edmunds.com no later than Sunday, 8/24/14 at 10 a.m. PT.
Daughter got a 72 month loan on her MINI back in April. I'll send an email.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Cool.