Also, never discuss payments. "I can get you that truck for $199 a month." He never mentions that it's a 9 year loan.

 

With all that has gone wrong with mine, and what may go wrong in the future, I couldn't in good conscious sell it to someone, let the dealer deal with it. The difference is, my issues are all mechanical, not damage done by a dealer. OTOH if the issues were mostly cosmetic, with minor mechanical, then I would post it for sale. The one issue with selling a newer vehicle privately is the price. Anything over 30K usually involves a bank loan of some sort, so you have that to deal with as most buyers looking to spend that much would choose a dealer to get the financing. Could always get lucky and someone with the cash in hand, or has a line of credit will show up to buy it. Then always make sure you have a signed AS-IS no Warranty document and get it notarized at a currency exchange.

I look at bottom line of the vehicle minus trade knowing that there will always be negative equity if there is a loan, rarely on anything I have traded was there positive due to the amount of mile I put on.

 

The quick and easy down and dirty way to go. Figure out how much difference you are willing to pay. The numbers on your trade are meaningless as are the numbers on the new rig. What matters is the difference between those two numbers. If they offer $20k for your trade and the new truck is $30k your difference is $10k. If they offer $40k for your trade and the new rig is $50k your difference is still $10k. It's a numbers game. You will never win on a trade deal.

 

 

Keep the buy and sell transactions separate. Look at what your truck is selling for both at the dealer and privately. There's tons of these for sale. Craigslist autotrader etc. so you'll have a good idea on the sell side. On the buy side look for the best deal with rebates etc. have a must meet number in mind for both the buy and sell transaction so you're not all over the map. If one dealer can't do it take a picture of their best deal and go to the next dealer.

 

I told them before we sat down that they could look at my trade, but I had to have the keys back in my hands before we moved forward. Then we came to the amount on the new truck. Then I told them again, what I had to have on the trade, if they could not do it, then I would walk. They did their dog and pony show and came back and offered me 2K less. I stood up, stuck my hand out to shake hands and said goodbye.

Needless to say, I did not get far before he said ok!

Then, WATCH closely the finance guy, because that is where he makes his money. Dont buy the ESP there and dont fall for the line that you have to make 3 payments before you can pay off or move your loan.

 

 

Take your research with you to backup your targets. They do have to make some money. Try another dealer. Take your lesson learned to another dealer.

Don't buy anything from the finance guy.