kerplunk

Im wondering when the best time is to to trade-in my 09 FX4 Screw, for something new, probably another FX4. Its paid off, so its not costing me anything right now, but I cant see me keeping it for much more than another 12 - 18 months max.
I know the most cost effective route would be to keep it until it dies, but I know thats not going to happen LOL

Is it better to wait, save my $$ or trade it in now or sell it while the truck still has some value?

SteveVFX4

you're overthinking this, there is no strategy involved. Your truck will continue to lose value every single day. So trade now or trade later, it doesn't matter, the only difference is that you will be shelling out more money to buy a new truck later on. So it's all personal preference whether or not you "want" or "need" to buy a new truck!

My 09 is paid off too. And only has 17k miles on it. So I see no need to buy a new truck. I'm waiting for the next redesign model in 2015.

EDIT: the only strategy or speculation I can think of is that if gas prices continue to rise, then our truck values may decrease even further, so you may get your best trade-in value now before those gas prices go up too high?

Ssls6

how many miles are on it? How many will be on it in 12-18 months? If you still less than 50k in 12-18 months, you're probably better to wait. If you're at 50k now and will be at 70-80k in another 12-18 months, then it may be better to trade now.

RRF150

Why don't you try and sell it out right? Since you have no urgency, you could maybe get 2-$3000 more for it. I usually trade in myself though, it's easier, but I hate the deals you get.

96grimreaper

I spoke with the general manager of a Ford dealership when I was looking at trading in my truck. (He's a fairly good friend but still a stealership employee) He said truck values are already starting to drop in anticipation of gas hitting $5/gallon. My truck is only worth 22k trade in now and he said within the next two months expect trucks to only get black book (wholesale value) which would drop my truck to $17.5k range.

I saw this happen a few years ago when gas prices shot up. My 06 Silverado crew cab Z71 lost almost $4k in value over night. My suggestion, if you're going to trade it in, do it soon.

tjb1231

Have you read up on new improvements for the 2013? Do you see anything in particular you would want?

Wait until election time and somehow someway gas prices will be lower by then. Your truck will be more desirable to others so you will get more for it.

2000xl_toronto

I too agree that full-size truck prices will be on the decline as gas prices rise - but remember that will also spur huge discounts on NEW trucks - so you may get 1500 less for your trade if you wait - but you will probably see 1500 worth of discounts that weren't there previously.

aj.rookie

best strategy..buy low..trade-in high..

Scrappy Doo

iTrader: (1)

If you want a new one, then go get one. My 10 was paid for and I bought a 11, why not!

peterhurcos

If we could predict gas prices we wouldn't have to borrow money at the credit union to buy our trucks.

General advice would be to wait. Price depreciation almost always outstrips the utilitarian value of the truck. For most of us, it outstrips our gas costs for the first few years or so, anyway. People seem quite anxious to beat the dealer out of the last $500 on a new truck, but the truth is there is a lot more profit margin in used vehicles than new for the dealer. Sell it yourself if you can.

The only exception I can think of is if you have a year or two left on a transferrable factory warranty that would be lost if you waited. That would be a very good selling point I would think, especially if you sell it yourself.