Dealers raping you with trade ins

[zapher007]

Hey there

I'm in the process of buying a new car and I can't believe how much dealers want to out and out rape you with trade in prices of cars. No wonder they all have massive houses and flash cars.

I have a mint Mazda 3 SP23 with all the options with full service history and all highway ks. I went to trade it in on a number of $40,000- $50,000 cars and all they were willing to give me was $15,000. Its a 2005 model and comparable to these....

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/MAZDA/3/Queensland/csn1513786.aspx

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/MAZDA/3/Queensland/csn1692878.aspx

Surely they don't want to be making $14,000 comission???

And god I only payed $29,000 for the car! It was the bosses wifes car she had for one week and drove 215ks while a BMW X5 was on order. So how can these dealers be asking $29,000 for a 2-3 year old one!!

Makes me angry. I'd rather sell it on ehre for $15,000 and give someone a smile and a good deal than give it to a car dealer for that!

[dadem0n]

Sounds right to me.

If you want top dollar, sell it privately.
If you want a quick and easy upgrade, trade it in.

[tim_k]

When trading a car, look at the principle of "changeover price" rather than the value of the trade in. If a dealer is keen to offload a new model off the lot, they may discount this price and give you a poor trade in value. Other side of the coin is they could give you a good trade in and make you pay full price for the new car. Buying at the end of a month may help as they like to get quotas up.

[bagman]

When trading a car, look at the principle of "changeover price" rather than the value of the trade in.

That is exactly how I approached my local dealer with the purchase of my Calais V.
I asked for change-over and they gave me $8000 as trade-in on my 2000 VT Berlina (90,000km) and $4500 discount.
Doing some research I found that the trade-in range I got was $6,400 to $7.800 and by private sale between $8,000 and $10,000.
From my view point $8000 as a trade-in was a good deal, considering I will not have to sit at home waiting for buyers to contact me.
Whilst awaiting delivery of the Calais, I am still using the Berlina, so quite happy overall.
cheers

[Timmay5.7]

You say 'all highway k's'
To them this means little, its HOW many that count to them...

[zapher007]

You say 'all highway k's'
To them this means little, its HOW many that count to them...

Oh yeah i know that...but it's no more than the 2 examples above.

I just think doubling the price to put it on the lot is a bit steep. I can understand a few grand to cover wages, rent on the property, advertisements etc....but to double the price??? No way!

[Mozz]

It's been said before - the poor tradein price is the price you pay for not having to sell your car privately ;)

[SSV8pilot]

You should note that trade in price really means wholesale price. In other words - most cars will be sold to a wholesaler - so the dealer and the wholesaler each need their take.

Our expectation is that they will take our old car off our hands, offer trade in price so they can put on their used car lot with a mark up. In reality - they on sell it to the wholesaler.

What this means is that there really is a third party involved in the pricing negotiations - and you dont get to speak to him and he (the wholesaler) offers the lowest price - as most likley it will go to auction.

So as someone above said - talk in terms of changeover price only. I always tell the dealer iI dont care what you value my trade in at - I'm only interested in closing the changeover gap - that way they can play around with new car price, dealer costs, wholesale price etc. - and
I dont really care how they get there - I just want to get the gap I expect and pay that.

[GODSMACK]

You should note that trade in price really means wholesale price. In other words - most cars will be sold to a wholesaler - so the dealer and the wholesaler each need their take.

Our expectation is that they will take our old car off our hands, offer trade in price so they can put on their used car lot with a mark up. In reality - they on sell it to the wholesaler.

What this means is that there really is a third party involved in the pricing negotiations - and you dont get to speak to him and he (the wholesaler) offers the lowest price - as most likley it will go to auction.

So as someone above said - talk in terms of changeover price only. I always tell the dealer iI dont care what you value my trade in at - I'm only interested in closing the changeover gap - that way they can play around with new car price, dealer costs, wholesale price etc. - and
I dont really care how they get there - I just want to get the gap I expect and pay that. +1, and also in regards to the changeover price being the main denominator.. I was offered $31k for my 350z, ended up selling it for $42k. Picked up my VE SS for $45.5k on road with tint and mats. Ended up costing me $3.5k out of pocket, as apposed to the $14.5k i could have been out of pocket if i had of taken the trade.. Private sale FTW!!

[Fudgey]

The cars you are comparing to are overpriced by at least 20-30%. If the dealer doesn't want the stock in his yard then you will get wholesale price at best - and if there is a lot of wholesale stock of any given model then you will get butchered. (ask any SS or HSV owner)

Also factor in that the dealer may well have given you a reasonable discount on the new car rather than inflate the trade in value.

[emg]

on the topic of km's, it's better to trade while the km's are still pretty low

for eg.. 39,000 kms looks and sounds better than 40,000km's etc.

[BigFella]

at the end of the day its goin to be easy for u and the dealer if u just negotiate the Change Over price.

Remember with trade ins, u dont have to get a RWC or anything like that, the dealer has to, and there detailing costs, and yard costs ect.

U get wholesale price for the trade in. If u want a higher figure sell the car urself!

[zapher007]

Yeah they wouldn't budge on the sticker price on the car i was looking at buying either.

I will be selling it privately for sure. Just the point of this thread was that I was just shocked that the mark up would be that high. I understand all the costs involved but double the price without budging on the sticker price for a $50,000 2nd hand car was quite amazing.

[obsesiv]

Just traded in my VX calais v6 with 135 000km, lowered, tint, 20's & stereo for $15 000.
They originally offered me $11 500 so i said i would sell it private, so they offered me $13 500, i said no i want $15 000, after they said no again, i was about to leave and they gave in and gave me $15 00 for it:)
Was trading it in for 03 monaro, manual, sunroof with 75 000km...price was $38 990, and got them down to $37 555:dancenana:

[zapher007]

obsesiv....19....Perth....driving a Monaro

You wouldn't be working in the mines would you? ha ha

When I was 19 I thought I was king in a white Executive VL Commodore!

[planetdavo]

Especially lately with the massive new car sales, the used car market is quite depressed due to a flood of trade in stock, with many once desirable near new cars often sitting on the lot for weeks, if not even a couple of months or more, due to a lack of buyers.
Supply and demand. Often if the new car price is great, the trade in value will be crap. 10 years ago, a VS SS was around $41000 + ORC, now look at VE SS. $45000+ ORC for a car 20 times better. Something has to suffer....

[paul05]

Hey there

I'm in the process of buying a new car and I can't believe how much dealers want to out and out rape you with trade in prices of cars. No wonder they all have massive houses and flash cars.

I have a mint Mazda 3 SP23 with all the options with full service history and all highway ks. I went to trade it in on a number of $40,000- $50,000 cars and all they were willing to give me was $15,000. Its a 2005 model and comparable to these....

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/MAZDA/3/Queensland/csn1513786.aspx

http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/MAZDA/3/Queensland/csn1692878.aspx

Surely they don't want to be making $14,000 comission???

And god I only payed $29,000 for the car! It was the bosses wifes car she had for one week and drove 215ks while a BMW X5 was on order. So how can these dealers be asking $29,000 for a 2-3 year old one!!

Makes me angry. I'd rather sell it on ehre for $15,000 and give someone a smile and a good deal than give it to a car dealer for that!

i to have been to a holden dealership,trading a vy lumina 2002 62thou on the clock ,ss body kit v6,38500 change over on a 48500 ss ve with the new auto deal and free rego g slip.:confused:that was at heartland blacktown and they gave me an extra $2000 on trade in at there parramatta dealership.then drove over to toyota blacktown,they offered a $40000 change over on a $56000 prado gxl and also a $30000 change over on a zr6 aurion($45000)surfice to say BYE BYE HOLDEN. oh yes i drove all three extensively and was not that impressed with the ss,yes a bit more punt than the aurion but not as much as you would think ,just look at the 0 to 100 times not much in it and the fuel economy is a no brainer toyota wins hands down.

[planetdavo]

i to have been to a holden dealership,trading a vy lumina 2002 62thou on the clock ,ss body kit v6,38500 change over on a 48500 ss ve with the new auto deal and free rego g slip.:confused:that was at heartland blacktown and they gave me an extra $2000 on trade in at there parramatta dealership.then drove over to toyota blacktown,they offered a $40000 change over on a $56000 prado gxl and also a $30000 change over on a zr6 aurion($45000)surfice to say BYE BYE HOLDEN.
What value do you put on the "grunt" of the fairly desirable big V8 VE? Will either of the Toyota's bore you after 6 months? They are totally different types of cars.
If you don't care, and put on the accountants hat, yes there are always other brands that will do better...

[smokiebbear]

My advice ...

Print out the cars on the net...
Take it to the dealer and show them...
Tell them your serious about buying a car from them Right now today....
Tell them you will give them 5 minutes to come back to you with an offer of at least $23,000 on your car and you'll sign the paperwork for a new car straight away....
Also tell them that if they won't do it you are more than happy to wait a month to sell it privately and then you will buy a new car elsewhere!

In my experience once they know you are serious to buy they will meet you halfway after they have done their figures and see they will still make money.

[Dacky]

Even when they come back with a price for you trade in... don't take it.

I just traded my 04 VZ SS Ute on a VE SS-V and the valuation for my VZ came back as $26,000.

I said thats not really good enough and not to worry about it, I will go somewhere else. Then the salesman went away for a while and came back with another $2,500. I said thats a bit better and then we completed the deal.

So please, please never take their first offer. They will sell my VZ for $33,000 so they have plenty of room to play with because all they have to do to it is give it a detail...

[seldo]

........also a $30000 change over on a zr6 aurion($45000)surfice to say BYE BYE HOLDEN.....
They obviously know a good car when they see one..... BYE! :wave: Did you option it up with the ice-maker and fan-forced auto-defrost ? :sleep: :nopity: :wave:

[mustanger]

Especially lately with the massive new car sales, the used car market is quite depressed due to a flood of trade in stock, with many once desirable near new cars often sitting on the lot for weeks, if not even a couple of months or more, due to a lack of buyers.
Supply and demand. Often if the new car price is great, the trade in value will be crap. 10 years ago, a VS SS was around $41000 + ORC, now look at VE SS. $45000+ ORC for a car 20 times better. Something has to suffer....

Yep, I agree with you . New cars are exceptional value for money. Something has to give and in this instance ,it is the trade in value . If you are not happy, just sell it privately..............Cheers John

[planetdavo]

My advice ...

Print out the cars on the net...
Take it to the dealer and show them...
Tell them your serious about buying a car from them Right now today....
Tell them you will give them 5 minutes to come back to you with an offer of at least $23,000 on your car and you'll sign the paperwork for a new car straight away....
Also tell them that if they won't do it you are more than happy to wait a month to sell it privately and then you will buy a new car elsewhere!

In my experience once they know you are serious to buy they will meet you halfway after they have done their figures and see they will still make money.
Comparing your own to cars interstate wont help much.
Telling them minimum $23000 on a 2 year old car that was only $29000 new will get you told to go walk, as they know you are a "dreamer", not a realist, plus you then probably also expect a discount on the new car!
CHANGEOVER PRICE IS THE ONLY PRICE THAT MATTERS. Trade in price is simply an ego booster, but most dealers inflate the trade in to look good, but then offer no discount.
Some go the other way.

[FatBoy]

i to have been to a holden dealership,trading a vy lumina 2002 62thou on the clock ,ss body kit v6,38500 change over on a 48500 ss ve with the new auto deal and free rego g slip.:confused:that was at heartland blacktown and they gave me an extra $2000 on trade in at there parramatta dealership.then drove over to toyota blacktown,they offered a $40000 change over on a $56000 prado gxl and also a $30000 change over on a zr6 aurion($45000)surfice to say BYE BYE HOLDEN. oh yes i drove all three extensively and was not that impressed with the ss,yes a bit more punt than the aurion but not as much as you would think ,just look at the 0 to 100 times not much in it and the fuel economy is a no brainer toyota wins hands down.

Enjoy your Toyota, i'm sure your boyfriend will love it...

And BTW - When i was chasing a new GXL Prado for the missus you could get an '07 build for 48k driveaway if you played hard ball. So the trade in price they gave you wasn't so flash when you figure in that you would have paid a sticker price $8000 more than you needed to...

But hey, as long as you think you got a good deal... :confused:

[vessontheway]

i am going for my loan tomorrow so looking for my new car on sat. does any one think this will come off . i have a vt with vx clubsport kit and wheels v6 lowered with 198000 km on the clock. i want on the road a m6 phantom ve ss with sunroof flash pedals fullsize spare and hopefully sports steering wheel for 45000 . the dealer said over the over the phone he should be able to give me 6 for my car maybe depending on condition

[rowa]

i went to trade my car in it is a vy ss ute with 20s big exhuats full stereo lowered red leather and manual.

they were only gonna give me 23k for it.

how ripped of is that

[smokiebbear]

Comparing your own to cars interstate wont help much.
Telling them minimum $23000 on a 2 year old car that was only $29000 new will get you told to go walk, as they know you are a "dreamer", not a realist, plus you then probably also expect a discount on the new car!
CHANGEOVER PRICE IS THE ONLY PRICE THAT MATTERS. Trade in price is simply an ego booster, but most dealers inflate the trade in to look good, but then offer no discount.
Some go the other way.

National average trade in is $23,000 atm. Sure you may not get 23 for it but they will at least they may come back and offer $20,000. They may have only been 30g brand new but by the looks of it are still selling in the high 20's used so it's only reasonable that you don't get ripped off by the dealer. It depends on the dealer and the day i guess.

Good point about changeover price also.

[mac06]

http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/prices.php?id=80031

Not sure of the exact specs of your SP23 but the dealer ain't gonna get $28,990 for a 47,000km vehicle that was $31,220 brand new unless a woodie goes in. The Red Book pricing above will give you a better indication of what your cars worth. As others have said it's the changeover that counts. If you've got the time and the bother sell it privately, you will definately get more for it. BUT that could take weeks or months of frustration.

[RAWKUS]

i went to trade my car in it is a vy ss ute with 20s big exhuats full stereo lowered red leather and manual.

they were only gonna give me 23k for it.

how ripped of is that

Sorry mate...with those visual changes they wouldn't expect it to move as well as a stocker. Unaltered vehicles appeal to a larger market. You're young with a modded looking car and they saw you coming, but to be honest I wouldn't think that figure is that bad. You can buy a VYSS sedan for less than $20k nowadays.

[vxclubsport569]

Sorry mate...with those visual changes they wouldn't expect it to move as well as a stocker. Unaltered vehicles appeal to a larger market. You're young with a modded looking car and they saw you coming, but to be honest I wouldn't think that figure is that bad. You can buy a VYSS sedan for less than $20k nowadays.

Completely agree if anything all the mods decrease your ability to negotiate a better price as they have a limited market to sell to. $23k is a good price, need to take your heart out of the equation.

And to the SP23 again that's all your car is worth unless you can haggle the dealer a bit.

[XR-boy]

Anyhow, I disagree with the term "raping", which implies FORCE. Are they FORCING you to trade for XYZ dollars ??


Didn't think so.

If a private buyer offered you what the dealer offers you, would you call the police and say "I'm being raped ??"

Didn't think so.

You want the easy way out, you pay, simple as that.....

[zapher007]

Telling them minimum $23000 on a 2 year old car that was only $29000 new will get you told to go walk, as they know you are a "dreamer", not a realist, plus you then probably also expect a discount on the new car!


Yeah but they have no way of proving that I payed just $29,000. The car RRP was $37,000 then. I got a corker of a deal.

If anyone wants a cheap Toyota, Mazda or BMW go to Mildura. They sell all around the country. I was talking to the boss who said that he sells so many that he can offer huge discounts. THe day i bought my Mazda they sold some astronomical number of new cars!! He said that he never actually sees them...but they just go through his books. Sells most to QLD!!

My sister bought a Kluger from them but before it rang up one of the car buying services and their best price was still $4000 more than Mildura!

[Rick76]

We just picked up a new Astra a few weeks ago and thought we would enquire about a trade-in (2003 Corolla Auto). The salesman said he wouldn't bother as he didnt want to offend us - he said about $7500 would be all we'd get.... even though it presented well enough that they could have driven it straight on to the lot and not spent a cent on it. Most of the dealers over here have $14,990 plus on these.

We just sold it privately for $11,500 and it only took a few weeks. It saved us $4000 for a little bit of effort and $30 in advertising.

[planetdavo]

Yeah but they have no way of proving that I payed just $29,000. The car RRP was $37,000 then. I got a corker of a deal.

There's a couple of SP23's around my area in yards at the moment for $23,990 + plus stamp duty and transfers.....
Some of the figures being talked about are simply unrealistic.
Here is a Redbook copy and paste for a 2005 BUILD car. If it was built in 2004, but rego'd in 2005, it would be classified by the trade as a 3 year old car, not 2 years, so worth even less.
Firstly sedans...

2005 MAZDA 3
BK1031 SP23 Sedan 4dr Man 5sp 2.3i
Prices based on km 30,000 - 50,000
Trade in price guide* $16,900 - $18,900
National average price - private sale* $20,800 - $23,100
Price when new (RRP) $29,220
all prices quoted are GST inclusive

Or, if it's an auto...

2005 MAZDA 3
BK1031 SP23 Sedan 4dr SA 4sp 2.3i
Prices based on km 30,000 - 50,000
Trade in price guide* $18,100 - $20,400
National average price - private sale* $22,300 - $24,600
Price when new (RRP) $31,220
all prices quoted are GST inclusive

Now for hatches...

2005 MAZDA 3
BK1031 SP23 Hatchback 5dr Man 5sp 2.3i
Prices based on km 30,000 - 50,000
Trade in price guide* $16,900 - $18,900
National average price - private sale* $20,800 - $23,100
Price when new (RRP) $29,220
all prices quoted are GST inclusive

and auto hatches....

2005 MAZDA 3
BK1031 SP23 Hatchback 5dr SA 4sp 2.3i
Prices based on km 30,000 - 50,000
Trade in price guide* $18,100 - $20,400
National average price - private sale* $22,300 - $24,600
Price when new (RRP) $31,220
all prices quoted are GST inclusive

Link to this info... http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/index.php?make=MAZD&family=PS3

Need I say more?

[SSV8pilot]

Begs the question as to why the redbook and other online valuations seem to bear no real relevance to reality. Laregly I suppose because they refer to trade in pricing.

As posted earlier - trade in rarely happens - mostly wholesale value that gets offered to potential car buyers at the dealership - and that information is not available to Joe public and the prices I believe fluctuate frequently.

Morale of the story - if you want to off load your car at a dealers - set a realistic change over value in mind and fixate on getting that. Otherwise - private sale is the only way to go.

[GODSMACK]

i to have been to a holden dealership,trading a vy lumina 2002 62thou on the clock ,ss body kit v6,38500 change over on a 48500 ss ve with the new auto deal and free rego g slip.:confused:that was at heartland blacktown and they gave me an extra $2000 on trade in at there parramatta dealership.then drove over to toyota blacktown,they offered a $40000 change over on a $56000 prado gxl and also a $30000 change over on a zr6 aurion($45000)surfice to say BYE BYE HOLDEN. oh yes i drove all three extensively and was not that impressed with the ss,yes a bit more punt than the aurion but not as much as you would think ,just look at the 0 to 100 times not much in it and the fuel economy is a no brainer toyota wins hands down.
You are right Paul, when it comes to Toyota's they are far superior when it comes to mechanical engineering. Do we have to go into the TRD Aurion being pulled from sales till they figure out what a S/C does and how to properly adapt it to their engines, or have you already familiarised yourself with there lack of competency in the hundreds of articles in the media degrading their ability to make a high performance vehicle?

In summary, im sure ud look the part driving your Toyota in your mini skirt and snake skin handbag.... kudo's mate!!

[BigFella]

redbook also doesnt tell u how much rego the car has left on it, it doesnt tell u if the car needs any new tyres or windscreen and doesnt tell u if the body needs any money spent around it also.

[planetdavo]

redbook also doesnt tell u how much rego the car has left on it, it doesnt tell u if the car needs any new tyres or windscreen and doesnt tell u if the body needs any money spent around it also.
Yep, it's a guide for doing some homework ONLY, but the trade do use these types of companies for their baseline valuations. A visual inspection is the only way to be more accurate, but this will NOT get an extra $6000 trade in like some prices suggested...


Begs the question as to why the redbook and other online valuations seem to bear no real relevance to reality. Laregly I suppose because they refer to trade in pricing.

You could hardly call what private buyers are often asking as being "reality". Private sellers often have their heads in the clouds, because they put emotion into it, thinking that because they washed it once a month, it's worth a mint!

[SSV8pilot]

You could hardly call what private buyers are often asking as being "reality". Private sellers often have their heads in the clouds, because they put emotion into it, thinking that because they washed it once a month, it's worth a mint!

Don't mean to labour the issue but that was my point - redbook often sets a higher expectation - thus misleading the private seller into thinking that the car is worth more than they can actually get at the dealers.

If redbook says trade is would be $14 to $15k - they expect to get offered that. More likley they would get quoted something like $8k to $9.5k - hence why they get dissappointed.

[EpOcH]

If redbook says trade is would be $14 to $15k - they expect to get offered that. More likley they would get quoted something like $8k to $9.5k - hence why they get dissappointed.

One would think since theyre an average ... the sales *data* is coming from somewhere , otherwise , whats it an average of ? stick a wet finger in the air average , lets be reasonable ....

I guess there is a dealer login to redbook , if you have that , maybe you could see the difference between what theyre telling us normal plebs and what theyre telling dealers its worth, i think the 2 would be different otherwise there wouldnt be a dealer login but im probably nieve and think the prices are possibly higher on the dealer site , giving the dealer an edge over the public data, that would make more sense than the reverse.

Nothing beats research, local papers / car yards etc would be the best tool to see what theyre worth , if there's a bunch of them in car yards at the moment , maybe thats the contributing factor as to the trade-in value, how easy theyre going to be able to move it.

[Marco]

I found that dealers vary wildly with the tradeins they are willing to offer and the deals they are willing to do when I bought my SS. I visited both of Canberra's Holden dealers on the same day. One offered me $2-3k for my 2001 Astra and a $1500 discount on a new SS, so changeover would have been $49-50k. The second offered me $7000 for the Astra and we ended up agreeing on a $41.5k changeover (so effectively a $4k discount on the SS). Guess who I ended up buying from? :)

Pays to shop around - although it still may not help much in today's market, especially with a relatively new car (given that most cars lose half their value in the first three to four years anyway).

Would be a good time to buy a relatively new used car, though.

[Rick76]

Redbook details from my example above....

2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
ZZE122R Ascent Hatchback 5dr Auto 4sp 1.8i
Prices based on km 60,000 - 100,000
Trade in price guide* $10,200 - $11,800
National average price - private sale* $12,300 - $14,100
Price when new (RRP) $21,840

GF's car had 101,000km, good conditon, only mods alloys and tint. I figured it had to be worth around $11,500-12,000 privately as it was a bit high on the km.

Dealer offerred $7500

We sold $11,500 privately (Advertised for $12,300 ono and decided on a limit of $11,500 minimum).

[markone2]

I guess there is a dealer login to redbook , if you have that , maybe you could see the difference between what theyre telling us normal plebs and what theyre telling dealers its worth, .

Not as much as you'd think......an no ,...before anyone asks... I ain't given you my log-in :)

Problem with 90% of the private sales of our beloved Commodores here on the forum ,is that the add carries the time honoured Threat......*Will be traded if not sold before...... *....straight up you'll know this is a bluff by the pricing....generally 10 K plus over and above what the seller has been offered ...: don't believe me.. :confused: have a gander at the forum classifieds...if folk would just ask a sensible add on $$$ from the offered trade in price......many potential sales would be fulfilled imho....

[planetdavo]

GF's car had 101,000km, good conditon, only mods alloys and tint. I figured it had to be worth around $11,500-12,000 privately as it was a bit high on the km.

Dealer offerred $7500

We sold $11,500 privately (Advertised for $12,300 ono and decided on a limit of $11,500 minimum).
High km's for it's age make it hard to sell, so the dealer offers a lower trade in because they don't really want it. It wouldn't go on a dealer's own used lot with those km's, as there is a higher chance of warranty claims. It would go to their "second tier" yard (many big dealers have them, or wholesaled to a private yard.
Many things aren't as simple as A or B.

[VEGTS]

When you say mark up, Think about the $15000 out lay for the dealer to trade-in & all the other trade-ins and then take for example a cnr shop selling a can of coke for $1.20. We all know we can go to woolies & buy it for under $.50c. Thats over 100% markup! Its a lot harder to fund $15k than $.50.The dealer has to make money or they wont be their when you want the next one.

[Rick76]

High km's for it's age make it hard to sell, so the dealer offers a lower trade in because they don't really want it. It wouldn't go on a dealer's own used lot with those km's, as there is a higher chance of warranty claims. It would go to their "second tier" yard (many big dealers have them, or wholesaled to a private yard.
Many things aren't as simple as A or B.

True..... but this dealer happened to have similar age/class cars of less reputable brands than Toyota in worse condition with more Km for about $15K on their lot. So I figured we might have a chance of getting around $10K for it as a trade. It was straight, polished, good tyres, serviced 1000km previous and ready to go straight on the lot.

To work out prices I just looked around at what other people were asking privately as well as Redbook and worked out the price based on 'What would I pay for this car if I was in the market for this model'. If you are realistic it doesnt take too long to sell. I've sold 3 cars privately this year (04 VZ Exec, 04 Navara & 03 Corolla) and they have only taken 2-3 weeks to sell because I didnt ask stupid prices for them and made sure they were cleaned up nicely. I found Red Book to be reasonably close to the mark on all three occasions.

[lukey73]

My advice ...

Print out the cars on the net...
Take it to the dealer and show them...
Tell them your serious about buying a car from them Right now today....
Tell them you will give them 5 minutes to come back to you with an offer of at least $23,000 on your car and you'll sign the paperwork for a new car straight away....
Also tell them that if they won't do it you are more than happy to wait a month to sell it privately and then you will buy a new car elsewhere!

In my experience once they know you are serious to buy they will meet you halfway after they have done their figures and see they will still make money.

That wont make one ounce of difference, a Dealer will off a value on a car on different days of the week for various reason. 1) How many are going to Auction on that day/week. 2) How many new cars have been sold by the New Car department that month. 3) How much stock they have and if they can place it on there yard.


Comparing your own to cars interstate wont help much.
Telling them minimum $23000 on a 2 year old car that was only $29000 new will get you told to go walk, as they know you are a "dreamer", not a realist, plus you then probably also expect a discount on the new car!
CHANGEOVER PRICE IS THE ONLY PRICE THAT MATTERS. Trade in price is simply an ego booster, but most dealers inflate the trade in to look good, but then offer no discount.
Some go the other way.

Remember when you by a car you pay Stamp Duty / Rego / GST in the purchase price so effectively 12.5% of your inital purchase goes to the government which the dealer cant claim against therfore lowering your tradein price.


i am going for my loan tomorrow so looking for my new car on sat. does any one think this will come off . i have a vt with vx clubsport kit and wheels v6 lowered with 198000 km on the clock. i want on the road a m6 phantom ve ss with sunroof flash pedals fullsize spare and hopefully sports steering wheel for 45000 . the dealer said over the over the phone he should be able to give me 6 for my car maybe depending on condition

Cars with bodykits that are non genuine are best to be sold privately, a dealer will just see that car as a VT Commodore, my best advise would be see if a mate wants it or chuck it on carsales for a week or 2 and see if you can get some bites at it.

If you really want a good deal on an VE send me a PM as i price them all day everyday:)


http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/prices.php?id=80031

Not sure of the exact specs of your SP23 but the dealer ain't gonna get $28,990 for a 47,000km vehicle that was $31,220 brand new unless a woodie goes in. The Red Book pricing above will give you a better indication of what your cars worth. As others have said it's the changeover that counts. If you've got the time and the bother sell it privately, you will definately get more for it. BUT that could take weeks or months of frustration.

The big thing you need to remember is that when you sell the car it is more than likely going to need some repair and a detail, the warranty is going to be near its end in most cases and the dealership has overheads to cover. By getting your car at say $17,000 they will advertise it for say $21,990 which allows for a margin to haggle down to a saleable price of around $18,990 + stamps etc. The $1900 they just made will pay all the costs involved in getting that car on the yard and keeping the doors open so you can by another car in a few yrs time.

[obsesiv]

obsesiv....19....Perth....driving a Monaro

You wouldn't be working in the mines would you? ha ha

When I was 19 I thought I was king in a white Executive VL Commodore!

nah not working in the mines........just work hard and lots of hours:)

[RichieRedHotSS]

Looking to upgrade my VZ SS to a VE Calais on a novated lease. I've been to 5 different dealers so far, all are preferred dealers of the leasing company and therefore offer the same purchase price for the Calais. The trade in prices have ranged from $22,200 to $26,250, and all dealers are in the Sydney metro area. These are all first-up offers without any "haggling" on my part, all I said a was the best trade-in would get my business. Just goes to show how differently the "experts" can value the same car at.

[KingClifton]

The trade in prices have ranged from $22,200 to $26,250, and all dealers are in the Sydney metro area. These are all first-up offers without any "haggling" on my part, all I said a was the best trade-in would get my business. Just goes to show how differently the "experts" can value the same car at.

The dealer's opening price depends on how far they want to open the kimono. They may give you a pretty good price upfront (based on a number of factors) or may low-ball you. They'd have their reasons for doing this, probably how easily the new car you're looking at can be sold (to any buyer), whether they think you're serious, and whether they need to meet their monthly sales quota.

As many have said above, it all depends on what the dealer can get for your car. A trade-in is no longer a trade-in, the dealer is generally acting as merely an agent for various wholesalers, and ultimately they set the price.

[VEGTS]

Looking to upgrade my VZ SS to a VE Calais on a novated lease. I've been to 5 different dealers so far, all are preferred dealers of the leasing company and therefore offer the same purchase price for the Calais. The trade in prices have ranged from $22,200 to $26,250, and all dealers are in the Sydney metro area. These are all first-up offers without any "haggling" on my part, all I said a was the best trade-in would get my business. Just goes to show how differently the "experts" can value the same car at.

You also have to remember is the trade price from the salesperson or the mgr or has it been properly valued by the correct people? If you were to just walk in to a yard and say how much for my trade? The person you ask may not be fully qualified to answer corectly.So the price will always be different until you have done the complete process. Test drive the new car & be sitting at a desk ready to had over a deposit! Thats when all the correct people get involved. The sales manager /The wholesale manager/ The owner if it gets down to the nitty gritty. Prices you get all depend on you the person who trades the car in. If your happy with all of the deal TAKE IT. If not say i want $ X, & if they say no walk away and start again somewhere else.