Trade-in advice

So we expect dealers to treat us right and when they don't we cry all over the internet but on the next post we flat out tell other people to lie and be dishonest with dealers............at the end of the day, the price on the new unit and the trade allowance don't matter, what really matter's is the difference if you are trading. No matter what a dealer puts down on paper, when you trade your RV in you are getting about wholesale NADA book value.

When we struck a deal for our Class C agreeing on an aggressive "internet cash" price I told them I would not buy it until my TT was gone. They offered $5400 in trade (sight unseen), which was the wholesale price out of the dealers book. I told them firmly 'NO!" and walked out of the little room in the sales department (they hate it when that happens). :B

Our TT was immaculate and very well equipped. We had it on consignment at another dealer with it listed at $9,500. The consignment dealer expected to easily/quickly get $9,000 and I would receive $8,500. I showed the Class C dealer (La Mesa RV), pics off the TT and 5 minutes later they came scrambling out agreeing to up the trade in to $8,500. I am certain they sold out TT that weekend for at leas $9,000 probably a little more.

By doing the trade in the sales tax was computed on the difference between what we traded and what we purchased saving us about $600. The consignment dealer wished us well and I went back on Monday and delivered a case of good (ice cold) beer and $100 for his time and trouble (not much of either but it seemed like the right thing to do).

A couple of thoughts: Our deal was done in Arizona so the tax break may or may not be available where you are shopping. Just because they quote you a ridiculous low ball trade value does not mean they won't come up, especially if it is on a clean easily resale able rig. Always negotiate your very best "cash" price on the new RV before even mentioning any possible trade, no sense playing all of your cards too early. Yes, they howled when I insisted on doing the trade at the higher price but bottom line they made money about 4 ways to Sunday.

Lastly, we were haggling on the afternoon of July 31st. Just about any large dealer has already made their nut for the month at that point and anything else they move is pure gravy from the corporate office. :C

I totally agree with brirene....

Be aware that dealers have their own NADA guides and they are NOT the same as those you have access to here on the internet and their guide will always have lower values for trade in.

Your best bet, of course, is to sell it yourself as you will be able to get more for it than you would at a dealership. However, you've already stated you want to trade in....

i would not take the trailer with you until final negotiations. They will ask you up front if you want to trade in your trailer.....at this time just tell them you have not made up your mind and that you already have someone who is interested but have not committed themselves. Once you settle on a price for the new rig, then tell them the deal fell through and you've decided to trade in. The downside to this, is that you will probably get less for your trade in, but should be off set by the lower price for the new one that you have already negotiated.

It's really a toss up. All depends upon how YOU like to negotiate and dicker. The dealer will probably come out of the deal with the same profit either way.

Good luck

Ron

Yes, they'll usually give you an estimate based on the model, year, and your estimate of condition etc. That will hold unless condition is drastically different than what you've stated. Downside is that if your unit is in exceptional condition they won't necessarily give you more without a fight. That's been my experience over 2 deals.

It sounds like you have been to the dealerships to look at their trailers. That is the time to get price on theirs.

You can also do some dealing on their unit price online.

You will have to have them look at your trade, at some point. If they give you a trade-in price, without even looking at yours, you won't be getting a fair trade.

If your trade has been well kept, it is in your best interest, for them to see that.

Jerry

In all honesty, IMHO you should be able to get a fairly solid estimate of trade-in value by simply telling them what you have and what condition it's in. The first thing they're going to do is get out their "little black book" that tells them auction pricing and go from there.

It will also depend on what you're paying for their unit... IMHO I wouldn't even mention a tradein until you've negotiated a final price for the TT you're purchasing.