When buying a new car, should you tell the dealer about a car trade-in before or after?

Question

When buying a new car, should you tell the dealer about a car trade-in before or after you negotiate the new car price?

Answer 1

Afterwards...the dealers will try to package everything together in an attempt to confuse you so you can't break down how much your paying for one and getting for the trade. Stay noncommittal about a trade....negotiate a price that is fair on the sale then afterwards negotiate the trade.

Answer 2

It depends.

Generally, it is best to negotiate the new car price first, and then the trade in price after that.

Now, realize that the trade-in amount is going to be true cash value, so it will look lower than a trade allowance (which is the actual cash value of the trade plus any discount from the new car).

Some salespeople do not like this, but it is your money, and if the dealer gets mad, then take your business somewhere else.

Always look up the trade in value of your trade at www.kbb.com , and be realistic when evaluating your trade. Never select excellent, even if the car is in excellent condition, because no such thing exists. If it has miles on it, it is not excellent.

Also, always pull up the Trade In Value, that is true cash amount for your car. Retail and Private Party values mean absolutely nothing unless you are trying to sell the car to someone you know.

Answer 3

After, if possible. Dealers try to make profit anywhere they can. With all the research available for new car financing and price, aftermarket and trades are an area where dealers can still make large profit margins.

Research the value of your trade. Remember that the dealer has to recondition the vehicle, pay the salesman who will eventually sell your car, advertise, etc. You are almost always going to get less trading it than selling it on your own, but the hassle with selling a used car might make trading it a better choice.

Also, don't bad mouth your vehicle or tell the dealer how much you dislike it and want to get rid of it. If they know you don't like it they will use every bad thing you say about it against you.

Answer 4

If U R trading your old car in 4 a new one U tell him right away the price doesn't go down any way they let U think it does no joke

Answer 5

Any decent dealership will put it in their service bay and look at it before making you an offer. It's their fault if they choose not to. Some dealers, especially brand-new car dealer, just take ALL trade-ins to auctio and don't care. Personally I wouldn't lose sleep over it. If they sold you an older used car, it's usually "as is" anyway. If it was sold to an individual I would definitely tell them everything though. I don't believe in cheating people. (Car dealership corporations aren't people)

Answer 6

Negotiate the new car price and then talk about yor trade in

Answer 7

You should tell them before you negotiate the price; they will most likely ask anyway.

Answer 8

After,that way you will know he is giving you an actual amount for that car and not just working numbers.

Answer 9

here's the thing,,if you do it before,,they figure in a way for you to give them your car,,if you wait,it makes them have to re-figure the deal,and you might actually get a good deal,,on the car your buying,sometimes it helps,not always but sometimes,,they get a little mad when you do it this way though,,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.

Answer 10

Buy and sell your cars on ebay motors, then you don't have to worry about all the B.S. Here's a direct link