- To come up with an honest trade-in price, we consider what we would pay for a car like yours at a wholesale auction and then subtract what it would cost to repair and clean your car.
- Dealers don't go by price guides, such as the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) "blue book," as rigidly you may think. But to get a very rough idea of what to expect for your trade-in, consider some point between the NADA blue book trade-in and loan values as a starting point (remember to subtract the cost of all necessary repairs and detailing). Forget about the retail price; even dealers don't get that much once deal making with the next buyer is done.
- Consider selling your old car on your own. If you are willing to endure the hassle, you may get as much as 50 percent more for your vehicle.
- Be wary of too high a trade-in valuation. A big offer up front compromises your negotiations on a new car if the dealer covers an overgenerous trade-in for your old car by inflating the price on your new set of wheels - a practice Avondale Nissan does not follow.
