im so close to trading in my bmw 328ci. even tho i know i can make a private sale & make more on the car. what should i do, trade-in or sell the car and use the cash for a great down payment? i know i can get 5k for it. really dont want to lose out on this mini.

 

This is a always a tough call. I went through the same debate and ended up trading in my Honda for the MINI since it saved me a lot on taxes (you only pay tax on the difference between the trade and new car in many states). How much is the dealer offering you on the trade?

 

it sounds like he dont want to give me anything. the sales men told me "they get these cars all the time" like there no market or value for bmw's. he probably wants to give me 1500$ for my car & make 6 or 7k on it. you never get what you trade in is worth!

 

That's usually true. The dealer will usually tell you that he's going to have to sell the car to a wholesaler, so that's the best price he can give you, or that he has to cover his advertising and detailing expenses, which are usually very low. In my case, my old car was financed so I didn't want to go through the trouble of paying it off and then selling it before I could buy the MINI. The dealer took my car and put it on their lot for about $4K more than they gave me. I can't blame them for trying to make a profit, its how they stay in business. I felt a little better after I found out that it sat on their lot for 4 months and just about what they gave me for the car.

 

your very right about that but. the average car doesnt have the mods mines does. i guess i have three choices either take the extra out and trade in or suck it up & sell the car straight up,
or give in to the dealer (not gonna happen). :-)

 

Do you have a Carmax nearby? They will usually give you higher than dealer trade.

 

what is that?
is that like carcash were you sell your car for cash?

 

just google it & there's one in CT

 

The Carmax route is probably your best bet. Remember, mods are great for personalizing your car, but they actually lower your car's value unless you find a buyer that wants them. Hopefully you can get some decent money for your car and get your MINI soon. Good luck and hopefully it works out.

 

Check and see what cars like your BMW are selling for and see what the dealer will give you on trade, if you don't like the difference then sell it on your own.

 

they offered 3500$. i know i can do better, at lease a grand(4500)! here it iz

 

I would make the private sell on your BMW . You will always get more more than from the dealer.

 

Good luck!

 

As the poster above said, see what autotrader and local listings with similar optioned/mileage BMWs are selling for.

Hopefully you'll be in that dark silver MINI soon. Its the best color

 

thanks