Always remember this rule of thumb that every dealership lives by when you trade in any car,
Buy Low {that's you}, Sell High {that's them}
The dealer will rip you off every single time.
Always, Always, Always, Sell your car yourself

 

Here`s some for sale in the Detroit area.

 

I usually arm myself first with NADA values before going to the dealership, they use KBB which gives you lower trade-in values by as much as 2,000 dollars compared to NADA. I have a very nice 20002 Dakota quad in near perfect condition with 58,000 miles and the dealer would only give me 6,000 trade, I paid 12,500 a year ago. When I got back home I checked NADA, their trade-in value for it is 9,800. Try and bypass the sales person and go directly to the appraser.

 

Correct, the summary page still lists the Getrag 5-speed for the 1LT, but you can only get the auto now. In 2007 (not sure about 2008), you could get a 1LT with the manual transmission, and option in the 2.4 engine. I looked for one of these, and there was just a single vehicle with that combination on the lots within 150 miles. It was white, with the chrome package, running boards option wheels and just about every other option you could add to a 1LT, and way beyond what I wanted to pay. Shame, it would seem to be a rare and desirable combination.

 

The prices in Detroit are what I am seeing here.

Add to that the new LS are adsvertised at $13,000 after rebates.

 

I haven't seen prices yet, but our dealer has 40 2009's and they are offering zero down and 1.9% for 72 months. We saw our first SS the other day....I just hope my guy doesn't get a itch to trade. I mean we only have 30 payments left at 172.00 a month.

 

I just went to the Kelly Blue Book not knowing you already posted as I was about to. Mine is an 2007 Loaded and leather and $9900 trade in, 11000 private and $13000 if a deal sells it.

Good thing its a nice car as I'm stuck with it

 

Just keep it and fix the dent's. Not worth it at least wait until the economy starts coming back around. Most people will buy a Brand new car for 20 bucks more a month then a used one. Hints why the used car lots are full.

 

To All - Thanks for the advice. Yes the recalls of the plastic in the upper glove box, the extra foam in the headliner are small, but I have also replaced 3 wheels due to the black chrome flaking off, dealt with the PAL issues affecting my ability to listen to my radio, door dings every time I turn around, two dings from accidents (that can be repaired by a paintless dent repair guy). All in all, I like the car but don't love it. The issues have bugged me, and that is the reason I was thinking of trading it. Of course, there's more - I had an 04 Sebring convertible that was T-boned 9 months after I bought it - the negative equity transfered to my 05 Sebring convertible - which I traded on the HHR two years after I bought it. I also bought my car nearly 6 months after I first drove it. So, I bought a manual with a chunk of negative equity. I wasn't necessarily looking at any one car - but the Dodge dealership had some good deals.

All in all - it will be cheaper to keep it - and just like stocks, you don't lose any money on it until you sell it. I like my car - and as mentioned in this thread - they don't even put the manual transmission in the LT, or with the 2.4 so I have a pretty rare car. Since I already have a 1960 Thunderbird with a sunroof (1 of 2577 made), maybe I need to have two rare cars.

Twistrman - yes, if I trade it in - you can have my headlights and foglights - since both are smoked....but I just saw a set on ebay the other day......

Thanks again for your advice (even the constructive criticism). I am keeping it....

 

Chris, now that you're keeping it, let's get rid of one of those dings by shaving those taillights!