So I have a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT w/ sport package and about 22k miles at the moment.

First: Car's been in a minor accident requiring a new fender, bumper and some simple suspension components. I went to the best shop I know of in my area and they did a great job. I had them put the GXP bumper on (the trim level above the GT).

No offense, but I know I'm going to miss the G8's engine a lot. But I have reevaluated my priorities and AWD is now much higher on my list. Goodbye, RWD. AWD is the main reason for making this swap, and also, certain parts are hard to find new for G8s in the US even though they're still made in their home country of Australia.

I have a 0% loan on the car and owe around $20.8k. I checked trade-in and PP prices for the car from Edmunds, NADA and KBB using their second highest condition (e.g. "good" not "excellent"). Edmunds says $20k TI, NADA $22k, KBB $24k. About $1.5k higher PP. So in the worst case, according to book, I am about even if the mark on the Carfax doesn't drop the value TOO much.

I see 07-08 G35x's in my area with low mileage for $20-22k. My credit union will probably give me a used car loan for around 5%... their lowest is 3.4% and my credit, while not super awesome, is respectable.

Any advice about making this swap, especially on the financials of such? I don't want to be paying a lot more money or anything. I have 3 years remaining on a 5 year loan, and would get a 3 or 4 year loan for the G. I am not experienced with these financial situations and I also am not too experienced in dealing with dealerships. I know I'll get screwed over if I go unprepared to do this.

 

Maybe some of the sales professionals can chime in, but one question I have always avoided answering when a salesman asks is "What is your pay-off". I've always assumed that if they know your pay-off, then they sort of know all of your cards.

If you give them the impression that you're NOT upside down (which I have been all too many times), then they might work a little harder to make the sale instead of trying to steal your trade.

Just be clear to keep the salesman on task - the main point of your initial discussions is to determine the cost of the transaction. One of three outcomes HAS to happen:

You trade and you owe money on top
You trade and they owe you money back
Even trade and no money changes hands

Too many people get hung up either on the discounting that the dealer offers on their car, or the trade value that they get on their car, but at the end of the day, the difference you pay between the two will ALWAYS be the most important number to consider. If you indicate that your concern is for the selling price of the new car, they'll just lower the selling price but offer you that much less on your trade. If you indicate your concern is for the value of the trade, they'll offer you that much more on the trade, but move less on the selling price. The DIFFERENCE in value is what you need to focus on.

Hope this helps.

 

I'm actually trying to do the opposite! I own a 06 g35 coupe Ip six speed that I'm actually about to sell or trade for a g8. I have two girls and really need to get out of a two door car and get the four door but I really like the G8! Thats my next car for sure!