While I was picking up my car from the shop yesterday, I ran the idea across my salesman of me maybe trading in my sedan and getting a coupe. First I wanted to find out what I would get for my car before I even thought about it. This is a rundown of my car.

2003½ G35 Sedan bought on December 13, 2002
Black on Black Leather, Auto, Premium Package, Navagation, Wood Grain Trim, Trunk Mat. 4,281 miles. No visible damage to the car. I would have to take all my mods off and return the car to factory condition.

He told me that if I were to trade it in and get a coupe that is coming in off the truck in a few weeks, I would only get $26-$27K for my car. Sticker on my car was $35,715. THAT SUCKS!!!!!! That's pretty steep for only have the car 3 months. If I were to order a coupe to my specs, it would be an August delivery and it would be even less.

Has anyone else done the trade yet? What did you get for your car? Anyone interested in buying my car? (Blonde not included...)

03½ Sedan/Nav/Prem/Wood

 

I was until you said blonde not included [img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Andrew

2003 coupe 6MT blue premium aero (since 3/9/03)

 

Trade in values will always suck on anything. They are only going to give you wholesale value so they can mark it up to retail value and make a profit. You would be much better selling it outright.

2003.5 Sedan / White & Willow / Premium / Navi / Sport / Aero

 

Exactly,
They'll buy for like 10g's less, but then sell it for 32k...or something like that...dealerships are devious like that...

"Never underestimate an opponent"

 

Having sold cars this is not uncommon. The average drop in value upon transfer of ownership is @ 20-30%. After a car is registered is now used and thus subject to depreciation as well as different sales laws.
This is why there aren't alot of people that lease for only 12 months. It is all based on residual value and the biggest drop in value is in the first year. This is also why you typically get the best finance rates when you put 20% down and why that is the reccommended amount for the down payment. The finance company is financing the value of the car after you take ownership, hence what the car is actually worth after drive off.

2003.5 G35 Sedan, Caribbean Blue, Sport
1994 MustangGT w/ 347 Street Fighter 382.4HP & 411.2 lb/ft

 

Why do u want to sell ur car?

 

Depreciation sucks!!! I thought Japanese cars like Infiniti and Lexus depreciated less than American or European cars. Which luxury cars have the highest re-sale value?

[b]g_Man :<font color=blue>Black/Black Premium Pac -Sedan [img]/w3timages/icons/cool.gif[/img]

 

Usually Lexus and BMW.

Andrew

2003 coupe 6MT blue premium aero (since 3/9/03)

 

Yup- Lexus and BMW- info is available at jdpower and edmunds.com

2003.5 G35 Sedan, Caribbean Blue, Sport
1994 MustangGT w/ 347 Street Fighter 382.4HP & 411.2 lb/ft

 

Posts like these are my pet peave (I see these all the time on the Corvette forum). Do the math. How much would you pay for a used car when you can buy a brand new one just like if for 1000 - 1500 off list easily (I did). Now, back out what the dealer needs to make for his profit (yes, they actually are in business to make money).

Please explain to me, in detail, how much you think you should get for your car, and what your rational is!

 

I'll take a shot at this one JJSG35..how about dealers are greedy and want to make money on your trade in AS WELL as the car they sell you...nothing says they have to make $ twice..right?? Thing is dealers are greedy and want to get the upper hand on you...thats their motto. Most buyers are weak and will break down through the double talk ( not all ..most) They know this and they play the odds. Profiting twice is my pet peave and rational...you sound like a dealer.

"Dont start none....wont be none."

 

They make more money per used car than they do per new car. If you want to "beat the system" you'll have to sell your car yourself. It may be worth it, or it may take up too much of your time and be too much of a hassle to deal with. It's up to you to decide. The trade-in value of any car in the 1 day to 1 year range is going to suck. It's just the way the game is played. If you don't like it, you can either keep your car for 7 years or buy a used car in the first place. Keeping a new car for less than 3 years is not the best thing to do financially.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

heh, guess ill trade in my coupe in 4 years, when i graduate from college. so... ill have a new car, a degree, a job, and make lots of money.

unfortunately life isn't smooth like that, ill probably drop out of college, don't get a degree, no new car, and can't find a job

2003 G35 Coupe
Desert Platinum / Willow Leather
5AT / Premium Package

G35-Forum.com

 

Even when you do graduate from college, there probably wont be a job waiting for you... at least not a good one... that's why I'm in grad school!!! [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]
You also have to figure that no car is an investment (if you plan on driving it ever anyway). You are paying to use it, and the only way to get you money's worth is to keep it for a good, long time. (I.e., until after its paid off) Keep it nice and take care of it (and make sure when you buy it you wont get tired of it) and this isn't such a hard thing to do.

 

cars are funny... they start off expensive, drop in value, and then far far into the future... they become expensive again.. well, some of them do depending on condition..

'03 G35 Sedan: ivory/aero body/sport/sunroof
Warning: Objects in mirror are FASTER than they appear