Car trade in help/advice please!

curlycee on 08/01/2015 - 20:36

Hi all,
I currently have a Ford Focus Ghia Sedan 08 model, 130k, cream leather seats. I'm hoping to trade it in, as with baby number 3 on the way, it's a very tight fit in the back seat with 3 seats across.
I asked the dealer on the phone yesterday where I bought it what trade in value would be- he said 6.5-7k, but 'bring it in as I might be able to offer more'.
When I went down today, he offered me 5k, said he 'may' be able to offer me up to 6 or 'do a deal', depending on what car I want to trade it for.

I'm a little miffed that he so overquoted over the phone. Does anyone know how I can work out roughly what the trade in value should be?
Or what my best option would be, eg selling privately?

I'm looking at getting a VZ or VE for the wide backseat.

Thanks in advance :-)

Automotive

Comments

  • victorwilson on 08/01/2015 - 20:58

    Looking at results for your Focus Ghia on Carsales, there's one with 121500 km going for $12,990. The cheapest one for sale is $11,500. I think your dealer's trying to rip you off.

    You'd probably be able to get a higher price in a private sale than trading it in, but it'll definitely take a while to sell.

  • Ughhh on 08/01/2015 - 21:01

    Check on redbook and carsales to find whats the market price of your car. If you're buying a brand new car off them, they'll probably be able to offer you more and be more willing to negotiate. You probably would get more money selling it off privately, but that depends on how much your time is worth and if you're willing to deal with potentially dodgy buyers. If you said that the $5k wasn't good enough and walked away, they'll most likely give you a call soon offering you more - maybe though, cause you're a little early in the month to go car shopping.

  • thejew on 08/01/2015 - 21:05
    +1

    You will always be paid less for your car when you use it as part payment on a new car.

    If you want the most money you can get for your car, sell your car privately, this may take weeks to months depending on how the used car market and your price match up!

    It is a huge ass ache, but you should get more than the dealer is offering you.

    PS. I do recommend a clear picture of the cars build plate in any ad to sell it, that alone should answer most peoples questions without them having to bother you

  • curlycee on 08/01/2015 - 21:33

    Hmmm I just looked on Redbook, it lists the trade in value as $6600-$8500 for the 2008 Ford Focus Ghia Sedan, with between 110km-180km on the clock.
    I wonder if I go back and say that this is on Redbook if it would make a difference, or maybe I should just try a different dealer.

    I'm kinda hoping to do a trade this weekend if I can. We saw a VZ sedan at the car yard for $7990 which we were hoping to pay the difference for.

    • cypher67 on 08/01/2015 - 21:44

      If you know what you want, get in control, say Ill give you my car plus $1000, if they say no then walk away. Personally Id say you could get $8k for your car if you put it online. Throw it on Gumtree for $10k and if someone rings say, $8k upfront right now if you want it.

  • curlycee on 09/01/2015 - 16:59

    Went to another used car dealer today to ask trade in value. He reckoned he would pay the same (5k)…he said that redbook can be behind the times as the used car market is changing so much. He also said from his perspective that he didn't feel my car would move very quickly as it's a sedan (the hatch sells better) and has beige leather seats (apparently these are undesirable).
    He suggested taking it to the local Ford dealer to get an accurate trade in value on it as 'they would know their product'. I rang the Ford dealer and they didn't want to give an indicative price over the phone, and asked me to come down…but nothing on their website is remotely in my price range and I don't want to waste their time.

  • decryption on 11/01/2015 - 10:52

    Check out a joint like http://www.sellmycar.com.au/ - I sold two cars to them and got a little bit more than what the dealer was going to offer me. The estimate on the website however is not to be taken seriously. The website valued my car at $10,500 - but they only offered me $7,750 when I took it in and they looked over it. Was an 8/10 condition car too, with full service history and mechanically perfect. Did have a few scratches (but no dents) tho.

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