How does actual trade-in compare to NADA/KBB estimates?

[milje]

Not sure if it's going to happen or not, but I've been thinking of getting something bigger, 4x4, and possibly diesel (looking at the "C" word trucks, sorry guys).... I want something bigger, I've always had regular cabs and want a bigger cab to haul around the dogs and some toys.

Anyways, KBB and NADA both put my truck around $6,000 for trade-in. 2005, 2.3L, stick, 2wd, 35,000 miles, I'd say good condition (new tires, few minor scratches by the door and such). Has anyone got a dealer estimate on a trade-in lately? How did it compare with what the estimates were on KBB/NADA?


Also, what kind of mileage can I expect with a diesel 3/4 ton (let's say 2000-2004 "C" word, Allison, 3.73 gears)? Fuel isn't a HUGE part of my costs (I fill up my Ranger every three to four weeks), but I'd like to know what I'm looking at as an estimate. A lot of people on the 'net say 18-20 at 70-75 mph unloaded, I never go that fast, usually around 55 mph, unloaded for the majority of the time, sometimes hauling the skid steer or the boat.

 

[99RangerKrazy]

Well, I tried to trade in my 99 Ranger (incredible condition - not one scratch or ding - only 100k miles at the time of trade in, brush guard, toolbox, cb, etc, which was back in April), Kelly Trade-in said ~$5,900 but I was only ever offered about $4,900. Somewhat close, but I need $5,200 to pay off the loan, and no one would budge. That's my experience with it.

 

[cr_the_machinist]

I had a salesmen low ball for my '99 Ranger 4x4 Sport Flareside at $3,000 when it kbb's about the same as 99RangerKrazy. Ir wasn't enough to pay it off and the salesmen wouldn't budge at all. (Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor.... there parts department is awesome but I have had nothing but bad experiences with their used car lot.)

 

[canyoncritter]

The car dealerships lots dont keep cars/trucks that are over 3 years old.They wholesale them off.So they will never offer you full KBB value.Alot also depends on what it is,and what the demand for it is.

IMO your better off to sale what you have yourself vs the "trade in" unless you got something that looks good, but have a major issue that pretty well hidden,and you just happy to get rid of it kind of deal.

My buddy has a Chevy diesel crew cab, think its a 05 or 06, get's a avg of 16-18 in general.sometimes he's easy on it, sometimes you would think his house is on fire. it also on 35's.

IF your going to keep it a stocker, and feather foot it(55mph) I can see getting 20 out of it.

 

[dburton07]

buddys got a 03 dirtymax with a chip, intake and exhaust and gets 22 i beleive, a little less now that hes making his own biodeisel. hes also got a somewhat heavy foot so 22 for him is pretty good. i only get 18 max in my little ol ranger

 

[snake]

In my experience you'll NEVER get even trade-in value during a trade-in, that's why they call them stealerships. They will give you what they think you'll take and not a dime more. They can "show" giving you book value, but they won't knock a dime off of what you are purchasing or use some other book keeping trick to make it appear that way- especially if you buy anything based on "payment".

Best way is to sell outright and it is a hassle, plus the sales tax is higher that way too- in this state they only charge sales tax on the difference, but if no trade you pay it all.

The fuel mileage could be as good or maybe even better with the right truck. The wrong one and it could be worse. They're all different for some reason. A friend of mine had a 4X4 lifted dodge diesel that got 20 on the highway. Not bad for 3/4 ton 4X4 and the truck weighed about 6K.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Best way is to sell outright and it is a hassle, plus the sales tax is higher that way too- in this state they only charge sales tax on the difference, but if no trade you pay it all.

+1, that is the best way to do it.

 

[tbirdsps]

In my area the standard is KBB. NADA shows very inflated pricing. Neither are realistic.

If you can avoid it do not trade. Sell yourself. It's a PIA but you'll get at least $2,000 above the quoted trade in value which the dealer won't meet.

 

[milje]

Best way is to sell outright and it is a hassle, plus the sales tax is higher that way too- in this state they only charge sales tax on the difference, but if no trade you pay it all.

That's probably what I'll end up doing, I figured you'd get ripped off at a dealership trading in, wasn't sure how much worse it would be than the quoted value. I'm sure I can find someone in the area who wants a pickup that gets mileage in the high 20's.

I may wait until next year before I get a new truck, get some stuff paid off, pay off the rent on my apartment, pay off the rest of my truck loan, and get into my own house before I start on another truck payment.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I may wait until next year before I get a new truck, get some stuff paid off, pay off the rent on my apartment, pay off the rest of my truck loan, and get into my own house before I start on another truck payment.

That is what I would do, about every night I wish I was paying on a house (even a garage with a cot in the corner) instead of a truck and an apartment. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20, a little over a year and it is a done deal anyway...

 

[milje]

That is what I would do, about every night I wish I was paying on a house (even a garage with a cot in the corner) instead of a truck and an apartment. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20, a little over a year and it is a done deal anyway...

The bad part is I'm paying rent on an apartment that I don't even live in. Signed a lease through spring 09, was planning on living there, got a job in my hometown so I'm living with the 'rents. Oh well, rent was cheap, and I have a guaranteed place to crash when I go up there to party