This post was originally about Carfax reports, but I got that taken care of...


Trading in my car for an SUV in the coming weeks, any rules of thumb/advice? First time trading in for me, I've privately sold my last 2 vehicles.

KBB says my trade in value is 11,500 - 12,500 for Good or Excellent condition --- is this pretty accurate, or do dealers just pretty much ignore the KBB trade in value and try to rape you?

Thanks

Depends on who you are dealing with. Some are just pricks that hold almighty with what they have and low ball you anyways.....those places are for those who try to keep up with the Jones's. Some may drop their price a bit but not budge and maybe even insult you on what you have a bit. The good ones will hold fairly tight on their product but make you feel good for what you are trading in.......and then there are those who are only concerned about monthly payments....they'll take it out 6-8 years if they have to to get you to the number you want.....don't do that one...especially buying a SUV.

if you know what your vehicle is worth and what the vehicle you want is worth, you should be good.

it's my understanding that the KBB is like gospel on used car values, what they say pretty much goes.

Tell them you owe more on the car than you really do. They will chase the pay-off when evaluating your price. Also, no dealer will find your car in excellent shape. Trade in values are more close to good conditon.

Instead of KBB go to your local library and see if they have a copy of the NADA book. Those are more regional and updated weekly based on local auction results. Those are the numbers a dealer is more likely to use.