Need some suggestions on my next move as I am about to purchase a new 2011 FX4 Ecoboost.

I want to trade my current vehicle in as part of the negotiations, but, I can't decide what my best play is here. I have a 2005 FX4 Screw with 118k miles on it. The truck is in excellent condition EXCEPT for the ever increasing spots of flaking paint on the hood of the truck. I can pay around $500.00 to have the hood resprayed to have a more presentable trade-in or trade in as-is and be prepared to have the appraisal to come in significantly lower with the dealer subtracting big $$ to re-paint the hood themselves. I really don't want to sink any more money into a vehicle I'm about to trade-in, but, I'm positive the dealership is going to nick me on this. I still owe $4500 on this truck and I'm trying to figure out if its worth my time (and money) to improve its trade-in value.


Thanks.

 

With trading anything in you are going to take a huge hit either way. Your best bet is to have the hood repainted and then try to sell the truck outright yourself. If your set on trading it you will be better off not not painting it and taking your chances.

 

I wouldnt worry about it. just go trade it in on the new one. If you get it repainted and the car lot notices they may screw you that away also... seeing that it has had previous body work done to it.

 

i agree for trade in dont paint the hood and dont expect kbb trade value.

look up the rough trade on nada and that should be your starting point. you can negotiate more now because its a new vehicle and they make more than if you were buying a used one

 

couldn't of said it better myself

 

Who told you guys they make more $$ on new vehicles?

 

they have alot more room to work with on new vehicles plain and simple plus when you finance through the dealer they get incentives. thats why most places dont care if you want to pay cash

 

Negative, sir - they make a lot more on used vehicles.

 

Exactly... I worked as a salesman for a while. Markup on New isnt as much as you think.. Most of the car's we had were maybe, $1000 to $2000 over invoice. markup on used however, was on average $4000-$5000 per vehicle at our lot... I remember for a fact we had a little honda accord that they gave someone like $8000 on trade in. Then put $14000 on the sticker. And refused to let me sell it to someone who offered $12000.