[aardogfsu]

look in CA for better deals on pretty much everything.

[PinkString]

Sure, there are a lot of weird people on Craigslist. But there are also smart and sane people too. We sold two cars on Craigslist so far. One that still worked but needed work. One that did not run and needed an engine. Both sold to the first person that called and showed up with cash. One had to be towed, they brought their own tow truck. We did not go to the DMV with either buyer. We printed out the form, had the paperwork filled out, gave the title, keys. Everyone lived happily ever after.
Now the downside was all the calls we got afterwards, and some really bad sob stories how badly they needed a car, etc. But could not afford one. Then why reply to the ad? Always some strange person that wants something for nothing.
I like using Craigslist to sell some things, but did have the opposite experience selling our giant sectional several years ago. Kept getting emails saying they will have their shipper pick up the couch and they would pay me more than the price listed. I told them no and that I did not fall for scams and I did not want their worthless cashiers check. I ended up removing my ad and then finding a friend of a friend that bought the sectional. Went to a home with a lot of kids.

[OmegaSupreme]

Originally Posted by Raiderman

Trade in is wholesale, but you also get the sales tax credit (you buy a $25k car, you get $10k for trade, sales tax is paid on $15k). So as long as you can sell your car for 8.1% more than trade value, then you're good. I've gone both routes - trade and private party. I normally will trade, as the hassle for me, personally, of selling a used car privately isn't worth the couple thousand bucks extra that I'll get vs. trading.

If i can get $7k trade-in for my $10k used-value car, then i'd most definitely do it mainly for the convenience. i was unaware about the sales tax benefit too.

Originally Posted by airics

Believe it or not I did better buying at Findlay Fiat then selling on my own.. I had the car on craigslist for $15200... which was cheap.... I received 18k on trade and negotiated almost 5000 off the sticker..I am very pleased... being in the business for 18yrs I knew a few tricks

if i can do better, then i'll certainly try.... what are these tricks you speak of?

[airics]

First. Know what your car is really worth... throw the blue book away..... what model and miles do you have

[OmegaSupreme]

Originally Posted by airics

First. Know what your car is really worth... throw the blue book away..... what model and miles do you have

100k '02 tbird. fair condition.

[Raiderman]

Originally Posted by OmegaSupreme

100k '02 tbird. fair condition.

ACV is around $7K.. is that what you came up with, Airics?

Bear in mind, that's actual cash value of what a dealer should pay for your car, whether you purchased a car or not. Anything taken off the sticker, or any rebates will bump your "trade-in value". Buy a $20K car, they take $3K off in rebates, etc, your trade-in is now $10K. You pay sales tax on the difference.

[airics]

Manheim report shows 1 sold AT NEVADA with 100k... 6100. Dealer has fees to sell....dealer will be offering closer to 5000. Plus you say yours is only fair condition so maybe even less..... None anywhere sold for 7000. With 100k

Next question... What are you looking to buy.....if it's a new honda or toyota, you'll be lucky to get 5k. Why? The vehicles are in demand and the thought process is if you don't buy it someone else will.

Whereas if it's a fiat or mitsubishi, you'll get 6000. As they want to move the metal.

[OmegaSupreme]

Originally Posted by airics

Next question... What are you looking to buy.....if it's a new honda or toyota, you'll be lucky to get 5k. Why? The vehicles are in demand and the thought process is if you don't buy it someone else will.

Whereas if it's a fiat or mitsubishi, you'll get 6000. As they want to move the metal.

something practical with good mpg, possibly a hybrid or EV... just looking for a good deal, nothing too specific in mind

[aardogfsu]

bought the gf a used Prius (in CA where they are 15% cheaper)...and have been thrilled with it so far. Go with the Prius. =)

[OmegaSupreme]

Originally Posted by aardogfsu

bought the gf a used Prius (in CA where they are 15% cheaper)...and have been thrilled with it so far. Go with the Prius. =)

i was thinking that, but then the wife said she'd leave me.... so i may just do that