Do dealerships let you trade in your car for a cheaper one?

Question

I got a new car last year but for my business I need a truck. I think more sense for me to just drive a truck. I'm not upside-down on my car. Could I trade in my car for a truck? If there was a big difference would the dealership pay me?

Answer 1

If you mean an even swap, the odds are against it unless it's in the dealerships best interest. The good news is that you're looking to get a truck, which has been the victim of slow sales lately.

The dealership will give you a trade in value for your car and you will want haggle from the retail price of the truck. If there was a big difference, then the right dealership might give you a check, however make sure you keep the number straight. Know what your car is worth and what they are selling the truck for including any fees. Good Luck!

Answer 2

If you're not upside down then find the fair market value through www.kbb.com or www.edmunds.com and list it locally. Pay off any remaining loan amount and take the rest to the dealer as a down payment on your next car.

Answer 3

Car dealers are in it to make money - and make it fast.  When you trade in your car for something less expensive, they are not making any money until they sell the car you traded in.  MOST of the time, the dealer would want to devalue your trade even worse than usual.  I worked for one dealership where the used car manager automatically 'bid' a car $1000 less on a downtrade than if the customer was trading up for something more expensive.  They are most likely not going to want to write a check when their sales are seriously in the tank.  All that being said, you DO have one positive thing going for you:  You want to trade in a car for a truck.  Car sales are bad, but truck sales are much much worse.  You might well be able to swing a deal, particularly if the car you are trading in gets good fuel economy.

good luck

Answer 4

Dealership ONLY do business where they make a profit.  Trading in is one of the worst things you can do whether you are trading up or down.

You will ALWAYS lose when you trade in.  Sell your car yourself and then buy your truck.

Answer 5

Of course they will, But be prepared to loose your shirt. They won't give you any where near what your vehicle is worth.