Hey guys,

I have an 02' with about 70K on the clock. By next June, I will have about $12K left on the loan. I will have to trade it in for something that can handle snow and tons of rain. The S is in good condition. You think the trade-in value will be roughly equal to the loan amount left on the car? I wouldn't mind rolling $1k into a new payment, but no more than that. Am I being realistic or am I in for a nasty surprise when I go to the dealer?

Thanks for your help in advance, this is my first time doing this!

 

Sell it on your own, you'll get a few thousand more then a dealer will give you

 

What do you think a MY02' in decent condition would sell for in 8 months to a year from now?

 

If we had a crystal ball we could tell you. Depends on gas prices, economy, etc. I would expect an 02 with ~82K miles(you have been doing about 11K/yr with 70k currently on the clock right?) would still be worth 11-12K next year. Check Autotrader and the NADA, KBB and Edmunds guides for current estimated values. Your should not go down much in value(you are well past the high depreciating early years).

Why not get snow tires for winter and keep the S2K if you still enjoy it? Many here say it makes a fine winter car if properly tired...

 

That is also a consideration, I am just trying to envision what could happen down the road. Thanks for the input though :-D

 

Just to give you an idea, Last summer I was shoping it around. One dealership offered me $10k for my '01 64k miles, excellent shape (looking at a mint EVO). Obviously they were low balling me but that's the name of the game, buy low sell high. You're far better off selling it on your own. Otherwise expect to claw kick and scream to get what you want for your trade-in. Of course the flip side is what are you planning on buying. A lot of it depends on that. You have to look at the entire deal, not just one side of it.

For example, if you're looking to buy a car that they are trying desperately to get off the lot, they will probably be more willing to work with you on your trade. But if it's a hot item where they know they can move quick, they will try to maximize their profit by low balling you, knowing that if you don't bite, someone else probably will.

I've bought and sold too many damn used cars over the years....

 

Yeah, I was thinking about an 09' Lancer Ralliart (Only if they bring the damn hatch here though) because of the AWD and 80% fun of the Evo. But well see, who knows what surplus cars will be available next year?

 

Why don't you just wait until then and see? No one know what will be happening.

 

I know. Slow day at work and mind is wandering.