paulr

I want to trade in my 2007 A3 2.0 tdi 2007 excellent condition for a BMW 3 series from a BMW main dealer.

Has anyone got any tips,.

1. How to get the best trade in price.
2. Time of the month for the deal ???
3. Taking finance then paying it off (i have the cash)

Anything else.......cheers.

billyrogers

If u want the best deal i would just sell private first as you will get more for it, then buy private for the best deal with cash. That way you get most for your money. But thats me, i havnt got any advice for trading in

paulr

I prefer to buy from dealers, that way (hopefully) you get a clean car with known history and a warrenty.

Selling private can be a right pain.

nik52wrx

I always try and do a lot of research on what I'm selling and what I'm buying.
Look around the auto trader to get a feel for what both cars are worth.
With that in mind when i go into the show room i have figures in mind and won't budge far from them, I'm always prepared to walk away.

If you have the cash why bother taking out the finance?
However, If you do go for finance, remember there can be movement in the rate offered so get it as low as possible.

Nik

billyrogers

Dealers try and cover up alot. Dont always trust them! I know someone who bought a car from a dealer and when he went to sell it 2 years later he found out it was a cat D. They never told him that when he was buying it

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

Why don't you see what price you can get without the part ex ( haggle for best) then throw in the car?

I heard years ago that end of he month is best as the dealers have targets to meet

wilbo

iTrader: (1)

I'm the opposite, prefer to buy from the previous owner so you can actually get answers to your questions and learn about the history, a dealer will just tell you what you want to here. Same for part ex, the dealer will probably try to beat you down on price. Just be prepared and stand your ground, have a price in mind and don't budge.

Neanderthal

iTrader: (6)

You won't get the best deal when buying with cash, they want to flog you the finance which is where the dealer makes the lion share of his profit.

paulr

So i heard. Is there a way to take out a finance deal, then pay it off in full a week later, without paying any interest?

bugblue1

iTrader: (3)

that is so true,they do get the lions share on finance & some of them will start with a high apr,so you can try & get that down aswell ,if you can try & get a trade in value on the your car before you let on what car you are interested in,as you will find they have more money to play with in certain cars,but usually you get bottom book price unless they no they can shift your car easily.good luck.

Neanderthal

iTrader: (6)

Yep, especially if it's a 'reputable' main dealer, just phone up the finance company for a settlement figure. It'll be the cost of the outstanding finance, less the interest you would have paid for the full term of the finance (might be an admin fee to pay on top though).

paulr

That's the thing,the admin fee.