Posted 2005-04-10 8:01 PM (#23648) Subject: what to expect when trading in?
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Texas
I have a 1997 3h Sundowner Sunlite alum with a weekend package. I am planning on purchasing a new truck tomarrow and wanting to downsize my trailer to accomidate. Is there a site where I can get an estimate on what my trailer is worth as a trade-in verse selling - like a blue book for trailers?? Does anyone know what dealers look at as far a trading in? This tralier has only been pulled for 2yrs out of its life and even then it was just in the nice months. It is in great shape and I want to make sure I am getting a good deal. Can anyone advise?
Posted 2005-04-10 9:02 PM (#23650 - in reply to #23648) Subject: RE: what to expect when trading in?
Veteran
Posts: 285
We just traded our trailer in with a dealer. I went to their web site and seen it advertised for 2000.00 more than they gave us for trade in. We figured it was worth it, trading it in verses the hassle of trying to sell it ourselves. If you have the time, you will probably get more if you could sell it outright. With our deal on our new trailer, they werent going to give us a better deal without the trade so we went that route. You could call a dealer and see if they would give info on what they think your trailer is actually worth. Also surf the net and see if you can find one similar to yours and see what the selling price is. Good luck. dk
Posted 2005-04-10 10:28 PM (#23654 - in reply to #23648) Subject: RE: what to expect when trading in?
Veteran
Posts: 195 Location: Atlanta, GA
You will probably get more by selling out right if you have time, you can list it right here... As far as trading it in, it depends on what you are looking at and the dealer that you are dealing with. If you buy whole sale they can't give you retail for a trade, if you are paying a jacked up price for a new trailer of course they can give you more for your trade, at least on paper. It will also depend on what brand of trailer you are looking at and if you are realistic on the value of your trailer.. Check out the used trailers on line to get an idea of your trailers value and go from there. Use the internet to do some of your shopping, you might get a better deal if you have time to look and talk to differant dealers, dont limit yourself to your local dealers the best deal maybe elsewhere. A good well kept used trailer is a hot item, priced right..
Posted 2005-04-11 9:49 AM (#23664 - in reply to #23654) Subject: RE: what to expect when trading in?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1011 Location: Oregon
When I went to sell my 2000 Charmac in 2003, I went to the dealership and they told me they would give me $6000 for a trade in, as I was ordering a brand new Charmac from them. I decided to sell it myself. I had it on 2 websites and got lots of calls. It was sold within 2 weeks for $9700. I was asking $10,000 or best offer for it. I wasn't expecting for it to sell so fast. It was August, right before all the rainy and cold weather came. I had to go almost 2 months without a trailer before my new one arrived. BTW...I paid $8500 when I ordered that 2000.
Posted 2005-04-11 11:14 AM (#23670 - in reply to #23648) Subject: RE: what to expect when trading in?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 634 Location: Tipton, IN
NADA Actually has values for Sundowner under RV's, fifth wheel trailers. I think they only cover Siesta, Sierra and Grand Sierra though. You still might give it a try.
Posted 2005-04-11 11:22 AM (#23672 - in reply to #23648) Subject: RE: what to expect when trading in?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534 Location: Zionsville, Indiana
In reply to classgirl98: The $2,000 mark up may have been the total gross profit on both trailers, and the net will be much less. That's assuming they get their asking price.
Posted 2005-04-11 12:41 PM (#23676 - in reply to #23648) Subject: RE: what to expect when trading in?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 565 Location: Michigan
You could also check with trailer dealers about selling your trailer under consignment. The trailer goes up for sale on their lot and they take care of rest. Personally, I would try to sell your trailer yourself. There are quite a few places to advertise online, this site being one of them. I had great success with that route last fall.
Posted 2005-04-12 11:24 AM (#23716 - in reply to #23648) Subject: RE: what to expect when trading in?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
The major benefits of trading in are:
saving all the money in taxes from the private sale of the other trailer
having the trailer gone adn not waiting on it to sell
Knowing the deal is "clean", private sales can go bad with fake checks, liability, theft, inviting people to your private property, etc.
Depending on the deal you swing it might be to your advantage. I make deals and then mention trade ins, that way they can't start playing the "funny numbers" game.
what to expect when trading in?
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