I'm thinking of trading in my current car (as a part payment towards a newer model) and have a few questions.
Is there a rule of thumb of how much one would expect to get for a car in relation to:
1) Selling privately,
2) Part Exchange and,
3) Selling to a dealership only
I know it depends on make, model, overall condition, milage etc but I'm just trying to get a rough idea before I start asking dealerships. I know selling privately is the best option (money wise) but I just don't want to go through the hassle of not knowing how long it will take etc so the part exchange is my favorite option.
When I bought my current car there was no room for negotiating the price and I basically paid what the dealer asked for. Is it different when a part exchange is taking place?
How much would a car dealer want to make on a deal (again, I know it depends on the make, model etc as above) looking at at his reselling amount, but are we talking 5%, 10%, 25%...?
So if anyone have any first hand experiences they would like to share that would be great or have any pointers otherwise so I can start plan ahead...
Would it make sense to have the car serviced prior to taking it to a dealership and maybe buffed up inside out?
I'd say I could could get around CHF 37-42'000 privately and the new car I'm looking at is around CHF 80'000. One is at an independent dealership and the other with a Porsche dealer (where I get the service done so they know me).
So, my current 911 is in pristine condition (both inside, outside and engine wise) with service carried out by Porsche once a year and of course with FSH. It's gone around 100'000 km and never driven during winter.
If your Porshe dealer has a suitable car then and you already have an established relationship maybe you can work together to the tune of he gives you a good price for the new car and then sells your old car on commission a later point in time.
His advantage would be to sell you current stock and he will make another % comission on your Porsche.
Your advantage may be to get the best possible buying and selling price for the cars.
Your disadvantage is that you will have to finance the new car entirely out of pocket and wait for the money to cone in from the old car.
Doesn't hurt to ask the dealer if he/she might know some one looking for your type of car who may want to buy it from you privately. They actually don't make so much on used cars. For them its just a service they provide with a huge (tax) overhead.
UPDATE (and for the record if anyone else would have the same question at some point):
1) I bought my previous 02.2002 Porsche 996 C4S in 01.2013 with 83'500 Km on the clock, in perfect condition with FSH.
2) I paid then CHF 39'800 from an independent dealer in Geneva
3) I was expecting CHF 30'000 (on the low side) as a part exchange as the price has not moved much over the last 4 years. Lots of paperwork and still in super pristine condition and now at 107'300 Km on the clock.
4) Porsche Lausanne offered me CHF 22'000 as a part exchange for a "new" car selling at CHF 80'000. I was told by the sales person that the car was in deed in perfect condition and same did the mechanic who checked up on the car.
5) This lead to me accepting the offer. I would have needed the yearly service (and fix up on usual things) for around CHF 3'000 on top of the expertise/MFK this summer so technically, I was given CHF 25'000. I signed the papers handed over my old beloved 996 and bought the new car.
7) My old C4S is now put up for sale (with a different car seller) for CHF 35'000.
Summary:
Bought for CHF 39'800 in 2013
Part exchanged for CHF 22'000 in 2017
Reseller, for sale at CHF 35'000 2 days after trade in in 2017
Hope this can be of any use and most importantly it of course depends on type of car, milage and condition.
I could have sold it myself, but I just wanted a quick deal and no hassle...