Motor trade-ins

Posted by: Top Cat on 16 November 2004

Hi folks,

First it was the 52/SC, and now it's our Mini. We've decided to downsize to something boring but economical, and I'm wondering what is reasonable to expect as a trade-in?

Actually, it's not a trade-in at all as we're not buying anything else right away - simply selling the car back to a main BMW dealership. At 11,000 miles and 14 months from new, we've been offered 15% less than the new purchase price. This seems like a pretty good deal, and they'll even collect. Is it as good a deal as it seems, or should we try for more or sell privately?

I'm not so sure I want the hassle of selling it via Autotrader or the like, and this seems to me like a decent deal, but I have to say I'm a bit green when it comes to selling cars*, and so any advice is welcomed.

Thanks,

John

PS. We're probably going to end up with a Golf. Solid, dependable, older Golf TDi probably. And put the rest of the cash in the bank...

Posted on: 16 November 2004 by reductionist

Private selling is a nightmare at your end of the market. Too many tyre kickers (sorry) and the worry about money clearing etc. The garage deal sounds very good to me.

>Will add something funny when I think of it.<

Posted on: 16 November 2004 by BLT

I'd go for it, the Dealer is obviously desperate for good second hand Minis. (There's no accounting for taste

)

Posted on: 16 November 2004 by Steve B

Well I like them, and the low depreciation makes them even more appealling.

Steve B

Posted on: 16 November 2004 by Paul Hutchings

If that's cash in the bank, no hassle, no come backs, no tyre-kickers then it sounds alright to me.

Paul

Posted on: 16 November 2004 by long-time-dead

You couldn't have rented your Mini for 14 months for what you will lose.

It seems a good deal and you know you will get decent service if you return later to buy.

Posted on: 16 November 2004 by Top Cat

Thanks, guys. That was my hunch. I spoke to a couple of guys in the office and I think everyone to a man agrees that the deal is pretty damned good. Obviously I'd like a bit more but that'd probably be holding out for nothing.

As far as I know, it's money in the bank - no extra hassle (other than transferring the plate at my own cost - but that's worth it to me).

John