Tips on Buying Cars: Trade in, auto trader, blue book

Question
I have a question about trading in a car.  We want to trade down to a smaller car.  We have a van that we still owe on, which we want to use to trade in.  What would the dealership offer us as a trade in if they determine that there is not much margin on the van after they pay off the contract?  In other words, would we be better off selling the van on our own with the objective of just getting enough from the sale to break even, and then buying from the dealership without a trade in?  If you would need specifics about our vehicle in order to give us advice, I will find out the blue book, how much we owe, and what kind of vehicle we are looking to buy.  Thanks for any direction you can provide!
-john white.


Answer
Hi John
It does not matter to the Dealer how much your lien is on your present vehicle you want to trade...if there is equity good...if not they will try to build balance into your new loan...Go shopping without a trade, get your best price, then say what if i trade my ?...how much then ?...Check auto Trader and Newspapers and compare what your present vehicle may be worth...then demand your needs...its kind of hard to explain all via type...but go to my website   www.usedvehiclefacts.ca   read some of the steps and then let me know further questions...when you find a vehicle you may consider let me know year model and miles before purchase and details what your trading...RAY