Advice for trading in FRS to dealer
 

Wussup guys so here is my situation. I currently have an 2013 Auto Ultramarine FRS, I'm planning to trade it in for a White 2015 6Speed FRS. Reason? Simple, I just want the 6Speed for a new experience. I currently owe 12k and they are offering 19k for my car. It currently has 5200 miles do you guys think 19k is a fair trade in price, or should I ask for more? Tips Tricks? Wussup, the only thing I spent on my car is a full HID/LED conversion, and a Viper alarm system, foglights. Should I take it all off and put it on my new car? Or should I just leave it for the next owner?

Thanks guys, anything that could help me would be really appreciated. I just want as much info as I can get before I make this investment.

Take it all off if you plan to put on the new one anyway. They will not pay extra for it (normally) so why give it away?
Have no idea if $19K is a good price for trade in and neither does anybody else that is not local to you (no matter what they may say) as values vary substantially by region.

Take all your mods off. $19k is about right for trade.

According to Kelley, $19K is in the ballpark for Excellent condition in your area as a trade-in:

http://www.kbb.com/scion/fr-s/2013-s...etype=trade-in

I'd suggest holding off until late December when there will prolly be incentives and factory pressure on dealers to pump up the numbers before closing out the 2014 books.

I didn't even think about December... It really is around the corner. But what do you mean pump up the numbers? On my trade in value? Or something else?

They meant the dealer pump up the number sold before year end.

Ohh ok gotcha. I don't mind waiting, just hope the dealer don't lower their offer on my car.

Just don't do any long road trips and rack up the mileage or (of course) hit anything.

I say given the offer you're getting for the FRS that you should trade in if the right deal comes up. Since you will have positive equity you're looking at getting an FRS well under 20k.

I wouldn't do it.

A lot of lost money right there

What Tcoat said.

All of the top tier manufacturers want sales number and market share bragging rights. Those are usually measured by calendar year for ad purposes like "the best selling (whatevermobile) of 2014" although some like to slice and dice by some month where they happened to look good.

The good news for you is that the 2015MY car is already out so your car won't be losing trade value between now and 12/31.

If you can wait, the absolute best day to buy is 12/31 for obvious reasons but also due to factory-to-dealer, sales manager and salespeeps incentives all expiring then. It'll be their last shot at cashing in and will be more flexible than usual about gross profit margin.

If it were me, I'd restore the car to stock, arrive at the dealership right before lunch 12/31 and assuming they have the car you want open negotiations. Then, no matter their offer, tell them you're going to another dealership to cross-shop another FR-S/Miata/Golf etc. then go to lunch. Return an hour or so later and resume negotiations but once again leave for the same reason as earlier and buy supplies for your New Year's Eve party. Then return an hour later and finalize negotiations. Together, you'll most likely save hundreds more compared to their first offer.

Rule #1 is to avoid telling them what you'll pay either outright or in monthly payments. Also, have your financing in order beforehand to compare with their offer that is often negotiable, too.

If you were closer, I'd offer to join you and play Bad Cop but bring someone else along who looks to be in a permanently bad mood about everything. :D

Ok, so I am bringing you up here next time I negotiate a new car!

OH wait just noticed your location!
I mean down here.

Ha, you had me going to Google Earth!

Yeah, it's the same MO I've used to help friends buy cars, trucks and RV's. It's always worked to get the best price, usually below invoice and sometimes under fleet prices since the dealer is being compensated by the factory to move 'em out.

The FRS was the first time I actually negotiated and I think I did well.
My other 3 new ones were all "I'll take that one. How much? OK where do I sign?"