Honda Accord 2011 vs Toyota Camry 2011

[HoneySuckle]

After many delays (I took two trips), I am finally going to the Toyota dealer to take another look at a Camry.  I had time to think some more.

[HoneySuckle]

Un-@#$%&%-believable!  The car dealership offered me $3,500 for my Honda 2002 car   pancakes.  I don't need a car that badly!

[TUalum0982]

Might try selling it yourself.  You generally never get decent money for trade in. I understand the dealership needs to make a profit on the vehicle which is fine, but they shouldnt low ball you like that.  Try putting an ad up on craigslist and if you get any prospective buyers, meet at a safe location, like a QT or something.  That way there are plenty of people around if anything happens.  I have done this MULTIPLE times selling extra tickets and a Wii system, and have never had any problems. 

Also might try autotrader, I believe its 40-60 bucks with a picture and the ad runs until it sells...although they could have changed that in the past 2-3yrs. 

[heironymouspasparagus]

What do you think the old one is worth?  N.A.D.A., etc.

Keep it for a spare.  Put it on liability only, change the oil once in a while and just drive it occasionally.  Couldn't get a better backup ever.  (Unless there is something wrong with it - in which case, you better take the trade and run.)

[nathanm]

Un-@#$%&%-believable!  The car dealership offered me $3,500 for my Honda 2002 car   pancakes.  I don't need a car that badly!

Eight year old cars that run are usually worth more to their owners than anybody else.

[Red Arrow]

Eight year old cars that run are usually worth more to their owners than anybody else.

I agree.  I did look up some 2002 Honda values though.  Without knowing the car, I think she still got lowballed a bit, even on trade in value.

[heironymouspasparagus]

As little as it would cost to keep for a spare, I would never think of getting rid of a Honda that new.  Only talking 30 or 40 per month for that kind of automobile?  Write off the 3,000 in your mind, hang onto it, and never regret getting rid of a good car.

You could literally keep that the rest of your life at this point and no matter what kind of mechanical maintenance you have to do in the future - forever! - you will never have another car that costs you less than that one.  You will never average $100 a month for the next 30 years with it - including engines, transmissions, suspensions, tires, batteries - everything.  And if you do at least some of the work yourself, you save even more.

[HoneySuckle]

We do need another car because of the four drivers, three cars we've been trying to pull, but it is not working too well.

But hubby figured since Toyota has incentives, maybe he could trade mine in and get a RAV4.  When he heard that they want to give us $3,500, he said no way.  The dealer even said "nice car!"  I know they have to make money too, but good heavens, I can't pick up a Honda Accord with sun roof and all the other nice things for that money unless it's been really battered.  We're keeping it, and I will look to change the insurance on it meanwhile.  I seriously don't do much driving myself except in Tulsa.  I  never drive out of town personally because my husband drives or my daughter.  My vision isn't the best and for my safety and others, I make that choice to stay where I can handle.  It's a genetic thing with my vision.  Started when I was in my teens.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Don't talk about your vision.  Especially around your insurance people.  (Note the selective morality moment here - me talking about vision is a little bit like Gaspar letting his acquaintance get away with unemployment fraud.  Ironic, huh?)