Part exchanging cars

[tyranical]

I'm pretty new to this car buying lark, having only bought 2 in my time and both private sales.

Basically I want a new car (Mk2 Mini Cooper S FYI) I want to part exchange my current vehicle as I tried selling privately and the hassle was unbelievable to the point where I just gave up (I was getting 10+ emails a day, all from fking con artists)

However, Does part exchanging your car effectively remove the ability to negotiate money off the price? My Dad seems to think so.

My Dad hasn't bought a car from a garage for 30 years, so I don't know if he is just living in the past or if that is actually the case these days.

[insanojackson]

the cost to change is whats important, high part ex and no discount is the same as crap part ex and massive discount.

depends what you are looking to buy.

[Backtobasics]

No, you can still negotiate, go in on cost to change. Drive a hard deal, and be prepared to walk and try another dealer.

[tyranical]

I basically have £7500 cash and then whatever I can get for my car.

I'd be happy with £3500 for my car, I think I could get around £4300 selling it privately but its too much hassle and also due to my work I can't really have a changeover period of no car so part exchanging is the easiest option for me.

So if they were to offer me £3500 for my car, would I still be able to negotiate on price or do dealers look at it as if i'm giving you a good price for your car then no negotiating?

[kentmotorcompany]

Your dad is somewhat correct. Financially you will almost always be better of selling privately, but obviously it requires more effort.
By part exchanging you may get what you want for car, but with no discount, or you will get kicked in the nuts on the price of your car, and might get a discount to ease your nut ache!

As said cost to change is what you need to focus on, it seems like you know what you have to spend, so if a dealer has a car you like, and can get to your figures do the deal.

[Jimmyarm]

I know they get slated a bit but try WBAC and see what their offer is, it might be what you are looking for £ wise.

[andy43]

If the part ex is only worth 3.5k Webuyanyshed will quite possibly just offer the bottom auction book price as they can't retail it through carcraft.

[tyranical]

WBAC offer like £2000 or something stupid... even CAT D's of my current vehicle aren't that cheap.

[Haighermeister]

What is your car? Be good to get an idea of CAP and Glass guide figures (pm me details of your car if you want these) to see if they're near what you want. Most dealers want to pay average prices for part exchanges, but will 'overallow' for your car or discount too.

[ambuletz]

£800 between part ex' and selling privately. you could rent a car for a good while with that price difference.