Part exchanging a car? 29 November 2014 at 11:14PM edited 30 November -1 at 1:00AM in Motoring 6 replies 1.1K views

em_z

It's time to change my car and I've found one I like on the Autotrader website. Is it the done thing to email the garage to ask what they're likely to offer part exchange? The garage is 50 miles from me so don't want to make a useless trip if the amount offered is too low. I've got savings but need the value to of part ex to make up the difference.
The car is advertised as £6495 and I want to part ex my 08 Fiat 500 Pop. We buy any car valued it online at £3080 (I just wanted to get an idea of value).

SuperAllyB

In my experience, some garages will give you an idea over the phone (but conditional on actually seeing it), others won't.

Condition is subjective so they're not going to give a definite figure based on your description. WeBuyAnyCar was slightly high on my last trade-in but not too bad an indicator.

harveybobbles

We hardly responded to emails as we usually too busy. Plus, we felt that genuine people would just phone up, rather then deal with armchair buyers.

50 miles is neither here nor there to be honest. If you're reluctant to go now, what about if there is an issue with the new car in a few weeks and they ask you to pop back?

motorguy

em_z wrote: »

It's time to change my car and I've found one I like on the Autotrader website. Is it the done thing to email the garage to ask what they're likely to offer part exchange? The garage is 50 miles from me so don't want to make a useless trip if the amount offered is too low. I've got savings but need the value to of part ex to make up the difference.
The car is advertised as £6495 and I want to part ex my 08 Fiat 500 Pop. We buy any car valued it online at £3080 (I just wanted to get an idea of value).

As Harvey has said, few dealers will take you serious with an email.

I would be ringing up, asking all the right questions about the car, make it clear that you're a serious buyer, and ask them for a "ball park" on your car. Tell them you "dont want to waste their time and yours if the cost to change isnt going to work"

em_z

Thanks all. The email idea was just because I can't ring til the week and have a very poor signal at work.
I've never done this before, so any advice on what questions to ask would be appreciated. My dad came with me last time, but can't this time due to the distance.

jbainbridge

em_z wrote: »

Thanks all. The email idea was just because I can't ring til the week and have a very poor signal at work.
I've never done this before, so any advice on what questions to ask would be appreciated. My dad came with me last time, but can't this time due to the distance.

Can you get a friend to go with you ... even just for moral support?

Hoof_Hearted

If you put your car into WBAC, it will give you an idea of P/X value. It is always better to try to sell the car yourself as you will probably get more.