AboutRay Paulsen Expertise confused buying new or used...buy with confidence from dealer or private...consumer fears...paying to much...getting a lemon...accident car...fair value for trade...negotiation process...etc...you simply want a fair deal...
Experience over 30 years in automotive industry, management, retail, wholesale, appraisals, auctions, vintage
Question I'm looking at buying a new Honda Odyssey. The dealer knows I have a trade-in. So far I have rejected their offers. The thing that bothers me about his offers is that he isn't lowering the MSRP at all, but keeps increasing the trade-in value for my car. It's worth around 13,500 and the dealership is now offering 19,000 (diff of $5500) The MSRP he is offering is 34,873 and according to Edmund's, Odyssey's in my area sell for about $29,345 (diff of $5528). Both of these net around $5,500. Is there a hidden cost associated with a higher MSRP versus a higher trade-in? I guess I'm leery as to why he is offering such a ridiculous trade-in but not budging on the MSRP. Or, does it really matter as long as I'm still getting a fair net price compared to Edmund's listed price?
Answer Hi Lori
A dealer knows how to play with the numbers to confuse some consumers, to the educated buyer all that matters is the final number out the door.
Here is how I would approch buying a brand new vehicle, on my home page click on the Edmond amd Automotive banners and leave the trade out for the time being, should you have further questions feel free to make contact through here or my forum
