2004 Silverado in TX - Value compared to book?

muddkatt · March 25, 2017

While I get the message of your friend's trade in deal, you also have to realize he was talking to a dealership. They're going to try and low ball you as much as they can. It's one reason why I'll never trade a vehicle in or sell a vehicle to a dealership. You're much better off selling private party unless you're in a pinch.

You misunderstood what I was saying.... the dealership was spot on about the truck. I was with the owner of the truck for some pretty "exciting" times. The truck had been used to jump motocross jumps, went on mud rides that were so severe that once it got stuck the water was up to the bottom of the seat. It had holes all in the seat, door panels and head liner from cigarette and weed burns. Smelled like a frat house from all the spilled booze. Nearly every body panel was bent. It never had the oil changed and had started smoking like a chimney. This was back in 1983 and it was a step side Sierra Classic that he had paid about $12K for it new. It needed to be sent to the wrecking yard.....

I never trade in my cars or trucks. I always sell them outright and end up several thousand dollars ahead.