Hey everyone. Very thankful to have found this site on the Mini to help me out. I have come to a 90% certainty that I want to trade in my 2004 z4 for a mini for a myriad of reasons. So hello everyone and thanks in advance.

I went to the dealer today and had my first (and last *crosses fingers*) hiccup as I start the process of working the best deal for myself.

My trade in value.

Checking edmunds before heading to the dealer I saw a price of 13800 for average condition (I do have a dent that I am trying to decide if it is worth getting fixed) and a clean condition quote at 15700. I currently owe 15000 on the car. I can have the dent fixed for 750 though I need to recheck that as apparently the bumper is messed up to.

The dealer offered 11k for the car. Putting me upside down by 4000 which changed me from getting into the monthly payment I wanted to being 100 over. That really seemed out of whack to me. The dealer was claiming that these sites are completely off and while I just went along today as I wanted to double check my research part of me was thinking there is no way those sites can be that far off or no one would use them as they would be useless. Are those websites that far off or was I getting the once over? Its my first time trading in my car and I am left baffled. Going to do some more research on this however if anyone has anything to offer much appreciated.

Peace

 

ist alwasy good ot try to sell it yrself...

 

Another question. I am buying in Florida. The dealer is adding on 605 for dealer fee and waste disposal fee. Is this normal/required in Florida or is that something the dealer is trying to tag on?

Thanks for any tips.

Oh and thanks for penfed recommendation. I might be able to buy my car instead of lease if I get approved. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

 

Trade-in values are usually bad, but they are horrible right now. From what I hear, they are lowballing everyone. I can't really blame the dealers. They are having trouble moving their current inventory and prices continue to fall. New car incentives are also hurting used car values.

As far as current values, try searcing Ebay's sold listings to get an estimate of your car's value. Definitely try selling the car yourself and see if you can get more. I have no idea of the value and sounds like you have a few issues with the car, but you may be able to get $14 - $15k for it private party.

Good luck and hope you are able to get your Mini!