subject: Sell Your Mazda Or Trade It In? [print this page] So you've finally decided to buy a brand new Mazda and say goodbye to the model you've been driving for several years. The new vehicle that you have your heart set on is the 2013 Mazda2. It is billed as giving maximum performance for minimalists. That describes you perfectly! You pride yourself on caring for the earth, being frugal, but you still want a zippy compact car that holds its own and this model certainly does all that. It gets excellent gas mileage and is sporty looking, to boot. Now, how to get rid of your trusty older model? There are pros and cons to selling your used vehicle privately vs. trading it in at the dealer.
Pros of Selling It Yourself
One of the main reasons motorists decide to sell their autos privately is because they think they can get more cash out of the deal than trading it in. On the surface, this may appear to be true. Since dealers have employees and overhead to pay, they're going to have to make money on the deal to stay in business. But buyers know this and usually refuse to pay private owners the same dollar amount they'd pay in a pre-owned showroom. So, this is an iffy situation. If you're an excellent salesperson and you don't mind dealing with a lot of "interesting" people who are determined to talk your price down, go for it. Otherwise, it might not be worth the hassle.
Pros of Trading It In
Of course, a big pro is that it is so much easier. The Mazda dealership has everything set up to make it a seamless transaction. They have the loan processors, the title and registration paperwork, and they will work with you on the trade-in purchase price. If you play your cards right, this can work out in your favor. Having a vehicle to trade in gives you wiggle room on the negotiation.
Cons of Selling It Privately
If you need the cash to put down on the new set of wheels, you're going to have to sell the car before buying the new one. This means when and if you do sell your pre-owned car, you're going to have to be without a ride in the interim. This might make you feel desperate to purchase your new vehicle, which isn't good for negotiation.
Cons of Trading It In
The main downside of trading it in is the possibility of making less money to put down on your new Mazda. If you weigh all sides of the situation, this may actually be worth a few bucks. It's certainly a personal decision that a person will have to put a pencil to and think over.
If you do make the decision to buy a 2013 Mazda2, congratulations. These subcompact cars come equipped with MP3 compatible sound systems, keyless entry, aluminum alloy wheels, and more. This manufacturer is the proud recipient of multiple awards for excellence. The model you're after won the 2011 Car and Driver Editors' Choice Award. Whether you decide to sell your older vehicle on your own or trade it in, you can't go wrong with this brand.
