Trade in or fix then trade in?

SHOdown220

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Just wondering which would be the smarter decision money wise. I'm looking at trading the 2012 focus in on a new mustang. As the focus currently sits, it has 42,000 miles with the original tires that are worn down to 3/32nds, and lucky me just got a huge Crack in the windshield. Other than those 2 items, the car has been well taken care of by me and is in great shape. I'm looking at trading in the next 2-3 months (I drive 3 miles a day in the city so the tires will last until then). Would it be best to fix these items before trading in or trade it as is and use the money towards the down payment?
 

derklug

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If you put on new tires, buyers are going to think you are trying to hide alignment/suspension issues. See what they offer on trade in, and go from there.
 

Tech4Dummies

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I'd fix the windshield before you sell or trade. Tires, who cares?

Which model Mustang are you thinking about getting, anyway? Because if you were to turbocharge the Focus it could easily be quicker than the Ecoboost Mustang and the V6. If you wanna go Coyote, well, that's a different story.
 

4u 2 nv

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I'd fix the windshield before you sell or trade. Tires, who cares?

Which model Mustang are you thinking about getting, anyway? Because if you were to turbocharge the Focus it could easily be quicker than the Ecoboost Mustang and the V6. If you wanna go Coyote, well, that's a different story.

Tune only eco boost stangs are going mid to high 12s with only a tune. I'll take that any day over that turbo focus.
 

SHOdown220

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private isn't always the bests when you miss out on the tax incentive. (Some states allow it).

Yeah I'll save 300-400 bucks on taxes. And honestly I don't feel like dealing with selling privately. I'm just wanting one smooth transaction to get out of This car and into a new mustang.
 

05satinGT

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If you put on new tires, buyers are going to think you are trying to hide alignment/suspension issues. See what they offer on trade in, and go from there.

I've never heard of this in my life. If I went to buy a used car and it had new tires I would be pretty pumped lol.
 

west08

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If you put on new tires, buyers are going to think you are trying to hide alignment/suspension issues. See what they offer on trade in, and go from there.

I too have never heard of this. I always think that most people would much rather buy a car with new tires. I know I would, but I wouldn't want the el' cheapo tires that most put on just to sell it.

Since you are trading in, I probably would not fix either issue if it was me just because they would probably low ball you even if you did fix the issues. Selling privately, it would help to sell the car easier/ quicker but you probably wouldn't get the money you put into it back out when selling.
 

kevinatfms

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New tires(DTD is great for cheap-o stuff), insurance free windshield and then trade it in. You will get more with a car that is in better shape than without.
 

thomas91169

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Dont bother.

They will probably take down pertinent info (year, make, model, mileage) then give you an offer without even looking at it. I played the trade in game numerous times in the last year, one dealership had a tech go out and look at the car, AFTER they gave their offer and things were getting deeper. Though it was likely to verify the car was actually there and that it actually had 145k on it lol.

The dealership will take into consideration "refurbish costs" which includes an allotment for putting on new tires, doing miscellaneous repairs/dent pulls/etc anyways, and they will not take your word for it "oh those are new tires" because it wont matter. So dont waste your time and money.
 

4u 2 nv

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Do you have a local used tire shop? We have some locally that actually sell really nice tires for usually $50-70 each installed. Maybe try that? Deff get the windshield fixed. Like mentioned though most are going to check the tires and most already have that budgeted into their offer for normal stuff like that. Dont point out stuff also. I have worked in that industry and I cant tell you how many times people point out stuff our appraiser didnt see.
 

SHOdown220

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Thanks guys I just left the local ford dealer. I wasn't looking to buy but did have some numbers ran. Trade in was pretty low and 2400 off sticker was their offer on the stang
 

Tech4Dummies

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Tune only eco boost stangs are going mid to high 12s with only a tune. I'll take that any day over that turbo focus.

I'd at least look at weight differences between the ecoboost stang vs. turbo focus before saying that if I were someone thinking about going either way. I'd think the turbo Focus would be what, roughly 400+ lbs lighter? Few people would see that coming on the streets i'm sure.

Anyway, doesn't matter. OP says he's liking the GT and I completely agree. The other engine options just aren't my cup of tea. Can't beat a screaming v8 that can dip into the 11's or even 10's all motor while maintaining perfect drivability right?
 
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Crimson2v

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I would not fix it if you are trading, if you have every maintenance item done, new tires, alignment they will still low ball you. I have been through that before. I would at least try private sale and still not fix it, I have put new tires on vehicles and have never been able to get my money back from the sale.
 

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