Trading in a C3
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
Trading in a C3
I think my time with my '80 is about up. I've lost interest and with two little kids at home, the car just doesn't get much use. I'm wanting to get a Tahoe/Suburban as a replacement family vehicle but the money from the sale of my Corvette will be the bulk of the payment for the SUV. I'm not looking forward to a private party sale. My fear is that listing it on Craigslist will draw out all kinds of tire kickers and people wanting to go out for test drives just to hammer away on someone else's car.
Has anyone traded in a C3 at a dealership to get a newer regular type of vehicle? Is it even worth my time to try and trade it in a local Chevy dealership for a used Tahoe?
Has anyone traded in a C3 at a dealership to get a newer regular type of vehicle? Is it even worth my time to try and trade it in a local Chevy dealership for a used Tahoe?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 2
From: Rochester NY
I would say sell it yourself... The tire kickers will come, but you don't have to let anyone test drive the car...
If they want to test drive... you go with them and make sure they have some money to put down before they go...
the dealer will offer you crap for a C3, unless you are trading to a C6 or something, it is not worth it...
If they want to test drive... you go with them and make sure they have some money to put down before they go...
the dealer will offer you crap for a C3, unless you are trading to a C6 or something, it is not worth it...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Peoplez Republik (communist portland) Orygun
I hear you... I have two small children now & only drive my 1980 vette but on a handful of sunny days & track events. about two years ago I was thinking of letting it go and I am happy to report that I ddidn't sell it. I've decided that this is the car that I'll try to keep for as long as possible, maybe even handing it ov er to the kids when they are old enough (like 30 
).
Anyway.... from somebody who has been right where you are, I am happy I didn't sell it. Also, now that the kids are 5 & 7, they and their school kids absolutely love our 1980 Vette! They just don't make cars like that anymore. They are so crazy looking with giant fender skirts, huge fins & bulges... I say keep it.
).Anyway.... from somebody who has been right where you are, I am happy I didn't sell it. Also, now that the kids are 5 & 7, they and their school kids absolutely love our 1980 Vette! They just don't make cars like that anymore. They are so crazy looking with giant fender skirts, huge fins & bulges... I say keep it.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
put it this way... I have never NOT been insulted by a dealer in attempting to trade in a car... they will offer you 50% less than what you can sell it for privately.
be a smart seller, and a picky seller, interview your potential buyers as to what they want, how much they want to spend, etc.. send them photos.. make sure they are serious before they come see it. Above all , just say no joy rides..
put your 80 in a national ad vs a local ad... people travelling for many miles are more serious than those comming from in town...
be a smart seller, and a picky seller, interview your potential buyers as to what they want, how much they want to spend, etc.. send them photos.. make sure they are serious before they come see it. Above all , just say no joy rides..
put your 80 in a national ad vs a local ad... people travelling for many miles are more serious than those comming from in town...
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 2
From: Melrose Florida
I suggest trying to trade (up or down) for the C3 for the type SUV you want, on craigslist, either in the barter section; or in the used car for sale section, considering trades.
I've done numerous mutually beneficial trades in this way. You should be able to come out OK, as most people with Tahoes and Suburbans are looking to get out of them.
Steve
I've done numerous mutually beneficial trades in this way. You should be able to come out OK, as most people with Tahoes and Suburbans are looking to get out of them.
Steve
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
I would definitely not trade it in. I'd also try to talk you out of buying a GM SUV, but that's another topic. Market your car through enthusiast channels, like local Corvette clubs, the Corvette Forum, autotraderclassics.com, etc. You are more likely to have a somewhat knowledgeable buyer contact you.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14,345
Likes: 4
From: Hartselle AL
St. Jude Donor '09
Personally, I wouldn't attempt to trade it. However, FWIW, our local chevy dealer just took in an '82 CE.
Also I don't agree with it but the govt is in process of passing the cash for clunkers bill that will give you between $2,500 - $4,500 based on MPG difference/improvement between trade in and new vehicle. A C3 will probably get you the biggest MPG spread available.
Also I don't agree with it but the govt is in process of passing the cash for clunkers bill that will give you between $2,500 - $4,500 based on MPG difference/improvement between trade in and new vehicle. A C3 will probably get you the biggest MPG spread available.
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Norman Oklahoma
Don't trade it into the dealer. My dad works for a dealer and he knows that they rip people off. The dealer isn't gonna give you much for an 80 corvette and you'll feel like you made a mistake. Sell it to an individual and you'll get your money's worth. Don't worry about tire kickers either, if you sell your car for a reasonable price a good customer will come.
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Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I've sold more Corvettes than I care to count, and I don't understand this fear of people taking test drives.
If they seem like some kind of clown, go with them. If you get an uneasy feeling about them, don't let them drive it.
You aren't talking about a big block someone needs to pull a scam to go for a joy ride in. Sell it yourself.
If they seem like some kind of clown, go with them. If you get an uneasy feeling about them, don't let them drive it.
You aren't talking about a big block someone needs to pull a scam to go for a joy ride in. Sell it yourself.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 15,118
Likes: 283
From: Salt Lake City Utah
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
I think my time with my '80 is about up. I've lost interest and with two little kids at home, the car just doesn't get much use. I'm wanting to get a Tahoe/Suburban as a replacement family vehicle but the money from the sale of my Corvette will be the bulk of the payment for the SUV. I'm not looking forward to a private party sale. My fear is that listing it on Craigslist will draw out all kinds of tire kickers and people wanting to go out for test drives just to hammer away on someone else's car.
Has anyone traded in a C3 at a dealership to get a newer regular type of vehicle? Is it even worth my time to try and trade it in a local Chevy dealership for a used Tahoe?
Has anyone traded in a C3 at a dealership to get a newer regular type of vehicle? Is it even worth my time to try and trade it in a local Chevy dealership for a used Tahoe?
Good luck...........
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Trade in is the convient way to change vehicles, you will loose money.
The only way I ever trade in, and I have done this twice,
go look at the new vehicle, when they ask if you have trade in you say No.
now Negotiate cash sales price on the new car, you must do it in this order,
or they will roll your car price into the new car price, and screw you.
do your research before-hand to determine your current vehicles value, say 8k
Decide what you can absolutly live with selling your car for , say 7k.
After the new car price is in writing, you simple tell them I have changed your mind,
and this is the amount I want for the trade in.
If you made a fair assement, and a fair price, they will accept it, if not you have lost nothing.
and now go sell privately, ... Do Not Negotiate your trade in price. ..... good luck 69VETTE
The only way I ever trade in, and I have done this twice,
go look at the new vehicle, when they ask if you have trade in you say No.
now Negotiate cash sales price on the new car, you must do it in this order,
or they will roll your car price into the new car price, and screw you.
do your research before-hand to determine your current vehicles value, say 8k
Decide what you can absolutly live with selling your car for , say 7k.
After the new car price is in writing, you simple tell them I have changed your mind,
and this is the amount I want for the trade in.
If you made a fair assement, and a fair price, they will accept it, if not you have lost nothing.
and now go sell privately, ... Do Not Negotiate your trade in price. ..... good luck 69VETTE
Last edited by 69Vett; Jun 18, 2009 at 06:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 11,891
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From: Kansas City, MO ...I'd like to go fishing and catch a fishstick. That'd be convenient. - Mitch Hedberg
I have a friend whose father happens to be in the market for a C3, preferably a manual trans car, which I have. However, I think he is after something that is more "finished", vs. my car which is more of a project car. He's the first person I'm going to offer it to when I get it put back together. If he's not interested I guess it goes to craigslist and here in the f/s section.
I know trading in is generally a bad idea, but I thought I'd ask. Last time I traded in, I did pretty well with the deal. Just wasn't sure how well it would work out with something of a semi-classic status.
I know trading in is generally a bad idea, but I thought I'd ask. Last time I traded in, I did pretty well with the deal. Just wasn't sure how well it would work out with something of a semi-classic status.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
I think a Prison shower would be MORE enjoyable than the "treatment" you'd get trading a C3 into a dealer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you do decide to ignore this advice, take ALOT of lube to "smooth out" the transaction.
Look at it from their perspective, they want something they can resell and make some $$$$ on, NOT a 30+ yr old car that they know nothing about and neither do their mekaniks (misspelling intentional)
If you do decide to ignore this advice, take ALOT of lube to "smooth out" the transaction.
Look at it from their perspective, they want something they can resell and make some $$$$ on, NOT a 30+ yr old car that they know nothing about and neither do their mekaniks (misspelling intentional)
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Yes, time passes on and priorities change. C'est la vie. I would not try to trade in a "project" C3 to a GM dealer. It has no value to them. If they take it for $500 or so they will just send it off to "Joe's Used Cars". Try to sell it privately and locally. A nice ad in a local newspaper with a pic might do the trick.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
Whether you can trade-in your car to a dealer successfully or not will depend heavily on your car. Only if the car has good curb appeal for the exterior and interior would they want to keep it on their lot. Even then they would rather find a broker to buy from them than have to hold it themselves. If there is any lot that specializes in Corvettes or other special interest cars near you it might be possible to sell it to them.
The convenience factor of trading-in a car is so great that many people do just that. Depending on circumstances, it can be the only really viable option despite the lesser value that you will receive. Banks don't want to finance 30 yr old cars, too much uncertainty. That means a private party sale needs to be to cash buyer or the buyer must have strong personal credit because the car is not great collateral.
Hope things work out for you.
The convenience factor of trading-in a car is so great that many people do just that. Depending on circumstances, it can be the only really viable option despite the lesser value that you will receive. Banks don't want to finance 30 yr old cars, too much uncertainty. That means a private party sale needs to be to cash buyer or the buyer must have strong personal credit because the car is not great collateral.
Hope things work out for you.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 7
From: Toronto Ontario
when people come to look at it keep the keys in yer pocket.
when they ask to drive it - tell them you would be happy to take them on a test-ride.
the keys only come outa yer pocket when YOU are sitting in the driver's seat
if they bitch - tell em yer insurance will not cover another driver.
when they ask to drive it - tell them you would be happy to take them on a test-ride.
the keys only come outa yer pocket when YOU are sitting in the driver's seat
if they bitch - tell em yer insurance will not cover another driver.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The car dealer will only give you "black book" value for the car. That's 'average wholesale' value...which is almost nothing compared to what the car is worth {if it's in any decent condition at all}. Don't waste your time. Added to that, you will get a better deal on any car you buy from them if you don't trade another one in.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 24
From: Boston MA
why do you need the biggest vehicle on the road for two kids? The CTS wagon is coming out, that would make up for the loss of a sports car, and be practical to boot.
Don't try to trade in your 30 year old car, that's just dumb.
Don't try to trade in your 30 year old car, that's just dumb.
