I have a 2008 TL (purchased Jan 08) with 24K miles. I am seriously looking into getting an MDX. Do you guys feel that I would be better off selling my car privately than going in for a trade-in? In terms of packages available for MDX, I am looking at the adv. tech minus entert. Is there an area within these forums where I can pricing info on what others paid. I remember a similar thread for the TL which was quite useful when I got my 08. Thanks.

 

You'll always be better off selling your vehicle straight out as oppose to trading-in.

 

Suppose the trade-in is $20000 and I can get $21500 selling direct, with a tax rate of 8.875%, both will end up costing about the same, right? or is there no tax rebate on trade-ins?

 

Why are you paying tax on a sale? Isn't that the responsibility of the buyer?

 

Not paying tax on the sale. Selling to a private party at $21500 will give me $21500 in pocket. Trading in at $20000 will save me ~$1600+ tax to be paid on the new purchase. Total money towards the new vehicle will pretty much be the same ~21500

 

I'm not sure how that works (no sales tax in OR)

 

why do you want an MDX? I would keep the TL unless you have kids or want to pay more for fuel...

 

...yep... children. need the space

 

Tell the children to buy the MDX!

 

It all depends on the condition of your car and how much you're able to privately sell it for. I traded in my 04 tl due to the fact that the dealership's offer and the private sale value were so close that I came out on top by trading in my Tl and reducing my taxes. Taxes are only taken from the price difference of the purchased vehicle and the trade in value. If I was in your shoes, I would feel it out, try negotiating the MDX price with a dealership (don’t mention your trade in). Once you're happy with the price given by the dealership only then mention your trade in vehicle and see what they offer for it. Take a few days and try to sell it privately and see if there is a significant difference. FYI the dealership I used only offered me 9k for my car, but I was able to make them match another dealership’s trade in offer of 10.5k. Remember the ball is in your court and their initial offer for your trade in is not final.

 

We had the same choices when we traded our TL for a ZDX on Monday, sell the TL privately or trade at the dealer. If you look at Edmunds.com or your car insurance site they can help you decide what your car is worth. For us, besides the savings in sales tax (high in TN), the convenience was worth the difference in price between trading and selling privately. Once the car is in the hands of the dealer it's his car so there's no hassles dealing with a buyer who comes back claiming of problems that weren't there when you sold the car. I won't even go into the issue of someone going out for a test drive and never coming back.

 

damn KIDS... one is 4 and the other is 3mo old I should have told them to pick up one for daddy lol.... I just let go of my TL and picked up a X for the same reason

 

In f****d up Indiana if you buy a car out-of-state where there is no sales tax you will be charged 7% sales tax when you register the vehicle, or in states with sales tax you will pay the difference to 7%. If you paid more than 7% you will get a rebate. If you get a car as a gift you have to pay 7% sales tax on the Blue Book value.

Also, all cars must pay an "excise tax" at registration each year. There are 17 classes. The MDX is in Class 17, so you have to pay $532 the first year. What if you buy a mega-buck Ferrari, Rolls, Benz, or a Bentley? Well, in Red State Indiana you pay $532 the first year and only $50 after 10 years, just like for the MDX. Oh, each county in Indiana also has a wheel/surtax of at least $10 to 10% of excise tax.

 

Thanks. I guess if the private price and trade-in price have a difference of $1500 or more, I will go with trade-in. with KBB and seeing recent sales on ebay and the like, I have a round figure in mind to expect for the trade-in.