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		| Originally posted by shakran 
 of course the REAL tip is never trade your car in. You get screwed every time, even if you think you're getting a good deal. Sell it privately.
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 That's entirely not true.  A few years back, my folks went out to trade in their old car for a minivan.  Well, the trade it was worth about $2000 Bluebook.  However, because of the amounts that they promised my folks that they would pay (ie: the gaurnteed final costs and payments), the dealership HAD to give a huge amount for the car.  I think we got something around $8000 for a car that wasn't worth nearly that.  
Using your car as a trade in gives you a basis on marketable cost.  You may get less than what you would sell it for privately, but not always.  If you know what you're doing - and how to manipulate salesmen - then it's usually a good thing to come in with a trade in (especially if you don't have a huge amount to use as a down payment).