Part exchange or sell Private?

[Dorothy3]

We're contemplating upgrading our Swift Challenger 2 Berth End washroom 2000 model as we would like a fixed bed 2007 Swift and we are off to the NEC next week at Birmingham. Our dilemma is whether to put our old van in part exchange or to sell it privately. Has anyone any advice on this subject it would be most helpful.

Dorothy

 

[JeremyClarksson]

We bought our new van at the NEC show this year, we set one stall against another until we got the deal we wanted.

We got a very good deal on the new van and awning and also on the value of the part exchange..

I was also told that the manufacturer would cover

 

[Guest]

You may get advantages by buying at a Show. The dealers often offer packages that can save you some money. However, you may be restricted in a delivery date due to so many Orders going through at the same time. Late summer is common for delivery. You may, or may not get a good price for your trade in as the dealer may state he is already offering extras.

Many people find they can get the best deal by buying and selling at the end of the season when the dealer is looking at getting rid of that year's stock. Here you will get a better trade in price for your old van.

I don't think there is as much advantage to trying to buy without a trade in, as for instance in the car industry. Most caravan dealers are happy to take in good 2nd hand stock as they can make a good mark up on these. Selling privately means dropping your price. Of course, if your van is not in good condition, then selling privately may be your only option.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

We ordered our van in late January and took delivery the week before Easter.

Our trade in was a poor condition 1991 Swift Conqueror and went to trade (likely scrap or spares).

We did try for one of the last years models but actually got a better deal at the show.