[ekool]

The first thing I would do is negotiate the price of a car before even mentioning anything about a trade in. The trade in lets the dealer confuse you and work his way with pricing to gouge you.

Once you've settled on a price for the vehicle, "out the door" -- then mention the trade, and dont budge on the price you've previously discussed. This is the only way you can truly know how much they REALLY are giving you on your vehicle on trade in.

If its not enough, walk out the door... you have two possibilities.

Sell it private party and buy the vehicle at the price you agreed on.

The dealer will call you after seeing that they will lose a sale and likely improve the offer.