Fix problems before trading in for 300C or no?

[NotYet]

Need your help folks...

I'm so freakin' close to pulling the trigger on a 300C. I want it so bad I can almost taste it.

Here's my dilemma:

My '99 Dodge Ram is in need of a few minor repairs. One of the fog lights is burned out. Rear backup lights aren't working. My dashboard blinker indicator started blinking super fast yesterday which I think means one of my headlights is about to go out. The only "big" repair is I have a running windshield crack (not in line of site though).

I don't know how much its going to cost to fix these 'minor' repairs yet. But I don't know how much it will effect trade-in value. If I spend $500 (hypothetical) to fix everything, will I get my money back on my trade-in value? Is it worth it to fix these in yalls opinion? How much is my trade-in value going to suffer for not fixing compared to how much it'll be helped by fixing it?!?!

Blue book value for dealer trade-in: Fair $3,990. Good $4,990.

Ugh. PLEASE HELP.

[khaleal]

I would trade it in as is. The used car department can fix those items for next to nothing. Just make sure that they dont "bang you" on the trade value.

[DUBSTER]

Just trade it in!!!

[srt8danno]

Just trade the sucker in. Let them handle those issues. They probably won’t even notice them when they do a quick look over on condition.

Post some pics when you get your new baby! Good luck!

[JimmyBamSlam]

I doubt you'll get your money back on the repairs in the trade. They probably won't notice most of the problems anyways.

[First300COwner]

Crack in the windshield is the worst of your problems. The other stuff they wont notice. They might cry about the windshield.

[kevenj]

If you were trying to sell it outright to a private party then definitely I'd say fix those things and get it detailed too; it would be a good investment.

But if you are for sure trading it in, don't do anything, other than a good wash and vacuum. Make it look as good as you can for under 10 bucks basically. The dealer is going to deduct a certain amount per car for 'reconditioning' no matter what so you won't get much more on trade even if you fix everything. They will notice the windshield of course but they may not even check the other stuff; sometimes they don't even drive them.

[Thunder_SS]

when I traded for my 300, I didn't even see the dealer face to face. I traded a 2000 300M in at the time, and spoke with the salesman over the phone, and that is it. I bought the car from Woodhouse in Blaire, NE. I live in NW Iowa, about 4 1/2 hours from Blaire. I met a driver for Woodhouse in Sioux City, IA which is about 2 hours from where I live. I met him at a Arby's restaurant and signed papers there. The salesman had no idea what my car looked like except what I told him over the phone. The only reason why the guy didn't come clear to my house, is because the state of Iowa passed a law stating the out of state dealers can not deliver a car across state lines. So I had to meet him right on the border of Iowa and Nebraska.

So I would say don't worry about little things like the blinker or backup lights, cause 9 times out of 10, it won't matter.

[moddog]

Try calling one of those windshield repair guys that come out to your work or house they are cheaper then the auto glass repair.

[Johnnyvav]

Originally Posted by NotYeta300cOwner

Need your help folks...

I'm so freakin' close to pulling the trigger on a 300C. I want it so bad I can almost taste it.

Here's my dilemma:

My '99 Dodge Ram is in need of a few minor repairs. One of the fog lights is burned out. Rear backup lights aren't working. My dashboard blinker indicator started blinking super fast yesterday which I think means one of my headlights is about to go out. The only "big" repair is I have a running windshield crack (not in line of site though).

I don't know how much its going to cost to fix these 'minor' repairs yet. But I don't know how much it will effect trade-in value. If I spend $500 (hypothetical) to fix everything, will I get my money back on my trade-in value? Is it worth it to fix these in yalls opinion? How much is my trade-in value going to suffer for not fixing compared to how much it'll be helped by fixing it?!?!

Blue book value for dealer trade-in: Fair $3,990. Good $4,990.

Ugh. PLEASE HELP.

With the inventory levels the way they are, they probably wouldn't notice if you forgot to drop off the vehicle. Don't bother fixing anything, tow it to the dealer if needed!!