Trading in vehicle with worn tires? - Answered.

[commadorebob]

Tires. My Escape needs new tires but after looking at KBB this morning, trading it in for the Maverick is a no brainer (I'm going to net ~$5,000). So, how much will the tires hurt if I don't replace them ahead of time? Will the dealer hit me for just the cost of the tires meaning my net out of pocket would be the same either way, or will the tires be discounted in the trade enough to make getting new ones beforehand worth the investment?

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[paneubert]

I would not even waste any mental energy thinking about it. Roll in with the current setup and don't even mention the tires. Yes, they will replace them before re-sale (they aren't blind and will see they need replaced), but let them deal with that. Maybe they will just auction it or shoot it to another dealership and pass the tire problem on to them.

Most of the online buyers (Carvana, vroom, etc...) don't even ask about tire tread depth when giving you a quote. The cost of tossing some cheap ass replacements on there at wholesale cost and "free" labor from their Quick Lube lane is pennies to your dollars. Let them deal with it.

Edit to add: They might not even put new tires on it. They might slap a set they have laying around that still have some life left. I suppose if you wanted to do it, you could go buy some cheap used tires that have enough life left that you are not worried about a hassle when you trade it. Go get something used with 50% tread depth left. I would not, but you could if you wanted to go "halfway".

 

[Newfrontporch]

There is no guarantee that they will offer you more for your trade just because you put new tires on it.
When in doubt, don’t spend the money.

 

[rlhdweman]

Ya, I agree never put tires on it for a trade, even if you get a flat, roll in there with the donut on it, your selling outright, then maybe, you might spend $500 on tires & they will give you an extra $100 if you are lucky, make sure the interior is as clean as you can get it, this may new you a bit more.

 

[bearsfan647]

Definitely don’t change them and make sure you input a few instant offers before you drop it off. You can use that to get more.

 

[atomguy245]

Don't buy the tires. Let the dealer worry about it. Maybe they keep it to sell, maybe they wholesale it. Just give it a good cleaning.

 

[billbillw]

I agree with everyone above. Tires won't affect trade in. Maybe a private sale, but not a trade. Dealer will probably come in well below what KBB says so be prepared to play hard ball.

 

[Sounder206]

I wouldn't spend a dime on tires, the dealer would likely replace them anyway. Instead I'd have the vehicle thoroughly detailed inside and out and touch up any paint scratches.

 

[gator_dub]

If you think the tread will last you until you trade in.. it's not worth it.
If you NEED new tires.. it's a safety thing and I would buy the cheapest set I could find.
Walmart has very good prices on both tires and installation.

 

[realshelby]

Depends on condition of rest of vehicle. At $5K....this may not be a vehicle a Dealer will keep on their lot to resale. This is a wholesale piece for a lot of new car dealers that don't keep "cheap" used cars on their lot. If the Escape is really nice for its age and mileage...but the tires are at the unsafe level, then putting on some cheap tires will probably pay out for you. IF you don't mind the trouble. Yes, Dealers can install new tires....BUT the cost is more than you might think as the tires will be billed through the Service Department and they will make their cut of profit.
At $5k of value the tax savings from trading are small ( $350ish). I would take it to a couple places for a bid on it.
Condition ( tires are a big factor in judging how well a vehicle might be maintained ) matters in valuing a trade....

 

[Maverick2023]

let it be the next guy's problem

 

[JBryant]

They want the car, not the tires. It will probably go to auction or on their low-end cash car lot for people who just want transportation and cannot afford anything else.

 

[billbillw]

I think y'all are misreading. He said he would net $5k. His Escape is probably valued much higher.

 

[Old Ranchero]

Wow! Some really bad advice here! You never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression. The dealer mechanic/technician going over your car top to bottom while you are distracted inside is making a list of everything "wrong" with your trade and if the 1st obvious thing they see is worn tires they assume you didn't take care of your car. If you're trying to negotiate on it, they will start out telling you it has NO value and you should just give it to them for disposal and do you the favor of sending it to the junkyard without charge. Ultimately they will tell you it's "back of book" meaning it's not even worth the time to wholesale it or take to auction and you just lost any hope of even fair value on the trade. You are dealing with professional shysters here that do this for a living.

Your best option is clean it thoroughly, get a cheap detail on it, fix anything you notice if you were looking to buy it from someone else. Then take it to Carmax and get their written offer good for 7 days, and take that with you to the dealer. Don't "drop" a pile of internet estimates that didn't require physical inspection on the dealer or they know they have the upper hand immediately and you aren't equipped to negotiate on even footing with them. If they won't match or beat the Carmax offer, take the trade off the table and take the Carmax sure thing.

PT Barnum famously said "there's a sucker born every minute - and 2 to take him".
Your job is not to be the sucker here.

 

[Nw_adventure]

We had a 2013 highlander, 145k, large crease on the passenger door which would have been a $2200 repair, melted crayons in the backseat leather,etc at best KBB was $13k without said problems. Dealer just wanted to feel how it drove which was great. They offered 11,500 which we took instantly. Like others have said don't worry about the small stuff

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