The time has come for me to make a change. I'm selling my 06 C2S cab and ordering a new Macan. After listing the cab on AutoTrader for a number of months with no success, I'm giving it to my dealer to sell on consignment today. They have offered an OK value to me, and with the associated tax benefit on the purchase of the Macan, it comes out the same for me as selling it at a higher price privately. My only concern is that the car is mine until sold, and I have wondered "what if they can't sell it before my new car arrives?" Their answer: It hasn't happened yet, but if it did, we'd have to negotiate a straight trade-in value (which I know would be less than their current consignment offer). If we couldn't reach a deal on trade-in allowance, I might decide to take my car back and cancel the deal. But I don't know what might have happened to my car over the months the dealer had it for sale.

Has anyone gone this consignment route? Are my concerns unjustified?

 

As of now, I have sold one car on consignment but this weekend I did put up my 335i for consignment as well and at the same dealership. I have never gone through a brand specific dealership though (i.e. Porsche, BMW) but found a local dealership that had good reviews and was well known for taking cars on consignment. I think most people would agree that the priority should be selling the current car before the new one comes unless you have the money for both (or be willing to take a hit on trade in value if the new car arrives before the sale of the old one). The benefit of going the consignment route is that the dealership can help buyers with financing and hopefully that gets your car sold soon!

You won't be alone if you end up trading-in the car. A lot of people take the trade-value hit when they see how close they are to having their new car. Unfortunately, this is something the dealership will be well aware of/maybe even counting on. Good luck!

On another note, saw you had a GT Silver Targa 4s, very cool! Can't wait for mine to arrive.

 

Thanks for the info. I just talked to the used car manager. This dealership is quite small, and has a very good reputation. I've been treated well up to now, and I think they will do their best to sell the car quickly without looking for a huge profit. The mgr said the trade-in value, if it came to that, would be within $2000 of the current consignment offer. He also said he doesn't allow anyone to test drive the car alone. I'm reasonably comfortable they'll get it sold, especially given it is the best time of year to sell a cab.

Congrats on the Targa. They are wonderful and you will love it! I bought mine in 2008 at Sonen. I would have kept it if I'd known I would be relocating to the PNW.

 

Wow no one in Seattle area wanted to buy your car? It's totally cab type weather now (well for the next couple days ) GLWS!

 

You might want to list it on the boards here. If it is in good shape (and it looks like it is), someone might just jump on it!

 

Yeah, not a bad idea. Would it be tacky to list it here while the dealer tries to sell it on consignment? I guess there is no reason I can't. Let the best man win. LOL

 

Some thoughts for you. I guess you've already made a deal, but here is a different approach. If you get the tax benefits in of the trade in, the economics can be very compelling. I've never done a consignment, because it's hard to consign a daily!

Anyway, my advice, SHOP THE TRADE. Especially with a new car. Everyone has the new car and you can get the lowest price almost anywhere. BUT you can find a wide disparity in trade in values. To give you an idea, I traded my '07 997S at a forward guaranteed price 2 months out! On my last car, the trade in values varied and I got the new car where my trade value was the highest. It can make a big difference. Of course, this is more difficult when you look for a used car. With a new car, it is a valuable tool.

Frankly, I wouldn't leave the used car value open against a new car. Also, compare a trade in key drop versus someone coming for test drives, complaining about a scratch or other issue, there is value in a trade in. Given the tax benefit, I don't even think I could have matched the value in a pp sale. Shop the trade.

 

Ryem3: I sent you a PM.