I am looking to sell or trade my 05 f250. Really want a diesel but am getting jerked around on the trade value. I am wondering at what point is it best to trade it in, after its all paid off or two years into the note or what?

 

Traded my '05 F250 in at about 2-1/2 years into the payments. Traded on an '08 F350, same XL model, few more "options" including V10. When old truck payoff added back, still financed close to invoice. Turned out far cheaper than leasing for same time. Course dealer makes a difference - one local dealer's best deal was $6K more than the dealer I bought at, Miller Brothers of Ellicott City, MD. Can't say enough (good) about this dealer! Anyway, 2-3 years looks like a good swap time.

 

Do you just want a diesel or do you really need the diesel? I always prefer to pay it off and sell it privately than trade. It took me a long time to learn that because I used to buy on impulse.

 

I use the truck for plowing and towing quite often. I really could use the diesel or even a v10 but the 5.4 just isnt enough. I can take the time and try to sell it privately as there is nothing wrong with the truck. If I did trade it I realize that you have to have some equity into the truck but I was wondering if there was a point to get rid of it before I start to put money into the truck like tires, brakes etc... Once I do that I am that much closer to owning it for the long term. I may only get 18k trade for the truck but once I put 1k in tires, brakes etc... I am much closer to the 20k that I could sell it for privately. I realize each situation is probrablly different but was wondering if there was some sort of quideline to qo compare my situation to. I normally keep my vehicles a long time but I am sure that this one wont be around long after its paid off anyway, therefore I am wondering if I should just move on now? Thanks for any info