Trade in the south or north?

I am moving back to New England in two weeks. I have a 2wd Tacoma that has a trade in value between 24-29K. I know that I want to trade it for a 4wd before winter but am questioning if I should do it while still in the south (Florida) or wait until I get back up north (Vermont).
My concern is is the amount I get for my trade will be much less in Vermont due to it being 2wd. Does anyone who has dealt with this know if that is true? I did find a truck I like at the dealership I bought my current truck at in Florida but it is over priced. They are asking about 1900.00 more than it is valued at. However, they are willing to give me only 900.00 less than I bought my current truck for, which is higher than its trade-in value from my research online. If anyone who has had to deal with moving a car from north to south and the difference in values could fill me in on what to expect I would greatly appreciate it! thanks!

 

I wouldn't buy a PreRunner in Vermont. I don't think most would, which would affect value.

 

That is fair! I wouldn't want one in Vermont either! lol I am more concerned with dealerships and what they'd give me. Or places like Carmax since they transfer state to state so much. Since I am in a higher price bracket selling private sale is hard to do so I'm kind of stuck working with dealerships if you know what I mean.

 

Southern trucks don't have the rust issue from salt like trucks up north.
Why not go ahead and grab one in the south before heading up.

 

I know what you are saying. 2wd's up here are worth nothing because most people don't want one due to our winters. Try a cpl different dealers down there where they can turn the truck over quicker and you should get more. Just to give you an idea go on CARGURUS.com and put in the zip code you will be in up here to see what they are going for. BTW, i'm going the other way and heading south !! lol, SC crew on this site are awsome people.

 

Lets trade trucks then! lol just joking

 

I think a 2WD will be easier to move in the South. And you can look for a local truck thats not been in the salt while your at it. Seems to me the best bet it to trade in the south but watch for where your new truck spent its youth.

 

I owned a 2wd Datsun (remember them?) pickup when I moved back to New England from DC about 20 years ago. I was unable to find a buyer for the truck locally in NH that would pay anything near what it was worth. I had to go back to DC for a work trip and advertised in the Washington Post (no Craigs list back then). I sold the truck in the VA suburbs the first day I was there and took a plane back. The price I got was almost 900 more than the best offer in NH (big money at the time). I don't know if my old situation is directly applicable to yours, but locally 2wd new trucks are used as the cheapo leaders in NH ads so I suspect the situation has not changed much.

 

What makes it hard for you is yours is so damn new ! I just know if you bring it up here you will take a huge beating on it. Can you find a 2011 or 2012 4wd down there at a dealer and try to trade yours in? You are backing up a bit but might be better off than the hit you will take up here on it.
You can get by with a 2wd up here, wouldn't be the first or last person that ever has any many still do. I went through many winters up here with 2wd pickups. Some # in the back, fresh new studded snow tires, and a bit more careful driving and you will be fine.
P.S., NO TRADING DAMN TRUCKS, LOL. Good luck.

 

Several issues. One not covered is if you trade before moving, are you looking at more taxes/registration fees? Or will 2 weeks be covered by your drive-out tag, plus will dealership in Florida sell to you no sales tax? Bought my truck in NC, no tax, paid sales tax to TN when I registered it in TN. Plus if you sell it yourself, then buy another one, you don't get the benefit of reduction in sales tax on your trade-in. Another is Carfax type dealerships might buy/trade your 2wd for a better price, since they could ship it south and retail it higher. If you end up buying used in VT, I strongly suggest paying for an independent appraisal/inspection - for rust.

Lastly, consider keeping your 2wd, depending on what kind/how much winter driving you will have to do. Avoid loss on trade-in, taxes, etc. Some weight in the bed during winter plus winter tires can make a huge difference. I'd also bet you won't be the only 2wd truck in the state of Vermont.