Shopping Tacos - out-of state trade?

Looking on line at a '15 that may be the one - but it is 200 miles away - I have a trade-in to make. So I drive there and if car checks out I want to do the deal - cash and trade - and drive back in the Taco.

Anyone done such? We agree on price and I say great I'll take it today but I need $x for this.

Seems like I am at their mercy for a low ball as they will figure since I came all that way....

 

Is it a private seller? Have them meet you halfway?

 

Depends how outlandish they'll give you for it. I'm sure people do this all the time as its more practical. Just lay it down that as long as you get close to $X as possible make it clear that you'll leave in one of their cars same day.

 

Dealer

 

welcome to buying from a dealer. you're going to get bent over no matter what the circumstance....
ideally don't tell them how far you've come or they will instantly know you're desperate for that truck and they'll play every angle to get as much out of you as possible.

 

I drove 600 miles with my trade-in on a car dolly behind my dad's 2013 tacoma and do not regret it one bit. I hope you have as good luck as I did

 

I pre-approved through my bank local and told the dealership what I was qualified for and told them to beat my bank and they did and I drove the next day to sign papers

 

Most dealers have trade in estimate calculation on website.
1. Use the dealers blackbook, nada, and KBB to get trade-in estimate.
2. Determine what their 2015 is worth
3. Figure out the amount to purchase (2-1=3)
4. Work with dealer to get the price down to #3

Note: Some dealerships will give better trade in if it is part of getting you into their vehicle/financing...All the classic "when to buy from dealer rules" apply.

 

I've had them quote my trade over the phone. Once drove from Omaha to Denver after a phone quote, gave them my trade, drove away in a new Tundra.

ETA: 200 miles? That's like a three hour drive. If they don't want to be upfront about an offer for yours, head home, stop and have a burger, enjoy a day trip.