Selling 2008 Tacoma SR5 v6 Double Cab - Good to Excellent

Looking to sell by 2008 Tacoma SR5 v6 Double Cab. It is in Good To Excellent condition. I want to buy a new Tacoma at least same SR5 or go the TRD 4x4.

I bought it Jan/Feb 2008 in Escondido Ca. Been a more than sweet vehicle. All stock, no changes. I have new Defender tires, new brakes around, replace fuel pump/starter. Great conditions.

Looking for advice if I should take it in the dealer in South Seattle area and trade in or sell privately.

Looking forward to owning my second Tacoma. Have not researched the newer model but will this weekend.

~Thanks,

Brad

 

Some pictures, options, and mileage would be ideal in your post. If you want to get a sense of the market, watch CL, Car.com and Autotrader for a similar truck. See if they hang around and remain available. Inquire once in a while to see if it's available or if the postings are stale. If they sell pretty quickly, then you know the market is good in your area. Pricing is based on market demand. You can also throw it up on eBay as well to get a wider audience, with the understanding that if someone has to ship it, don't expect to get top dollar. Be transparent, take lots of pictures, provide people a Carfax or similar report. If you have maintenance records, ensure you denote that. Take pictures of the frame and under carriage, since that is a key asking point when folks are looking to buy these trucks used. If it's rust free and never had a frame swap, that's a plus to many folks. If it's a 2WD, it's going to have less demand than the 4WD models.

Another option, swing it by Carmax. You can get an appraisal in about 30 minutes and at least you have that in your back pocket to know what they'd give you. If the trade value is too low, private party can net you more money if you think you can sell it. You can also shop around at various dealers, be interested in a car/truck, even if you don't intend on buying it. Get some trade estimates so that you know where you stand.

If you do opt to trade it, get the price of the new truck out of the way first, then bring the trade into the equation. Why? They can lower the price of the vehicle you're buying, knowing they can low ball on your trade. Never show major interest, never say you need a 4x4.

I've bought about 40 vehicles over the years. Sold many privately, traded many (but I always haggle) and sold a few to Carmax where they were very competitive.

 

Wow, Thanks!!

 

There are 3 shells and one pea when working with a dealer. The only way to get your best deal is to take two of the shells off the table.

One is your trade in, the other is financing. Do both on your own, so your work with the dealer is a cash and carry basis, and they have no numbers to shuffle around on you.