Hey guys! First post here so I apologize if this is in the wrong place, although it seems correct

I have a fully paid '09 fit with 42k mi, paddle shifters (just realized it's possible this is only on the S model? I have the spoiler as well), no damage (father's car which is being given to me, he drives slowly!) which will be mine in the next few weeks ... it's unexpected but definitely welcome! Now I love the fit, but I would definitely prefer to have a manual transmission in that baby. From the little googling I've done (that led me here, actually!) it seems it's a LOT easier to trade in rather than throw money down to swap out the trans.

What can you guys tell me about this process? Anything you can tell me would be helpful - whether to ask the original dealership or go private (definitely would prefer to avoid private), how much I'd have to pay to upgrade (or whether I'd have to pay much at all?); I'm not too experienced when it comes to either cars in general or selling/buying/trading cars. Also, do you recommend trading in for an '09, or are there issues with that year/should I go newer for a little more cash?

Thanks guys!

 

you will lose money

 

I often use Edmunds website and go to appraise my car which gives you a pretty accurate minimum ammount you should recieve for your trade in, what you could get selling private party, and what dealer retail would be. As far as model year to buy, 2009 through 2013 are the same mechanically with a few cosmetic tweeks and additional sound deadening materials for 2012 and 2013. Used Fits are usually priced very high so personally I think buying new is better but that's up to you. Good luck and enjoy!! P.S. the manual is much more fun to drive in my opinion.

 

Thanks for the solid response Kirk, I'll definitely check out Edmunds and I'll probably stop by a few dealerships once this hurricane passes by appreciate it!

 

No problem!

 

Please let us know how you make out. I'm curious. Thanks.

 

before you do anything, make sure your dad is okay with what you're thinking about doing. afterall, your dad might be giving you his old car for you to SAVE money (like for you to use to go to college, get a job or something) not use it to catapult to another car while losing money.

if he's okay with it, go for it.

 

Definitely a good point for everyone to consider! I'm actually out of college (living back home, though, fun!) and I've discussed it with them a little bit. It definitely has a lot to do with money, although honestly I'd rather get what I want and pay a little more than get a free car, if that makes sense. I made sure to let them know I was grateful, though!

 

yep, think it over real well, and plan your life minimum 5yrs ahead including your own place, and all that good stuff. GL!

 

Prepare to get screwed. Because that is what they will do to you. I've bought several new cars and traded in some and I can tell you the dealerships are experts at screwing the customers. They do it every day. When you walk into the dealership, it's like jumping in a tank filled with sharks.

 

Sell the car yourself, don't trade it in, you will pay dearly for the convenience.

 

Dealers buy at wholesale price (your trade in) and sell at retail (the one you want). This is always several thousand dollars difference. They usually make more money on the sale of a used car than they do on a new one.

I would look around for the one you want and negotiate a price. Then I would advertise the one you have and private party sale it. That is the only way you will come out anywhere near near even.

Side note:
Most manual transmission Fits are Base models while most automatic transmission Fits are the Sport model. There are a few out there that are reversed. If you have a specific color that you want it will be even more difficult to locate. If you are currently driving a Sport, you will not like all of the things that are missing (tires/wheels, Cruise, spoiler etc.) on the Base model. Both are good cars.

 

You're probably looking at $11,500 trade in at best if you play hardball. I guarantee their first offer will be $10,000 or less.

If you're living at home after college perhaps you should consider your financial priorities and future... and not worry so much about how your car shifts gears.

 

i was hoping the OP would get that without the zing.

 

I'm all about saving money I've never had my own car and it honestly didn't even cross my mind until they brought it up - but the thing is my parents would be covering all costs and basically gifting me an (almost) new car. If I were the one paying, there's absolutely no way I'd be looking at spending $13k.

 

There's a phrase I've been thinking about....

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

The definition seems to be, don't try to figure out the value of a gift. But it seems more like, be grateful and just accept it.

You should just be grateful and accept the gift.

I personally think it would be a slap in the face of your father, to give you a car he kept in good condition and paid off, only to have you sell/trade it off.

On top of that, since you are in no financial position to buy yourself a car now... you're equally not in a financial position to sell/trade this one in just to take a financial hit. It's a very irresponsible move.

 

cool. just keep it. make your dad proud. do something good for yourself and become independent.

 

As a father I do agree with Goobers that if I gave my daughter a car and she sold it to get a different one right away i'd be kinda hurt.

You will more than likely not get an even trade unless you shop private owners after you sell yours (well, your dad's). You will take a hit somehow more than likely unless you really spend a lot of time shopping and planning the sale, finding the right buyer and seller.

You could sell it, buy an older Civic (06' vintage or so), and use the extra money to move out on your own? Since you're all about saving money and everything. It will probably run just as reliably and as long as the Fit honestly. You could even get an MT...

Now's not really the time to be picky about cars... once you have your own money you can do all that.

 

Personally I would take the 09 and be grateful for the gift. It is not worth putting yourself through additional financial stress just so you can change the gears.

To be bluntly honest, there is no possible way to make this look even financially responsible to your parents. Unless you have rich parents that don't care.

 

I never had a car worth more than $3000 until I graduated, got a job, and saved up money to buy something nicer on my own.

As already said, be happy you've got a great car and loving parents willing to lend you a hand getting on your feet.

Trust me, there will be PLENTY of time for cars after you get situated.