Under the influence from @asfarr86, I decided to inquire about the LT1’s trade in value as he got a decent amount over payoff. I didn’t realize how short inventory was until I spoke to actual dealers, the usual companies (Vroom, Carvana, GiveMeTheVIN) were quoting around $1k over payoff.
The first dealer I reached out to had a used 2018 Audi A4 6MT with only 20k miles listed for $28,200. The dealer definitely priced it too low, as most comparable models were over $34k, but since I reached out right away, they were going to honor the price. He said he was interested in my trade in, and came back within an hour with a Chevy dealer in his network offering $3k over payoff.
I was pumped so started to make some local calls around here, as this car was in VA and I didn’t want to drive 8~9 hours each way. Called my original Chevy dealer, and after a few texts back and forth he matched buyout and schedule pickup for the next day.
The bad part started that afternoon when I was slammed with meetings for 3 hours straight and couldn’t answer callbacks on the Audi. When I finally called back, the A4 was sold but they tried to give me first crack at it. It was another person from Detroit area flying out to buy it.
Took me a week to find a decent replacement, and I looked at every angle. Gave up on a manual almost right away, nothing decently priced. Tried to leverage the PenFed balloon loan option for a used A5 SB or 430 GC, which hold their values pretty well, but all the hidden dealer fees killed every deal.
In MI, dealers almost never charge hidden fees like VIN etching or reconditioning. Every dealer was tacking $1200-$2500 to the listed price, before tax, title, doc, etc. Dealers were telling me flat out I’d get a better deal with trade in, as they all need inventory. Super frustrating.
I really didn’t want to get anything older than a 2017, but prices are high. After driving multiple B9 A4 models, I definitely needed the sport suspension, as the base steering was too soft and goopy. The Camaro steering and handling is so damn good it spoiled me. Ruined every other car I drove.
Expanded my search to 335/340 after not finding an A4 w/sport under $25k, and landed a diamond in the rough. 2015 BMW 335i xDrive M-Sport with M-performance power kit, exhaust, and brakes for under $24k with only 42500 miles. Owner took meticulous care of the car, and worked with me every step of the way to check engine components, measure brake pads and rotors, check tire depth, everything. Drove down to Indiana last weekend and couldn’t be happier with purchase (unless it was a manual).
