Ok heres the run down, I used to own a 97 SE with an intake, full exhaust short shifter etc... well the tranny went at 110k and i (for some really dumb reason) decided to trade her in and go with something new. Seeing that i live in MA and the winters have been bad lately i went and bought a 2003 Wrangler. Its been fun to drive in the sun and through GIANT puddles like small ponds, but its been in the shop 5 times for the same metal clanging noise in the drive-line. They said that it wasnt a lemon even though they've never heard any jeep with that sound (first time i brought it in they found a cracked differential case and spider gear so the noise isnt in my head) but anyhow..... heres the dilemma-- I want to get rid of the jeep and go back to a maxima like i shoulda got in the first place. If i trade my jeep in at a dealer its worth about 17500+- what happens if i get into a lower priced car, do they pay me any extra? And also i was either looking to spend say 10k and get a 97-98 5-speed or 15000 for a 2000 5-speed and SC it, im leaning towards the 97-98 cause its alot cheaper in the long run.... whats everyones opinions on what to do? And what about the trade in, am i better off selling outright? All ideas are welcome.

Thanks!!
Brett

 

i dont think they'll give u a car and cash for the trade in, but u never know good luck, and OF COURSE go with the 4th gen

 

Yeah i kinda figured that, maybe i can negotiate for a Stillen SC seeing that theyre a stillen distributor... (wishfull thinking) well now i just have to find a 4th gen 5speed

 

You will always get more money for a car selling it yourself. The dealer trade in price for newer cars is going to be several thousand less that what you can sell it for. Look it up on blue book or edmunds.

I'm not sure what you mean about them paying you extra after trading yours in and getting a lower priced car. You make your deal on the tradein. If they give you more than you owe, then they give you the extra for that car. Next you go make a deal on anything else you want. make the deals as separate transactions. If you let them clump them all together, they tend to get very creative at the figures they throw around. All to your detriment.