How to Trade In a Toyota Camry Hybrid for a Tahoe

Trading in your Toyota Camry Hybrid for a Tahoe can be complicated, especially if you haven’t planned the process out. Often the value of the Toyota Camry Hybrid trade-in gets lost in the negotiating process. However, a little research and knowledge can help you get the most for your trade-in and avoid getting lost in the car salesman double talk and juggled figures. And even if you buy a Tahoe Hyrbrid, the fuel efficiency is still subpar, so factor in loss of savings in gas when you decide how much you can afford.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • 1

     Analyze the selling price and fuel economy of the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid to determine whether this is an environmentally friendly trade. Decide on the options and features you want the car to have at this time, too.

   • 2

     Call your nearest Chevrolet dealer to find a dealer that stocks the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, as not all dealerships carry this Hybrid SUV.

   • 3

     Visit the Kelly Blue Book website and look at the value of your Toyota Camry. Take your vehicle to a CarMax dealer for an appraisal. They offer a detailed inspection and written appraisal. This appraisal is usually higher than what a dealer will offer, but it gives you an idea of the value of your hybrid.

   • 4

     Get a copy of your credit report from the three credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You want all three to get a true analysis of your credit report. You need to know how you stand in the dealerships' eyes.

   • 5

     Locate other financing options through your bank, credit union or at an online financing website like Up 2 Drive, E Loan or Car Loan. This way you can compare the loan fees and interest rates to those offered by the dealership.

   • 6

     Spruce up the Toyota Camry Hybrid before visiting a participating Chevrolet dealership. Wash it inside and out. Get your maintenance documents to take with you to the dealership.

   • 7

     Visit two or three participating dealerships if possible. Express an interest in buying the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. Tell the salesman exactly what you are looking for and how much you expect to pay. Tell him that you want to trade in your Toyota Camry Hybrid and want a fair trade in value for it, and have a written appraisal from CarMax. Know that the salesperson may feign disinterest in your trade-in, but that a trade-in is also a moneymaker for a dealership, one they don’t want to lose. Understand that the dealership is looking at the entire deal and may be willing to give you a higher trade-in value but will try to make more profit in other areas of the deal like the financing, or aftermarket sales. This is why you need to know what your credit score is and have financing options in place before visiting the dealership. This way you can compare price, trade-in value and financing being offered.

   • 8

     Analyze the different aftermarket products being offered to you and decide on what you really need and what you don’t. Study these before making a decision as they add to the overall price of the new Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

   • 9

     Negotiate the total deal with the dealer. Know that if you expect an unrealistically high trade in value for the Camry the dealer will try to make the money back on the financing or other aftermarket product. Tell the dealer you will think about the offer and do the same at the other dealerships, if you can. However, take note that not all Chevrolet dealerships offer the Tahoe Hybrid, so there may not be much of a margin for the dealer to work with. Analyze the purchase and trade-in overnight before making a decision.