Rides : 10 Cars To Trade-In Now For Maximum Return

It’s never been a better time to trade in a late-model vehicle on a new one, as dealers are going all out to amass a fresh supply of used cars and replenish what’s become a severely depleted inventory. And they’re offering top dollar for them in trade, with some of the most in-demand models in excellent condition commanding 70 percent or more of their original sticker prices as three-year-old cars.

1. Jeep Wrangler

The original SUV traditionally commands among the highest resale values in the industry, particularly in relatively unadorned versions that off-road enthusiasts covet to customize with aftermarket add-ons. A model-year 2008 two-door Wrangler having clocked 46,500 miles in top condition is estimated to return a whopping 90 percent of its original retail price in trade-in value. The four-door Wrangler Unlimited version fares slightly better, holding onto 91 percent of its MSRP according to NADA Guides. By comparison the off-road ready Rubicon versions – which can be too rough for casual owners – retain 77 and 84 percent of their original sticker prices.

2. MINI Cooper

While the diminutive MINI Cooper isn’t for everyone, it’s a blast to drive and is particularly popular among young urban professionals for whom attributes like back seat room and cargo space are secondary considerations. The trade-in value for a base model-year 2008 Cooper in good shape and with 46,500 miles on the odometer is estimated at 77 percent of its original MSRP, says NADA Guides.

 

3. Toyota Tacoma

The demand for brand-new small pickup trucks may be shrinking, yet the compact Tacoma still commands top dollar as a trade-in. The base four-cylinder standard-cab model from 2008 fares well enough at 72 percent of its original sticker price, but those owning the more practical V6-powered four-door DoubleCab could be offered as much as 87 percent of its original price in trade on a new model.

 

4. Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Though we often deride the boxy military-derived uber-luxury G-Class SUV as looking like the postal vehicle for some posh gated community, NADA Guides says it holds onto its trade-in value better than any other Mercedes from model-year 2008 at 78 percent of its original MSRP.

5. Honda CR-V

NADA Guides estimates this amenable compact crossover currently commands a resale value at 77 percent of its original 2008 sticker price. Used versions are likely to be in particular demand as new-model inventories are just catching up from shortages attributed to last spring’s tsunami and earthquake in Japan.

6. Toyota 4Runner

Mainstream new-car buyers may have shunned traditional truck-based SUVs in recent years because of high gas prices, yet there’s still a market among outdoor adventurers for go-anywhere vehicles that can also tow a boat or trailer. A shortage of used models means the model-year 2008 SR5 version of Toyota’s 4Runner can be expected to command as much as 74 percent of its original sticker price as a trade-in, with the top V8-powered Limited version lagging behind only slightly at 70 percent.

 

7. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Speed never goes out of style, with the pavement-burning top V8-powered model in the venerable Mustang line from 2008 estimated to return 73 percent of its original sticker price in trade-in value. By comparison, the 2008 GT model can be expected to hold 67 percent of its original cost in trade, with the more-passive V6 base version worth just 67 percent of its sticker price.

 

8. Chevrolet Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500 General Motors’ offerings lead the pack among full-size trucks with substantial trade-in values from the 2008 model year. In clean condition with 46,500 miles driven, NADA Guides estimates the Silverado and Sierra’s basic regular-cab “Work Truck” versions can command an estimated 72 percent of their original sticker prices in trade. 

 

9. Lexus GX460

This is essentially Lexus’ upscale version of the Toyota 4Runner, for active families who prefer a posher ride as their daily drive. NADA Guides says current model-year 2008 GX470 owners can be expected to receive as much as 70 percent of what they initially paid for their vehicles in trade-in value.

10. Toyota Tundra

A highly regarded full-size pickup that sells in far less volume than any of the domestic entries, a smaller supply in the used-car market helps the 2008 vintage retain as much as an estimated 70 percent of its original cost in resale value according to NADA Guides.