Trading my Grand Prix for an SVT Focus?

I own a 2007 Grand Prix with 98k miles. I'm interested in a 2004 SVT Ford Focus, 5-speed with 146k miles. My car has some deep scratches on the rear bumper. No dents, just scratches. Would a dealer give me an even trade or would I have to trade in and pay it off?

Well, if the Focus a 5 speed, it's not an SVT. The SVT is a 6 speed.

Also, know that where you live changes what a vehicle is worth. My mustang is worth about $5000 in Florida, but nearly $10,000 in Colorado.

Now, I don't know where Robert lives, but his numbers are way off. Clean trade-in for that Focus is almost $4000 and a retail of $6000.

Your car has an average trade in value of $5100, clean trade-in of $5900.

Personally? If you did a straight trade, you would be getting ripped off. I'd be asking for $500 cash back plus the Focus. They would still be making a profit because the clean retail price for your car is over $8000. So if they traded you a car that cost them say, $4500 including giving you cash, they would still make $3500 in profit.

Plus the Ford will be vastly more reliable even with more miles on it.

Seriously, go up there and offer them your car for the SVT Focus (if it's a real SVT) and $500 cash out the door. I doubt they could say no.

What is the price of the Focus, and what is your car worth? This is where NEGOTIATING SKILLS come into play!

Just out of curiosity, why are you wanting an older, smaller car with more mileage?

Edit: I looked up the miles. Your Pontiac has a trade in value of $4800 and a dealer retail of 6200. The Ford has a trade in value of $1900 and a retail of $4000.

Which means the dealer probably has less than $2000 invested in the Ford, and if the traded you even on the cars, would try to sell your for over $6000.

They should pay you to make the trade.

I still think you're better off keeping the Pontiac