Trading in a Tractor

Jay4200 · Sep 27, 2006

I've been toying with the idea of dumping my L4200 and getting something smaller. I got the L4200 specifically because I wanted to carry a 9' backhoe. Well, I made the right decision about the big backhoe, definately, but after working with it for a while, I've decided that what I really want is a mini-excavator. I'd still want a tractor, however, mostly for loader work, but I could easily do with something in a B-series size.

I was wondering how dealers are generally with respect to trade-ins. Do they pork you coming and going on trades like car dealers always do, or are they more reasonable in regards to trade value? I spoke to a dealer in NH about it a while back, and he said that they typically give 90% of what they expect to re-sell it for, but I don't know that I believe that.

I really hate selling stuff privately, but if it means thousands, I'd have to give it a shot. Those who have traded in machines, what was your experience like?

Thanks - Jay

john_bud · Sep 27, 2006

I can only say, "squeal like a pig"

Kubotas around here sell FAST.

jb

curt1 · Sep 28, 2006

I second the "squeal like a pig" comment. Try and sell it yourself.
$$$$ in your pocket.
Curt

rbargeron · Sep 28, 2006

I generally hate selling stuff too - I always feel I am responsible for it afterward. But there are 2 things that can help. One is, make sure the buyer is not a friend, relative, acquaintance or anyone living nearby. Not that you are less obligated to a stranger, just that you won't keep hearing about the machine every day. The other thing is that, selling a Kubota, there is very little that goes bad about them - so there are fewer worries after the sale. I've sold 2 Kubotas with no lost sleep. Your L4200 should bring nearly the same dollars you paid. Many people looking for that size machine.

frank_f15 · Sep 28, 2006

I would sell it Myself. just be honest and put a fair price on it and it will be gone quick.

Jay4200 · Sep 29, 2006

john_bud said:
I can only say, "squeal like a pig"

Gotcha. Thanks for the inputs all.

I'm not worried about lashback on my tractor by a buyer - it's a solid, albiet ugly, beast. Selling is just SUCH a PITA. OTOH, I still might keep it - I do love the pig, it's just a bit big. Lazyness is a very strong motivator.

Thanks again - Jay

Billy_S · Sep 29, 2006

You might be quite surprised at what ugly old tractors bring. When I bought my BX2230, I sold an old JD 400 and an even older and really ugly AC 190. I think I sold the JD too cheap, because the first guy that looked at it bought it. The AC took a little longer to sell but only a couple of weeks. Between the two of them, which I had absolutely no use for, I think I recouped about 25% of the BX cost.

ETA. The JD, which I sold for $1500, the dealer wanted to give me $500 trade in. The AC, the dealer wasn't interested in at all. If I remember right, I sold that for $2000. In short, it took me two weeks, but I ended up with $3000 more in my pocket than I would have had I gone the trade in route.

bamatoolmaker · Sep 30, 2006

I had every intention of buying a used tractor when I went looking.1 dealer said trade ins normally do not last a day.Another dealer said they had a contract to sell all used directly to a wholesaler.The dealers with used Kubotas had taken them as trades on new different brands and had them priced nearly as high as their new brands.Check pricing at some dealers and you should be able to get some idea to what you can get in a private sale.I also emphasize dont sell anything to family,friends or family of those friends.

lawn_king · Oct 3, 2006

I traded in a 2000 B7500 i purchased new, last season for downpayment on a new B3030 HSDC. The 75 had 700 hours, a 302 fel and a curtis cab with heater. It was worth about about $10000. however, the floor was rotted through and it had a leaking front axle seal. I told them i wanted $8000. they gave it to me and they sold it for $10000.