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Financially Optimize Getting Rid of Your Used Car

Here’s the age-old dilemma when buying a new (to you) car: sell a used car or trade in a used car for the best price for a used car (and don’t forget donating to charity). There’s no one set answer, but I will help you explore your used cars options from many different angles to make the right choice for your situation.
Cash for Clunkers Tips
Can you add any advice to people looking to trade in their used car under the Cash for Clunkers bills?
Advice and Tips on How Cash for Clunkers (or CARS) Works
What was once known colloquially as “Cash for Clunkers” has been given the official government name of CARS – Car Allowance Rebate System. As soon as President Obama signed the bill, scammers were already thinking up ways to take advantage of the system. Here are some tips and advice on how the new law works and how you can take advantage of it legally.
What Is Better: Selling or Trading in Your Used Car?
ItÂ’s a problem faced by consumers since the first car was traded in: are you better off selling or trading in your used car? Answer these 7 questions about selling or trading in your used car and youÂ’ll have a good sense of what your decision should be. There is no definitive answer, which is why I developed these questions for you. If you answer yes to 4 or more of the questions, though, youÂ’re probably a good candidate for selling your used car on your own.
Sell Your Used Car or Trade It In?
Bankrate.Com, one of the leading aggregators of financial rate information on the Internet, offers financial pros and cons for selling or trading in your used car when buying a car.
A Primer on Both Sides
IntelliChoice article makes some good points, especially with the observation that dealers make more money with used cars than new (sometimes twice as much). It also explains how timing and location can factor into your decision.
The Solution Depends on Your Situation
Consumer advocate Michael Royce has good practical advice (and I love the name of his website). He has a good point about not trading in your car when you owe more than it’s worth.
Do Neither – Donate It
Since 1992, America's Car Donation Charities Center has provided non-profit organizations with a practical means of raising funds via donated vehicles. It explains what kind of cars can be donated and what needs to be done to donate a vehicle.
The Tax Ramification
This article has a good observation on how trading your car into the dealer could save you sales tax money. It’s an issue regulated state-by-state but it’s worth pondering as one part of your decision.

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