Is a 2005-2006 Nissan Altima a good car?

How much would my car be worth in trade in value? (2003 Nissan Altima)?

• I have a 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S and it’s in good condition, a couple of little nicks but nothing major. It's silver and pretty clean accept for the floor but I can get that shampooed and detailed. Anyway I was just wondering if I was interested in getting a new car how much would my car be worth as a trade in. I have been looking in to the Nissan Altima 2008 Hybrid and I really like the new 09 Maxima coming out. I know they are both very expensive though. Would my Altima be a helpful down payment for the new car or should I wait? I still love my Altima so it’s okay with me. Thanks

• Answer:

  Is your car's title clear...as in, are you in possesion of it or are you still making payments? If you are still making payments on it, it's going to depend on how much you have left to pay. Say for example, you still owe$4800 on your car's loan. Ok...now, you take it to a dealer and say, "I want to trade in my 03 Alty for an 08 Alty Hybrid or 09 Max." The dealer will ask you if you are still financing your car. You tell them yes. The dealer will most likely give the car to the apprasier on the lot. That person will give it a thurough check. Ok, check is done, the dealer says, "Ok. We'll give you $4000 for trade in on your 03. The new 08 Alty is $XX,000." You take that left over $800 that you still owe on the car, and put it into the loan of your new car. What you can do, is go to www.kbb.com and find out how much your car is worth for trade and private party selling. If your trade in value is more, be sure to print that out and take it with you to the dealer. If it's less than the private party sell, try to sell it outright, as you might be able to get a couple thousand more...note I said, MIGHT. If your car is fully paid off, make sure they come within in at least $500 +/- what your trade in value is. In that case, then yes, it could be a good down payment.