I think i'm in the market for a new 2012 now that its the end of the year and they are offering discounts and rebates for 2012's but i need opinions on what to do with my 07 JKU.
I removed the carpets because they were beyond moldy from having top and doors off in a few unexpected rain storms a year or so back, will i get screwed on trade in value with these out? should i try to find replacement carpet and spend the time replaciing?

Will my new clutch, catalyst and 02 sensors help me out on trade in value?

Anyone have experience input? any of you work at a dealership that can explain to me how i can protect myself from the run-around i may get with the dealer? please chime in!


thanks,
Blacktie

 

The lack of carpet will definitely hurt the value on a trade. The average buyer (not us crazies here on the forums) is not going to want a Jeep without carpet. The dealer will have to figure replacement cost to that in the deal and deduct it from your trade value. I would definitely look for a replacement set prior to having them evaluate the trade in. Also, clean it up as much as humanly possible. It's worth the extra effort to get those small scratches out and get all that mud and dirt out of the corners and crevices you normally ignore. When we sold my wife's CR-V to CarMax last year, we spent about 4 hours the day before detailing including buffing out scratches and the clouded headlights. Ended up getting $4000 for a 262,000 mile car that was going to need tires and was starting to use some oil. Your recent replacement parts may help, especially if you have records since it shows you've kept up maintenance on it.

Also remember you can at times get more on a private party sale if you're willing to take the time to advertise and sell it on your own. The CR-V was the only one I've sold/traded to a dealer, but the deal and just being done with it was too easy to pass up.

 

Call salvage yards. You might find a totalled jeep and pull carpet from it.

It doesn't have to be spotless, cause they'll detail it. Just look out for stains in places you can't cover with trunk or floor mats

 

I found a very nice carpet kit (stock) on Craigslist for $50. Took about 15 minutes to install.

 

Is the 07 paid for ? If so sell it on Craigslist or privately.

Last time I checked there were several carpet kits used and some new old stock on eBay.

If you have to trade it spend a few dollars reconditioning it cosmetically like the poster with the CRV.

And don't settle on one dealer, shop around.

I bought my 12 from a dealer three states away because he offered a lot more trade on my 11 then any dealer close and he delivered and drove my 11 back.