Well, because of recent events that have set me back, I have to make a choice of moving back with my parents, or selling my WRX. It's such a difficult decision, but I just can't move back.

I've had my car for a year and a half now, from 0 miles to 40,000 miles!!! Kelly Blue Book values my car at 17,000 trade in and 19,500 owner sell.

So I'm wondering what suggestions you guys have. Should I trade it in or sell it on my own. And most importantly, what car should I get!?!? I'm looking at Honda Civics, Acura Integra's...can I even say these names in this forum???

 

Never trade a car if money is important to you... trading in a car is an exercise in convienience and you will never get a good deal. Car dealers use black book values (wholesale)... not blue book. On top of that, they will attempt to low ball you... not to be mean, of course, but with the mentality of, if you don't ask, you'll never know. So, if you have questionable credit, not much money down, or some other attribute that allows you to lose barganing power... they will exploit that and you will lose money.

Selling privately takes patience, but it is worth it. Think of it this way, if you make a private sale, you win by getting more than you would have for trading it in, AND the buyer wins by paying less than that dealership would have charged. Win win!

All this being said, I think you should keep your car. Get an extra job and tough it out... I've been there. Every time you change cars is seems like there is wasted money... taxes, registration fees, etc.