Currently have a 2009 Aspen, I really like the car but when I bought it the pickings were very slim so I ended up with an 09, 4.7, no leather or all the neat toys that i really wanted. Its now 9 months after i purchased it and i came across an 08, 36000 miles, all the bells and whistles including rear leather buckets, overhead DVD, nav, the upgraded wheels ( i guess they come with the 20 inch tires but not sure), and the hemi. My car has 46000 miles on it. The 08 is listed at 23K, seems kind of cheap to me but thats the list at the dealership. If I can get this trade for about 3K and my car??? What do you think?? Am I nuts for going to an 08 from an 09?? Honest opinions are appreciated..Let them rip, lol....thanks in advance.

 

In my opinion I would do it. The loaded on in the long run will be worth more money. If it was me and I wanted all the options I would trade if the dealer would work with me on a fair value.

 

Pull a Carfax on the new vehicle to make sure it hasn't had any accidents, and ask for service history. The service history will show all maintenance and repair at any Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealership, and it will give you an idea what the vehicle has been through. Look for repairs of water leaks, electrical gremlins, etc. Make sure the vehicle is as reliable as the one you're trading in.

They are going to try to lowball you on the trade, but you're in a unique position trading in the same model. They're going to be reluctant to tell you your trade isn't worth anything, as it makes the Aspen you're trading for look bad. I would run the Edmunds TMV on both vehicles so you get a fair idea of the difference in price between each. Make sure you use trade-in value for yours, and dealer retail for the one you're buying.

Good luck - let us know how it goes!

 

I'd do it... the bells and whistles make a big difference. The 20" chrome wheels look great and the leather and the rest of the options just add to the overall luxury feel.

 

IMO, I'd trade for an '12 Durango SXT. I really wish I had 4x4, but I would not trade mine for another Aspen. Don't get me wrong, I really like it, but I'd trade for a new Durango or GC if I were to trade at all (or even a slightly used '11 Durango/GC (mid $20Ks).

 

I understand the new D to be a great vehicle.

 

Another thing I look at is when you/if you drive the wheels off of it and try to sell it 10-12 years down the road a loaded 08 will be worth $3000-$5000 more than the 09 base model. People pay extra money for all the options when the car is even worn out. People here in Tennessee are still paying 10k-14k for a 02 Escalade with 250k miles on it.

 

Thanks to everyone for their replys. Going to stay with the 09, dealer wants close to 6G to trade, so the deal is no where close to what i thought it might be. The 08 is lovely, but for 6G??? No way. Thanks again for your input.

 

I wouldnt have done that deal either.

 

I can help you out with one of the bells/whistles you listed. I have the 20" rims off my '08 sitting in my garage (I went with the 18's like you have instead). They'd bolt right up on your '09, and give you at least one bell/whistle you are missing. They are in near perfect condition. PM me if interested.