I recently bid farewell to my 3GS. I bought it almost exactly 2 years ago with 59k miles and traded it in at 90k. I actually thought I was going to keep it for another 2 years or so up until a few weeks ago but a lot of my maintenance items were coming up right at the same time (tires, brakes, spark plugs, rear brakes, struts - about $2k or so).

Since all the maintenance items came due at the same time, I figured if I got a good deal for my trade-in and got a good deal on a new car (end of year), I would pull the trigger (I was also reading that car values take a decent fall after 100k). Sure enough, I got good enough deal on my trade-in ($11K, but worth $11.7K including saved taxes) and a great deal on my new car (~11% off of MSRP).

I loved the 3GS. It was smooth, powerful, extremely comfortable. Always got compliments on it even though it was 9 years old. The rattles did drive me insane though.

I wasn't a huge contributor to the forum, but I definitely was a lurker and really appreciate everyone's input!

How is everyone else thinking about the right time to sell/trade in their 3GS?

 

Is your car paid off? If you can get $11K as is for a trade in then that is a pretty good deal. But you appear to just need general maintenance items done which you can get done to make the car drive great again. There is a fix for the rattles on this forum. It all depends on whether or not it makes financial sense to you.

 

I think you did pretty well on your trade considering the miles, upcoming maintenance, and tax savings. What did you end up getting?

I'm at 144k and have done maintenance regularly so they don't stack up. I think I will keep my car for a while as i wont be able to get what t I've got into it. I still feel its a very nice car to but I'm itching for an IS-F as an addition.