[Market525]

Not sure why you are so sure they will value your trade so little. Do your research before you shop .... KBB values - all three - trade, private party, and retail. Also NADA values ... have these printed out & with you when you shop.

I'm confident you will find good new truck deals out there, but just not so sure you should "bend over" on the trade in.

Don't let them try to ram the numbers down your throat .... "we'll trade with you for XXX$". Don't even mention your trade, or say "no trade" when shopping for the new deal. Once you feel you've reached an acceptable price on the new truck, then and only then bring up the trade. And again, ARMED with your printed values.

No need to take a screwin' here. Know what your truck is worth. Don't accept their BS lies about "soft truck market" etc. Consider keeping the truck & selling it yourself. You can win at this game if you educate yourself in advance & don't fall prey to their tactics.

Don't really blame you for getting out now due to the rust issue, though.

Good luck. I've seen some good interest rate & rebate deals advertised. Buyer's market right now.