Nopstnz8

iTrader: (6)

Hey guys as the title states, I am seriously considering trading in my '04 AT 4-port for an '04 MT. I have always wanted an MT, and think now is the perfect time to do it. I want to trade it in for basically the same exact one, just MT instead of AT. Mine is a touring edition with aftermarket leather, appearance package, and 46,000 miles. It had a Re-man about a year ago at 40,000 miles. Since then, it's been running perfectly, and is in perfect condition. I plan to trade it in as stock with the appearance package installed, but I am not really sure how I'd be able keep all my parts. I got new headlamps when I still had warranty, so I definitely want to keep those, as well as my powder coated brake calipers and rotors. Do you guys think if I was to trade it in, the dealer would let me swap these parts on the spot, or if I took it to a shop? The only other way I can see it would be if I bought replacement ones for cheap on ebay, traded the car, swapped them back into the new car, then sold the remaining ones again. As for the rims, I'm pretty sure that could be done on the spot. Also, since I'm only 19, and don't have a lot of money, I was wondering, from the people who have done it, approximately how much did you pay for the trade in? Since it will be for one with the same options, and approximately the same miles, I'm hoping it won't be any more than $3k at most because I can't really spend that much more. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

cornholio135

iTrader: (2)

Countdown till WTBRotary chimes in...
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1...and.....

Nopstnz8

iTrader: (6)

Lol. I was thinking the same thing because he just did this trade a few months ago I believe.

rodjonathan

iTrader: (6)

ill be following this thread maybe ill be doing this in the near future

Razz1

You are funny!

You will spend too much money to swap out those headlights and brake calipers.

Since you have 3k to waste send it to me.

Nopstnz8

iTrader: (6)

Bump for advice.

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (3)

Too bad no one has done an AT to MT swap yet, or that would be a possibility.

Wig92

go to the AT thread. its been done, its just unconventional IMO.

i want to do this but im in high school and my parents pay the bills, they wont let me

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (3)

facepalm.jpg

Nopstnz8

iTrader: (6)

Lol. I know you've done it, but that is way too much work for a college student. Besides, if I were ever to trade it in, it would look a little suspicious. I also want everything to work how it's supposed to, including the odometer.

Nopstnz8

iTrader: (6)

I know exactly what you mean. I graduated high school last year, and my parents were the same way. I'll be paying for this myself though, just like I did for all my mods.

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (3)

How you figure? IF you get an engine platform that doesnt need to be built, and you get ALL the parts outlined there (including matching keys and column/cylinder) the swap could be done in a weekend with hand tools and a cherry picker, and be plug and play. Everything works on my car...of course the odo reads the mileage of the MT swap car, but I've kept the original odo/cluster in case I ever have to sell the car. It takes about 5 minutes to swap the cluster back and forth should the need arise.

Look at it this way...with resale of these cars being what it is, it's unlikely most people will ever trade in at a dealership. And as for the private buyer market, you'll have 10 buyers for a manual to every 1 for an auto, so most people wouldn't care that it was a conversion if the price is right. The way the value of these cars is dropping, who really cares anyway? Do with it as you please, it's not a corvette.

Nopstnz8

iTrader: (6)

True. I actually don't really plan to get rid of it due to the resale value problem, and the fact that it's pretty unique. I just don't want to go through that big of a hassle. I don't have the time either. If it was just a tranny and ecu swap, as well as a clutch cylinder install, then I would definitely look into it. The swap would cost too much though because I can trade my AT and not really have to pay anything for an MT. Mine is worth a little over 12K since I only have 46k miles and it's in great condition.

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (3)

So wait...you're expecting to go to a dealership and trade an AT straight across for an MT of roughly the same year and condition? Something doesnt sound right there...I gotta call BS. You're either gonna get a problematic/crappy car in much less condition than yours, or you're going to have to give a signfiicant amount in boot (a few grand) or both. OR you've found an incredibly stupid dealer, which is unlikely (with respect to resale, trades, bottom line, etc.). They know these cars are hard enough to move off the lot, especially with the low demand of the auto models.

Nopstnz8

iTrader: (6)

I expect to pay money, but no more than 3K. I am basically looking to trade it in for the same year, same condition, and approximately the same mileage + the 3k it may take to seal the deal. Anything else is a total rip off based on the resale value of these cars.

RotaryResurrection

iTrader: (3)

Ah, okay. Well, good luck I guess, hope you wind up with a car in equivalent condition to what you have now. I am a fan of working with what you have currently, because you know it's history and working condition already, and you're taking a chance when you go to a different car.

Nopstnz8

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the insight. I'm actually a fan of that as well, but im going to be very busy this summer and need a working car, and can't really afford a swap. I know it's all laid out what to do, but sourcing the parts, and installing them all would be a little too much. Plus I don't even have an engine lift, and have never swapped a tranny so I wouldn't really feel that comfortable doing something like that on my own. I be prone to mess something up for sure.

Thankfully I now know a lot about the car, so before I decide to make a deal, I'll make sure everything that is know to be problematic is carefully looked at, and that major problems have a chance to occur right away. The only thing I am worried about would be one that still has it's original engine. That would be bad because it would be prone to failing very soon, and with the extended engine warranty ending in 2012, as well as me not putting very many miles on it till then, I wouldn't want to be looking at a rebuild out of my own pocket. I will definitely get a compression test done first, but since you're a rotary engine re-builder, what else would you recommend looking for? My current 8 already had a replacement installed a year ago, so I think I'm pretty familiar with the signs of engine failure, unfortunately.