I was out browsing used cars today. So I was going from lot to lot in the Vista Cruiser. EVERY single salesman asked me if I wanted to trade it in. I'm not sure if they were joking or being serious. But when they asked the usual questions and I told them it only has 60K miles and their jaw hit the floor.

So I guess a full size station wagon is a hot commodity (or not). Either way, it made me feel pretty good to be an owner of such a fine American automobile.

Oldsmobile for the win!

 

You should have asked what they would give you. Better be more than the standard minimum! Wagons in good shape are hard to come by - keep yours by golly!

 

Yeah, try and trade it straight across for a new car of your choice and see what their tune changes to. Of course they want you to trade it...that's the only way they're going to get to take it for a joy ride.

 

Vista Cruisers are very desirable cars, especially the 60's models with the rear extra bump up window roof. Knew a guy having one with a well built 455 running around on drag radials. This thing would pull the front wheels off the ground, and was something to see. Not sure why wagons are no longer popular in the US, as bought a Mercury Sable wagon from my dad for my daily car. The utility was really nice, still driving like a regular car. Actually miss it, driving a smaller 2 dr coupe now.

 

Wagons are so useful. I predict that due to tightening mileage requirements for new vehicles, wagons - uh - er - crossovers - could start replacing the more fuel hungry suvs. If this happens, the Vistas will be a great car to have and will fit in well. Nice muscle car look to them. I have been on the prowl for one myself for a few years.
As a recent driver of my ladyfriend's mid size SUV, I do not really like them. Hard to see out of the back and guess backup distance. Mileage sux and the ride is choppy. It does not have that much room in the back also. Seats do not really fold flat. I heard you can get a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Vista and be able to close the gate!
My neighbor traded his 92 Taurus wagon on a new Santa fe and he admits the wagon drove nicer and had more room for long wide stuff. Also, easier to load with the wagon lower to the ground.
They now got a minivan and it looks like it lacks even more hauling abilities.
So looks like a Vista is what I want!

 

I'm sure they were being serious. Every car salesman worth his salt wants to sell you a car, and I'm sure every one of them who has been in the business long enough has seen buyers trading in everything from last week's model to ones from 50+ years ago and everything in between.

I'll bet 9 out of 10 people looking at used cars and driving something of the vintage of your car while doing the search ARE actually looking to trade it in. The salesmen would have been remiss in NOT asking the question!