Is now a good time to trade in my 2003 Ford Escape? I've heard that there's a used car shortage and that trade-ins are doing very well right now. Is this true?

Absolutely--one of the best times ever. Escapes are popular, too.

Depends on where you live.

I recently traded in my 2001 Chevy Venture van. It had less then 60,000 kilometers on it, it was in great condition, air conditioning, remote car starter, CD player, extended cab, you name it. It was pretty much brand new except for a crack in the windshield.

I got $2000 for it, and I had to beg for that. I paid over $40,000 for it new.

How many miles is on the vehicle? This can make a big difference when trading in the vehicle.

A little over 100k...

A little over 100k...

That's not bad, but like I said, I had under 60,000 kilometers (that's a little over 37,000 miles) on mine, and it was only 2 years younger then yours, and a Chevy to boot (in Canada used Chevy's sell better then Fords).

How much did you pay for it new? How much are you hoping to get for it now? Have you checked Auto trader to see what other vehicles like yours, in similar condition, are going for?

You do realize that you'll get less for a trade in then you would if you sold it privately.