I need your recommendations. Own a 2002 Forester xs premium, which will be 3 years old this October, which means that my 3 year warranty will be over. Actually it works fine, but wish my gas mileage was a little better... get 20 mpg around town except in cold weather when it ranges from 15mpg - 19. Highway is generally around 26 mpg. Had two pistons replaced under warranty because of piston slap and that is good now too. So, I really have no good reason to trade in on a new 2004 Forester, except that I will get a new 3 years of warranty, and the auto climate control sounds nice too, as well as upgrading to option of premium sound system. So the dealer says he will give me $18,100 for my car with a little room for negotiating. This is on a $26,000+ 2004 Forester xs premium. My car has only 14,500 miles and is in perfect shape. Think I should trade in now or take good care of my forester and keep it for a long time? I'm never sure whether there's better value to trading in more often or keeping a vehicle a long time. Only know that when I keep car a long time, it's hard to find $20,000+ to pay for it with a trade in of very little value. Also wondering if you guys think the deal they're offering me now is a good deal or not? Suggestions? Thanks
