I sold my 04 HCH for $21K April of this year with 22,000 miles on it.
I paid only $19.3K
I sold it right at kelly blue book for my zip to a private party.

then I got my 06HCH for $1000 under msrp then take another $2100 off for the tax credit.

I made out well.

Never trade in a car.
You loose thousands.

Need fewer troops to support.
Drive a hybrid.
Best tank 71.65 MPG.

Before this car I spent two years learning hypermiling on my 2004 HCH1.