Vehicle Trade-in Q & A… Is it worth it?

May. 9 2023 Buying Guide By Michelle

1) I'm Shopping for a New Vehicle; Do I Trade or Private Sale?

The answer to this question relies on personal practicability and resources. It's widely known

dealers will generally offer fair wholesale value. This amount varies due to the vehicle's age, condition, and cosmetics. While the amount you will receive may be ¾ of your private

asking, there are substantial benefits of trading in; the cost of your time, effort, advertising,

and security, could effectively render it meager to the value.

2) Private Sale

As stated, this requires considerable effort and is extremely time-consuming. Customers will

cold call, email a dozen times, ask multiple questions, request pictures, lowball offers, and

the worst part, after investing all the time show up and attempt to barter to a price that is

adjacent to what a dealer would have offered immediately. However, there is always a

chance to receive a higher value for your car should you afford to wait it out and invest your

time and effort.

3) Trade-In

This is the most ideal and convenient approach. It hands over to the dealer the burden and

stress of repairs, transactions, paperwork, taxes, customer service, and advertising. All of

these cost the most important element... TIME. It could take weeks to months for a sale,

whereas a dealer will have you out with the old and in with the new in a matter of days.

4) Benefits of Doing a Trad-in With a Dealer

A dealer may be able to apply the cost of your trade-in, to the total amount of your vehicle

purchase. This will reduce taxes and interest on the cost. No further repairs or additions are

required. Many assume repairing your trade will improve its value when in fact, it could

harm it should it be done incorrectly and ultimately won't raise the value as much that was

invested.

5) How Much is My Vehicle Worth?

Check out how much your vehicle is worth by using our quick and easy Trade-in Tool