Should I Trade In My Car or Sell It Myself?
If you're thinking about buying another vehicle, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is what to do with your current one. Should you trade it in at the dealership or try selling it yourself?
The answer depends on what's most important to you. If your goal is getting every possible dollar, a private sale may be worth considering. If convenience, saving time, and making the buying process easier are priorities, trading your vehicle may be the better option.
At Brad Deery Motors, we help customers from Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Clinton, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Maquoketa, and surrounding communities compare both options every day.
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Is it better to trade in my car or sell it myself?
There isn't one right answer for everyone.
If your goal is convenience, speed, and simplicity, trading your vehicle is usually the better choice.
If you're willing to spend extra time advertising, meeting buyers, negotiating, and handling paperwork, selling privately may result in a higher selling price.
What are the advantages of trading in my vehicle?
Trading your vehicle is often the easiest option because everything happens in one transaction.
Benefits of trading your vehicle include:
- No advertising your vehicle
- No meeting strangers
- No scheduling test drives
- No negotiating with multiple buyers
- No handling title paperwork yourself
- Your trade value can immediately be applied toward your next vehicle
- Potential sales tax savings in Iowa
For many shoppers, the convenience alone makes trading their vehicle worthwhile.
What are the advantages of selling my vehicle myself?
A private sale may allow you to receive more money than a trade-in because you're selling directly to the next owner.
Benefits of selling privately may include:
- Potentially higher selling price
- More control over negotiations
- You choose when to sell
- You can wait for the right buyer
However, selling privately also requires considerably more time and effort.
What are the disadvantages of selling my vehicle myself?
Private sales often involve more work than many people expect.
- Creating advertisements
- Taking quality photos
- Answering phone calls and messages
- Scheduling appointments
- Meeting with buyers
- Handling negotiations
- Managing paperwork and title transfer
- Accepting payment safely
Some sellers spend several weeks—or even months—trying to sell their vehicle.
How is my trade-in value determined?
Several factors affect your vehicle's value.
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Year | Newer vehicles generally retain more value. |
| Mileage | Lower mileage may increase value. |
| Vehicle Condition | Interior, exterior, and mechanical condition matter. |
| Vehicle History | Accident history and maintenance records may affect value. |
| Market Demand | Popular vehicles often command higher values. |
| Equipment & Trim | Options and packages may increase value. |
Does a clean vehicle increase trade value?
Yes.
While detailing your vehicle won't dramatically change its market value, presenting it clean and well cared for creates a better overall impression.
Before having your vehicle appraised:
- Wash the exterior
- Vacuum the interior
- Remove personal belongings
- Gather maintenance records if available
- Bring all keys and key fobs
Can I trade in a vehicle if I still owe money on it?
Yes.
Many customers trade vehicles that still have an outstanding loan balance.
Our finance team can help determine your payoff amount and explain how any remaining balance may affect your next purchase.
Does trading in my vehicle lower my monthly payment?
Often, yes.
Your trade value can reduce the amount you need to finance, which may lower your monthly payment depending on the vehicle you purchase.
Combined with a down payment, your trade can significantly improve your buying power.
Can I trade in my vehicle even if I don't buy another one?
Absolutely.
If you're simply looking to sell your vehicle, Brad Deery Motors may still be interested in purchasing it—even if you don't buy one of ours.
We're always looking for quality used cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
Sell your vehicle to Brad Deery Motors.
What kinds of vehicles does Brad Deery Motors buy?
We're interested in many types of vehicles, including:
- Cars
- Pickup trucks
- SUVs
- Vans
- Domestic brands
- Import brands
Even if you didn't originally purchase your vehicle from Brad Deery Motors, we'd be happy to evaluate it.
Why do so many people choose to trade in their vehicle?
For most shoppers, convenience is the biggest reason.
Instead of trying to coordinate selling one vehicle while shopping for another, trading allows everything to happen during one visit.
It saves time, reduces stress, and simplifies the entire buying process.
How do I get the best trade-in value?
Here are a few simple tips:
- Clean your vehicle inside and out.
- Fix inexpensive cosmetic issues if practical.
- Bring maintenance records.
- Bring both sets of keys if available.
- Know your payoff amount if you have a loan.
- Get your vehicle appraised before making your final decision.
Get your trade value today at Brad Deery Motors
Whether you're buying new, shopping used, or simply want to know what your current vehicle is worth, our team is here to help.
Brad Deery Motors proudly serves drivers from Maquoketa, Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Clinton, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, DeWitt, Bellevue, Preston, and communities throughout Eastern Iowa and Northwest Illinois.
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Brad Deery Motors helps drivers from Maquoketa, Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Clinton, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding communities maximize the value of their current vehicle while making the buying process simple.