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Member driving SUV in St. Charles, MO

Dealer Trade In vs. Private Sale

Paying off your vehicle is a great feeling, and it opens up a world of possibilities. You can choose to live without a car payment, hand the car down to a family member or even sell it.

A dealer showing a car to a customer

If you’re ready to move on from your current vehicle, you have two different options for selling it: trade-in or private sale. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to trade your vehicle in at a dealership or sell privately.

Trade-In

  • Save time and let the dealership handle most of the heavy lifting.
  • Apply the trade-in value to your next vehicle.
  • Opt for convenience rather than getting the best price.

Private Sale

  • Take on the process of listing and finding potential buyers for your car.
  • Give yourself more control over price negotiation.
  • Get in on the hot market for used cars.

Both processes require some research on your car’s market value and gathering all the necessary documentation, so make sure to properly prepare.

Ready for your next vehicle?

The right vehicle is one that fits your lifestyle and your budget. We can’t help you decide between a sedan or SUV, but we can help you figure out your price range.

If you’re pre-approved for financing, you can eliminate many of the headaches that come along with car shopping.

Discuss your options with Vantage before you start your search!

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Two customers speaking with a loan officer