Categories: Automotive

Trading your used car vs. selling it privately — what’s right for you?

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Photo credit: The Nest

When it’s time to upgrade your vehicle, you’ll probably face that common dilemma. Should you trade in your car or sell it on your own? Your answer will depend on your car’s condition and the amount of time you have to sell it.
According to an article on the J.D. Power website, popular-model cars in excellent condition with desirable features and low mileage are ideal to sell privately. You’re also a good candidate to sell privately if you have your maintenance records available for potential buyers to review.
Selling your car on your own will usually net you more money than trading in to a dealership. However, selling privately will cost you more time. Private buyers will want to examine your car and possibly take it to their own mechanic. Buyers will also ask about your car’s service and maintenance history, along with any wear and tear and accidents in the car’s history. If you have the time to meet and negotiate with private buyers, this option could be for you.

Photo credit: Jalopanik

On the other hand, if you need to sell your car quickly, or if it’s not in top shape, you might want to consider trading it in to a dealership. Dealerships will take vehicles in any condition, even those that need to be towed. According to the J.D. Power article, trading in to a dealer is quick and easy. You can do it on your schedule, whenever you’d like, and the dealership takes care of all required paperwork.
However, the dealership will offer you less than what you’d get from a private sale. The dealership spends time and money on paperwork and preparing the vehicle for sale or auction, according to the J.D. Power article. But if you want to purchase a newer vehicle from a dealership, your trade-in could reduce or replace your down payment.
When you’re ready to trade in your car or test drive a newer vehicle, make sure to visit an Earnhardt Auto Centers dealership. With 24 locations around the Valley, northern Arizona and in Las Vegas, Earnhardt offers a vast selection and can make an offer on your trade-in too. Visit any Earnhardt Auto Centers location today![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Photo credit: The Nest
Photo credit: Jalopanik
Photo credit: AAA

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Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.

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