Private Sale
Pros: Typically higher sale price (10-20% more than trade-in), control over the process.
Cons: Time-consuming (advertising, fielding calls, test drives), dealing with tyre-kickers, managing paperwork, safety concerns with strangers visiting your home, and the car must remain registered while selling.
Dealer Trade-In
Pros: Instant, hassle-free, no advertising costs, no strangers at your door, paperwork handled for you, and the value can be applied directly to your next purchase.
Cons: Lower price compared to private sale, limited negotiation power.
The Sweet Spot: Dealer Consignment
Some dealers offer consignment selling — they display and sell your car on your behalf for a fee (usually 5-10% of sale price). You get closer to private sale value with dealer convenience.
Our Recommendation
For vehicles under $15,000, the convenience of a dealer trade-in often outweighs the price difference. For higher-value vehicles ($30,000+), the extra effort of a private sale can net you several thousand dollars more. At NORTH Motor, we offer competitive trade-in valuations and can often match or exceed market expectations.