Thinking About Trading Or Selling Your Vehicle?
Choosing whether to use the Ford trade-in system or sell your vehicle through a private vendor seems like a fairly difficult decision on the surface. However, if you want a convenient way to reduce the cost of your next purchase using fair market value (while minimizing your tax expense), then the best option for you is to trade in your car, truck, or SUV.
At Jones Ford Wickenburg, we make the process lightning-fast, using detailed research to get you your expected value quickly, which is then applied to the payment for a new or used vehicle on our lot.
We want to answer the question, "Should I sell my car or trade it in?" by giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Let's look at the pros and cons of the two approaches before you bring your model to a private vendor.
Trade or Sell? Upsides To Trade-in at a Glance
- When you trade in your vehicle, you get immediate value rather than waiting for a car sale to go through.
- Trading can reduce your up-front payment and monthly costs, lightening your monthly budget burden.
- You only pay sales tax for the price difference between your trade-in and the vehicle purchased rather than the full cost.
- The Ford Blue Advantage Certified Used program accepts trade-ins, potentially giving you an incredible deal on your pre-owned Ford model.
- Instead of hoping for a fair sale through a private method, get immediate access to the market vehicle and drive off in a fresh ride on the same day.
Should I Sell My Car or Trade It In? An Overview
The purported benefit of selling your car privately is the potential profit. However, that "pro" comes with increased sales tax, negotiations, and potential wear and tear, which can reduce your value if it takes a while to find a buyer. You might not see the benefits of that for years to come.
Meanwhile, if you instead choose to follow a Ford trade-in program, you get the immediate, fair-market price of your car, truck, or SUV taken off of the down payment – and monthly costs – of your upcoming purchase. Your proceeds are less flexible, but they come quickly and are put toward a major purchase.
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Sell Vs. Trade-in Overview |
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| Sell | Trade-In | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit | Potentially higher or lower than market value | Stable and consistent |
| Time to Get Paid | Usually weeks or months | Immediately |
| Number of Buyers | Potentially dozens | One |
| Additional Expenses | Yes | No |
| Sales Tax | Standard | Reduced (Difference between trade-in and purchase) |
| Ford-Licensed Assistance | No | Yes |
Selling vs. Ford Trade-In Value
While selling your car may give you a bigger payout, it does come at a notable cost – and a lengthy journey. You're in charge of maintenance, painting, repairs, garage space (for online retailers), advertising, and negotiating with potential buyers to get the price you deserve.
Compare that experience to the Ford trade-in process. You drive your car to our lot, get the fair market value, and add your automobile to our Ford used inventory while driving away with a fresh vehicle. No time is spent on talking with bidders, and no costs are incurred from additional maintenance or repairs.
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Cost & Value Comparison |
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| Sell | Trade-In | |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Job | You're responsible | We handle it |
| Maintenance | You're responsible | We handle it |
| Repairs | You're responsible | We handle it |
| Advertising | You're responsible | We handle it |
| Garage Space | You're responsible | We handle it |
| The Proceeds | Can go into anything | Go toward next model's payments |
| Sales Tax | Higher | Lower |
| Ford Bonus Cash | Unavailable | Sometimes available |
How Ford Trade Assist Improves Your Experience
The final step to look at in the trade-in vs. sell car comparison is the experience itself. Selling your vehicle can be dicey, with scammers and unknown users introducing unwanted variables to the process. Unfortunately, even trusted websites can be stressful to navigate and lead to uncomfortable situations.
All of that can be avoided when you work start-to-finish with a trusted dealership. From the Ford trade appraisal to you driving home in your reduced-price purchase, the Ford trade-in process is simple, straightforward, and stress-free. You talk with our financing representatives, get your price, and can put it forward toward your new vehicle. Then, purchase an automobile from our Ford used inventory or bring home a brand-new car within the same hour. You can occasionally get Ford bonus cash for doing this, further incentivizing the easier path.
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Experience Comparison |
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| Sell | Trade-In | |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks |
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Taking your car to the dealership |
| Time for Payment | Variable | Immediate |
| Support | Online or storefront customer service | Ford-licensed financing offers |
Ready To Trade? Jones Ford Wickenburg Is Here for You
The choice to trade in or sell car models can be tricky, but it's now clear that putting trade-in proceeds toward your next ride is not only simpler but can also be better financially. Work with a team that has cared for its community for over 50 years, and we'll help you tour everything in our inventory, from Ford vehicles under $15K to the brand-new Ford F-150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I trade in or sell my car when buying a used Ford?
In most situations, you can trust a licensed Ford dealer to make the trade-in process simpler, faster, and nearly as profitable as selling your vehicle privately. Our program determines the fair market value for your used car, truck, or SUV and ensures that you receive what you're owed. Then, that payout can go right into your up-front and monthly payments, reducing your strain over the upcoming years.
What are the benefits of trading in my vehicle?
When you bring your car, truck, or SUV to our dealership to trade it in, you get immediate value toward your next purchase – no waiting on buyers or searching for the right vendors. You only pay sales tax on the difference between your trade-in and new or used buy, putting even more money in your pocket. You'll also avoid having to spend time with zero or two cars.
How is my trade-in value determined?
To determine your trade-in value, our financing desk takes into account the fair market price of your particular car, truck, and SUV and compares that to the current quality of your model. If your used vehicle has notable wear and tear, higher mileage, or requires work, we'll offer a reasonable price that considers the necessary repairs to get it road-ready.