Selling or Trading Your Car Privately vs To A Dealership

Everyone wants to get the most out of their vehicle when it’s time to trade or sell and with the rising cost of pre-owned cars, now might be the best time to do so. You could try to sell the vehicle privately or take it to a dealership to sell or trade for a new model. There are benefits to both options, so let us help you figure out which option is best for you.

Privately Selling Your Vehicle

Privately selling your vehicle could get you the most profit. With a private sale, the customer isn’t looking to acquire the vehicle to turn it and resell it like a dealership is. This means that you could get more for it since the customer doesn’t have to keep profit margins in mind. Selling privately means that you can field multiple offers and accept the highest amount. You won’t have the same level of negotiation available when going through a dealership.

Selling privately means that you will also have to dedicate more time to the task. You will have to create listings for your vehicle to attract buyers, keep constant contact with potential prospects, meet with prospects for test drives when they’re interested, and also take care of the process of transferring over ownership to the new person. This means making sure that you have the title and that you’ve disclosed the vehicle’s history prior to the sale.

Selling/Trading To A Dealership

Unlike with a private sale, a dealership needs to keep profit margins on a vehicle when they acquire it. This means that you may not get as much money for it as you could with a private sale. However, the advantage of doing business with a dealership is that it’s much more convenient for you as the seller. You won’t have to field prospects, take care of the titling and maintenance, take customers for test drives, etc. You can take care of everything at the dealership, and they can assist with some of the more complicated steps.

Depending on your state, you can also get possible tax benefits. Some states offer a trade-in tax exemption if you buy a car and trade yours in. Instead of being taxed on the full purchase amount of your new vehicle, you’ll only be taxed on the amount remaining after the value of your trade is taken out.

With either option, you’ll have to do some research to figure out how much your vehicle is worth. There are many tools online that you can use. More conveniently, if you go through our trade portal, our sales managers will provide you with a free, no obligation appraisal. You’ll also want to clean your car and make it look it’s best to ensure that you get the best offer. No matter which option you choose – a private sale or dealership trade/sale – Perfect Auto Collection is here to help you every step of the way to make sure you have all the knowledge and information you need.

What people say about us

Garrett E.

One of the BEST experiences I’ve had buying a car online. Corey was phenomenal in keeping me updated with the car, its feature and transporting the... vehicle since I was buying from out of state. He hooked it up with warranty packages, extra key, enclosed transportation. I purchased my 2021 Mercedes S580 from perfect auto and I will be buying a lot more cars from this dealership. Shipping was fast and communication was on point. A+ I’ll be returning soonread more

Robert A.

Amazing place! I searched for six months looking for that perfect Mercedes SL550. The condition of this car was so nice it was crazy! I made the... deal over the phone and then drove from Pittsburgh to Akron to see it. Within 5 minutes I knew it was a done deal as in person it was NICER than online! They sent me on my way with a paint protection package, a full tank plus snacks!!! Top flight operation with impeccable cars! Highly recommend.read more

Don B.

Awesome Collection of Vehicles

Joel S.

Perfect Auto Collection is different. I’ve bought my fair share of cars from dealers in IL, IN, MI, OH, and all over the Midwest. Most are the same.... Predictably doing everything they can to make car buying difficult. The team at Perfect Auto Collection is different. They made our car buying experience enjoyable, easy, and tailored to our needs. I would buy from them again and again and I didn’t even mention the amazing collection they curate for their buyers.read more

Don B.

Beautiful Display of awesome automotives, Very nice people to deal with.

Stephen W.

Awesome. If you guys are in the area check it out

Tudor H.

very accommodating dealer ship

John C.

Perfect Auto Collection was a great find. I was in the market for a gently used luxury sedan with as much horsepower as possible. My searches... brought me to Perfect Auto Collection. When I visited their facility, I was impressed by the selection and the personnel. They had many awesome vehicles that fit what I was looking for, and I did end up purchasing one. The product specialist, Hayk, was a pleasure to work with, very responsive and knowledgeable, and very professional. Also, the sales manager and finance professionals were top notch. I've already been telling friends and family about this jewel of a collection on Tallmadge Ave., and I would recommend them to anyone looking for amazing and well-priced options.read more

Kristin D.

I purchased a vehicle a few years back and recently left a review regarding issues I was having with it. Aram reached out same day and resolved my... issue within 24 hours. Ilona was also very nice throughout the process. I was very satisfied with how they handled things and I appreciate them taking the time to help and not brushing me off, especially since I bought the car so long ago.read more

‹

›