Should I Trade My Car at the Dealership?

This is more of a matter of choice than anything. Many individuals do opt to trade their car in at the dealership because in a sense it simplifies the process. Particularly for women who are busy and may not want the hassle of trying to sell a car on their own. Also, women may feel safer working with a car dealership as opposed to dealing with strangers that are interested in buying their car. You do have to be careful if opting to sell on your own (see the article Gone in 60 Seconds).

Keep in mind if you trade your car at the dealership you will probably get less for your car than if you sold it on your own. Also, you have to be mindful of what you owe on your car and how that relates to its value. If you owe more than your car is worth and are upside down (have negative equity) on the car, you have to be be really careful. Most of the time in these instances the dealership will offer to pay off your trade (See the article "We'll Pay Off Your Trade"). In essence, what will happen is whatever negative equity you have will roll over into the payments for your new car.

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