Sell or trade your vehicle: which option is the most advantageous?

Sell or trade your vehicle: which option is the most advantageous?

Not sure whether to sell or trade your vehicle in Laval? Find answers to your questions and make the right choice today.

The choice between selling or trading your vehicle often depends on your needs and expectations.

Your automotive experts in Laval at Arbour VW present all the information you need to get the most from your current vehicle when selling or trading.

The benefits of selling your car yourself

Owner preparing to sell her car.

Get a potentially higher sale price

Why sell my car myself? The most compelling answer is usually the chance to get a higher sale price.

The reason is straightforward: you can come closer to the true market value without factoring in the profit margin a dealership must consider when buying a car.

Control the sales process

Another advantage for some is keeping control over the sales process. From preparing documents to the inspection and appraisal through to the transaction itself, everything remains under your control.

Drawbacks to consider

  • Managing buyers

One of the major drawbacks of selling a car privately is having to manage and screen offers on your own.

From the first contact through the legal transaction, every step is your responsibility. This full control may appeal to some people, but it takes a lot of time.

  • Negotiation

Negotiating is not for everyone. Inevitably, you will face potential buyers who want to negotiate the price.

While selling privately can help you secure a higher amount, it may come after several tough negotiations with different prospects.

  • Appointments

Most buyers will want to see or test-drive your vehicle. You will need to schedule and manage these appointments yourself.

  • Paperwork

All administrative documents are your responsibility. Generally, you will need to officially transfer the car using a bill of sale.

Potential buyer during a private vehicle sale.

Why trade your vehicle at a dealership?

Volkswagen team for trading a vehicle at a dealership.

A fast and straightforward transaction

Why trade my vehicle at a dealership? One of the main advantages is a quick transaction.

The dealership will handle the inspection, then offer you a trade-in value that aligns with the market value of your vehicle while keeping a reasonable profit margin.

Reduced taxes on your next vehicle

A lesser-known advantage of trading at a dealership is reduced taxes on your new vehicle.

In Québec, Revenu Québec provides a reduction of GST and QST based on the difference between your trade-in value and the selling price of the new vehicle.

GST is calculated only on the difference between the selling price and the trade credit.

As for QST, it is calculated on the difference between the trade credit and the higher of the estimated value of the new vehicle or its selling price.

It is therefore one of the best ways to benefit from the already attractive pricing from Volkswagen Canada.

Avoid the steps involved in a private sale

By opting to trade in at a dealership, you avoid most of the steps tied to a private sale, including managing and meeting buyers, arranging a private inspection, and the final transaction.

Thus, trading your vehicle is much faster and can save you days of work.

How does a dealership determine your vehicle's value?

Factors that influence value

How to get the best value

Year and mileage

Newer vehicle and or low mileage

Overall condition

Regular, documented maintenance

Current market

Evaluate the market and sell at the right time

Evaluation of a vehicle trade-in value.

The year, mileage, and overall condition

One of the most important aspects in determining a vehicle's value is its overall condition and use.

Generally, a newer vehicle or one that has low mileage will be worth more. Along the same lines, a vehicle that requires less maintenance will tend to have a better trade-in value.

Maintenance history

A complete maintenance history is important to get the best value for your vehicle.

Manufacturer-certified maintenance and repairs offer several advantages.

Beyond being recorded in service history, such as CARFAX reports, certified maintenance is viewed more favourably for a vehicle's value, since it follows manufacturer standards.

The current used market

Finally, the market always fluctuates. Beyond busier or slower sales periods, the dealership will also factor in current trends when estimating your vehicle.

These trends can vary widely by season. For example, in late fall, all-wheel-drive cars that are winter-ready are more popular.

How to maximize your trade-in value

Here are our tips to maximize value when you plan to trade in or sell your used vehicle:

  • Gather all accessories, keys, and any original equipment you still have.
  • Assemble the maintenance history, including invoices and other proof of service.
  • Clean your vehicle inside and out so its true condition is clear.
Driver preparing the value of her vehicle trade-in.

Sell or trade: which option to choose for your situation?

Choosing between selling or trading often depends on your needs and preferences. There is no single best answer for every situation. Here are a few criteria to consider when making your choice:

Current priority

Most advantageous option

Get the best price

Private sale

A simple, fast transaction

Dealership trade-in

Fewer steps to handle

Dealership trade-in

Take advantage of a market that favours your
vehicle

Private sale

Get a replacement quickly

Dealership trade-in

Avoid having to meet a large
number of buyers

Dealership trade-in

Volkswagen sign for trading a vehicle at Arbour VW.

To trade in your vehicle today, visit Arbour VW, your VW dealership on the North Shore of Montreal, in Laval and near Boisbriand and Blainville.

With us, you will benefit from our Volkswagen financing and our Volkswagen special offers in Laval on your new vehicle.

FAQ

What is the best way to sell a car?

By going through a dealership, you can sell your vehicle with peace of mind. The dealership takes care of everything and supports each step of the sale.

Is it possible to trade your vehicle at a dealership?

Yes, you can trade your vehicle at a dealership to obtain a credit toward a new vehicle. A trade-in even offers tax advantages.

How does a vehicle trade-in work?

The trade-in process is fairly simple. Visit a dealership with your current vehicle and, after verification, it will offer you a trade-in value that you can apply to a new vehicle.

How can you get the best value for your vehicle?

To get the best value for your vehicle, make sure you have all maintenance and repair records on hand. It is also beneficial to deep clean your vehicle to highlight its overall condition.