Trade In or Private Sale: What’s the Smarter Move?
Thinking about selling your current car? Then you’ve probably already run into the big question:
Should I trade it in, or sell it privately?
At Mike’s Car Store, we hear this all the time—and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some folks are convinced dealers will lowball you. Others are tired of dealing with flaky private buyers. And let’s face it: the internet is full of strong opinions with zero context.
So we’re breaking it down for you—no pressure, no gimmicks, just facts—so you can make the best decision for your unique situation.
Private Sale: More Money, More Headaches
Let’s be real: private buyers can waste a whole lot of your time. Listing your car online means posting photos, answering DMs from strangers at all hours, and hearing every excuse in the book:
- “I’m waiting on my tax return.”
- “Can you hold it for me?”
- “I’ll bring cash—next week.”
Sound familiar?
If your car isn’t paid off, it gets even trickier. Most private buyers won’t wait 20–30 days for your lender to send the title. Are you going to hand over your car without transferring ownership? Leave your plate on it for them to rack up tolls or worse?
Private sales also mean more risk—fake checks, scams, even personal safety concerns. We’ve seen stories of people getting robbed or having their cars stolen during test drives. That’s why we always recommend meeting at a police station if you go the private route.
Trade-In: Fast, Simple, No Surprises
Now, let’s talk trading in.
Here’s the beauty of it:
You walk in with your current car and walk out with a new one. Done. No waiting on a buyer. No title transfer drama. No strangers test-driving your car around town. Plus, if you still owe money on your loan, we can handle the payoff right here at the dealership—you won’t need to write a big check or deal with your bank.
And let’s not forget about the tax savings. In Indiana, you only pay sales tax on the price difference between your trade-in and your new car. So if you’re buying a $25,000 car and trading in one worth $10,000, you only pay tax on the $15,000 difference.
Want to learn more about selling privately? Check out our YouTube video, “How to Sell Your Car Without a Dealer,” for a deep dive into doing it the right (and safe) way.
So... What’s the Smarter Move?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Sell Privately If:
- You have a rare, specialty, or vintage vehicle
- You want to maximize profit and have time to wait
- You’re prepared for the effort and risk involved
- You’ve got your title in hand and a safe selling plan
Trade In If:
- You want a fast and easy transaction
- You still have a payoff or negative equity
- Your vehicle is a late-model car or SUV that fits dealer inventory
- You want to avoid scams, legal risks, and hassles
- You like saving money on sales tax
Still Not Sure? We’ll Give You a Real Offer, No Pressure.
Selling your car doesn’t have to suck! At Mike’s Car Store, we’re here to help you sell or trade with confidence. Whether you’re just curious about what your car’s worth or you’re ready to trade it in today, we’ll give you a no-obligation cash offer based on real-time market data—no guesswork, no lowballs. Click here to get your cash offer or visit us in Georgetown, IN – Just minutes from Louisville!
At the end of the day, your car, your call. But if you want honest advice and real value—we’ve got your back at Mike’s Car Store.
