Trade-in value
Your trade-in value is what a dealer will credit you, typically the lowest of your car's three values: private-party runs a median 25% higher across 492 model-years we track. Choose your car to see its trade-in range.
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Trade-in vs. selling it yourself
| Trade-in | Private sale | Instant cash offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Lowest | 25% higher (median) | Firm offer, varies by buyer |
| Effort | One visit | Listing, showings, paperwork | Online form + pickup or drop-off |
| Sales tax | In many states a trade-in can reduce sales tax on the next car (per Carvana's FAQ); check your state. | ||
Price gap: our analysis of KBB trade-in vs. private-party midpoints, Good condition, fetched 2026-10-23.
Four rules from regulators
- Research your trade-in value before you shop (FTC).
- Negotiate the new car's price first, then the trade-in (FTC).
- Know what you owe. If it's more than the car is worth, ask exactly how the negative equity is handled (FTC).
- Read the amount financed on the contract. 11.6% of loans in CFPB's 2018–2022 data rolled in negative equity (CFPB, June 2024).
Want a firm number? Compare instant cash offers · Owe money? Negative equity calculator · How much is my car worth?
Questions
What is my trade-in value?
It's what a dealer credits you toward another car, usually the lowest of your car's values. Across 492 model-years, KBB private-party values run a median 25% above trade-in (fetched 2026-10-23). Pick your car above for its range.
Should I negotiate the trade-in separately?
Yes. The FTC advises waiting to discuss a trade-in until after you have negotiated the price of the new car, so the dealer cannot offset a generous trade-in with a higher price.
What if I owe more than the car is worth?
That is negative equity. The FTC warns some dealers roll it into the new loan even when they promise to pay it off. Use our negative equity calculator first.
How common is rolling over negative equity?
The CFPB found 11.6% of vehicle loans in its 2018–2022 data included negative equity, with a mean of $5,073 on new-vehicle and $3,284 on used-vehicle financing.