When to Sell or Trade In Your Vehicle
Timing affects both value and convenience. Here's how to weigh the trade-offs clearly.

A vehicle's value falls fastest in its first few years, then more slowly. Timing affects both the return you get and the convenience.
Sell or Trade In?
- Trade-in: convenient, typically lower return
- Private sale: higher return, more effort and time
- Selling before major service needs maximises value
Gather service records and fix small issues before selling — a well-presented vehicle with a clear history commands more.
Choose the route that fits your time and tolerance for hassle, not just the headline number.
A clean, well-documented vehicle sells faster and for more, whichever route you choose.
