Best Way to Sell Your Car: Trade, Dealer, or Private Sale?
If you want to sell your car, you have three main options—trading it to a dealer, using an online car-buying service, or selling privately. The best choice depends on whether you prioritise speed, ease, or maximising your sale price.
Selling to a dealer (motor trader) or car-buying service like Motorway or We Buy Any Car offers a quick, hassle-free process, often completed in a few hours or days. However, these options typically result in a lower final price compared to a private sale.
Selling privately can get you the highest price, but requires time, effort, and preparation, including advertising, handling enquiries, and meeting potential buyers.
In this guide, you’ll learn the pros and cons of each selling method to help you determine the best way to sell your car based on your priorities.
Do I Sell My Car to Trade?
Selling your used car to a dealership or trader is similar to using a car-buying service like Motorway, or We Buy Any Car, but there are key differences.
When you sell directly to a dealership, you drive the car to the showroom, where they inspect it and provide a valuation. The straightforward process depends on the dealer’s demand for your specific make and model.
Selling a car to trade typically results in the lowest price—similar to a part-exchange offer—as traders aim to resell your vehicle for profit. However, it’s one of the fastest ways to sell a car, and you can often complete the sale the same day, provided you have the necessary documents and identification.
Pros of Selling a Car to Trade
✅ Fast transaction – Sell your car within hours instead of waiting for private buyers.
✅ No advertising required – Skip the hassle of listing your car online.
✅ Straightforward process – Dealers handle paperwork, making the sale simple.
✅ Accepts all conditions – Even high-mileage or older cars may interest trade buyers.
Cons of Selling a Car to Trade
❌ Lower sale price – You’ll usually receive less than a private sale or online car auction.
❌ Dealer interest varies – Depending on market demand, some dealers may not want your car.
❌ Valuation can change – Final price may be adjusted after vehicle inspection.
How Does Selling to Motor Trade Compare to Other Methods?
Selling your car to trade is one of the fastest options, but how does it compare to other selling methods?
- Trade vs. Private Sale – Selling privately fetches a higher price but requires advertising, buyer screening, and negotiation. Motor traders buy instantly but at a lower valuation.
- Trade vs. Car Buying Services – Online car-buying platforms like Motorway connect sellers with competing dealers, often achieving a better price than a direct trade-in. However, selling a vehicle to trade can be completed the same day, while an online sale may take a few days for collection and payment.
🔹 If you prioritise speed and convenience, selling to trade is a straightforward solution. Exploring car-buying services or private sales may be worthwhile in maximising price.
Do I Sell My Vehicle to a Car Buying Service?
Car buying services provide fast, structured transactions but differ in how they operate:
- Motorway connects sellers with a network of verified dealers, allowing them to bid for your car. The process is completed from home, with collection arranged after a final inspection.
- We Buy Any Car provides an instant online valuation, but you must drive the car to a depot for a physical inspection before receiving a confirmed offer.
- Arnold Clark and Bristol Street Motors function similarly to traditional trade sales, offering on-the-spot valuations.
Motorway typically achieves a price above low trade-in values but below a private sale because dealers compete, whereas We Buy Any Car offers quick trade prices with same-day payments.
However, all valuations are subject to inspection, meaning reductions can apply if the vehicle’s condition differs from the online estimate.
Learn how to Sell My Car quickly.
Pros of Selling to a Car Buying Service
✅ Quick and structured process – Online valuations and managed transactions eliminate the hassle of selling privately.
✅ Dealer competition (Motorway only) – A network of traders bids for your car, often leading to a higher final price than a standard trade-in.
✅ Convenience – No advertising, no buyer calls, and no viewings.
✅ Fast payment – Payment is typically processed within 24-48 hours after sale completion.
Get a quick online valuation with Motorway.
Cons of Selling to a Car Buying Service
❌ Price adjustments – Offers may drop after vehicle inspection due to damage, incomplete service history, or excessive wear.
❌ Limited negotiation – Unlike private sales, offers from car-buying services are fixed once confirmed.
❌ Selling fees – Motorway does not charge transaction or admin fees. We Buy Any Car fees are hefty and reduce the final amount received.
💡 A Motorway offer is typically above a low trade-in value but less than you’d fetch during a private sale. Motorway is the best car-selling option if you want a simple, hassle-free process with dealer bidding. If you need an instant sale and same-day payment, We Buy Any Car can be a faster but lower-priced option.
Do I Sell My Car Privately?
Selling your car privately is the best way to maximise price, but it requires time, effort, and preparation. A private sale is ideal if you can handle inquiries, arrange viewings, and negotiate with buyers.
Unlike selling to trade or a car-buying service, private sales involve direct interactions with buyers. This method allows you to set your price and often fetches thousands more than a trade-in. However, it requires preparation, including advertising, paperwork, and ensuring the car is in good condition.
Read how to Sell a Vehicle Privately
Pros of Selling a Car Privately
✅ Best possible price – Private sales typically achieve 20-30% more than trade-in values.
✅ No middleman fees – Unlike the We Buy Any Car service, you receive the full sale price without deductions.
✅ Control over pricing – Set and negotiate the selling price based on market demand.
✅ Wider audience – Advertise on Autotrader, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and other platforms.
Cons of Selling a Car Privately
❌ Time-consuming – Requires effort to advertise, respond to inquiries, and arrange viewings.
❌ Risk of time-wasters – Some buyers haggle or fail to attend appointments.
❌ Scam risk – Private sales can attract fraudulent buyers, so you must be cautious.
❌ Requires preparation – Buyers often want a full-service history, a clean vehicle, and a 12-month MOT.
How Much Can I Get for My Car in a Private Sale vs Trade?
The price difference between a private sale and a trade-in depends on your car’s make, model, mileage, and condition.
- Private sales typically yield 20-30% more than a dealer trade-in.
- A sought-after car (low mileage, full-service history) can achieve £1,000+ more than a trade offer.
- Older vehicles with high mileage may have a smaller gap, as trade buyers expect profit margins.
Example Price Comparison
| Selling Method | Estimated Offer | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Private Sale | £12,000 | Maximum return, patient sellers |
| Motorway (bid for my car) | £11,200 | Quick sale, higher trade price |
| We Buy Any Car | £10,500 | Instant sale, convenience |
| Part Exchange | £10,300 | The easiest but lowest valuation |
Sell Car to Dealer
Selling a car to a dealer offers a quick and reliable transaction with instant valuations and same-day sales. While dealer prices are typically lower than private sales, they provide a secure, hassle-free alternative without the risk of buyer complications or payment issues.
Traders purchase cars based on current market demand, factoring in profit margins, resale potential, and vehicle condition. Understanding how dealers price cars can help maximise your sale price.
How Much Will a Dealer Pay for a Used Car?
Car dealers buy cars for resale, aiming to acquire stock at a lower price to ensure a profit. Dealer valuations are based on:
- Trade book values – Dealers reference industry pricing guides like CAP HPI or Glass’s Guide.
- Resale demand – High-demand vehicles (e.g., low-mileage SUVs) fetch stronger offers.
- Vehicle condition – Cosmetic damage, incomplete service history, or mechanical faults reduce dealer bids.
- Mileage & Age – Higher mileage cars tend to receive lower trade-in offers.
💡 Example: A 3-year-old VW Golf with a full-service history and low mileage may receive a dealer offer of £11,000, while the same car in average condition with high mileage could be valued at £9,000.
➡ Car dealer trade values sit between a car-buying service valuation and a part exchange offer.
How to Get the Best Price from a Dealer?
To increase your trade-in valuation, follow these strategic selling steps:
✅ Get multiple valuations – Compare offers from local dealerships, Motorway dealer bids, and car buying services.
✅ Sell before plate changes – Dealers pay more before March & September (new reg plate months).
✅ Present a well-maintained vehicle – A clean car with a complete service history reassures dealers and boosts offers.
✅ Negotiate – Dealers expect haggling, so don’t accept the first offer.
✅ Consider dealer bidding platforms – The Motorway auction process typically secures higher offers than a single dealer trade-in.
Check Motorway for a quick online car valuation.
💡 If you’re trading in, ask the dealer to adjust the purchase price of your new vehicle rather than simply focusing on the part-exchange value.
What to Expect When Selling a Car to a Dealer?
The dealer buying process is simple and fast, usually completed in one visit:
1️⃣ Get a dealer valuation – Online or in-person assessments based on your car’s details, mileage, and condition.
2️⃣ Car inspection – A physical vehicle check for cosmetic damage, service history, and mechanical wear.
3️⃣ Final price confirmation – The dealer confirms an adjusted price based on any additional findings.
4️⃣ Payment process – Most dealers offer bank transfer payments, often processed within 24-48 hours.
5️⃣ DVLA notification – The dealer completes the V5C transfer, ensuring the vehicle is legally sold.
💡 Selling to a dealer is the fastest way to sell your car while avoiding the difficulties of a private car sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Documents Do I Need to Sell My Car to a Local Car Dealership?
You need a V5C logbook, MOT certificate, and service history to sell your car to a dealership. Some dealers may also request proof of ownership, finance clearance (if applicable), and photo ID. Use the DVLA V62 form (£25) for a Lost Log Book application.
Do I Have to Disclose Accidents When Selling to Trade?
If your car is a write-off, you’ll need to tell the trader. Dealers conduct vehicle history checks, so undisclosed accident history may result in a lower offer or refusal to purchase. You must inform the dealer if your car was written off (Category S or N).
Where Is the Best Place to Sell My Car to Trade?
The best place to sell your car to trade depends on your priority. Franchised dealers offer competitive trade-in prices for newer cars, while independent garages buy a wider variety of vehicles. Motorway and We Buy Any Car provide online trade-in services where multiple dealers bid on your vehicle, potentially securing a better price.
Can I Sell My Car to a Dealership Without Buying a New One?
Yes, you can sell a car to a dealership without buying a new one. Many dealers purchase cars for stock, even if you’re not making a new purchase. The offer will be based on trade-in values, and you may get a better price through dealer bidding platforms like Motorway.
What Does ‘Bid for My Car’ Mean?
“Bid for my car” refers to a process where multiple dealers compete to offer the best price. Platforms like Motorway and Carwow allow dealers to place bids on vehicles, often leading to higher valuations than a single dealership trade-in.
How Does Dealer Bidding Work?
Dealer bidding platforms like Motorway allow multiple verified dealers to compete for your car, driving up the final sale price. Unlike a single trade-in offer, dealer bidding can increase your valuation by hundreds or even thousands compared to a direct dealer sale.
How Can I Protect Myself When Selling a Car to a Dealer?
When selling a car to a dealer, protect yourself by verifying the dealership is legitimate, confirming the agreed payment before signing paperwork, keeping a copy of all documents, and ensuring the dealer handles DVLA notification to avoid liability for the vehicle.
Can I Sell a Car to a Dealer Without a Logbook?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Dealers prefer cars with a V5C logbook as it proves ownership. Without it, you may receive a lower offer, or dealers may refuse to buy the vehicle.
Can I Sell a Car With Outstanding Finance to a Dealer?
Yes, but you must settle the remaining balance first. The dealer will contact your finance provider, obtain a settlement figure, and pay the outstanding amount. If the settlement exceeds the dealer’s offer, you must pay the difference before completing the sale. Run a Car Finance History Check.
Does Motorway Settle Finance on My Car?
Yes, Motorway can settle outstanding finance. Once a dealer buys your car, they pay the remaining finance balance directly to the lender. If the dealer’s offer is lower than the finance owed, you must pay the shortfall before completing the sale.
Can You Get Scammed When Selling to a Dealer?
Selling to a reputable dealer is generally safe, but beware of scams from unlicensed traders. Avoid dealers who offer payments via cheque, request money upfront for processing, or fail to provide official purchase receipts. Always verify dealer credentials before selling.
Does a Dealer Pay More for a Car Than a Private Buyer?
No, private buyers generally pay more than dealers because dealers factor in resale profits and trade margins. A dealer offers a quick, hassle-free sale at a lower price than a private sale. A dealer may be the best option if convenience matters more than price.
Can I Sell a Car Back to a Dealer?
Yes, most dealerships buy back cars, even if you originally purchased from them. However, the offer will be based on current market conditions, vehicle depreciation, and demand. Some dealers may offer loyalty incentives if you buy another car from them.
What Does ‘Take Vehicle Into Trade’ Mean?
“Take vehicle into trade” means a dealer or trader purchases your car as part of their business stock after running an HPI Check. This term is commonly used in trade sales, dealer bidding platforms, and part exchanges.
Can I Sell a Car to a Dealer for Cash?
Most dealerships do not pay in cash due to anti-money laundering regulations. Instead, they typically process payments via BACS (bank transfer), which ensures secure and traceable transactions. If a dealer insists on cash payments, proceed with caution.
Do I Need to Notify DVLA When Selling My Car to a Trader?
Yes, you must notify DVLA when selling a car to a trader or dealer. You can do this online via the DVLA website or by completing the yellow ‘selling to trade’ section of the V5C logbook and posting it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD.
Can I Sell My Car to Garages That Buy Cars?
Yes, independent garages and franchise dealerships buy cars directly from private sellers. The offer depends on vehicle demand, condition, and mileage. To get a better price, compare offers from multiple garages or use a dealer bidding platform.