What is my car actually worth?
It depends which number you're asking about. Here's the difference between trade-in value, private-sale value, and a dealer cash offer — and how to figure out which one applies to your situation.
There isn't one number — there are three
Trade-in value is what a dealer credits toward a new purchase. Private-party value is what an individual buyer would pay you directly, usually the highest number but the most work. Dealer cash offer value is what a dealer or buyer pays to acquire your vehicle outright, with no purchase attached — often close to trade-in value but without needing to buy anything from them.
What actually moves the number
Mileage relative to your vehicle's age, overall condition, accident or title history, local demand for that specific make and model, and how quickly a buyer expects to resell it all factor in. Two identical vehicles can get different offers on the same day for reasons that have nothing to do with the car itself — inventory levels at that specific dealership being one of the biggest.
Why your dealer trade-in offer and an online estimate don't match
Online tools estimate from data you self-report and regional averages. A dealer appraisal is based on an in-person inspection, plus what that specific dealer needs in inventory that week. Neither is “wrong” — they're answering slightly different questions. The way to know where you actually stand is to compare more than one.
Should you sell it or trade it in?
If maximizing cash matters most and you're not in a hurry, selling privately or to a dedicated buyer usually nets more. If convenience matters more, or you want your next vehicle handled in the same transaction, trading in can be simpler — and in many states you're only taxed on the price difference, not the full price of the new vehicle. Our Sell vs. Trade tool walks through the tradeoffs for your specific situation.
Enter it and we'll show you your estimated market range next to it — free, no obligation.