The short answer
A private sale usually gets the highest price but takes the most time and carries the most risk. Part-exchange is the most convenient if you are buying another car, but the dealer builds their margin into your trade-in price. A car buying service sits in between: faster and safer than a private sale, and often better value than a part-exchange once discounts are stripped out.
Key points
- Private sale: highest potential price, most time, most risk (scams, time-wasters, test drives).
- Part-exchange: most convenient, but the trade-in value can be hidden inside a "discount".
- Car buying service: fast, low effort, safe payment, fair trade price.
- Always compare your part-exchange value with a standalone offer.
Private sale
Advertising privately can achieve close to retail value, but you have to photograph the car, write the advert, handle calls and messages, arrange viewings and test drives, and protect yourself from payment scams. It can take weeks.
Part-exchange
Trading in at a dealer is convenient, but dealers often move numbers between the trade-in value and the discount on the new car. To see what you are really being offered, ask for the "cash price" of the new car and compare the trade-in value against an independent valuation.
Car buying service
A buying service gives you a valuation online and a firm offer quickly, then pays by bank transfer. You avoid the adverts, strangers and haggling. Services differ: check for admin fees, how much the price changes on inspection, and how quickly you get paid.
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See also: Sell My Car — Fast, Free & No Obligation