Car

Melisasking

I need a new car

Is it better to sell my old car or do a trade in?

mcw92

Sell will get you a higher price, but potentially take longer and alot of wasted conversations depending on what you are selling.

Also allows you to buy the new car anywhere you want.

Trade will get you a lower price but be a much quicker ams easier process, in most cases. But then you are stuck to buying from that dealer (I think?)

prawnsambo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122152368#Comment_122152368

You trade in a car with a dealer means you are buying from that dealer. "Trade-in" means using your car as part payment for a new (to you) car.

elperello

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058352111/car

Do you mean brand new or used ?

littlevillage

This is a question that is asked ad nauseam on the Motors Forum.

Answer.

If you want an easy life and don't mind being fleeced then trade your car in at a dealers and buy the new car from them for whatever asking price they feel they can charge you.

If you want to save money and don't mind mixing it up with the great unwashed... try to sell your own car privately and buy new for a straight price from a dealer.

(with straight price sales, you can easily see, who is giving you better value and you might even be able to play dealers off against each other)

hoodie6029

Here’s what ChatGPT thinks when I pasted the OP into it and said make it specific to ROI. 😮

When considering whether to sell your old car or trade it in in the Republic of Ireland, the decision hinges on several local factors. Here’s a more specific breakdown for Ireland:

Selling Your Car Privately in Ireland

Pros:

1. Higher Sale Price: You can often get more money from a private sale compared to a trade-in.
2. Control Over the Sale: You can set your own price and negotiate directly with buyers.
3. No Dealer Fees: Avoid lower trade-in offers from dealerships.

Cons:

1. Time-Consuming: Finding a buyer can take time, especially if your car is not in high demand.
2. Effort Required: You need to advertise (e.g., on DoneDeal, Carzone, or Adverts.ie), respond to inquiries, and arrange viewings.
3. Paperwork: You’ll need to handle the transfer of ownership and other administrative tasks yourself.
4. Safety Concerns: Meeting potential buyers involves risks.

Trading In Your Car in Ireland

Pros:

1. Convenience: The dealer handles all paperwork, and the process is usually quick and straightforward.
2. Tax Benefits: You only pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) on the difference between the trade-in value and the new car price, potentially saving money.
3. Condition: Dealers may accept your car without needing you to make repairs.

Cons:

1. Lower Value: Trade-in values are typically lower than private sale prices as dealers need to make a profit on resale.
2. Limited Negotiation: There’s generally less room to negotiate the trade-in value compared to private sales.

Specific Considerations for Ireland

1. Car Market: Check the current market demand for your car model in Ireland. Popular models tend to sell faster and at higher prices.
2. Advertising Platforms: Use local online marketplaces such as DoneDeal, Carzone, or Adverts.ie to reach potential buyers.
3. Paperwork: Be prepared to complete the required forms (e.g., RF100 for transfer of ownership) and inform the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) if selling privately.
4. NCT (National Car Test): A current NCT certificate can significantly increase your car’s value in a private sale.
5. Insurance: Notify your insurance company once the car is sold or traded in.

Decision Guide

• If you prioritize convenience and a quick transaction, trading in at a dealership is advisable.
• If maximizing financial return is your main goal and you can invest the time and effort, selling privately is better.

Final Recommendation

Evaluate your car’s condition, market demand, and your personal circumstances to decide. If you need quick cash and a hassle-free process, opt for a trade-in. If you’re willing to put in the effort for potentially higher returns, go for a private sale.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122152614#Comment_122152614

Perfect answer tbh😂

hoodie6029

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122153280#Comment_122153280

It’s scary how accurate it is, it was good before but the new release last week has made it so much better.
I use it a lot for various ‘how to..’ questions. Saves having to sit through a 10 minute YouTube that doesn’t tell you what you need or a forum post from 2005 which are the only results that Google seems to return these days

Del2005

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122152614#Comment_122152614

Tax Benefits: You only pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) on the difference between the trade-in value and the new car price, potentially saving money.

VRT is on the price of the new car and what revenue declare it's worth, it's got nothing to do with how much you get for a trade in

Paperwork: Be prepared to complete the required forms (e.g., RF100 for transfer of ownership) and inform the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) if selling privately.

You sign the back of your VLC and YOU post it to Shannon when you sell privately. Why would you inform the NCTS that you sold your car?

Along with the time wasters and tyre kickers you have to deal with when selling privately you also have the people who think that they you have to fix issues that arise after the sale.

You get the best deals from dealers by taking out their finance, cash sales or not having a trade in rarely makes much difference.

hoodie6029

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122154260#Comment_122154260

It ain’t perfect but it’s very good

elperello

Grudgingly I'll say it's ok but nothing special.

You'd get similar from a newspaper/magazine article.

No replacement for a thread where you get advice tailored to your own situation in real time.

Del2005

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122154290#Comment_122154290

The 1st reply to the thread was much shorter and accurate.