When it is time to replace your current vehicle, one of the first decisions you may face is whether to trade it in at the dealership or sell it privately.

At first glance, selling the vehicle yourself may seem like the obvious financial choice.

Private-party buyers may sometimes be willing to pay more for a used vehicle than a dealership offers as a trade-in.

But that does not automatically mean selling privately is the better deal.

Trading your vehicle can save you time, eliminate much of the paperwork and uncertainty of a private sale, simplify paying off an existing auto loan, and—in states such as Missouri—potentially provide sales-tax advantages when you purchase your replacement vehicle.

So which option is better?

The answer depends on more than the difference between the advertised private-party value and the dealership's trade-in offer.

You need to compare the actual net financial benefit of both options.

That means considering:

• Trade-in value

• Realistic private-sale price

• Sales-tax treatment

• Loan payoff

• Positive or negative equity

• Time involved

• Advertising costs

• Repairs and detailing

• Safety and fraud risk

• Paperwork

• Convenience

• How quickly you need your next vehicle

For some owners, selling privately can put more money in their pocket.

For others, trading the vehicle is easily worth it once all of the other costs and complications are considered.

Here's how to decide which option makes the most sense for you.

What Is the Difference Between Trading In and Selling Privately?

When you trade in your vehicle, the dealership purchases your current vehicle as part of your transaction for another car, truck, or SUV.

The dealership appraises your vehicle and offers you a trade value.

That amount is then incorporated into the overall transaction.

If your vehicle is paid off, its trade value represents equity that can generally be applied toward your replacement vehicle.

If you still have a loan, the dealership typically obtains a payoff amount from your lender and handles that payoff as part of the transaction.

When you sell privately, you find another individual who wants to purchase your vehicle directly from you.

You negotiate the price, collect payment, complete the ownership transfer, deal with any existing loan or lien, and handle the sale documentation yourself.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau specifically recommends comparing the value a dealership will offer with what you could reasonably receive by selling the vehicle directly. Both approaches can reduce the amount you need to borrow for your next vehicle, so the best choice depends on the actual savings each produces.

Do You Get More Money Selling a Car Privately?

Potentially, yes.

A private-party sale may produce a higher selling price than a dealership trade-in.

Why?

A dealership cannot simply pay full retail price for every trade.

When a dealer acquires a used vehicle, it may need to account for:

• Mechanical inspection

• Reconditioning

• Tires

• Brakes

• Maintenance

• Body repairs

• Paint work

• Detailing

• Transportation

• Vehicle history

• Inventory carrying costs

• Advertising

• Market fluctuations

• Warranty or certification expenses

• The risk that the vehicle may not sell quickly

A private buyer purchasing the vehicle for personal use does not have those same business expenses.

That may allow the private buyer to pay more than the dealer can reasonably offer.

But the key word is may.

The number you see listed online for similar vehicles is not necessarily the amount you will receive.

A vehicle advertised at $25,000 may ultimately sell for $23,000 after several weeks of advertising and negotiation.

When comparing a trade offer with a private sale, use a realistic selling price, not simply the highest asking price you can find online.

Why Is Trade-In Value Usually Lower Than Retail Value?

One of the most common frustrations for vehicle owners is seeing similar cars advertised online for significantly more than their trade offer.

Suppose you see vehicles like yours advertised for:

$29,995

and the dealership offers:

$24,000

It is easy to think:

"Why shouldn't I just get $30,000 for mine?"

Because the $29,995 vehicle is a retail vehicle that may already have been:

• Inspected

• Repaired

• Serviced

• Detailed

• Reconditioned

• Marketed

• Financed into inventory

• Prepared for retail sale

The advertised number is also an asking price, not necessarily the final selling price.

Your vehicle, meanwhile, may still require several thousand dollars of work before a dealership can confidently offer it for sale.

The correct comparison is not:

Trade value vs. dealer retail asking price

It is:

Trade value vs. what you can realistically net from a private sale.

Those are very different comparisons.

What Are the Advantages of Trading In a Car?

Trading a vehicle offers several major advantages.

1. Trading Is Much Easier

Convenience is probably the biggest advantage.

You can potentially complete the entire process in one transaction.

You arrive at the dealership with your current vehicle.

The dealership appraises it.

You agree on the value.

The dealership handles the acquisition paperwork and, when necessary, coordinates the lender payoff.

You leave in your replacement vehicle.

There may be no need to:

• Create advertisements

• Take dozens of photos

• Answer messages

• Schedule appointments

• Meet strangers

• Allow test drives

• Negotiate repeatedly

• Verify payment

• Handle loan payoff logistics yourself

• Coordinate title transfer with a private buyer

For many people, that convenience has substantial value.

2. You Don't Have to Find a Buyer

Selling privately means finding someone who wants your exact vehicle.

That may happen quickly.

Or it may take weeks.

Vehicles with broad demand may be easier to sell.

Others can take considerably longer depending on:

• Price

• Mileage

• Color

• Condition

• Trim

• Market demand

• Time of year

• Geographic location

Trading transfers that market risk to the dealership.

3. A Dealership Can Handle an Existing Loan

If you still owe money on the vehicle, a trade can greatly simplify the transaction.

The dealership can generally obtain the payoff information from your lender and coordinate satisfying the lien.

According to the CFPB, owners considering a trade should obtain the actual payoff amount, which may differ from the account balance shown on a monthly statement because of interest, fees, or other amounts.

Handling that loan privately can be more complicated because the buyer will usually want clear title to the vehicle.

4. Trading Can Simplify Negative Equity

If you owe more than the vehicle is worth, you have negative equity.

For example:

Loan payoff: $28,000

Vehicle value: $24,000

Negative equity: $4,000

That $4,000 still has to be addressed.

A dealership may be able to incorporate that situation into the structure of your replacement vehicle transaction, subject to lender approval.

The CFPB warns that rolling negative equity into a new auto loan increases the amount borrowed and can increase the total interest paid.

But from a logistical standpoint, dealing with one dealership and finance department may be substantially easier than trying to coordinate a private sale when a lender still has a lien on the vehicle.

5. Trading May Provide Sales-Tax Benefits

This is one of the most overlooked factors.

In states that allow qualifying trade-in credits or allowances, you may not necessarily pay sales tax on the full purchase price of the replacement vehicle.

This can significantly narrow the apparent gap between a private-sale price and a trade-in offer.

Missouri is a particularly important example, which we'll examine later.

What Are the Advantages of Selling Your Car Privately?

Selling privately also offers clear advantages.

1. You May Get a Higher Price

This is the primary reason most owners consider selling themselves.

If a dealership offers:

$20,000

but a private buyer will realistically pay:

$23,500

there is a $3,500 difference before considering taxes, repairs, advertising expenses, and your time.

For someone willing to handle the process, that additional money may make private selling worthwhile.

2. You Control the Selling Price

When selling privately, you decide:

• Asking price

• Negotiation range

• Where to advertise

• When to sell

• Whether to accept an offer

You are not required to accept a dealer appraisal if you believe the vehicle is worth more.

3. Certain Vehicles May Perform Better Privately

Some cars attract enthusiasts or specialized buyers who may value them more highly than a general dealership.

Examples might include:

• Older enthusiast cars

• Highly modified vehicles

• Collector vehicles

• Unique configurations

• Manual-transmission cars

• Specialty off-road vehicles

• Unusually well-maintained older models

A private buyer who specifically wants that exact vehicle may pay more than a dealership that needs to evaluate it primarily according to resale risk.

What Are the Disadvantages of Selling Privately?

The potential for more money comes with more responsibility.

Finding Buyers

Private sellers often underestimate how much communication is involved.

You may receive:

• Messages asking whether the car is still available

• Low offers

• Trade proposals

• Financing questions

• Requests for additional photos

• Requests for vehicle history information

• No-shows

• Buyers who change their minds

If your time is valuable, this matters.

Meeting Strangers

Selling a vehicle involves allowing strangers to inspect an asset that may be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

You also need to think about:

• Where to meet

• How to verify identity

• How to handle test drives

• How to protect your personal information

• How to verify payment

A dealership removes much of that concern.

Payment Risk

Accepting a large payment privately requires caution.

Checks can be fraudulent.

Electronic payments can create their own complications.

Cash transactions involving large amounts also raise security concerns.

Many private sellers choose to complete transactions at a financial institution so funds and documentation can be verified.

Paperwork

Private sales require you to understand your state's requirements for:

• Title transfer

• Odometer disclosure

• Bill of sale

• Notice of sale

• License plates

• Lien release

• Registration

• Sales-tax documentation

Missouri sellers, for example, should follow the Missouri Department of Revenue's current vehicle-sale and title-transfer requirements.

Loan Payoff Complications

If you own your vehicle outright, a private transaction is simpler.

If a lender still holds a lien, things become more difficult.

The CFPB notes that someone privately selling a financed vehicle may need to notify the lienholder and comply with the finance contract before the vehicle can be transferred.

Is It Better to Trade In a Car That Is Still Financed?

Often, trading is easier.

Let's say you owe:

$22,000

and your vehicle is worth:

$26,000

You have approximately:

$4,000 in positive equity.

A dealership can generally obtain the official payoff, satisfy the existing lender, and apply the remaining equity toward the next transaction.

If you sell privately for $28,000 instead, you may potentially make another $2,000.

But you need to coordinate paying off the $22,000 lien and transferring ownership to the private buyer.

That might still be worthwhile.

It is simply more complicated.

What If You Owe More Than the Car Is Worth?

Suppose:

Vehicle value: $21,000

Loan payoff: $25,000

You're upside down by:

$4,000

If you trade, that $4,000 negative equity needs to be addressed.

It could potentially be:

• Paid in cash

• Partially offset by a down payment

• Incorporated into the next loan if approved

• Reduced by waiting and paying down the current loan

The CFPB recommends carefully considering whether waiting and reducing the existing balance makes more sense than immediately rolling negative equity into another loan.

Selling privately may help if you can receive more for the car.

For example:

Dealer trade offer: $21,000

Private-sale price: $23,500

Loan payoff: $25,000

With the dealer offer:

Negative equity = $4,000

With the private sale:

Remaining deficiency = $1,500

That additional private-sale value could reduce your problem substantially.

In a negative-equity situation, it is especially worthwhile to compare both options.

How Does Sales Tax Affect Trade-In vs. Private Sale?

This is where the comparison becomes much more interesting.

Let's use an example.

Suppose:

Replacement vehicle price: $50,000

Trade-in offer: $25,000

Private-sale price: $27,000

At first glance, selling privately appears to make you:

$2,000 more.

But if the trade provides a qualifying sales-tax allowance, you may save tax on the $25,000 trade value.

If your effective applicable tax rate were hypothetically around 8%, that could represent roughly:

$2,000 in tax difference.

Suddenly, that $27,000 private sale and $25,000 trade may be much closer financially than they first appeared.

Actual rules and tax rates depend on your state and locality.

That is why you should compare the after-tax net result.

How Does Missouri Handle a Private Sale and Replacement Vehicle?

Missouri buyers have an important consideration.

The Missouri Department of Revenue states that if you sell a vehicle and purchase a replacement vehicle, you may qualify for a sales-tax allowance if the purchase and sale occur within 180 days of one another and the applicable requirements are satisfied.

You generally need documentation such as a bill of sale or Missouri Notice of Sale, and the replacement vehicle must meet the state's requirements for the credit.

This means Missouri residents aren't always forced to choose between:

Trading the vehicle and receiving a tax benefit

or

Selling privately and losing the tax benefit completely.

A qualifying private sale may still provide a replacement-vehicle tax allowance if the state's requirements are properly followed.

That changes the math considerably.

Missouri Example

Suppose you sell your current vehicle privately for:

$28,000

You purchase another vehicle for:

$45,000

If the private sale qualifies under Missouri's replacement-vehicle rules and occurs within the required 180-day period, the qualifying sale amount can affect the taxable amount of the replacement transaction under Missouri law.

You'll need proper documentation, and the transaction needs to satisfy the state's current requirements.

This is an excellent reason Missouri buyers should keep copies of every sales document.

How Long Do You Have in Missouri to Claim the Private-Sale Tax Allowance?

Current Missouri Department of Revenue guidance specifies 180 days.

The vehicle being sold and the replacement purchase or contract to purchase must fall within that period.

Missouri's guidance also states that the units don't necessarily have to be the same type for the allowance to apply under qualifying circumstances.

Because regulations can change, verify current requirements with the Missouri Department of Revenue when completing your transaction.

Trade-In vs. Private Sale Example

Let's compare a realistic scenario.

You own a three-year-old SUV.

Dealer Trade Offer

$26,000

Realistic Private-Sale Price

$28,500

At first glance:

Private sale wins by $2,500.

But imagine the private sale requires:

Professional detailing: $300

Minor repair: $500

Advertising or listing expense: $100

Now the advantage is:

$2,500
minus $900

= $1,600

Then factor in several weeks of:

• Messages

• Test drives

• Negotiation

• Payment verification

• Paperwork

You may still decide that $1,600 is worth the effort.

Someone else may decide they would gladly accept $1,600 less to complete the transaction immediately.

Neither answer is automatically wrong.

How Much More Should You Get Privately for It to Be Worth It?

There is no universal number.

Think about the net difference rather than the gross difference.

Suppose:

Trade offer: $30,000

Realistic private-sale value: $30,800

For an $800 difference, many owners would choose the convenience of the trade.

Now suppose:

Trade offer: $22,000

Private-sale value: $28,000

A potential $6,000 difference deserves much more serious consideration.

The larger the difference, the more attractive the private sale becomes.

Is an Online Car Value the Same as a Trade Offer?

No.

Online valuation tools can be useful for establishing a range.

The CFPB recommends researching approximate trade value using established third-party valuation sources and obtaining multiple estimates when appropriate.

But your actual vehicle has to be evaluated.

Factors affecting the appraisal can include:

• Mileage

• Body condition

• Interior condition

• Mechanical condition

• Tires

• Accident history

• Trim level

• Options

• Color

• Local market demand

• Current wholesale values

• Reconditioning needs

An online calculator cannot inspect your actual car.

Use valuation tools as a starting point rather than a guaranteed offer.

Should You Get Multiple Trade-In Offers?

It can be helpful.

If you are unsure of your vehicle's current market value, multiple appraisals can provide context.

One dealership may value your vehicle differently based on:

• Inventory needs

• Local customer demand

• Auction conditions

• Reconditioning capability

• Brand specialization

However, don't evaluate the trade number in isolation.

If Dealer A offers $1,500 more for your trade but charges $2,500 more for the replacement vehicle, you are not actually ahead.

Compare the entire transaction.

Should You Negotiate the Trade and New Car Separately?

Understanding each number separately is useful.

You should know:

• Selling price of your next vehicle

• Trade allowance

• Loan payoff

• Equity

• Incentives

• Taxes and fees

• Amount financed

• Interest rate

• Loan term

• Monthly payment

That prevents an attractive-looking monthly payment from hiding an unfavorable structure.

The CFPB recommends comparing the complete financing terms rather than focusing solely on payment, and notes that longer loan terms can increase total interest costs and expose borrowers to negative equity for longer periods.

Should You Repair Your Car Before Trading It In?

Usually, get it appraised first.

You may assume spending $2,000 on repairs will increase the vehicle's value by $2,000.

That isn't necessarily true.

A dealership may be able to perform the same repairs for substantially less because it has access to internal labor, wholesale parts, or reconditioning resources.

Before spending money, ask:

What is my vehicle worth as-is?

Then determine whether repairing it would actually provide a worthwhile return.

Should You Repair a Car Before Selling Privately?

This calculation is a little different.

Private buyers may be less comfortable purchasing a vehicle that needs obvious repairs.

Fixing:

• Warning lights

• Broken accessories

• Worn tires

• Obvious mechanical problems

could make the vehicle easier to sell.

But cosmetic perfection may not be worth the investment.

A buyer shopping for an eight-year-old vehicle expects some wear.

The goal should be to address problems that meaningfully affect value, safety, or buyer confidence.

Should You Detail Your Car Before Selling?

For a private sale, a clean vehicle can make a significant difference.

You want:

• Clean exterior

• Vacuumed carpets

• Clean seats

• Clean glass

• Removed personal items

• Organized maintenance records

• Good photos

You don't necessarily need a $500 professional detail.

For a trade-in, basic cleanliness is helpful, but dealerships evaluate vehicles every day in all conditions.

You generally don't need to spend significant money detailing a vehicle just to receive an appraisal.

What If Your Car Has Accident History?

You can still sell or trade it.

Accident history may affect value, particularly if the vehicle has:

• Structural damage

• Airbag deployment

• Poor repair quality

• Branded title history

A private buyer may ask detailed questions about previous damage.

A dealership can often evaluate that information directly through vehicle-history reports and physical inspection.

Be truthful about known accident history regardless of how you sell.

Which Is Safer: Trading or Selling Privately?

Trading is generally simpler from a personal-security standpoint.

The dealership is a known business.

You aren't arranging meetings with strangers at your house.

You aren't handing your keys to an unknown buyer for a test drive.

You aren't attempting to verify a large private payment.

If you do sell privately, consider completing the transaction in a secure public location or at a bank or credit union where payment can be verified.

Never hand over your vehicle or signed title until you are confident that payment is legitimate and complete.

What Happens to Your License Plates?

This depends on state law.

In Missouri, sellers should follow Department of Revenue procedures regarding title assignment, notice of sale, plates, and registration.

Do not assume the license plates automatically belong with the vehicle.

Check Missouri's current requirements before completing the transaction.

A dealership can generally help explain the process if you're trading the vehicle.

What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell Privately?

Requirements differ by state, but you may need:

• Certificate of title

• Bill of sale

• Odometer disclosure

• Lien release

• Notice of sale

• Identification

• Maintenance records

• Additional state-specific forms

If your title is lost or has an error, resolve that before advertising the vehicle.

A clean documentation package can make a private sale much easier.

When Does Trading In Make the Most Sense?

Trading may be the better choice when:

• The trade offer is close to private-party value.

• You value convenience.

• You still owe money on the vehicle.

• You have negative equity.

• You want to complete the transaction immediately.

• You don't want strangers test-driving your vehicle.

• You don't want to advertise or negotiate.

• You want the dealership to handle payoff and paperwork.

• Your vehicle needs reconditioning.

• The net after-tax difference is small.

For many owners, these factors outweigh a modest increase in private-sale price.

When Does Selling Privately Make the Most Sense?

A private sale may make more sense when:

• The price difference is substantial.

• Your vehicle is paid off.

• You have a clear title.

• The car is desirable to private buyers.

• You have time to wait.

• You're comfortable negotiating.

• You're comfortable handling payment and paperwork.

• Your vehicle is in excellent condition.

• You understand your state's tax rules.

• You don't urgently need your replacement vehicle.

A clean, paid-off vehicle with strong private-market demand is one of the best candidates for a private sale.

What About Very Cheap Cars?

Private selling may make particular sense for older inexpensive vehicles.

Suppose a dealership offers:

$1,500

for an older vehicle because it is not something the dealership wants to retail.

A private buyer looking for basic transportation might be willing to pay:

$3,500

The percentage difference is huge.

For lower-value vehicles, the potential private-market advantage can sometimes justify the extra effort.

What About Expensive Newer Vehicles?

The calculation can move in the opposite direction.

Suppose your nearly new truck is worth around $55,000.

If a dealer offers $53,500 and you might obtain $55,000 privately, is the additional $1,500 worth coordinating a private transaction involving more than $50,000?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

The answer depends on your comfort level and the tax implications.

What Is Your Time Worth?

This is the question many vehicle owners forget to ask.

Suppose privately selling your vehicle gives you an additional:

$1,200

But it takes:

• Three weeks

• 40 messages

• Six test drives

• Two no-shows

• Several hours of cleaning

• Multiple negotiations

• A trip to the bank

• Additional paperwork

Was the $1,200 worthwhile?

For some people, absolutely.

For others, definitely not.

Convenience has economic value even if it doesn't appear on a purchase agreement.

The Best Way to Compare Trade-In vs. Private Sale

Use this formula.

Step 1: Get a Real Trade Offer

Don't rely exclusively on an online estimate.

Have the vehicle physically appraised.

Step 2: Estimate the Realistic Private-Sale Price

Look at comparable vehicles, but account for negotiation.

Do not simply choose the highest advertised vehicle online.

Step 3: Calculate Your Payoff

If financed, obtain the official payoff amount.

Step 4: Calculate Equity

Vehicle value - payoff = equity

Do this under both scenarios.

Step 5: Estimate Private-Sale Expenses

Include:

• Repairs

• Detailing

• Advertising

• Transportation

• Documentation expenses

• Your time

Step 6: Determine Tax Treatment

This is particularly important in Missouri.

If you're selling privately and buying a replacement vehicle, make sure you understand Missouri's 180-day replacement-vehicle allowance and documentation requirements.

Step 7: Compare the Actual Net Difference

You may discover that a supposed $3,000 private-sale advantage is actually only $800.

Or you may find that the difference really is several thousand dollars.

Now you're making the decision with real numbers.

Can Chuck Anderson Ford Appraise Your Vehicle Even If You Haven't Decided?

If you're considering your options, getting an actual trade appraisal is one of the best places to start.

At Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, we can evaluate your current car, truck, or SUV and show you what it is worth as a trade.

If you still owe money, we can also help determine the appropriate payoff so you can understand your current equity position.

Once you know those numbers, you can compare them with what you realistically believe you could receive in a private sale.

There's no need to guess.

You can evaluate:

• Current trade value

• Loan payoff

• Positive or negative equity

• Replacement vehicle price

• Available Ford incentives

• Financing options

• Missouri sales-tax considerations

• Your estimated private-sale value

Then you can decide which approach makes the most sense for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trading vs. Selling Privately

Is it better to trade a car or sell it privately?

It depends. A private sale may produce a higher selling price, while trading is generally faster and easier. Compare the actual net financial result after considering sales tax, payoff, expenses, and your time.

Do dealerships pay less than private buyers?

Often, because dealerships must account for reconditioning, inventory costs, market risk, and resale expenses. However, the difference may be smaller than expected once taxes and private-sale costs are considered.

Is trading in a car easier?

Yes. A dealership can generally handle the appraisal, ownership transfer, lender payoff, and trade paperwork as part of your replacement vehicle transaction.

Can I sell my car privately if I still owe money?

Potentially, but you will need to satisfy the lien and follow your lender's requirements before clean ownership can be transferred. Contact the lienholder before completing the sale.

What if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?

You have negative equity. Whether you sell or trade, the deficiency must still be resolved. Private selling could reduce the deficiency if you receive more than the dealer trade value.

Does Missouri give you a tax credit if you sell your vehicle privately?

Missouri currently provides a sales-tax allowance in qualifying replacement-vehicle situations when the purchase and sale occur within 180 days and applicable documentation and ownership requirements are satisfied.

How long do I have to buy another vehicle after selling one in Missouri?

Current Missouri Department of Revenue guidance specifies 180 days for qualifying transactions.

Should I trade my car if I have positive equity?

Positive equity can be applied toward your next transaction and can reduce the amount you need to finance. Whether trading is better than selling privately depends on the net values involved.

Should I trade my car if I'm upside down?

It depends on how much negative equity you have and why you need another vehicle. Waiting and paying down the balance may sometimes be financially preferable to carrying negative equity into another loan.

Is it worth selling privately for $1,000 more?

That depends on how much you value your time and convenience. Once you account for preparation, advertising, meetings, negotiation, paperwork, and potential tax differences, the $1,000 advantage may become much smaller.

Should I repair my vehicle before trading it?

Get an appraisal first. The cost of repairs may exceed the increase in trade value.

Can I get my car appraised without trading it immediately?

Yes. Obtaining a realistic current appraisal is one of the best ways to determine whether a private sale is worth pursuing.

The Bottom Line: Compare the Net Value, Not Just the Selling Price

So, should you trade in your car or sell it privately?

Sell privately if the additional net money is substantial enough to justify the extra time, paperwork, negotiation, and risk.

Trade it if the difference is relatively small and you value speed, convenience, simplified payoff, and an easier transaction.

The biggest mistake is looking only at two numbers:

Private-party value vs. trade-in value.

That doesn't tell the whole story.

Instead, compare:

Trade value + applicable tax benefit + convenience

against:

Private-sale price - preparation costs - selling costs - additional effort and risk.

If you still owe money, also account for your payoff and equity position.

And if you're in Missouri, don't overlook the state's current replacement-vehicle sales-tax rules. A qualifying private sale may still provide a sales-tax allowance when the replacement purchase and sale occur within the state's 180-day window and the documentation requirements are met.

Ultimately, there is no rule saying everyone should always trade or everyone should always sell privately.

The right decision is the one that leaves you with the best combination of money, convenience, and confidence in the transaction.

If you're trying to make that comparison, start by getting a real appraisal.

Bring your current vehicle to Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and we'll show you what it is worth, help determine your loan payoff if applicable, and explain how your equity would affect your next purchase.

Whether you're considering a new Ford F-150, Bronco, Explorer, Expedition, Escape, Maverick, Ranger, Mustang, Super Duty, or a quality used vehicle, knowing the real value of your current vehicle gives you the information you need to decide whether trading or selling privately makes the most sense.