How the trade-in vs private sale works
Last updated 10 November 2026
When you replace a car, you can trade it in or sell it yourself. The calculator compares the money in each case.
How it works
- Private sale after costs = likely sale price minus the costs of selling.
- Difference = private sale after costs minus the trade-in offer.
- The price you need = the offer plus the costs.
Worked example
With the starting figures:
- A private sale leaves R 202 000 after costs, against a trade-in of R 180 000.
- The private sale price needed to match the offer is R 183 000.
Two ways to sell
When you replace a car you can trade it in or sell it yourself. A dealer offer is quick and certain. A private sale may pay more but costs time and money. This calculator compares the cash you would end up with in each case.
What you enter
- The trade-in offer from the dealer
- The likely private sale price, from adverts for similar cars
- The costs of selling privately, such as adverts, a roadworthy test, a service, cleaning and any repairs a buyer would ask for
Reading the result
The private sale after costs is the sale price minus the costs of selling. The difference is that figure minus the trade-in offer. The calculator also shows the private sale price you would need to match the offer, which is the offer plus the costs. If you can get that price easily, a private sale is worth it. If not, the trade-in is the safer path.
Things that change the comparison
- A private sale can take weeks, and the price is not guaranteed.
- A dealer may include a better deal on the next car that changes the comparison.
- If you still owe money on the car, the bank must be paid first, and the settlement figure matters.
- Tax and transfer costs can differ between the two routes.
What this does not cover
The tool does not value your car. Get several quotes and look at adverts for similar cars. Time and effort are not in the numbers either. For what the new car will cost over time, see the car ownership cost calculator and the car finance calculator.
Things to watch
- A private sale can take weeks, and the price is not guaranteed.
- Dealers may include a deal on the next car that changes the comparison.
See also the car depreciation calculator. Read the full disclaimer.