Why your trade-in offer felt low — and what pays more

How a trade-in is actually priced

Dealers retail newer inventory. An older, higher-km trade doesn't go on their lot — it goes to a wholesale auction. So the number they write starts at auction value, then subtracts transport, auction fees, reconditioning risk, and their margin. Every layer comes out of your pocket. By the time it reaches you, a car worth real money privately is quoted at a fraction of it.

The one real advantage a trade-in has

Honesty matters here: in BC, trading in reduces the taxable price of the vehicle you're buying — you save the PST on the trade-in amount. On an expensive trade, that tax break can tip the math. But on an older car quoted at $500–$1,500, saving 7–12% tax on a lowball number rarely beats simply getting paid more for the car. Do both sums before you sign.

What selling direct looks like instead

We're the kind of buyer at the end of that auction chain — so selling to us directly means the middle layers' cut goes to you instead. For running 1990s–2010s cars and trucks we pay $1,000–$5,000+ depending on the vehicle, high kilometres included. No purchase required, no financing pressure, no “let me talk to my manager.” One application, an offer within hours, and payment on the spot at your door.

Bring us your quote

If you have a written trade-in offer, we genuinely want to see it — we're happy to try to beat it. Worst case, you walk back into the dealership knowing your number was fair. Best case, you keep the difference.