How Car Trade-Ins Work: Trading In vs Selling Your Car
The short answer: in a trade-in, a dealership appraises your current vehicle and applies its value toward the vehicle you are buying. It is typically faster and simpler than selling privately, while a private sale may bring a higher price in exchange for more time and effort. The right choice depends on what you value most.
How a Trade-In Appraisal Works
An appraiser reviews the vehicle's year, make, model, trim, mileage, condition and history, then compares it with current market data and what similar vehicles are selling for. An online estimate is a starting point; the final value is confirmed after the dealership inspects the vehicle.
What Affects Trade Value
Mileage, overall condition, accident and service history, market demand for that model, local conditions, and any outstanding loan all play a part. Keeping service records and bringing both keys can help.
Trading In vs Selling Privately
| Factor | Trade in | Sell privately |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and effort | One visit; paperwork handled by the dealer | You advertise, meet buyers and handle the title transfer |
| Price | Wholesale-oriented value | Often higher, not guaranteed |
| Loan payoff | Dealer can handle the payoff | You coordinate with your lender |
| Tax treatment | Rules vary by state; confirm with the dealership or a tax professional | Not applicable |
What to Bring
A valid driver's license, the vehicle's title or loan account information, registration, all keys and fobs, and service records if you have them.
Get a Trade Value Started
Use Dial's trade value tool or the sell us your car form. Estimates are subject to inspection. Ready to shop? Start with new or used inventory.
Keep Researching
Shop at the Right Dial Location
Dial Auto Group has five Chicago dealerships. Each brand is sold at specific stores, so start with the store that carries the vehicle you want.
| Dealership | Brands | Address | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dial Chevy of Chicago | Chevrolet | 6603 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636 | New | Used |
| Dial Nissan of Chicago | Nissan | 7410 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636 | New | Used |
| INFINITI of Chicago | INFINITI | 2711 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616 | New | Used |
| Dial Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicago | Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram | 7340 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636 | New | Used |
| Jeep of Chicago | Jeep | 5950 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 | New | Used |
See all Dial Auto Group locations or search new and used inventory across the group.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Dial Auto Group. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Vehicle features, availability and pricing vary by model and dealership; confirm details with the store.