Buying used - price difference in trade and private
Discussion
Years ago there was a clear price difference between buying trade or private.
Now it seems that with the prevalence of the internet and buying sites offering easy price comparisons that there's hardly any difference in the two.
Those private sale bargains have all but disappeared; when they do come up then they are hoovered up buy the trade within minutes.
Just a little whinge
Now it seems that with the prevalence of the internet and buying sites offering easy price comparisons that there's hardly any difference in the two.
Those private sale bargains have all but disappeared; when they do come up then they are hoovered up buy the trade within minutes.
Just a little whinge
Likewise, I'm curious to see how fast it takes for the first numpty to offer a packet of crisps and a plastic fiver with Jane Austin scribbled on it in biro for it (though in fairness I haven't had a huge issue selling my cars in the past... mind you the last car I sold privately was 2004-ish).
As for price differences, it's largely down to people thinking they can get prices close to dealer prices, or as you say, genuine private sales get snapped up by traders so quick it makes you spin.
As for price differences, it's largely down to people thinking they can get prices close to dealer prices, or as you say, genuine private sales get snapped up by traders so quick it makes you spin.
Edited by alpha channel on Saturday 10th December 08:38
With a marque and model I know something about from prior ownership I'd go for a 'trade sale' from a dealer rather than deal with a private seller.
Naturally this means a much better price, better than a private deal possibly, but with obvious reasons and more than ever caveat emptor applies.
I should say I do go for trade sales, the last one ended up as one of the best buys I've made.
Naturally this means a much better price, better than a private deal possibly, but with obvious reasons and more than ever caveat emptor applies.
I should say I do go for trade sales, the last one ended up as one of the best buys I've made.
Best private deals seem to have moved to facebay type sites now rather than autographed etc. Gumtree is painful and auto trader seems to have less and less.
Although my last purchase was a Mercedes C coupe from a local dealer that turned up cheap on AT. I found it by chance and was listed about £700 under the rest to clear. I was able to buy it next day as I was the 1st to enquire, ran it for a few weeks and then sold for a small profit as I couldn't live with the manual box and foot park brake
There are deals out there, but increasingly hard to find
I miss shed buying - the thrill of the hunt. Currently in a 2 year lease but already thinking of going back to shed purchase when that finishes as its amazing what you can pick up for sub £5k
Although my last purchase was a Mercedes C coupe from a local dealer that turned up cheap on AT. I found it by chance and was listed about £700 under the rest to clear. I was able to buy it next day as I was the 1st to enquire, ran it for a few weeks and then sold for a small profit as I couldn't live with the manual box and foot park brake
There are deals out there, but increasingly hard to find
I miss shed buying - the thrill of the hunt. Currently in a 2 year lease but already thinking of going back to shed purchase when that finishes as its amazing what you can pick up for sub £5k
TallPaul said:
I view it a little differently and think it proves how little profit there is in the motor trade...
How do you work that out?My car for example... Trade in price is 4500 to 5000. Private price is 5000 to 5500. Dealer sale price is 6500 to 7000.
Private is always in middle between trade in and dealer. Just cause some private sellers think they can get dealer money doesn't mean they will ever get it.
I'm looking at Audi R8s and dealers are looking for 5k profit at least on a 40-50k car. Some private sellers are however expecting to get retail prices on their cars with no warranty or prep.
I've got access to auction sites and can see trade prices there is still a healthy profit on a car in this price range
I've got access to auction sites and can see trade prices there is still a healthy profit on a car in this price range
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