JOURNAL ARTICLE

Get The Most for Your Trade-In.

  • Published In: Consumer Reports, 2026, v. 91, n. 3. P. 105 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: BARRY, KEITH 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on strategies for maximizing the value of a car trade-in when purchasing a new vehicle. It advises buyers to research their car’s trade-in value using resources like Consumer Reports’ trade-in estimator and obtain online purchase offers from companies such as CarMax, Carvana, Driveway, and TrueCar to strengthen negotiation leverage. While private sales may yield higher returns, trade-ins offer convenience and potential tax benefits, especially when dealerships handle loan payoffs and paperwork. The article also recommends avoiding costly repairs before trading in and negotiating the new car price separately before discussing the trade-in to prevent dealers from obscuring the overall deal. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Consumer Reports. 2026/05, Vol. 91, Issue 3, p105
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0010-7174
  • Accession Number:192633052
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