What is trade-in value?

Trade in value is normally somewhere around wholesale value. It is the value of what the car would bring at a wholesale auction. Of course this value can be more than wholesale if the car is in Excellent condition, or the dealer offers more. You are almost always better off selling the car to a private party, and not trading it in. Dealers almost always put as little money in the car you are trading as possible. They must get the car ready for sale and know up front they will have to spend money on detailing and any repairs that are necessary, especially if they are going to sell the car with a warranty. You can sell the car to a private party "As Is" with no warranty. Just make sure to get it in writing.