Is the trade-in value the same as Kelley Blue Book (KBB)?

KBB publishes three tiers: Trade-In (dealer offer), Private Party, and Suggested Retail. This estimator targets the dealer trade-in figure — typically the lowest of the three. Expect a $1,500–$3,500 swing between the trade-in value and the private-party number on most vehicles.

Should I trade in or sell private-party?

Private-party usually nets 10–20% more, but trading in is faster and gives you a sales-tax credit in 41 states (your new car's taxable price is reduced by your trade-in value). On a $35k purchase, that's often $1,500–$2,500 in tax savings — sometimes enough to close the private-party gap.

Does mileage really matter that much?

Yes. Once a vehicle crosses 100,000 miles its trade-in value drops 15–25% in one step, even if the car is in great shape. Lower-mileage examples of the same year/trim can fetch $2,000–$4,000 more at trade-in. If you're under 100k, time the trade-in before you cross it.

How accurate is this estimator?

We use editorial depreciation curves refreshed quarterly and apply regional demand multipliers. Expect ±10% accuracy on common makes; rare trims, salvage titles, or hard-to-value EVs (early Bolt, first-gen Leaf) may swing more. Always verify with a real Carvana or CarMax instant cash offer before negotiating.

Will the dealer pay off my existing loan?

Yes — they roll the payoff into the new loan. If your trade-in is worth less than the payoff (you're 'upside-down'), the negative equity gets added to your new loan. That's the single fastest way to stay underwater for years. Pay it down or wait if at all possible.

Free calculator · no signup

What's your car actually worth?

Pick your make tier, year, mileage, and condition. We'll show the realistic dealer trade-in range — and what you'd likely clear selling private-party or to Carvana/CarMax instead.

Make tier

Model year2022

Mileage58,000 mi

Condition

Minor wear, runs perfectly

Region

In plain English

A 2022 vehicle in good condition with 58,000 miles typically trades in for $12,295–$14,244 at dealers in your region. Selling private-party or to Carvana/CarMax usually clears $13,525–$16,808 — 18% more.

Dealer trade-in range

$12,295–$14,244

What a dealership will typically offer to take the car on a new-car deal.

Private-party / instant-cash-offer

$13,525–$16,808

Carvana, CarMax, or Craigslist buyer — typically 10–18% more than the dealer offer.

Negotiating leverage

Get a real Carvana / CarMax cash offer first. Most dealers will match or beat it to save the sale — that's where the $2,564 extra value comes from.

What this unlocks on your next car

~$15,260 of buying power

Apply your $13,270 mid-range equity as a down payment and lenders extend roughly $15,260 of additional purchase price at today's rates.

Free · Soft credit pull · 60 seconds

Estimate, not a quote. Actual rates and terms depend on your credit profile, lender, location, and underwriting criteria. CarSavr does not originate loans or issue policies. See methodology · how we make money.

Connected calculators

One number leads to the next.

Affordability sets your budget. Loan math sets your payment. Insurance + total cost set your real monthly. Move between any of them in one click.

See all calculators

Auto Loan Calculator

Open

Auto Refinance Savings Calculator

Open

Car Affordability Calculator

Open

Total Car Ownership Cost Calculator

Open

Insurance Cost Estimator

Open

Auto Insurance Increase Calculator

Open

Lease vs. Buy Calculator

Open

Bi-Weekly Payment Calculator

Open

Title, Tax & Fee Calculator

Open

Total Interest Paid Calculator

Open

Insurance Premium Predictor

Open

Is an Extended Warranty Worth It Calculator

Open

Your trade-in equity

Apply $13,270 of equity → unlock ~$15,260 of buying power.

Putting your trade-in toward a down payment lowers your loan balance and APR risk. See pre-qualified auto loan offers anchored to your real equity.

Free · No obligation · 60 seconds

CarSavr may earn a commission when you connect with a lender or insurer through our links — it never changes how our editors rank or score providers, and you pay nothing extra. Read our full advertiser disclosure.

Related guide

Trade-In vs. Private Party Sale

Read guide

What's your car actually worth?

One number leads to the next.

Apply $13,270 of equity → unlock ~$15,260 of buying power.

Common questions

Is the trade-in value the same as Kelley Blue Book (KBB)?

Should I trade in or sell private-party?

Does mileage really matter that much?

How accurate is this estimator?

Will the dealer pay off my existing loan?