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Hi Jack,

What are your thoughts on buying a vehicle from a dealer which is a trade-in? I'm just concerned because the three cars I've ever had (2 Pulsars and a Corolla) I've bought privately and had no issues with them and have sold them privately- after getting very low offers from dealers. In general, are trade-ins good quality cars or are they likely to be cars that people find hard to sell on the private market?

There is nothing wrong with a trade-in from a Dealer. People sell their cars for a host of different reasons and provided you do all the necessary checks then I don’t see any problems.

Remember you are covered under the Consumers Guarantees Act when you buy from a Dealer whereas its very much buyer beware when you purchase privately.

Like all commercial businesses profit is the main driver and car Dealers are no different. They will always try and pay the least amount for a trade-in and then endeavour to get the best possible financial return when selling.