Sell directly to a dealer if you want the fastest, simplest sale. Trade in if you are buying your next car from the same dealer and want one transaction. Consign if you can wait for the right buyer and want the dealer to handle viewings and paperwork. The right choice depends on time, effort and price.
| Direct sale to dealer | Trade-in | Consignment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fastest | Same day as your purchase | Depends on the buyer |
| Effort for you | Low | Lowest: one deal | Low: dealer handles viewings |
| Price | Dealer's offer | Offer set against your next car | Often higher, not fixed |
| Best for | You need the money or space now | You are buying from the same dealer | You can wait for the right buyer |
Direct sale
The dealer buys your car, settles any loan with the bank and pays you the balance. It is quick and certain, and you know the figure up front.
Trade-in
Your car's value goes towards the car you buy from the same dealer. You avoid a gap without a car and handle one set of paperwork. In August 2026 one of our customers came only to sell his car and drove home in a BMW 520i M Sport three days later.
Consignment
The dealer markets your car and finds the buyer while you keep ownership. It can fetch more but takes longer, and the terms (fees, duration, viewings) should be agreed in writing first.
Related: Sell your car or trade it in. Official rules and figures: LTA OneMotoring.
Frequently asked questions
Which way of selling gets the highest price?
Consignment often gets more because the car is sold to a private buyer, but it is not guaranteed and takes longer.
Can I sell a car with an outstanding loan?
Yes. The loan is settled with the bank as part of the sale and you receive the balance.
What details does a dealer need for an offer?
Model, registration date, mileage, COE expiry, service history and a few photos.