Question from the forum “Behind the wheel” – the editors answer occasional inquiries from readers who want practical guidance on buying and selling cars.
— When selling a car through trade-in, is it necessary to visit a salon of the same brand to get a better price?
– In most cases, no. Under a trade-in program, showrooms of different brands operate like regular dealerships, governed by the same market dynamics. No one is expected to offer special favors, especially today when car supply remains tight. The core pricing logic centers on current demand, vehicle condition, and the vehicle’s market value rather than brand loyalty or showroom affiliation.
There are nuanced differences when considering a pure swap of used cars or when buying with mileage as part of a trade-in. In practice, it can be more advantageous to choose a brand-specific showroom for a purchase if the intention is to exchange for a model that comes from the same brand. Dealers often prepare models for sale and address minor defects more thoroughly on their own brand’s inventory. This preparation can translate into a higher perceived value at resale, better cosmetic presentation, and sometimes a smoother handover because the vehicle history and diagnostics align with the brand’s standards.
Nevertheless, a direct price increase is not guaranteed. The quality of the car and the thoroughness of its presentation can lead to a more favorable overall offer, but this is a matter of condition, documentation, and market timing rather than the brand label itself.
In terms of reliability and peace of mind, purchasing or trading in through an official showroom remains a solid option. This approach minimizes fraud risk and provides a clearer, legally compliant transaction framework. It also streamlines the process by reducing the need to search across multiple sellers or buyers, coordinating meetings, and negotiating price in a potentially fragmented market. Vehicles obtained through official outlets typically carry clean ownership documentation and straightforward mileage reporting, though there can still be irregularities in any market depending on the individual vehicle’s history and how records have been maintained.
For readers with further questions, they can submit inquiries through the forum’s standard channels within the site’s guidance, and the editorial team will respond in subsequent posts with practical tips and updates based on current market conditions.
- How to choose a good used sedan is described here.
- “Behind the wheel” can also be read on VKontakte.