Part exchanging your car: how it works and how to get a fair price

Part exchange means using your current car as part of the payment for your next one. It saves you selling privately — no adverts, no strangers at the door and no waiting for payment — and the whole thing is done in one visit.

How the valuation works

A dealer looks at what your car is likely to be worth to them once it has been checked, prepared and sold on, or sent to auction. The main things that affect the figure are:

• Age and mileage — the biggest factors for most cars
• Service history — stamps, invoices and receipts all help
• Condition — bodywork, interior, tyres and any warning lights
• MOT — a long MOT with no advisories is a plus
• Demand — some models are simply easier to sell than others

What to bring

• The V5C logbook, in your name
• All keys, including spares
• Service book and receipts
• Your latest MOT certificate or advisories

If you still owe finance on your car

You can usually still part exchange. Ask your lender for a settlement figure before you visit. The outstanding balance has to be paid off as part of the deal — if your car is worth more than you owe, the difference goes towards your next car.

Comparing part exchange with selling privately

A private sale can sometimes get a higher figure, but it takes time and effort and carries some risk. Part exchange is quicker and simpler. The fairest way to compare is to look at the overall cost of the change: the price of the car you are buying minus what you are being offered for yours.

Next steps

Read about part exchange with North West Car Group, or contact us with your registration and mileage for a starting figure.