Should You Keep, Sell, or Trade in Your Car?

Should You Keep, Sell, or Trade in Your Car? frames a decision centered on depreciation, equity, and timing in the used-vehicle market. The article says Edmunds recommends trading within the first two quarters of the calendar year, when used cars tend to be priced higher, though other factors like market conditions, vehicle age, mileage, and brand can affect trade-in values. It cites Cox Automotive/Kelley Blue Book data showing new-car depreciation of 16% in year one and an additional 12% in year two. The piece also warns that popular 72-month loans can reduce equity over time, potentially creating negative equity under FTC guidance. It notes dealerships generally pay less than private sales because they factor reconditioning and profit margins.