auto dealer in black and red logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Trade-Ins a Sticking Point

Survey finds many consumers think they don’t get fair value and still seek transparent and fully online process.

November 6, 2024
Trade-Ins a Sticking Point

In terms of the overall trade-in experience at dealerships, just 9% came away with a high level of satisfaction.

Credit:

Pexels/Richard Taveira

1 min to read


Consumers’ frustration over what they get for trade-ins appears to be building, according to a recent survey by a car sales platform.

The DealNow poll found a scant 10% considered the compensation they received from dealerships for their old cars to be fair, while 40% believed they got a fair price by selling theirs independently.

The stark finding is all the more pertinent today, when many consumers are upside down on their trade-ins' loans.

In terms of the overall trade-in experience at dealerships, just 9% came away with a high level of satisfaction, said DealNow, which found that about 40% felt “somewhat” satisfied.

DealNow said its findings also showed that both dealership and third-party vehicle transactions are still lacking the full digital processes it said many consumers seek today.

"Consumers are wanting a full digital retail experience; however, the responses from this survey highlight how far the current dealership and third-party sites are from meeting the expectation," said DealNow CEO Brad Parker in a press release on the survey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Industry

Closeup photo of a new white car on a road from the driver's side
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 26, 2026

June Automotive Boon?

A forecast for this month’s new-vehicle sales tells a familiar 2026 story: Year-over-year comparisons must be made in light of last year’s aberrations.

Read More →
Seatbelt clip on infographic.
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJune 26, 2026

Safety Improvements Save Lives

Over the past 30 years, automakers have made many safety tweaks to their vehicles. An insurance industry testing group says that's largely thanks to its crash-worthiness program and that prevented fatalities are the clear result.

Read More →
Photo of three Chrysler Pacifica minivans, one each red, white and blue
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 19, 2026

Indiana Dealership Changes Hands

The Chicago-area CDJR store has been in business for nearly 70 years and is now part of a fast-growing automotive group spread across six states.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two men do mechanical work on car.
Fixed Opsby Lauren LawrenceJune 12, 2026

Survey Shows What Technicians Want

Data gathered by the ASE Training Managers Council shows that service technicians prefer classroom or instructor-led training and hands-on lab work over online or self-led training.

Read More →
daytime, front of car dealership Lexus of Vancouver
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJune 3, 2026

Holman Opens New Lexus Dealership

Located in the heart of Clark County, Lexus of Vancouver features a multi-level showroom, more than 30 service bays, an indoor drive for drop-off and pick-up and a fleet of courtesy vehicles.

Read More →
The outside of a Ferrari dealership
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 29, 2026

Denver Ferrari Store in New Group

The recent sale of the dealership by Lithia adds to an expanding stable for a family-owned collection of franchises.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Nissan SUV in a tunnel
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 29, 2026

Nissan Reports Significant Sales Growth

Following the release of Nissan’s 2025 fiscal year report, the automaker announced that its retail-first approach has led to a significant jump in dealer sales.

Read More →
Auto Dealer Today, Dealer Debrief, 05/22/2026
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 22, 2026

Dealer Debrief: Effective Safety Features

In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers a positive safety study from GM and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and a business acquisition by Cox Automotive.

Read More →
Electric Vehicle Battery
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 22, 2026

Recalled Autos Spike in Q1

The volume of affected units continued to rise as more software-focused models present different types of problems, creating complex risk, Sedgwick reports.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
two hands exchanging a set of keys, Auto Dealer Today, Keys to Indpendence
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 22, 2026

Program Brings Wheels to Families in Need

NADA is taking Vehicles for Change’s Keys to Independence Program national so auto dealers can help families in need gain access to reliable transportation.

Read More →