Sell your car privately or to a dealer – which pays off?

How big is the price gap between a private sale and a dealer?

Dealers usually pay 10–20% less than you can get privately. On a car worth SEK 200,000 that is roughly SEK 20,000–40,000; on a car worth SEK 80,000 roughly SEK 8,000–16,000.

The gap exists because the dealer pays for reconditioning, warranty, stock and financing and needs a margin. That is the gross gap – the real net gap is smaller.

What does a private sale really cost?

A private sale costs both money and time, and often more time than people expect.

• Listing fee and any add-ons for visibility
• Time for replies, viewings, test drives, the agreement and the ownership transfer
• Any work needed to make the car sellable
• The risk of being negotiated down further than you planned

How do I work it out for my own car?

Compare the price gap in kronor with what your time and costs are worth. If you value your time at SEK 300 an hour and spend 15 hours, the time cost is SEK 4,500 – before listing fees and negotiation.

Subtract the time cost and listing fees from the price gap. What remains is what the private sale actually earns you on top.

When does a private sale pay off?

Usually when the car is well kept, documented and in demand, and you have time to wait a few weeks.

• The car is in good condition with a full service history
• The model is popular on the private market
• You can wait four to eight weeks
• The car is valuable – 15% of SEK 400,000 is SEK 60,000

When does selling to a dealer pay off?

Usually when you need to sell quickly, when the car has damage or high mileage, or when the price gap in kronor is small.

Read more about how selling to a dealer works.

• You want the deal done within a few days
• The car has damage, high mileage or something else that makes private buyers hesitate
• You lack the time or interest to deal with prospective buyers
• You are changing cars and want the timing to line up

Is there a rule of thumb?

If the gap is under about SEK 20,000 and you are short of time, take the dealer offer. If it is over about SEK 30,000 and the car is well kept, try a private sale first.

In between, it comes down to how much you value time and simplicity. You can also list privately for two to three weeks and take a dealer offer if no serious buyer appears.