Do you want to trade-in your old car? We can help - Great prices given.
Looking to trade in your car in Hamilton? Dave Allen Motors can assess your vehicle and put its agreed trade-in value towards your next car. If you still owe money on it, we can help work through the loan settlement and explain how much equity is available for your next purchase.
Visit us at 5 Norris Avenue, Te Rapa, Hamilton, or send your vehicle details and photos using the form below. An initial estimate is subject to an in-person inspection and final agreement.
- 700+ Google Reviews
- MTA Assured dealership in Hamilton
- Trade-ins considered across a wide range of makes and models
- Help with existing vehicle finance settlements
- Car finance options, subject to lender approval
Get a Trade-In Valuation
Complete the form with your vehicle details and clear photos. Include the kilometres travelled, service history, any known faults and whether finance is owing. Let us know which vehicle you are interested in buying, or the type of car and budget you have in mind.
Our team will review your enquiry and contact you with the next steps. An online estimate is an indication of value, rather than a confirmed purchase offer.
How Does Trading In Your Car Work?
- Send your vehicle details: Provide the make, model, year, registration number, kilometres, condition and photos.
- Discuss an initial estimate: We review the information and explain what else we need to assess your vehicle.
- Bring your car for an appraisal: We inspect it in person before confirming a trade-in offer.
- Confirm any finance settlement: If money is owing, obtain an up-to-date settlement quote from your lender.
- Agree on your next purchase: We explain the vehicle price, trade-in allowance, any loan settlement and the remaining amount to pay.
You can pay the remaining balance yourself or apply for car finance. Any new lending is subject to lender approval, affordability checks and the terms offered.
Can I Trade In a Car With Finance Owing?
Yes, in many cases. Tell us about the existing loan at the start so we can help arrange settlement as part of the agreed transaction.
Ask your finance company for a current settlement quote, including any applicable fees and its expiry date. This may differ from the balance shown on your latest statement.
- Positive equity: If your agreed trade-in value exceeds the settlement amount, the difference can go towards your next vehicle.
- Negative equity: If the settlement amount exceeds the trade-in value, there is a shortfall to cover.
A shortfall may need to be paid separately. Some lenders may consider including it in a new loan, subject to approval. Doing so increases the amount borrowed and can increase repayments and total interest.
Keep making your existing repayments until your lender confirms settlement. Read more about trading in a car with an existing loan.
Can You Use a Trade-In as a Deposit?
Yes. If your vehicle has no finance owing, its agreed trade-in value can be used towards your next purchase. If there is an existing loan, it is the equity remaining after settlement that is available.
Example: If your car has an agreed trade-in value of $10,000 and the lender’s settlement amount is $6,000, you have $4,000 available towards your next vehicle.
What Affects Your Car’s Trade-In Value?
Every vehicle is assessed individually. The main factors include:
- Make, model, year and specification
- Kilometres travelled
- Mechanical condition and any known faults
- Bodywork, paint, interior and tyre condition
- Service history and upcoming maintenance
- WOF and vehicle licence status
- Accident history and modifications
- Current market demand and comparable vehicle pricing
Outstanding finance affects the equity you have available after settlement. It does not, by itself, determine the vehicle’s assessed trade-in value.
How to Prepare Your Car for an Appraisal
- Give the vehicle a basic clean inside and out.
- Gather service records and receipts for recent maintenance.
- Bring all available keys and remotes.
- Disclose warning lights, damage, and known mechanical issues.
- Provide clear photos of the exterior, interior, odometer, and any damage.
- Obtain a current finance settlement quote if money is owing.
You do not need to spend money on major repairs before speaking with us. Discuss any issues first so you can make an informed decision.
Trade-In or Private Sale: Which Suits You?
A private sale may achieve a higher sale price, but it involves advertising, enquiries, viewings, test drives and arranging payment. A trade-in offers convenience by combining the disposal of your current vehicle with your next purchase.
Compare the complete deal: the price of your next car, the trade-in allowance, any finance settlement and the remaining balance. A higher trade-in offer alone does not necessarily mean a better overall deal.
Why Trade In With Dave Allen Motors?
Dave Allen Motors helps customers across Hamilton and Waikato move from their current vehicle into a car that suits their needs and budget. Our team can explain the appraisal, purchase and finance steps together.
- Over 27 years in business and 52,000+ vehicles sold
- 700+ Google Reviews
- MTA Assured dealership
- A range of used cars, hybrids, SUVs and other vehicles to compare
- Help understanding your trade-in equity and remaining purchase balance
Explore our used cars for sale in Hamilton, browse hybrid vehicles, or read our customer reviews.
Finance the Difference on Your Next Car
If your available trade-in equity does not cover the price of your next vehicle, you can apply for finance on the remaining amount. Our team can explain the proposed repayments, interest rate, fees and loan term.
Choose a vehicle and repayment amount that fit your budget, including insurance, servicing and running costs. Approval and loan terms depend on the lender’s assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade in my car if it still has finance owing?
Yes, in many cases. We can help arrange settlement as part of the agreed transaction. Any remaining equity can go towards your next vehicle; a shortfall must be covered separately or through approved new lending.
Can I use my trade-in as a deposit?
Yes. Your agreed trade-in value, less any existing finance settlement, can be put towards your next vehicle.
Can I trade in an older or high-kilometre car?
We can consider older and high-kilometre vehicles. Acceptance and value depend on the individual vehicle, its condition and market demand.
Do I need to bring my car in for a valuation?
You can send details and photos for an initial estimate. An in-person inspection is needed before we confirm a final trade-in offer.
Can I trade in a car without a current WoF?
Contact us with the vehicle details and explain its WoF status. We can discuss whether we can accept it and how it should be brought in for assessment. Do not assume it can be legally driven to the dealership.
What should I bring for a trade-in appraisal?
Bring photo identification, all available keys, service records and any documents showing your right to sell the vehicle. If finance is owing, bring a current lender settlement quote.
Can I trade in more than one vehicle?
In some cases. Send us the details of each vehicle so our team can assess the options.