7 Scam-Proof Steps For A Safe Private Car Sale Car Battery Expert Selling privately can net you more money than a dealer trade-in, plus full control over who you meet, where you meet, and what terms you accept. The trade-off: you handle prep, marketing, showings, payment, and paperwork yourself—a manageable process with a clear plan. Industry guides agree that private-party sales typically fetch higher prices than trade-ins when you do the basics right, from pricing to paperwork (see Edmunds’ …