Part-Exchange Multiple Cars: Can You Trade in 2 Cars for 1?

How does a multiple car part-exchange work? (step-by-step)

Put simply, a multiple car part-exchange means trading in two or more of your old cars and putting their value towards the cost of a new one.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Get an online valuation

Before visiting any dealerships, we recommend getting free car valuations for each vehicle you intend to sell. This will tell you their market values.

Although dealerships often pay slightly below market value, knowing what each car is worth can help you gauge whether you’re getting a fair deal. It could also help you negotiate a better trade-in deal.

2. Visit the dealership to get a purchase price

Visit your chosen dealership and enquire about the price of the car you wish to buy, but don’t disclose that you’re interested in a part-exchange deal just yet.

This can help to ensure transparency. If you reveal your intentions right away, the dealer may reduce the price of the car, whilst simultaneously cutting the trade-in values for your old motors.

By getting the purchase price first, you’ll keep the two deals separate. This will help to avoid confusion and puts you in a better position to negotiate the trade-in values.

3. Getting your trade-in valuations

Next, the dealer will evaluate your cars based on factors such as their age, mileage, condition, service history, and the level of market demand.

If you’re trading in a car that’s particularly sought after by the dealership, they may offer you a more favourable price.

4. Negotiating a deal for your new car

Once the dealer has evaluated all your cars, they will combine their trade-in value. This is the amount that can be put towards the cost of your new car.

At this stage, you can refer to your online car valuations. If you’re unhappy with the combined trade-in value, you can use the online valuations to negotiate a better deal.

Just bear in mind that dealerships often operate on tight profit margins. So, you might not get significantly more for your cars.

If the dealer can’t offer a discount, or improve their trade-in values, they may be able to throw in sweeteners such as free servicing, accessories, or an extended warranty.

5. Consider the final offer

After you’ve discussed the trade-in values and purchase prices, the dealer will make you a final offer. It’s important to factor in both components when making your decision.

For example, if one of your cars was valued at £4,500, and the other at £3,000 - and you wanted to buy a new car priced at £20,000, your total trade-in value would be £7,500. In this case, you’d have to pay the remaining £12,500 upfront or through a monthly finance plan.

Remember, you’re under no obligation to commit to a multiple car part-exchange. If you’re unhappy with any aspect of the deal, you’re free to walk away.

6. Sign the paperwork and transfer ownership

If you’re happy to proceed, the dealer will provide you with the paperwork to sign to complete the transaction and transfer ownership.

The total trade-in value will be put towards the cost of your new car. You’ll have to pay the remainder in cash, by credit/debit card, or through instalments (utilising a car finance plan).

7. Drive away

Once the multiple car trade has been finalised, ownership of your old vehicles will be transferred to the dealership, and you can drive away in your new car.

Trading in multiple cars: What are the benefits?

• Reduce the cost of your next car: Combining the trade-in value of two vehicles reduces how much you’ll need to pay upfront or through a finance plan.
• Upgrade to a better model: With a higher combined trade-in value, you can afford a newer or higher-spec vehicle than you could from trading in a single vehicle.
• Simplify the process: Selling multiple cars separately can be time-consuming. A multiple car part-exchange handles everything in one transaction.
• Free up driveway space: Could be a smart move if you want to downsize from two cars to one.

Documents needed for a multiple car part-exchange

If you’re part-exchanging multiple cars at a dealership, you may be asked to provide the following documents and accessories for each vehicle:

• V5C logbook.
• Photo ID (passport/driving licence) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement).
• Service history documents (including service records and repair and maintenance invoices).
• Both sets of keys.
• Locking wheel nut.
• In-date settlement letter (if you’re part-exchanging a car on finance).
• Policy documents (if the car is still subject to the manufacturer’s warranty).
• Security tags (e.g. for the alarm system, locks, or immobiliser).

Selling your cars to webuyanycar as an alternative to part-exchange

Instead of a traditional multiple car part exchange, you could get a better price by selling your cars individually to webuyanycar.

Here’s how it works

• Enter your reg number and mileage into our free car valuation tool.
• Book your appointment at any of our 500+ branches across the UK.
• Travel to your appointment. If you’re happy to sell, our buyer will help with the paperwork.

Key benefits

• We can often beat part-exchange prices, leaving you with more cash to put towards your next purchase.
• The selling process takes less than an hour from quote to sale.
• You can sell multiple cars to webuyanycar with no pressure to buy another one.
• All our customers benefit from a guaranteed sale. We can buy your cars regardless of their age, mileage, and condition!
• You’ll avoid the hassle of a private sale. No need to advertise your cars or arrange test drives.
• Our valuations are based on real-time market data and guaranteed for four days, protecting you from market changes.
• Need to get paid quickly? We can send the cash to your bank within 15 minutes if you select our Immediate Payment option. (Additional fees apply.)