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What value should I expect for my vehicle trade-in

Published on February 13, 2026· RG Automotive

Discover how the real trade-in value of your car in Fribourg is calculated. Transparent estimate and quick offer.

Vehicle in question

Toyota Corolla Premium 2.0 Hybrid – 2019
69'000 km
Leather seats
Expected selling price: CHF 21'900.–

1. Actual preparation costs

  • Full service: CHF 700.–
  • Professional washing: CHF 140.–
  • Daily inspection: CHF 40.–
  • Highway vignette: CHF 40.–
  • Full tank: CHF 60.–

Total costs: CHF 980.–

2. Professional gross margin

In this specific case, the targeted gross margin is 15%.

15% of 21'900 CHF = CHF 3'285.–

3. Final calculation

Expected selling price: 21'900.–
– Gross margin (15%): 3'285.–
– Preparation costs: 980.–

= 17'635.–

The consistent purchase value for this vehicle is therefore around:

CHF 17'600.–

The fundamental difference

A private individual sells a vehicle. A professional sells a prepared, inspected, secure and financeable vehicle.

The difference does not lie solely in the price. It lies in the structure.

If a potential buyer does not have liquid funds, a professional can structure financing. The transaction therefore does not depend solely on a cash payment.

The vehicle is delivered:

  • Inspected
  • Mechanically prepared
  • Professionally cleaned
  • With assumed responsibility

Conclusion

The trade-in value does not reflect only the condition of the vehicle. It integrates actual costs, the necessary margin and the responsibility assumed by the professional.

Selling a vehicle as a private individual may seem more profitable on paper. But you still need to find a solvent buyer who is available and ready to pay cash.

A professional, on the other hand, does not depend on a single potential buyer. He can offer financing, leasing or a warranty. He transforms a purchase intention into a concrete transaction.

It is precisely this ability to secure the sale that creates the difference.

Trusting a professional is not giving up value. It is choosing security, structure and the real probability that the transaction will go through.

A consistent estimate is based on figures. A successful sale is based on structure.

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