Trade-Ins make me angry.

Sales tax around here is about 9.5%, so I always just use 10% for the easy math. And we have to pay the full 9.5% on vehicle purchases as well. So in my case tax savings plays a big role in deciding to sell or trade. In your case though at 3.5% I agree, it's sell every time.

 

Good luck either way. On a side note, you can be a bit more firmer with your asking price via a private sale given you and the purchaser are willing to be a bit dishonest when transferring the title by listing a lower purchase price. For example, PA sales tax is 6%.

If you were asking $10,000 for your truck via a private sale then the new owner would have to pay $600 in sales taxes, + registeration, tags, title, plate, etc. But if you listed the sale price at $5,000 when you transfer the title then the buyer could save $300. Food for thought.