The inruilwaarde (trade-in value) is what a dealer pays for your current car when you buy another car from them. The amount is offset against the price of your next car. Trading in is convenient: one appointment, no ad, no test drives with strangers, and you don't have to arrange the transfer yourself.
Why it matters when buying or selling
The trade-in value is usually below the current market value (dagwaarde). The dealer still has to prepare the car for sale, make a profit and carry the risk of defects: when a dealer sells to a consumer, a defect that appears within a year is presumed to have existed at delivery.
When you get a trade-in offer, look at the total amount you pay on top, not just the trade-in price. A high trade-in price with little discount on the new car can work out the same as a low trade-in price with a large discount. Ask the dealer to state the trade-in price and the discount separately, and compare the offer with bids from other dealers or a private sale. Our net proceeds calculator shows what you net per sales channel.