Keep vs Sell Analyzer
Is it time to sell your car?
Find the optimal time to sell your car and maximize value based on depreciation and maintenance.
Use This Calculator in Minutes
Determine the optimal time to sell your vehicle based on depreciation, equity, and maintenance costs.
Evaluate scenarios like
- Selling before 100k miles
- Trading in while underwater
- Optimizing resale value
You will get
- Optimal sell time recommendation
- 5-year value projection
- Cost per mile analysis
Quick Result
Before 75,000 miles
Cars typically sell for more under the 75k mile threshold
Your Car
Check Edmunds or NADA Guides for current value
Loan (if any)
Monthly Costs
Tires, brakes, timing belt, etc.
Your Equity Position
Positive equity of $7,200.00
$7,200.00
Value: $18,000.00 | Owed: $10,800.00
44%
Total since purchase
$2.05
Current
5 years
45,000 miles
Value Projection (5 Years)
Current Monthly Cost
$880.00
Including loan payment
After Loan Payoff
$430.00
Save $450.00/mo
5-Year Projection
| Year | Value | Miles | Cost/Mile | Monthly Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $18,000.00 | 45,000 | $2.05 | $880.00 |
| 2027 | $16,560.00 | 57,000 | $1.49 | $907.78 |
| 2028 | $15,235.20 | 69,000 | $1.16 | $767.04 |
| 2029 | $14,016.38 | 81,000 | $0.99 | $696.67 |
| 2030 | $13,315.56 | 93,000 | $0.89 | $654.44 |
| 2031 | $12,649.79 | 105,000 | $0.83 | $634.63 |
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This tool is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Calculations are estimates and may not reflect real-world variables or local regulations. Always consult with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Methodology and Trust
Formulas
Equity Position
Equity = Current Value - Remaining Loan Balance
- • Current Value: Market value of your vehicle
- • Remaining Loan Balance: Principal left on your auto loan
Cost Per Mile
Cost Per Mile = (Total Operating Costs + Depreciation) / Total Miles Driven
- • Total Operating Costs: Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Repairs + Interest
- • Depreciation: Loss of vehicle value over time
The Art of Timing Your Car Sale
Key Insights & Concepts
Knowing when to sell your car can save you thousands of dollars. Sell too early and you lose money to depreciation. Wait too long and you face mounting repair costs and diminishing returns.
Key Sell Timing Factors
- Depreciation curve: Cars lose 20-30% in year one, then about 15% annually until year 5, then the curve flattens.
- Mileage thresholds: Selling before 60k, 75k, or 100k miles preserves value.
- Warranty expiration: Consider selling while warranty is still active.
- Model year changeover: Sell before the new model year launches if there's a major redesign.
The "Sweet Spot" Analysis
For most cars, the sweet spot is when your cost per mile is lowest. This typically occurs around years 5-7, after the steepest depreciation but before major repairs become frequent. Our analyzer calculates this specifically for your situation.