I've traded in a vehicle before but I also got a decent trade in value on it.

I work and go to school full time so I don't have the free time to deal with tire kickers. Selling a car can be very time consuming. I also have to have a car at all times because of my schedule so it'd be a major PITA to try to coordinate finding a buyer while simultaneously buying a new car I actually liked. I'm very picky about cars so I could have gone as long as a month without a vehicle if I'd sold my old vehicle first. So then my only option is a rental car to bridge the gap, the cost of which would quickly use up any extra money I would have made selling the car to an individual. As long as you're making sure they're not low balling you on the trade in value it's a completely reasonable thing to do.

But really KellyDoll, please tell us more of your car wisdom. You have an uncanny knack for talking out of your ass while having a chip on your shoulder. It's an amazing talent.