Trading a Car for a Motorcycle

Can you trade in a car for a motorcycle?

The short answer is yes. Whether you sell to a private party or take your old vehicle to a dealership as a trade-in, it is no problem to trade a car for a motorcycle or vice versa. The process of trading in one type of vehicle for another is similar to trading in a vehicle of the same type. But before you make the switch, you should consider the pros and cons of changing vehicle types.

Trading a motorcycle for a car

As your circumstances and needs change, you can trade in your car for a motorcycle or trade in your motorcycle for a car, even at a dealership. When you’re trading in your car, you're selling the old vehicle to the dealership and putting that money immediately toward a vehicle purchase. Some dealerships will be happy to accept a trade-in of a different type than the vehicle you're buying. Learn more about the tips for buying a new car.

The only complication with a dealer trade-in on a different vehicle type is that they might give you less than you'd expect for your old vehicle. Unless the auto dealership also sells motorcycles (or the motorcycle dealer also sells cars), the dealership will probably take your trade-in and sell it to another dealer. Consider getting an offer from the dealer and comparing it to what you'd get selling your car to a private party or a specialized dealer. You may still be better off selling the old vehicle separately and bringing the cash to the dealership where you intend to purchase.

What to consider before trading in your car for a motorcycle

There are a lot of compelling reasons to downsize your vehicle, but it may not suit everyone. Think about the following pros and cons before you make the switch.

Pros of trading a car for a motorcycle

Efficiency: Motorcycles get better mileage and pollute less than cars do. A motorcycle could be a good choice if you're concerned about ongoing costs or your vehicle's environmental impact.
Ease: Motorcycles can make it easier to get where you're going on time. For instance, some states allow bikes to ride between lanes or use carpool lanes even with a single rider.
Fun: Many riders choose a motorcycle for the joy of riding. A motorcycle is also less expensive than a car with similar performance, such as a convertible.
Parking: Motorcycles take less space to park and may have an easier time finding a place.
Insurance cost: On average, motorcycle insurance costs roughly one-third of what car insurance costs.
Extra cash: Cars are more expensive than motorcycles on average, so trading in a car for a motorcycle may let you upgrade to a higher-end ride or walk out of the dealer with a bike and some pocket money.

Learn more about motorcycle insurance cost and car insurance cost.

Cons of trading a car for a motorcycle

Risk: Motorcycle crashes tend to be more dangerous for the rider than car crashes are for a driver. You won't have all the protections that a modern car offers — like a seatbelt or airbags.
Special gear: While motorcycles often cost less than cars to fuel and insure, you should consider buying protective gear like a helmet, riding boots, and other safety equipment.
Weather: You can ride in bad weather, but it's not as pleasant or as safe as driving in bad weather. If you downsize to a motorcycle, you should figure out what you'll do when it's raining or when the road is covered in snow or sleet.

What should I think about before I trade my motorcycle for a car?

Owning a car is different from owning a motorcycle, and it comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Consider the following pros and cons before you decide to take the plunge:

Pros of trading a motorcycle for a car

Safety: Cars offer more protection for the driver and passengers than motorcycles do. From seatbelts to airbags to technological features like steering assist, cars can give you more security than motorcycles do.
Flexibility: If you need to carry more than one passenger or want to move luggage, furniture, or even grocery shop, even the smallest car offers more storage and passenger capacity than a motorcycle.
Comfort: Driving a car for long periods is less tiring than driving a motorcycle. Inclement weather doesn't pose the same problems for a car as it does for a motorcycle, either.

Cons of trading a motorcycle for a car

Cost: Cars are more expensive than motorcycles across the board. Expect to pay more for insurance, repairs, and fuel than you would for a bike.
Parking: The bigger your vehicle, the harder it can be to find adequate parking, especially in bigger cities.
Less community: Many bikers enjoy the feeling of community they get from meeting other bikers, whether at a motorcycle rally, a riders club, or a group of friends that cruise together.