How much room do you have to sell?
Recorded retail value − wholesale asking price. That is room to price competitively and negotiate, before transport, reconditioning, and selling costs.
Acquisition target: greater than $3,000Two numbers. One asking price.
Retail spread pays you. Clean trade equity helps structure the deal.
Both differences use the same wholesale asking price—not our private acquisition cost. They answer different questions about the deal, and neither promises profit or loan approval.
How much equity is below clean trade?
JD Power Clean Trade-In − wholesale asking price. Buying below that reference can give you more room to move on the customer’s price. Each lender chooses its own values and advance limits.
Acquisition target: $1,000 minimum · $2,000+ preferredThe targets describe the original buying screen. The numbers on each card describe today’s wholesale offer and may differ.
How clean trade equity changes what a customer has to put down →A worked example, not a loan offer
Same car, same lender, same customer. Two different outcomes.
Two units are initially offered at $11,995 and both have a $9,000 JD Power Clean Trade-In value. Assume the lender advances 115% of that value and tax, tag, and fees total $1,100. You bought one for $7,000 and the other for $9,000.
| The number | Bought at $7,000 | Bought at $9,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Clean trade equity at purchase | +$2,000 | $0 |
| Initial asking price | $11,995 | $11,995 |
| Price plus tax, tag, and fees | $13,095 | $13,095 |
| Illustrative advance: 115% of $9,000 | $10,350 | $10,350 |
| Cash down at initial asking price | $2,745 | $2,745 |
| Sale price holding exactly $3,000 gross | $10,000 | $12,000 |
| Cash down at that price | $750 | $2,750 |
The advance never changed. What changed is how far you can move and still make money.
Calculation: $10,000 + $1,100 − $10,350 = $750. At $11,995, the $9,000 unit holds $2,995 gross, not $3,000. This illustration excludes dealer reconditioning and other costs. Valuation, advance limits, and approval vary by lender, program, and customer.
CFPB: how loan-to-value worksFrom the run list to a conversation
- Review the unit’s asking price, spreads, book values, and evidence.
- Choose Inquire / Buy, call, or text the VIN.
- Our team confirms availability, title, inspection, price, and terms.
- Complete the purchase directly with DriveWide once the arrangements are agreed.