That doesn't quite seem responsive to your parent comment. They recognize that the dealer price is higher.
What's weird is that every price jumped after selling the car to a dealer, not that the retail price was higher than the trade-in price.
> Trade in value quoted at three sites (kbb, edmunds, carfax) was $3500. Private party sale was $4100, retail sale that a buyer would pay at a dealer $5200.
> Dealer puts new tires on it lists for $9999 and suddenly the three sites list “fair market” retail at $11,000, trade in at $7000 and private party at $9000.
That's their summary of what was changed. It's likely not the full list. The car would typically get a full detailing, inspections, cosmetic repairs, etc. as part of that process.
What's weird is that every price jumped after selling the car to a dealer, not that the retail price was higher than the trade-in price.
> Trade in value quoted at three sites (kbb, edmunds, carfax) was $3500. Private party sale was $4100, retail sale that a buyer would pay at a dealer $5200.
> Dealer puts new tires on it lists for $9999 and suddenly the three sites list “fair market” retail at $11,000, trade in at $7000 and private party at $9000.
How much did the tires cost?