If you want to trade in your vehicle, you can do it at most any car dealership. But to make sure you get the best deal, be sure to follow these steps in how to prepare your car for trade-in!
1. Make Note of Any Car Issues and Fix What You Can
Take your car for a test drive and note anything that isn’t right. This could include electrical issues, needing new tires, or more. There’s no need for you to try and fix any major problems with your vehicle—the dealer can handle that. Be sure to top off all fluid levels, such as brake fluid and coolant. Check for any current recalls which can be taken care of for free at the dealership. If you notice small exterior dings or easily repairable issues like a burned-out light, try to repair those things yourself. These small fixes can go a long way in increasing the value of your trade-in.
2. Get Your Vehicle Detailed
Washing, vacuuming, or even getting your car detailed may seem like an insignificant step if you are trading it in – but bringing a clean car into the dealership can help make a good impression with the dealer. Wash the exterior of your vehicle thoroughly and vacuum the interior. Be sure to clean out all of your personal items and don’t forget to check in the glove compartment, under the seats, and in the seatback pockets. A clean car can increase the chance of getting a better offer from a dealer.
3. Locate Your Car's Paperwork and Accessories
You can’t trade your car in unless you have the right documentation. You need to have the title of the car in hand. Other documents, such as receipts for parts and proof of the maintenance history can be helpful in demonstrating the car has been well-maintained and has retained its value. Be sure to bring extra sets of keys or any other accessories along with you, including instruction manuals or original floor mats. If these items are missing, dealers might not give you the full value for your trade-in.
4. Research the Value of Your Car
After you’ve inspected your vehicle and repaired what you can, start doing your research. Look at major used car dealers in your area, publicly available lists, and websites such as KBB, Edmunds, Autotrader to determine what your car is worth. Search a variety of websites to get an accurate picture of the value of your vehicle. This will help you understand where you will be able to get the best trade-in value for your car.
5. Pick the Right Time to Trade-in
If you can, wait until the market is right for your trade-in. Demand is higher for some types of vehicles during certain seasons. For example, if you have an all-wheel-drive SUV, it might be better to wait to trade it in during the winter months when there’s a higher demand for that type of vehicle.
If you're interested in trading your vehicle in for a new or pre-owned model, stop into one of our Bob Penkhus showrooms today. Our knowledgeable car associates are here and happy to help you find your next vehicle for a great deal!
- Your friends at Bob Penkhus