When it’s time for a new car, you might be thinking about what to do with your old one. You could choose to sell it yourself, but often people don’t have the time or resources to put their old car up for sale. In addition, handling the paperwork and vehicle transfer can be tedious. Many dealerships will take your old car as a trade-in and handle the paperwork, but you want to get as much as possible for your trade-in. Maximize your car’s trade-in value with these tips.
The Paper Trail
Get all your documents together for your old car before trying to trade it in. If you have the registration and title handy, it will be much faster and easier. In addition, rounding up all the service documents can help you demonstrate that you’ve maintained the vehicle, which will up the car’s value.
Clean and Clear
It’s much easier to see your trade-in value if it arrives at the dealership clean, inside and out. You don’t have to make it car-show ready, but it is a good idea to wash the outside and wipe down the surfaces. In fact, you can use relatively inexpensive products that will refresh the look of your interior surfaces and help your car put its best “face” forward. Also, you’ll want to remove all of your items before bringing the car in.
Know Before You Go
It’s always good to know your car’s current value. In fact, you can search for your make, model, and year and get a sense of its worth. However, the value will vary depending on some key factors, including its history and how well you’ve maintained it. Be realistic and honest about your car’s condition, and you’ll be more prepared for the amount you’re offered.
Don’t Neglect the Small Stuff
If there are minor issues with your potential trade-in, it pays to fix them first. For instance, if you have a tail light that burned out, you can grab a bulb from the auto parts store and replace it yourself. Small issues can make a significant difference in the offer you receive. If you can fix the problem quickly and cheaply, it’s probably better for you if you do.
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Be the Inspector
Once you’ve followed the tips above, take another close look at your car and look for any other issues that might cause a dealer to offer less. In addition, gather any extra add-ons or parts that came with your vehicle when you purchased it. And as you inspect, don’t forget to look at the wheels, tires, and undercarriage. It’s a sure bet the dealership will check these things, too. And once you’ve done your final ‘inspection,’ you’re ready to trade-in your car for a new one!
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