4 Tips to Maximize Your Trade-In

If you’re shopping for a new car and want to trade in your current vehicle, you want to get the most from your trade-in. Vehicles that are well-maintained, clean, and require minimal repairs to sell will usually receive a higher trade-in value. Check out a few tips you can utilize to maximize the value of your trade-in.

1. Get a Professional Detail

Professional detailing can make your vehicle look brand-new again. Additionally, if the vehicle is already spotless when you turn it in, the dealership doesn’t have to pay for detailing. This often means they will be more willing to offer you a higher trade-in value. Even if a professional detail is not in the budget or you don’t have time to schedule one, a thorough cleaning can make your vehicle more appealing. Pay special attention to the most visible areas of the vehicle including the seats, center console, floor, and windows.

2. Maintain Service Records

Vehicles that have been routinely maintained are easier to sell because they are less likely to have mechanical problems. Keeping up with routine maintenance while you own your vehicle will often lead to a higher trade-in value. It’s also useful to collect all the records you have and offer them to the buyer or dealership. Include receipts from oil changes, tire rotations, new tire purchases, and all service records. Also, some warranties carry over from owner to owner. If your vehicle is under warranty, including this information can be useful.

3. Do Your Research

When you do your research ahead of time, you can go into your trade-in appointment informed and ready to negotiate. Understand the value of your vehicle and determine what similar vehicles are selling for at other dealerships. Using this information, you can get a better idea of what to expect in terms of a fair offer. Additionally, if you are also buying a vehicle from the same dealership in which you are trading in, you may be able to negotiate an even higher value.

4. Complete Minor Repairs First

While minor repair needs like changing a tire or replacing a spark plug require minimal effort and cost, you are likely to receive a significantly lower trade-in value for these minor problems. That is because the dealership will have to pay labor and materials to complete these repairs and if there are enough of them, it could take longer to offer the vehicle for sale.

Completing these minimal repairs ahead of time will not only improve the perception of your vehicle during the inspection, but could also result in a higher trade-in value. Even if you are not mechanically-skilled, taking your vehicle in for a service appointment before trading it in could result in more money in your pocket.

The higher value that you get for your trade-in usually means you pay less for your new vehicle. This could mean less money out of pocket or even lower loan payments. Come by Napa Ford today to get the most for your trade-in.

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