How to Get the Best Deal for Your Trade-In
If you’re looking for a new vehicle, have you thought about what you’re going to do with your current one? For many people, the answer is doing a trade-in, where you offer your current vehicle to the dealership, and they give you credit towards a new ride. This can be immensely beneficial, especially if you don’t have a ton of cash on hand for a down payment.
Not all trade-ins are created equal though, so it’s best to prepare yourself on how to present your car, truck, or SUV to the dealership and negotiate the best deal you can get. Let’s look at some tips for how to do that.
6 Tips for Getting Good Trade-In Value
Research Your Car’s Market Value
Your current vehicle’s market value will generally dictate the dealership’s offer, so it’s best to look up what your car or truck’s current Kelley Blue Book value is. That way, you know your car’s worth so you can judge whether the dealership’s offer is an appropriate amount, or too low for your liking.
Also be aware that the highest current value for your vehicle is if it’s in perfect condition, so be sure to assess your car’s current condition before you take advantage of the next two tips.
Repair Any Vehicle Problems
Does your car or truck have any known mechanical problems when you’re driving it? If so, it could greatly impact its trade-in value. To improve its value, take your car to a certified service center and fix any problems that you can afford to take care of. Then you’ll have given the dealership fewer reasons to lower their offer, and you’ll have made the vehicle safe for its next owner.
And, if you do decide to make any repairs, make sure you keep your receipts and service bills so you can present them to the dealership.
Have Your Car Detailed
Okay, now that your car or truck’s mechanical problems are solved, take a look at its exterior and interior. How do they look? Would you want to buy a car that looks the way your current car looks? If not, clean your car’s inside and have the whole thing detailed. For the best results, you can have this professionally done, but you don’t necessarily have to—even spending a couple hours vacuuming and scrubbing can have an enormous impact.
These steps will help your vehicle look and feel as good as it can so that the dealer will appraise it favorably. In some cases, it can make a difference of hundreds of dollars.
Get Multiple Trade-In Quotes
It can be tempting to just contact one dealership, get an offer, and hand them your current vehicle. But that’s not the way to get the best trade-in offer for your car, truck, or SUV. Shop around to multiple dealerships in your area. Ask them about what they’d be willing to offer for your vehicle and then compare all the offers. You can even use quotes from online services like CarMax and Carvana, even though you’re going to bring it to a dealership. A wide range of quotes, including online quotes, can help you negotiate successfully once you choose the dealership you want to work with for your trade-in.
Research Good Trade-In Periods
Not all times of year are great for trading your car in. Often, the first two quarters of the year are the best time for trade-in offers, but that can vary from year to year and depend on your location. Do a bit of research to see if now is a good time to trade in your vehicle; if not, it might behoove you to wait a couple of months.
Watch Your Car Get Appraised
Most dealerships will appraise your car themselves. If they bring in an outside appraiser, that could be a red flag and a sign that you won’t get a good deal. However, if they do have someone on staff to do the valuation, you can ask to be in the room when they check your car out. That way, you’ll be sure that everything is above board and that they’re examining your vehicle appropriately.
Trade In Your Vehicle in Florida and Alabama
The Step One Group has dealerships throughout Florida and Alabama, and all of them are available for vehicle trade-ins. We’ll work with you to develop a great offer that works well for everyone involved, and we’ll buy your car even if you don’t buy one from us.
Contact us online or stop by one of our many locations around the Florida Panhandle and beyond to get started.
