Maximize Your Car’s Trade-in Value With These Tips

Salesman's hands giving key to male customer

 

When the time comes to purchase another vehicle, you may worry about the financial aspect. For example, buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. To help reduce your purchase price and monthly payment, you should put as much money down as you can. However, another option is to trade in your current vehicle and put the value toward purchasing a new one. If your current car is in good shape, it could go a long way toward helping you get into the new set of wheels you want.

Clean It Thoroughly

A clean vehicle will do wonders for its trade-in value. For instance, a dealership isn’t likely to give you a lot for your car if it’s dirty and has stains and damaged upholstery. Before you go to the dealership to discuss a trade-in, wash the exterior well. Then, wax the car to give it a nice shine. Furthermore, you need to spend a lot of time inside, vacuuming the floors and seats. Clean the dash and windows, too. It may be worth it to pay a professional to detail the vehicle.

Fix Minor Issues

Your used vehicle probably won’t be in pristine condition when you bring it to the dealership, but you want it to be as close as possible. You should take care of problems such as burned-out lights and low fluid. For instance, if you haven’t gotten an oil change for a while, now would be a good time. When you get an oil change, have a technician check the filter and replace it as necessary. Also, rotate the tires and balance them. On the other hand, if the car has major mechanical and performance issues, it probably won’t be worth the cost to fix them. The dealership will do this before selling it.

Do Some Research

Before discussing a trade-in with the dealer, it’s wise to do your homework. Importantly, you should research the value of your vehicle. You can use sites such as Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book. Simply put in the year, make, model, and mileage of your vehicle to get this information. Then you can negotiate a better price with the dealer when you have the values.

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Don’t Settle for One Offer

Trading in a vehicle for the right price is important. You shouldn’t go for the first offer you receive. Shop around and get a few different trade-in values. If you feel the dealer is shortchanging you, negotiate or request a different offer.

If you are ready to discuss trading in your car, visit Rusty Wallace Kia South in Louisville, Tennessee. The team will take good care of you. Plus, you can have a positive experience if you implement these guidelines.

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