Tip #1: Gather the Car’s Documentation

Before you head out to a dealership with your trade-in car, you’ll need gather all of the relevant information about your ride.

Come Prepared With a Trade-In Value Estimate

It’s important to learn of your vehicle’s estimated trade-in value before choosing a dealership. With the internet in the palm of your hand, this step will only take a matter of minutes!

Use reputable sources, such as Kelley Blue Book or our secure value your trade tool, to accurately determine the trade-in value of your vehicle. By knowing an estimate of its overall value, you’ll confidently walk into a dealership with an informed opinion in order to negotiate with the dealership’s sales specialist.

Many factors will impact the estimate, but key ones include:

• The year of the model
• The make and model
• Its current condition
• Its current mileage

Collect the Maintenance Records

Now that you have a trade-in estimate, it’s time to dig up the paperwork. By having all of the maintenance-related documentation on hand, you can establish that you’ve taken adequate care of your car to further maximize its value.

Tip #3: Time for a Final Maintenance Appointment

You’ve taken thorough care of your car since you drove it off the lot all those years ago. Now, it’s time for a final maintenance appointment together!

Routine Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Check your car’s owner manual to determine if it’s due for routine service. By bringing the maintenance up to speed, it’ll also raise the value of your trade-in car. If there’s any routine maintenance that your vehicle requires, bring it to a service center for a technician to handle.

Some routine services that it may need include:

• Changing its oil and oil filter
• Inspecting and rotating the tires
• Replacing any dimming lightbulbs
• Topping off any fluids, such as windshield wiper fluid

Fix Up Any Blemishes

If you notice any dings, dents, or scratches, then you’ll need to get them fixed. Luckily, there’s many technicians that specialize in this kind of automotive repair that can easily repair it for you. Remember, you want the sales specialist to take one look at your vehicle and be impressed with its quality and condition!

Tip #4: Timing Is Everything

As the saying goes, “timing is everything.” When it comes to boosting your car’s trade-in value, this also stands true! These small details go a long way in helping you maximize the trade-in value of your car.

Keep these tips in mind when you’re ready to trade in your car:

• The earlier in the year, the better. For trade-in cars, their values tend to be higher in the first two quarters of the year.
• Around any holidays, dealerships often run specials and incentives on their inventory. This tends to be a good time to trade in your car!
• Think about the body style of your vehicle. Drivers interested in convertibles, coupes, and sedans are likely searching for them in the spring or summer. On the other hand, drivers interested in SUVs or trucks tend to search for them in the fall or winter.