When you’re ready to trade in your vehicle, there are some things you can do to help boost its value. By following a few simple dos and don’ts, you can ensure you get the best offer possible.
Clean and Detail It
Whether you’re selling it privately or trading in at the dealer, your vehicle will have a higher value if it’s clean. Cleaning and detailing can boost your car’s resale value by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To start, get rid of all the junk that’s built up in your car. Remove trash from your car seat, carpet, and under the hood. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly vacuum your entire car. After you’ve cleaned your vehicle, use a cloth to clean the trim lines and any nicks or scratches on your car’s interior, things like the steering wheel, armrests, air conditioning controls, and pedals. Then, apply a cleaner that’s safe for your car’s finish. Depending on the car, it may be best to use a wax or paint sealant. Not only will doing this help increase your car’s resale price by adding extra protection, but it will also add a shine that’s hard to replicate with just soap and water.
Fix Minor Issues
The mechanical and physical condition of your car are big drivers of its trade-in value. So it’s wise to resolve any issues that are relatively simple to fix. Keep in mind, however, that if you’re doing a lot of DIY repairs, it’s important to do them correctly. Dealership professionals will be able to see if your repairs aren’t done properly, which will likely lower the value of your vehicle when it’s time to trade it in. In addition to minor repairs, you may want to check your brake fluid, oil, transmission fluid, radiator, and windshield-washer fluid. These changes are easy and inexpensive, and they can help you make a good first impression with the dealership.
Get Multiple Offers
When you trade in your vehicle, it’s important to get as much value as possible. That means knowing what you’re worth and negotiating with a dealer for the best deal. If you’re not sure what your car is worth, several online resources can provide estimates. However, they’re not always accurate, so you should use a combination of methods to get an accurate value for your vehicle. The more dealerships you visit to find out how much they’re willing to offer, the better your chances are of obtaining the most for your car.