Five Things to Avoid as You Look to Maximize Your Car’s Trade-In Value

As you take a look at your current vehicle, you may realize that it’s not providing you with the ride you need anymore. Whether you’ve started a family and need more space, you’re looking for a car with a more modern style, or you need a vehicle with better fuel economy, the fact of the matter is that you need a new car. This doesn’t mean that your current vehicle isn’t perfect for someone else, though, and if you’re wondering how to maximize its trade-in value, you’re in luck. At McCluskey Chevrolet, we help customers every day get the money they deserve for their car so that they’re able to find a new vehicle that’s better suited to their needs. You’ll want to keep in mind that the little things matter, especially when trying to get more money for your car, which is why it’s best to avoid some common pitfalls.

How Is Trade-In Value Determined?

Before we get into what you’ll want to avoid when attempting to maximize your car’s trade-in value, how exactly is the value of your trade determined? For one, the condition of the vehicle matters, so it’s recommended that it puts its best face forward. We want to offer our customers quality models that are in good condition, safe, and won’t let you down, and if your vehicle isn’t going to offer this, its trade-in value will most likely dip. Mileage, age, and features also play big roles in the amount of money you’re able to get for your car, so if your vehicle has low mileage and desirable features, you can expect to get more for it.

Another factor to consider is the make and model and how popular this particular car is with local buyers. Maybe you have an SUV that’s perfect for Cincinnati families or a pickup truck that’s ideal for tough work. These will often sell better than older sedans, for example, in most markets. There are brands in the industry that tend to fetch higher values due to their respected reputation as well, so this can also play into determining your vehicle’s trade-in value. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, it’s important to avoid the following when looking to maximize your trade-in value.

#1: Don’t Neglect to Clean Your Vehicle

Remember, just like someone on a job interview, first impressions matter, even for a car. This is why you want to present your car in the best light possible so that you’re able to show it off in all its glory. This is made easier by cleaning it up and delivering it to the dealership, ready for its next owner. Give it a good wash, vacuum the interior, clean the windows, and polish it up so that it’s showing off all of its impressive qualities.

It’s also a good practice to remove any personal items from the vehicle so that it doesn’t exhibit a cluttered appearance at the dealership. This also means removing any stickers or decals from the exterior. You want to be sure your vehicle is ready for someone else to jump right in and ride home in it.

#2: Don’t Neglect Minor Repairs

We always say that as a vehicle owner, taking care of your car’s maintenance needs is crucial to its performance. Although there’s no need to perform full maintenance on your vehicle before trading it in, you will want to address minor repairs so that you’re able to get more money out of your trusted travel companion. Fixing little dings and chips in the paint, as well as burnt-out tail lights and other small repairs, can really impact what the dealership is able to offer you for your vehicle. Take a look at your vehicle now, make a note of anything that could be freshened up, and complete these small repairs prior to bringing your car into the dealership for the best results.

#3: Don’t Neglect Research

Do you know what your vehicle is worth right now with its current mileage and features? You should, which is why doing research on current trade-in values is essential to having success with the trade-in process. There are plenty of easy-to-use tools online to help you determine your vehicle’s worth, but remember, the rest depends on you. You’ll be able to get more for your vehicle if it’s in good condition and well-maintained, which makes trade-in tools, like Kelley Blue Book, just a guide.

You don’t want to go into a dealership not knowing what your vehicle is worth. This can result in not getting the money you deserve for it. Do yourself a favor and do a little research so that you’re more knowledgeable about what the market is currently offering for cars like yours and how your car can stand out from the rest, thus earning itself a better trade-in value.

#4: Don’t Settle for Just Any Offer

Once you know what your car is worth, you’ll know if a dealership isn’t offering you what you deserve. This means that you’ll want to shop around before you make your decision to sell to a certain dealership. Or skip that and work with McCluskey Chevrolet from the start. The pitfalls of low-ball offers can be avoided by partnering with a professional team that has your best interests in mind and knows how remarkable your car can be to another driver. McCluskey Chevrolet will offer you what your vehicle deserves in its current state, and we won’t try to confuse you or take advantage of you. This is why partnering with a trusted dealership like ours is so crucial to your trade-in experience, as you’ll be able to have confidence that you made the right choice, selling your vehicle to a team that understands its worth.

#5: Don’t Neglect the Fine Print

Always read what you’re signing. You probably learned that when you were little, but this is especially important when you’re trading in your vehicle. Just like we mentioned above, partnering with a reputable dealership is key. When you don’t, you run the risk of selling your car for less than you expected or agreeing to terms that you don’t understand. Be sure that the trade-in price in the contract is the trade-in price you agreed on, and although this sounds simple, unfortunately, discrepancies can occur, especially when your dealer isn’t trustworthy. Again, this can all be avoided by teaming up with the professionals at McCluskey Chevrolet, who are willing to answer any questions you have about the contract and won’t hide anything from you in the process.

Getting the Most for Your Car

Trading in your car is a big step that allows you to get behind the wheel of a vehicle that’s better equipped to handle your driving needs. Your current vehicle has given you plenty of miles of reliability and safety, and it’s time to pass this gift on to someone else who is in need of a better car. This is why you want to be sure that you’re getting the best trade-in value possible for your car, and as we said before, this all starts with you.

By keeping some of these aspects in mind, you’ll be able to present an impressive car to the dealership, as well as be aware of any red flags that a dealership is giving off. It will also help you to get what you deserve for a vehicle that has been your trusted companion on the road for, in some cases, many years. When you partner with McCluskey Chevrolet for your trade-in, you can be sure that you’re getting the best price for your car so that you’re able to pick out an even better vehicle for your future travels.