Top 10 Tips to Get the Most for your trade-in

Educate yourself. Get a copy of the Kelly Blue Book to find out what the value of your trade-in really is. You won’t be disappointed if you go to the dealership knowing what to expect.

Tip # 1

Tip # 2

Be realistic. Keep in mind you will never get as much on a trade-in as you would selling the car yourself and you won’t be disappointed.

Tip # 3

Keep it clean. A clean car is obviously going to garner more trade-in value than a dirty one. Give it a thorough cleaning and shampooing, and consider new floor mats as well.

Tip # 4

Do reconnaissance. Check out the dealerships where you are considering making your purchase. If they have three or more of your old car already on the lot for sale, they will be less interested in giving you a higher trade-in price.

Tip # 5

Be a negotiator. Perhaps the dealer would be willing to give you a longer warranty for free in exchange for a higher trade-in price. Be willing to haggle a bit for the best deal.

Tip # 6

Be nit picky. Taking care of small details such as a burnt out turn signal light or little nicks and scratches can make the difference between a good trade-in price over a bad one.

Tip # 7

Set the stage. Make sure the car is empty of your personal effects. If the dealer can envision your old car on their lot as a sellable vehicle you may get a better price.

Tip # 8

Paperwork matters. Having the service history paperwork immediately increases value in your car, as it is a living record of how well the automobile has been cared for.

Tip # 9

Disclosure counts. Be up front with the dealer about any major problems the car has. Believe it or not, honesty often earns a better estimate for your trade-in.

Tip # 10

Be wary. If a dealer offers you a ridiculously high offer on your trade-in you may be looking at a dealer who is planning to jack up the price of the new car you have your eye on. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Tip # 11

Bonus Tip. Know if your car still has its base warranty. Dealers like to have cars with warranties that they can use to repair the car under warranty before or after its resale.

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