Think you’re a pro when it comes to car dealing? Even the most experienced drivers need help, and that’s especially true for trading in your old car for a new one. Follow these essential tips to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
1) Stage Your Car –
Just like you would stage a house before putting it on the market, it pays to spend some time preparing your car for its big trade-in day.
Please give it a good wash and wax, inside and out. Remove any personal effects like loose change, old receipts, or that fast food wrapper jammed under the passenger seat. Also, remember to tidy the trunk or backseat area. You need to ensure the next owner has ample space for their belongings.
2) Fix All Problems –
Now is the time to fix that pesky check engine light or that annoying rattle in the back. Your car’s condition will influence its trade-in value, so it’s in your best interest to take care of any problems before heading to the dealership.
3) Arrange All Maintenance Records –
Gather all of your car’s maintenance records together in one place. This will give the dealership an idea of how well you’ve cared for the vehicle and could help boost its value. If you don’t have all the records, that’s okay. Most dealerships will still take your car, but it helps to have them on hand.
4) Know Your Car’s Worth –
Before heading to an auto dealership, it’s good to have a general idea of how much your car is worth. You can visit dealerships to get an estimate. It’s also helpful to read up on common negotiating tactics to know what to expect when talking numbers.
5) Do Some Competitive Research –
Check the value of similar used vehicles in your area to get an idea of what you should be expecting for your trade-in. This will help you know if the dealer’s offer is fair or not.
6) Negotiate the Trade-In Value First –
Once you know your car’s worth and what similar models are going for, you can start negotiating with the dealer. Remember that the dealer will likely lowball you, so don’t be afraid to counter their offer. It’s also important to negotiate the trade-in value before discussing the price of the new car you’re interested in.
As you can see, a lot goes into trading in your car. And remember, maintenance & regular upkeep is key to getting your ride traded in for a robust new model!
But don’t worry; we at Feldman CDJR of Clarkston, serving Clawson, MI, are here to help make the process as smooth and easy for you as possible. We want to ensure that you get the best value for your car trade-in and leave our dealership feeling satisfied with the deal.
Schedule a service with our team today!
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