How do I Get the Best Trade-in Deal on a Car?

Preparing in advance will help you get the best trade-in deal for your car.

The best way to get a good trade-in deal for your car is to prepare in advance. Doing some research, cleaning the car and making sure it's in good condition will help you make the best possible deal.

Know the Value

Since dealers buy wholesale and sell at retail prices, their profit margin is wider if they pay less for your trade-in. Educate yourself about the value of your car, both as a trade-in and for a private sale. Kelley Blue Book is a reliable source that will enable you to avoid trading in the car for less than its value. Purchase it at book stores or review the Kelley website. You can also check out NADA.com and Edmunds.com (see the Resources section for links).

Clean the Car

Your car should be as clean as possible, inside and out, to create a good impression on the dealer. Clean the inside of the car or have it detailed. Wash and wax the outside. This will give the dealer the impression that the car has been well cared-for, which may translate to a higher trade-in value.

Perform Maintenance

Before you take the car in, inspect it for signs of wear and tear. If the tires are worn, for example, replace or repair them. Replace or top off fluids if necessary, and perform any other maintenance that may be required. This will impress upon the dealer that the car has been treated well.

References

• AutoBrokerMagic.com: Make Your Car's Trade-In Value Worth More
• Edmunds.com: Navigating the Trade-In Process

Resources

• Kelley Blue Book
• Edmunds.com: Used Car Appraiser
• NADA Guides.com: New and Used Car Pricing