How to Prepare Your Vehicle For Maximum Trade Value

Before you drive into a dealership with trading on your mind, do some minor damage control to get the best trade in value for your automobile. By paying attention to a few details that the appraisers will be looking at, you can get more for your trade-in without having to spend a lot to do it.

Things You'll Need

• car cleaning accessories or a car detailing shop
• small accessories that might need replaced or repaired, such as bulbs or fuses
• blue book or gold book value on your vehicle

Instructions

1. Remember that the most obvious is often the most overlooked when taking a vehicle in for trade. If it's dirty it can cost you. Take the time to do a thorough detailing of your car or truck's interior and exterior. If the paint has dulled, use a buffing product and a good wax to restore some of its shine. First impressions matter to appraisers.

2. Consider the aesthetics of your vehicle when you sit in the driver's seat, from the perspective of a new owner. Does it have an odor? Does it have bumper stickers on top of bumper stickers? Are the knobs and instrument panel in good working condition? These are simple fixes that can add a surprising value.

3. Repair any simple issues that could be problematic when your vehicle is in the hands of an appraiser. Burned headlights, light bulbs and blown fuses are quick to replace at a reasonable cost. If your tires are bald or are obviously in need of replacing, consider it an investment to look for clearance sales on tires.

4. Restore dents and dings with minimal effort at an affordable cost. Check with a body shop and ask for an appraisal. Base your decision on weighing the cost against the potential return at the time of trading. The same is true with windshield cracks.

5. Think like an appraiser before you go in to trade your vehicle. Know what your vehicle is worth before going in. It will be much easier to negotiate the trade in offer if you have done your homework and you've prepared your car or truck for trading.

Tips & Warnings

• Whatever you would do to prepare your vehicle to sell to an individual will almost certainly be needed before trading it in.

• A change of floor mats and a good leather cleaner can change the entire appearance of a vehicle's interior.

Resources

• Kelley Blue Book Used Car Values