How to Use Carpoint.com to Determine a Car's Trade-In Value

Carpoint.com is Microsoft's online resource where you can get price quotes for new and used automobiles, read reviews on current production models and even sell your own car. You can use Carpoint.com to link with the Kelley Blue Book website to provide current and accurate trade-in values for your car, based on its mileage and condition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Gather all pertinent information about your current vehicle, such as the year, make and model, the current mileage and a general description of its condition. You will need to inspect tire and brake pad wear and the general condition of the interior and engine compartment. In addition, make sure you have all the service documentation for the car.
2. Log onto the Carpoint.com website to determine your car's trade-in value (see Resources below). You should note that the Carpoint.com website re-directs to the MSN Auto website due to a merger with Microsoft.
3. Click on the "Kelley Blue Book values" icon under the Used Car section on the homepage of Carpoint.com to determine your car's trade-in value.
4. Fill in all of the informational fields on the next page, staring with your zip code, and then enter the year, make, model and trim level of your specific vehicle. A trim level may refer to a certain edition of your car, such as an "SL" or "GT" model that may have additional options or a larger engine than the base model. Once you have filled out each field, click on the "trade-in value" icon.
5. Use the next screen to fill out more detailed information on your car. This will include the mileage, overall condition of your car and all options that have been included, such as leather seats, audio systems, alarms, custom tires and other features.
6. View the field down at the bottom right of your screen to see the trade-in value of your car. Print this page, and use this figure to negotiate a fair price for your trade-in when you buy a new car. Note that this figure is the wholesale value of your car, which is lower than the price it may fetch in a private sale.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you trade in your current car, you should have it serviced by a local mechanic, and have the interior and exterior detailed as well. A clean car that makes a good first impression will definitely demand a higher trade-in allowance.