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Step 1
Evaluate the worth of your used car before going to the dealership. Go to www.kellybluebook.com for a free estimate of your vehicle. Click on the "Go" button in the used car section. Select the appropriate year, make and model of the car. Enter your local zip code.
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Step 2
Look at your car and write the following on a piece of paper: mileage and basic equipment features (A/C, power windows, CD etc). Using this information, select the "Trade-in Value" link. Select the trim for your vehicle, type of transmission and current mileage. Check off the applicable equipment (standard features will automatically be checked off).
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Step 3
Think about your vehicle and then select the appropriate vehicle condition (excellent, good, fair or poor). Click the "next" button and you will be taken to a page with your car's estimated pricing. Print out a copy of this for your reference.
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Step 4
Go to the car dealership where you want to trade in your used car. If you are purchasing a new car, start negotiating pricing without mentioning your trade-in. Most dealers will ask, but play dumb. This will give you more flexibility with your overall purchase price. Once you get some numbers, ask for a copy of their 4-square sheet where they have written this information. Tell them you are thinking about their offer, but that you need to leave and will come back later.
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Step 5
After waiting for about a day, call the dealership. Speak to the salesperson/manager you had been discussing your vehicle purchase with. Tell him you are interested in trading in a vehicle with your new vehicle purchase. You will need to set up an appointment to have your trade-in evaluated by the dealer (usually a used car manager).
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Step 6
Bring your trade-in vehicle, current registration, 4-square paper and Kelly Bluebook printout to the dealership. Go to the person who can evaluate your vehicle. After they check it out, an offer will be given to you. Usually, their offer will be lower than Kelly Blue book. Use your best judgment. If the trade-in value is acceptable, the value will go against your new vehicle purchase. Assuming you do not owe any money on your trade-in vehicle, they will have to re-evaluate the pricing breakdown of your vehicle based on the information they gave you on the 4-square the last time you were there. This will work to your advantage.
