How to Get Full Blue Book Value on a Trade-In
The blue book value of a vehicle is derived from the Kelly Blue Book price guide, which lists estimated values for trade-in, retail and private party transactions. When determining the full blue book value for a trade-in, you need to refer to the estimated trade-in value rather than retail or private party. The trade-in value will be less than retail or private party values, since the dealer will want to mark up the price in order to sell the vehicle for a profit.
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Instructions
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Familiarize yourself with the blue book trade-in value of your car. Type in the year, make and model of your trade-in on the "Used Car Values" page at kbb.com. When prompted, choose "Trade In Value," and continue entering requested information specific to your car, including trim, mileage, options and the overall condition of the car. The website will calculate the blue book trade-in value of your vehicle, displaying estimated values for the car in excellent, good and fair condition.
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Detail your vehicle. On their website, Kelly Blue Book recommends that you remove all trash, personal items, and window and bumper stickers, then have your car professionally washed and waxed. Make sure the interior is thoroughly vacuumed.
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Check fluid levels and tire pressure. According to the automotive website Edmunds.com, dealerships consider the upkeep of the car when determining the trade-in value. Make sure your oil, water and windshield fluids are at proper levels.
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Ask questions at the dealership. The blue book value is only one option dealers may use in determining the value of a trade-in. Some dealers, especially in the Southeast, refer to the Black Book, while others watch auction prices to determine what a car is worth to them, according to Edmunds.com, which recommends that you ask your dealer if the bid for your trade-in is from the dealership or a wholesaler. Ask him to check with wholesalers, if he hasn't yet, and if he has, "Ask him to try to raise the wholesaler," states Edmunds.com.
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Tips & Warnings
Your vehicle's trade-in value is a relative figure and depends on a number of factors, including "what day of the month it is, the product mix on the lot and the inventory mix," according to Edmunds.com. If you don't get the offer you need at one dealership, you may get a better deal at another. Remember that blue book values are estimates; research online inventory prices for vehicles similar to yours to ensure that you have realistic trade-in expectations.
