When it is time to purchase a new car, buyers research every aspect of the transaction. From MSRP to MPG, a potential buyer is like a proud pregnant parent with pictures to show and stories to tell. Unfortunately, the one thing most buyers ignore is their trade-in. This is an equally important part of the transaction. The team at Cheapcars.com has compiled some advice to get you the most money for your trade-in.
Clean Machine
When a dealer inspects a car for trade-in, the first thing he notices is the cleanliness of the car. This is considered a reflection of how the automobile was maintained. If the car is dirty and unkempt, many dealers assume it was not well maintained. Start by de-cluttering the interior.
Remove any trash and clean out the glove box and door compartments. Vacuum all carpeted areas and shampoo, if necessary. Wipe down all surfaces. However, be careful to check the owner’s manual, some interiors have specific cleaning requirements. Finally, remove all personal items hanging from the mirror or placed in the cup holders. Don’t forget the exterior. Be sure to wash it and clean the tires. In most cases, it is not necessary to have it professionally detailed; a carwash is usually sufficient.
If it’s Broken, Fix it
One person’s trade-in becomes someone else’s “new” car. Broken items will need to be fixed or replaced before a dealer resells the car. This will be taken into account when determining the trade-in value. Broken items can also be red flags and dealers may wonder what else may be broken. It is imperative that cracked windshield, damaged tires, warning lights and burned out bulbs be replaced.
Trade-in Research
It is important to know the value of the trade-in. In today’s virtual world, there are many options to verify wholesale value. Research the base model of the car and available options. Verify which options have been installed. Locate all of the car keys, dealers may deduct up to $200 or more per missing key. Finally, transferable warranties also add trade-in value. Be sure to provide the paperwork to the dealership.
By following the above tips, you will increasing the value of your trade-in vehicle and be able to afford a nicer car.
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