How to Get the Best Trade-In Value for Your Car

If you’re looking to trade in your current car, you should take some time to understand your options. You could go with an online trade-in service like Carvana, but you often have very little or no room to negotiate for a great deal with those services. That’s why trading your car in at a dealership may be the best option for you.

When you go to a dealership, they’re generally willing to negotiate and haggle with you to get a deal that satisfies both parties. Even so, there are multiple steps you should take to get a great deal.

Let’s go over these steps so you can make a great trade-in at a dealership.

Steps for Making a Great Trade-In

1.     Do Your Research

Before you start contacting dealerships, you need to research what your car’s make and model are currently worth. Luckily, you can do that online by visiting websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. Many dealerships, including ours, have trade valuation tools and KBB instant cash offer tools on their websites, and these can expedite the process if you decide to trade it in at that location.

Why is this important? The more knowledgeable you are about your car’s worth, the better you can negotiate. After all, if you have an estimate from a reputable source like KBB or Edmunds, you can tell when a dealer’s offer is too high or too low.

2.     Have Your Car Cleaned and Detailed

If you want to trade in your car at a dealership, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s looking its best. That’s why you’ll want to have your car cleaned and detailed before you start contacting dealerships. When your car looks really great, you’ll be able to get a great deal for it.

When a professional is evaluating a car, they don’t just look for mechanical issues. They’re also looking at the interior and exterior for any signs of wear and tear, and any significant blemishes can decrease the total value. Giving your car a thorough bath before you get it appraised can make a difference of hundreds of dollars.

3.     Begin Contacting Local Dealerships

Once you’ve done your research and cleaned your car, it’s time to begin the trade-in process. Start by contacting dealerships in your area and asking for a quote for your car. Be sure to reach out to more than one dealership because that allows you to compare the quotes you get from each one and decide which one is best from there. Besides asking for quotes, you should also ask what kinds of documents they want you to bring with you during the trade-in process.

4.     Prepare to Negotiate

Once you’ve chosen a dealership’s offer, schedule an appointment for your trade-in. Then gather all the documents they told you to bring. If you’re not used to negotiating, you should also prepare yourself mentally for the negotiation process. Remind yourself that you don’t have to take the first offer the dealership makes. Also be prepared to bring up things that you think will bolster or improve your car’s value, such as never having been in a major accident. And if the dealership brings in an appraiser, be ready to insist on remaining in the room while the appraiser examines your vehicle. Your presence during that appraisal will make sure that everything is above board.

Come Make Your Trade-In in Romeoville, IL

If you want to get a dealership trade-in in the Chicago area, check out our Toyota dealership in Romeoville. We’ll help you get a great deal for your trade and set you up with the perfect new vehicle for you.

Reach out to us online or at 815-744-2760 to start the trade-in process today.