How Do Dealerships Value My Trade?

What Does the Term Trade-In Mean?

A trade-in is a model that you intend to sell to a dealership to receive a credit that you can use toward the purchase of another model.

What Is Trade-In Value?

The trade-in value is the amount of money that you can expect to get from a dealer for your ride. Depending on what you get back, you can use this money to reduce the price of your next mode of transportation.

How Do I Find Out My Model’s Trade-In Value?

See below for online pricing guides at your disposal:

• Kelley Blue Book
• NerdWallet
• Edmunds
• Black Book

Any of these resources will come in handy when it comes to developing a target range for how much you can expect to be offered for your current ride.

What Determines the Trade-In Value?

Here are some of the factors that are involved in figuring out what a dealer will pay for a given model:

• Mileage
• Maintenance history
• Accident history

On top of these items, the dealer must also consider how much it will cost to have it serviced to have it resold.

How Can I Get the Most Out of My Trade-In?

Not only is making sure your daily driver stays up on its routine maintenance important to get the most out of it in terms of performance and safety, but it also helps out when it comes to helping it keep its value. Some of the things you’ll want to make sure are accomplished regularly are listed as followed:

• Brake maintenance
• Oil changes
• Wheel alignments
• Engine tune-ups
• Tire care

On top of all this, you will also want to see to it that it is fully cleaned inside and out, so it can make the best possible impression.

What Should I Have With Me When I Visit the Dealer?

While you’re getting ready to take your trade-in to the dealership, be sure to bring the following along:

• Current registration
• The title
• All keys
• Your driver’s license