How To Maximize Your Trade-In Value

How To Maximize Your Trade-In Value

Although you may get a higher price selling privately, there are many advantages to trading your vehicle in at the dealership. While convenience is a large part of it, you also dont have to advertise, set up test drives with strangers or go through a buyer backing out of a deal last minute. Do some research on your vehicle first so you can walk into the dealership with all the facts you need to negotiate a good trade in value.

One of the most important factors when it comes to a trade in is the physical condition of your vehicle. You should have your car or truck detailed inside and out before attempting to trade it in. Check the bodywork as well and get dents, scratches and other imperfections fixed. Use your judgement on this one, if you dont think you can make up the cost of repairs with the added trade in value they provide, it would be better not to have them done.

Trade in value is based on several key factors. Make and model, year, mileage, condition and the desirability of your vehicle overall. Usually, the newer a car is, the higher the offer will be. Newer models are more likely to sell quickly so a car dealership will pay more for those. If you have an older model with higher kilometers, you may want to take take advantage of a push pull drag offer when its available. If a vehicles make is of higher quality, in high demand or depreciates slowly, it will have a higher trade in value. When the kilometers on your vehicle goes up, the trade in value goes down. Keep an eye on your kilometers per year and trade in before it gets too high to maximize your trade in value.

Keep up on your maintenance and fix the little things such as a burned-out tail light. Keep records of your maintenance done over the years. This shows the dealership that you have taken care of your vehicle and they may offer more for your trade in. Make sure your tires are in good shape. If they are looking rough, it may benefit you to replace them with an inexpensive set.

If you have any questions or are looking to trade in your vehicle for an upgrade, please give us a call at Chilliwack Volkswagen and we will be happy to help you!