GET TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR TRADE-IN

Inspect like a buyer

Examine your vehicle just like a prospective buyer would to find out what's wrong with it. Start by sitting in the driver's seat and turning on the engine. Then try using all the interior accessories, such as the infotainment system, climate control unit, and ambient lighting. Make a note of any components that are not working.

Then give the exterior the once over. Have a friend or family sit in the driver seat to switch on the exterior lights, activate the turn signals, and step on the brakes. Write down any problems that you find, such as a burned-out bulb or dings and scratches on the door.

 Repair the small things.

If you discover any small fixes that you can do, go ahead and make the repair. This can include replacing burned-out bulbs or screwing in loose components. The less we have to do to make your car salable, then the more we can offer you in trade-in value.

You want to ignore any major repairs such as issues with the transmission or brakes. This will probably cost you plenty of money to fix, which you will not get back. Our service department can take care of these big issues, so let us know of any issues in advance.
But, if there are any open recalls on your vehicle, bring it to the dealer who will repair it for free. This will save us the time and the trouble of getting it done ourselves.

Research the price.

By now, you should have a good idea of the pluses and minuses of your vehicle. You can use this information to figure out what it's worth as a trade-in. Go online and browse the websites of auto experts such as Kelley Blue Book. All you have to do is fill in a form that identifies your vehicle by specifying such information as the Vehicle Identification Number, year, make, model, trim level, and special options.

 You will then receive an estimated trade-in range that you can use to judge whether our offer for your vehicle is acceptable. Just keep in mind that the value we place on your trade-in will be lower than what a private buyer can pay you. We still have to make a profit on your car.

Take out what's yours.

Remove everything from your vehicle that was not part of the original equipment, such as third-party organizers, air fresheners, zebra car seat covers, and children's toys. Since you're not going to get any additional value out of these items, you might as well transfer them to your new purchase.

Restore the original.

You want to include the parts and accessories that originally came with your vehicle. These can cover smart keys, owners' manuals, instructions and documentation for climate control and infotainment, the spare tire, and tools. Buyers prefer to have the original equipment on their purchase.

Include any receipts or invoices for servicing that you've done to your car. These items document how you've taken care of your vehicle during your years of ownership, which can increase its trade-in value. You'll also need the title or pink slip, the registration card, and the insurance card.

Keep it clean.

Although we primarily judge the value of the vehicle through its year, make, model, mileage, and condition, we're just as impressed as anyone else by a clean and fresh interior. So be sure to give your vehicle a good cleaning.

Vacuum all surfaces before wiping them down with an automobile cleaning solution. Don't forget to take care of the interior of the windows and the windshield. Then, give the exterior a good wash before drying it with a chamois or other soft cloth. If you don't have time to do the cleaning yourself, take your vehicle to a car wash and have it professionally done.