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Trading in a Car 101: Should You Do It When Buying New?

More than 17 million cars are sold in the United States every year. When the time comes to buy a new vehicle, you should take care to avoid making mistakes. The last thing you want to do is rush through the buying process and end up with a lemon on your hands. Researching the various vehicles on the market can make all the difference. For most car buyers, saving money is a primary concern. One of the best things you can do when trying to reduce the price of a new vehicle is to trade in your existing car. Trading in your old car can help you save money on your new car purchase while getting rid of an unwanted car. Most car dealerships welcome trade-ins and will pay for your vehicle. The following are some of the things you need to consider when trying to have success with trading in a car.

 

Assess the Vehicle’s Value

There are a variety of online tools that can make assessing the value of a used car much easier. Visiting the Kelley Blue Book or AutoTrader website is a great idea. With this information, you can ensure that a fair deal is made. These websites feature helpful information that will make the vehicle trade-in process much easier. The time and energy invested in doing this research will definitely be worth it in the long run.

 

Know When to Make Your Trade-In

Most car owners don’t realize choosing the right time to make a trade-in can help them get more money for it. For example, if you have a convertible you’re trying to trade in, you’ll get less money back during the winter months. You will also need to take time to follow the current trends in the car buying world. When gas prices begin to increase, most people want to trade in their gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Arming yourself with the right information will help you get what you want for your trade-in.

 

Make Sure the Car is in Good Shape

The first thing car buyers notice about a vehicle is its curb appeal. This is why you need to make sure your trade-in is clean and ready to sell. Offering a vehicle that is dirty and damaged will make it difficult to get a good price on it. Most car dealerships want a car that they have to put very little work into. If you don’t have the time or patience to clean your vehicle thoroughly, hiring a detailing service is a fantastic idea.

 

Trading In a Car Can Be Easy with Maintenance Records in Hand

The only way to keep a car running efficiently is by properly maintaining it. Making sure all of the fluids in a car are checked and changed regularly is essential. Every time you have maintenance performed on a vehicle, keeping extensive records is important. Having a detailed backlog of maintenance records will serve you well when the time comes to trade in the vehicle. Most dealerships want to ensure the vehicles they invest in have been properly maintained. Showing them the maintenance records will show them verifiable proof that your vehicle is in good shape.

 

Negotiate the Trade-In Price Separately

Often times, car buyers will need to treat a vehicle’s trade-in as a separate issue. Bundling the trading-in of one vehicle and the purchase of another can often lead to you losing money. Once you have an idea of what a car dealership will give you for your trade-in, you can assess whether or not you’re getting a good deal. You’ll need to take some time to shop around at other dealerships to ensure they can’t match or beat the current deal you have on the table. Most car dealerships will work hard to beat the price of a competitor to gain a new customer. With a bit of work, you can get top dollar for a trade-in.

 

Get to Know the Dealerships in Your Area

The key to having a good car buying experience is working with a reputable and experienced dealership. There are usually a variety of car dealers in a metro area, which is why a person needs to do their homework before selecting one. Going online and looking at the reviews a particular dealership has received is crucial. This information will make it easy to select the right dealership in your area. Settling on the first car dealership you come across may lead to you missing out on a great deal or a higher trade-in value. Visiting each of the car lots at your disposal will give you a firsthand look at the car selection and professionalism they have.

 

Make Trading In a Vehicle Easy

Working with the right professionals can make the trade-in process much easier and stress-free. Are you looking for a way to protect yourself if you end up with a lemon? If so, be sure to contact us now to find out how we can help.