Tips for Trading In Your Vehicle to Maximize Value

Ready to upgrade your ride? Taking the time to get your car ready to sell can help you maximize trade-in value in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Here’s a guide to help you get started.

Know Your Car’s Current Market Value

Knowing what your car is worth can help you maximize the value of your trade-in. Before heading to the dealership, do some research to find its value. There are several online valuation tools you can use, such as our value your trade tool, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds. Just enter the VIN or license plate number or research it by make and model, then add any options the car has and update its condition.

These tools are a great way to get an idea of your car’s value. Keep in mind that it will still need an in-person appraisal from a technician at a dealership. The appraisal process varies at each dealership, but it usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy we are. Saturdays tend to be busy days at car dealerships, so if you want a shorter wait, you’re better off bringing it in for an appraisal on a weekday.

Clean and Detail Before Appraisal

Your car’s first impression can make a big difference in determining its value. This means cleaning and detailing it before you bring it to the dealership. Give the exterior a good wash and clean out the clutter from inside. If you don’t have a vacuum, go to a nearby Bellefontaine car wash to use one there.

Once you’ve cleaned it up, look at it from the perspective of a potential buyer. Does it look like something you would want to purchase? Small fixes can make a big difference when trading in your car. Do the windshield wipers work? How about the headlights and power windows? These easy fixes won’t cost you a lot of money, but can make a big difference in the amount of your offer.

Gather Service Records & Paperwork

One of the most significant factors that impacts a car’s resale value is its maintenance history. A well-maintained car runs smoothly and will attract buyers, so keep up with maintenance and keep all the records. Before heading to Steve Austin’s Auto Group with your trade-in, gather all of your documents. If you’ve paid off the car and don’t have a lien holder, make sure you have the title and your loan payoff documents. You’ll also want to make sure the current registration is in the vehicle.

Timing Your Trade for Maximum Value

Aside from the age and condition of your vehicle, there are several factors that can influence its trade-in value, such as the time. Here are some car trade-in tips for Ohio drivers to consider:

Equity and Loan Status

The best time to trade in your car is when its value is more than what you owe. You’ll get more from the trade instead of owing more.

Mileage

Mileage is a big factor to consider when trading in a car. A good goal is to trade it before major mileage milestones such as 60,000 or 100,000 miles, or before the original manufacturer’s warranty expires. Your car’s value will depreciate significantly when the warranty expires.

Market Demand and Conditions

The automobile market conditions also have a significant impact on used car values. If there is a high demand for used cars, you’re likely to get a better offer. You’ll also want to consider the time of year. During Ohio winters, there is a higher demand for SUVs with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. If you’re trading a good winter vehicle and can wait out the summer, you’ll most likely benefit from a higher offer.

Why Trade With a Local Bellefontaine Dealer

There are many benefits to trading your vehicle in with a local Bellefontaine dealer like Steve Austin’s Auto Group. One of them is how quickly you can get your new vehicle after trading in your old one. You don’t want to have to wait to get behind the wheel of your new Chevy, so the best way to trade in a vehicle is to come see us. We’ll make you a competitive offer for your old vehicle in just a few minutes and take care of all the details to ensure the trade-in process goes smoothly.

We also handle the paperwork during the trade-in, saving you time and effort. All you have to do is bring your car in to us, and we’ll handle the rest. You can apply for financing, get an offer for your current ride, and sit back while we take care of the details. Trading in your vehicle with us also gives you a lot of flexibility, such as using the money from your vehicle to offset the cost of your next purchase.

If you live in a state with a sales tax, trading in your car may also reduce the amount of tax you have to pay. This could add up to a significant amount of savings that you wouldn’t get if you sold your vehicle on your own.

Start Your Trade-In Today

If you’re ready to trade in your vehicle and upgrade to a new or newer model, there’s no better place to go than Steve Austin’s Auto Group. We have a convenient value your trade tool to help you find out what it’s worth, and it’s easy to schedule an in-person appraisal. Our expert team is here to guide you. Give us a call at 937-404-5823 or stop by the dealership. You’ll find us at 2500 S Main Street, Bellefontaine, OH, 43311.