How to Trade In a Car

Tips for trading in your car

1. The first and most important step you should take is finding out what you're automobile is worth. Consult the Kelley Blue Book , which features prices on used vehicles going back twenty years. Bring a copy of the value report you find using the Kelley Blue Book with you to show the salesperson at the dealership. This is a good starting point for negotiating the trade-in price and will let the sales staff know you are not a pushover.
2. Clean your car as best as you can on the inside and the outside to make it as presentable as possible for the trade-in experience. If you have any dents, consider trying a dent extractor kit to fix them yourself. Get a bottle of touch-up paint from the dealer and fix any scratches or spots missing paint. Anything you can do to improve the car's appearance can only help you get a better price for it.
3. Make yourself aware of two of the biggest obstacles you'll most likely face when trading in to a dealership-high trade-in values and low trade-in values. If a salesperson offers you a high trade-in on your car, it usually means he/she is going to charge you a lot on your new car. It's vice versa with the low trade-in: a low trade-in usually means you'll get a lower price on the new car you want.
4. Negotiate! Do not take the first offer the salesperson throws out for your car-be tough and haggle!
5. In much of the research found on this subject, many experts suggested selling the car on your own if you're out to get the most amount of money possible for it. This involves more work, but in the end you'll be a bit richer! Should you go this route, follow most of the steps above (consult the Kelley Blue Book, clean your car in and out). Then place a classified advertisement in your local newspaper and begin setting up appointments with interested parties to show your car. For more information on used car values, check the NADA Guide. They offer prices on used cars with mileage and options from 1986 to the present.