There are several factors that determine your car's value at trade in time, including its make, model, year and current condition. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to boost your car's trade-in value when you visit a dealership in Burlington and Chittenden County. Below, we've listed a step-by-step guide to improving your car's trade-in value, so you get the best deal when you give it over to a dealership.
1. Know the Five Factors Dealerships Consider at Trade-In
You should know what car dealerships look for when they evaluate your car's trade-in value. That way, you can better negotiate a fair asking price. These factors include:
- Your Car's Make and Model: Historically, certain manufacturers are in higher demand or hold their resale value better. These models get better trade-in offers since they tend to sell faster. If your car's manufacturer is desirable at a dealership, they will give your car a better trade-in value.
- The Year Your Car Was Manufactured: Your car will be in higher demand the more recently it was manufactured. Dealerships are willing to pay a higher price for contemporary car, trucks and SUVS, and knowing what year your car was manufactured can give you extra leverage while negotiating.
- The Condition of Your Car: When dealerships appraise a car's value, they look at the wear and tear that's accumulated. The better shape it's in, the higher your trade-in value will be.
- Mileage: Cars with less miles on them are more desirable and receive a higher value at trade-in. Even if your car is in good condition, its trade-in price suffers if it has a higher mileage.
- Overall Demand: One of the biggest factors in appraising a car's value is its overall consumer appeal. If the model you're selling is popular, dealers are willing to pay more for it up front.
2. Take Your Car In For Maintenance
If your car is in not-so-great condition, minor repairs and routine auto maintenance can drastically improve its value. Mechanics at dealerships like Goss Dodge Chrysler Ram Jeep can help you replace your oil, change your air filters or refresh your fluid levels before trade-in.
3. Repair Your Car's Dings, Dents and Scratches
Any visible body damage is an eyesore for car shoppers and decreases your trade-in value. Depending on how much damage your car has accumulated, it may be a good idea to stop by a body shop to get them repaired.
4. Get Your Servicing Documentation
Proof of maintenance indicates whether your car has been cared for and if it's in good condition. Your CARFAX report usually has this information, but we recommend bringing in old receipts to negotiate a better trade-in value at a dealership.
5. Give It a Wash
Your car should be visually pleasing when it goes back to the dealership. Before you take it in for trade-in, clean out its cabin and take it to a car wash. This may seem like a minor step, but it can save you get you some more money at appraisal time.
Get an Appraisal at Goss Dodge Chrysler Ram Jeep
If you're looking to get a vehicle off your hands in Burlington or Chittenden County, visit Goss Dodge Chrysler to get a vehicle trade-in appraisal. Our friendly, dedicated sales staff will look over your car's condition and return with an estimate as soon as possible.
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