You’ve got quite a few options when it comes to getting rid of your used car, and there are plenty of things you can do to increase its value before trading it in or selling it. Before heading to the dealership, it’s important to do all you can to get the best valuation for your trade-in, as it will impact the price you pay for the next vehicle you purchase. Let’s take a look at the best ways to increase your trade-in value.

Take care of the basics

One of the best ways to boost the value of your trade-in is to make sure that you’ve corrected known mechanical issues. This can be as simple as making sure the oil changes are up to date, and tires are rotated properly, but it can also include more expensive items under the hood. Dealers’ used car buyers can’t catch every issue, but it’s best to make sure you’ve identified and fixed preexisting problems with your vehicle. 

Details Details Details

You’ll also want to make sure your car looks its best before trying to trade it in. Dealers know that vehicles get dirty and that cleanliness doesn’t always impact value or functionality, but a dirty car can be a sign that the owner has neglected other areas of vehicle care. This includes washing and cleaning the exterior, as well as vacuuming and cleaning the interior. If there are stains and other dirt, try to remove them as best you can before heading to the dealer. You may also want to negotiate the trade-in value of your car separately from the new vehicle you’re buying. This will help you understand exactly what you’re getting without having the values wrapped into a sales transaction, which could obscure some of the numbers. Centennial Subaru always offers the best price for trade-ins, and you can trust our experienced staff to give you a fair price, but it never hurts to have all the information in front of you. 

Do your homework

Finally, it’s vitally important that you do your homework before starting the shopping process. Research is helpful for buying and selling, and there’s no way to get the best price for your trade if you don’t know its value. It’s also a good idea to know the value of the vehicle you’re buying to ensure the pricing is what you expect. 

Talk to us today

While Centennial Subaru will always give you the best possible price for your trade, these steps are a good idea no matter where you decide to buy your next vehicle. When you’re ready to learn how much you can get for your trade, give us a call or stop by any time.