You may love your car and may be willing to overlook its flaws; the dealership manager who will be appraising your car does not feel that same attachment. He or she will be looking at your car with an objective eye and will be considering whether or not it will be profitable to resell. What can you do to increase the odds of a love connection between the dealership and your trade-in vehicle? Here are tips you can follow to present your vehicle in the best light possible and, hopefully, to get a better price for your trade.Managers know that potential buyers notice how a car looks, smells, and runs, so they check those things when appraising a potential trade-in vehicle.
On the outside
Wash your car, and look it over in good lighting. If you notice any paint chips or scratches, consider having those fixed with a quality repair. But if you think you may make a mess with the touch-up paint, leave it alone. It is better to leave a few gravel chips than to have noticeable blotches of touch-up paint. If there are small dents, check into having those fixed with PDR or paintless dent repair.
If the car needs to have scuffs or minor body work addressed, have those taken car of before having your car appraised.
On the inside
Clean your car thoroughly. Even wash out the cup holders and vacuum under the seats. Vacuum the trunk or cargo area, too. If the seats or carpets have stains or tears, take care of those as much as you can. Carefully wash the engine area as well. A car that looks as though it has been well cared for is likely to sell better. Give your vehicle the "sniff test" to determine if it smells like dirty socks or like a car another person may want to buy. Air fresheners may be helpful, but stick with those which neutralize odors rather than covering them.
Under the hood
Gather your service records and repair history. Providing documentation that you have taken care of your vehicle may improve its value. If your vehicle has an fluid leaks or mechanical issues, either fix them or reveal them. You want the dealership to be honest with you, so you should be honest with them as well.
In your mind
Do your research. Using various tools, gather information about what your vehicle may be worth as a trade-in vehicle. When inputting information into an online form, be brutally honest about your vehicle's flaws and blemishes. If the online tool you use gives a range of likely trade-in values, prepare yourself mentally for the dealership to make you an offer toward the lower end of the scale. The after-market customization you added to your vehicle will likely not add to its value. The dings or drips you think do not matter may actually matter quite a bit. The dealership will also take into account what the market is like and how quickly they will be able to match your trade-in vehicle with another customer.
So in the end, you are setting up your vehicle on a blind date of sorts. You love that vehicle, you value it, and you think everyone else will see the same great features you see. Do what you can to give it a "spa day" before the big date, and then step back and see if the dealership will have an instant love connection with your vehicle. Who knows? Maybe you will rekindle your own love for the vehicle and will decide it is a keeper.
Suggested Online Appraisal Tools:
Kelley Blue Book
Edmunds
NADA Guides
