People who wish to sell their cars with minimum hassle could find themselves approaching a dealer. Car dealers may not offer you a premium price for the trade-in. However, if you are left wondering how to prepare to trade-in your car and snatch yourself the best deal that will help you upgrade to your new wheels here is what you need to know.
1. Research, research, research
Selling a car at a dealership can be a daunting process if you haven’t put in the research and it is likely that you could end up walking away with way less money than your car deserves. Get your search bar ready for researching cars that are similar to your own that are being sold privately or through the used market to help you prepare. Knowing the approximate market price can help you wield your negotiation power. You can also get a valuation done at places like Redbook for a fee of $20 on your car if you are not sure.
2. Show off your car in the best light
Before you head off to the dealership, check to see if your car is in good condition to be sold in. Keep in mind that the cleanliness and general condition of your car will have an effect on the trade-in price. Consider taking your car to the car wash or giving it a good scrub to improve its outward appearance. The interior also needs to be cleaned out. Check your car for any rubbish and stains that need to be sorted out before showing your car to the dealer.
3. Maintain a maintenance schedule
If you take care of your car it will take care of you when it is time to sell it. If you have kept your maintenance days for your car this could pay off when it is time to drive it down to the dealership for a trade-in. The number of kilometres it has done and service history also play a crucial part in the trade-in value of your car. Remember to keep a record of each service as proof that you can provide to a potential buyer showing that you kept good care of your wheels.
4. Brace yourself for dealer tactics
Dealers will never offer you a premium price when it comes to your vehicle. Always keep in mind that dealers know tricks to sway the deal into something that could benefit them. After all, they are experts in buying and selling cars, which means you need to be prepared. This means knowing the price of your car, knowing the best time in the month to sell, and knowing when to walk away.
5. Weigh your options
Before you settle on doing a trade-in check to see if selling your car privately will not be the better option. Check to see if you will be getting the best deal for your car by weighing the price you will get for a trade-in against the changeover price for your new vehicle. If your new car is going to end up costing you more than what you received for a trade-in, it may not be the best deal overall.