5 Easy Tips to Get the Highest Trade-In Value in Tallahassee, FL
When you trade in your vehicle, you are selling your current car to a dealership and using the money towards the purchase of a new vehicle. Different factors determine the value of your current car, and the dealership will make you an offer based on these factors.
Before taking your vehicle to a car dealer in Tallahassee, FL, for a trade-in, it’s important to prepare in order to get the best value. Vehicles that are clean inside and out, have received regular maintenance (such as engine, oil changes, and tire rotations), and have minimal body damage typically receive the highest trade-in values.
Understanding Your Vehicle’s Value
The value of your vehicle depends on how well you took care of it, its popularity in the Tallahassee region, and the Kelley Blue Book trade-in estimate. A vehicle that looks like it just came off the showroom floor will get the highest trade-in value. The more wear and tear a car shows, the lower its value will be.
The Kelley Blue Book is an industry guide that determines the value of a vehicle based on its year, model, trim, and condition. It provides a standardized value for used vehicles, but the amounts are flexible as it is just a guideline.
Some vehicles are more popular than others in the Tallahassee region. A vehicle in high demand at dealerships will get a higher trade-in amount, while average demand results in an average trade-in value.
You can get an idea of the value of your car by looking at dealer websites, sites that aggregate listings from multiple dealers, and even Facebook marketplace. The following six tips will help you get the best price for your trade-in.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Trade-In
Getting your vehicle ready for trade-in requires work, but it can pay off as a higher trade-in amount. Here are some actions you can take to prepare:
- Get it detailed inside and out
- Consider paintless dent removal for noticeable dents
- Put maintenance records together
- Have minor repairs completed
- Collect extra accessories that came with the vehicle
Choosing the Right Time to Trade In
The first half of the year is the best time to trade in your vehicle. People are more inclined to buy a new or used vehicle when the model year is still fresh and dealerships are in need of more inventory to sell.
Other timing considerations include:
- The vehicle is almost or entirely paid off
- The mileage is getting high
- The maintenance is getting to a point where the vehicle needs constant repair
Navigating Trade-In Negotiations
Negotiating the trade-in value of your vehicle should be handled separately from the negotiations for the new vehicle. This approach allows you to focus on getting the best price for your current and new vehicles.
Research the value of your car as a starting point for negotiating, and bring the information to show to a salesperson. Be sure to point out the strengths of your current vehicle and why they add to its value. Last but not least, highlight the condition of the body, engine, and suspension and the work that’s been done to keep it in good running condition.
Ensuring a Smooth Trade-In Transaction
Make sure you have the title or loan paperwork (if you still owe on the vehicle) with you, as well as any documents that relate to the vehicle. Bring anything else that’s associated with the car and have it ready to turn over when you strike the deal.
Remember that you might get a different amount than expected on your trade-in, but you can get close if reasonable.
Conclusion
These five tips help you get the best price for your vehicle and serve to lower the amount you pay for the new one. Following them makes for a better trade-in experience, which leaves you feeling good about the results.
When it’s time to trade in your old vehicle for a new one, come see us at Peter Boulware Toyota today. We’ll evaluate your trade-in and how much it’s worth towards buying a new Toyota car, truck, or van.
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