How to Increase Your Car’s Trade-In Value

Auto LoanWhether you want to put the value of your current car toward the purchase of a new one or you simply want to trade in your car for cash, these tips from Indy Car Financing will help you to maximize your trade-in value. Simply follow our handy guide, you should have no problem getting top-dollar for your car trade-in.

Make It Look Great

Detailing your car so that it looks like it just came off the showroom floor demonstrates that you’ve cared for your investment. Make sure to have your interior cleaned from carpet to ceiling. Get out any stains in the upholstery, vacuum, and dust. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can always find a car wash with a detailing package that will take care of your vehicle inside and out.

Can Make Fixes, but Don’t Overspend

Take the time to assess your vehicle’s condition, and then consider making fixes that could boost the trade-in value. For example, any minor cosmetic changes like small dent repair, cracks, chipped paint, and windshield chips are not nearly as expensive as replacing entire body panels or other components. If you’re in need of mechanical repairs, carefully consider if you’ll receive a good return before spending your money on fixes.

Get Your Car History Paperwork in Order

If you haven’t done so already, gather your vehicle history report. This should include everything from routine maintenance invoices to repairs, recalls updates, and warranty work. The more information you can provide for the buyer, the better.

Research the Car’s Value

The best way to figure out how much your car is worth is to do some online research. Choose trustworthy, quality sources for an accurate representation of how much your vehicle should sell for, so that you know what to expect to receive when browsing for estimates. The key here is to accurately assess the value and not to overinflate this amount based on sentimental feelings for your car.

Collect Some Estimates or Quotes

Now that you know how much your car is worth, shop around for estimates from other buyers. You’re going to want to consider selling your car to someone that offers a quote that’s closest to how much your vehicle is worth. Whether you choose to trade it in for another vehicle or sell it outright, make sure the estimate is accurate so that you don’t end up losing money on your deal.

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