Prepare Your Vehicle For Trade-In

If you’re planning to trade in your car for another model, there are some steps you should take to get the most out of that trade-in. Follow these tips to maximize your vehicle’s trade-in value.

Take Care Essential Repairs


To optimize the value of your vehicle, you’ll need to make sure any necessary repairs or replacements are accounted for. Naturally, a vehicle will fetch a better price if it functions as intended, and if you just need to replace a simple part (like a lightbulb) here or there, or see to some essential repair work, you’ll find that it was well worth the effort when the time comes to trade it in. Keep in mind, though, that there’s a point of diminishing returns. If you have to replace something more expensive like tires or engine parts, it might be more efficient to let the dealership handle those fixes rather than front the cost yourself. This is also an opportunity to take care of any dings, scratches, or broken components that might make the vehicle look less appealing on the lot.

Show Your Records


When someone wants to buy a car, they’ll be more comfortable making the investment if they know that the car is in good shape. To prove that you’ve been taking good care of the vehicle you’re trading in, you’ll need to bring records of its regular maintenance to the dealership. Receipts from your service center visits will show that the car has received the upkeep it needs.

Clean Inside and Out


A clean car is bound to attract more buyers than a dirty ride, so cleaning your car will make it more appealing on trading day. Give it a good wash to make the exterior shine, then clear out the interior from any junk or stains that might detract from its beauty. Consider vacuuming the seats and floorboards as well.

You might also like: How To Plan The Perfect Family Feast

Miller Toyota


When you’re ready to make a trade, you can take advantage of our Value Your Trade feature for a quick online appraisal.

Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.
November 14, 2022
Back to Parent Page