How to Get The Best Value for Your Trade

When purchasing a new (or a new to you) vehicle, it is not uncommon to shop around for the best prices and deals. One of the best ways to get money towards the big purchase is to trade in your current vehicle to lower the total cost of your new ride. 

But a common concern and a frequently asked question is this: If I want to sell my car, how do I get the best value for my trade?  BMW of Dayton wants to help you get the most bang for your buck, so here are the topr tried and true methods to get the most value for your trade-in.

Know Your Worth

Far from just an inspirational message about self confidence, knowing your worth - a.k.a. The worth of your vehicle - before you go to a dealership can save you a lot of time and hassle. If you know the value of your vehicle, you can get the most from your trade. Check with frequently used services and sites such as Kelly Blue Book, CarFax, Auto Trader, or CarGurus to get an estimate on the value of your vehicle.

Keep it Clean

Before taking your vehicle into the dealership, consider giving your vehicle the run down with a vacuum and a wipe down. In other words, make sure your vehicle looks clean and well kept. You may even consider investing a little bit of money to fix any minor cosmetic damage. All of this gives curb appeal and extends the vehicle’s life. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to remove all of your personal items from the cab and the trunk!

Service Records

If you have kept any service records for your vehicle, bring them and have them available. This shows that you have taken good care of your vehicle while you owned it - it means your vehicle is well maintained and looking at a long life.

Title Info

If you own your car, make sure to bring the title with you. If you owe anything else on your vehicle, make sure to have the payoff available.

Keys and Accessories

A reputable dealer will sell a used vehicle, a spare key and the Owner’s Manual. You can get more out of your trade if you have these things. Additionally, any floor matts, head rests, tire lock keys, and other accessories can all increase the price of your trade-in - after all, who doesn’t love some good accessories?

Book an Appointment

Make an appointment with the dealer and ask for a rough estimate for a trade-in ahead of time. Doing this before you sit down with them in person can save a lot of hassle.

If you’re looking for a place to start, come out to BMW of Dayton to check out the wide variety of new and certified pre-owned vehicles and get ready to set your sights on the next vehicle for you.