It’s finally time for a new set of wheels. Your current vehicle has been old reliable, offering you hassle-free drives for years, but due to changing circumstances, an unforeseen mechanical issue, or some other reason, it’s time to say goodbye. Fortunately, you don’t have to let go without getting a bit of cash in return. Although you may not get as much money as you would selling the car privately, the quickness and ease of trading it into a dealer often outweigh the hassle of selling it on your own.
Take Care of Your Vehicle
Remember that check engine light you cover with a piece of tape? If you’re looking for ways to increase the trade-in value of your vehicle, maybe it’s time to peel off that tape and take your car to a trusted mechanic. The idea here is that a dealer doesn’t want a project. They want a vehicle that they can turn around and sell with minimal effort to make a slight profit for their efforts.
That said, taking your vehicle in for regular maintenance isn’t as difficult as you may think. In general, you should:
- Change the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
- Rotate the tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
- Replace the air filter every 15,000 miles.
- Replace the fuel filter every 30,000 miles.
- Flush and replace the coolant every 90,000 miles.
You could also follow the factory-scheduled maintenance plan that’s assigned to each new vehicle for a meticulous approach to car care. Consider a tuneup before the trade-in as well to ensure everything’s in tip-top shape. The bottom line is to make your car as mechanically sound as possible.
Detail Your Car
Making your vehicle as attractive as possible goes a long way to maximizing your trade-in value. Before you show your car to the dealer, wash and wax the outside and thoroughly clean the inside so the car looks as good as it did when it rolled into your driveway for the first time. In addition, you should fix the other minor scratches and flaws so the dealer doesn’t have to. It will go a long way toward earning you some extra cash.
Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer
If none of the first two appeal to you, hop on the Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer offered at Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Vacaville. Enter your plate number or make and model into the handy online sheet, click the button, and out comes a voucher that’s good for the dollar amount shown (valid for three days). That means you won’t have to negotiate, barter, or haggle to get the trade-in value you want. It’s a hassle-free way to get down to business.
You might not be able to trade in your 1974 Gremlin for a sizable chunk off a 2019 Dodge Challenger, but at least you’ll get a little something from the vehicle that’s been so good to you. No one likes to say goodbye, but a brand-new vehicle is a pretty awesome consolation prize.
Image via pixabay licensed under CC BY 2.0
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