Dec 8, 2021
trade-in

Are You Ready to Trade-in Your Vehicle?

Are you ready to trade your current vehicle in and you are wondering how to get it prepared?  There are a number of important steps you can take to get everything ready for trade-in.  If you are just starting to investigate trading in your vehicle, the first step is to research online and see how much your car, truck, or SUV is worth. A great place to start is with our online Value Your Trade estimator. Be honest when you are inputting the information to give you the best representation of value possible.  However, it is important to keep in mind that this is just an estimation and can vary depending on the dealership you are choosing.  Another key factor is whether you have equity in the vehicle.  If you are still financing the car, be sure to get a payoff quote from your financial lender so you can compare it to trade-in offers.  This will assist you in making crucial decisions in what way you want to go.

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Clean and Maintained

If you have already gone through an online appraisal and are preparing to bring your vehicle in to start the trade-in process, there are cosmetic improvements you can easily do to make your vehicle more attractive – both inside and out!  Getting a car wash and even springing for a wax will allow for you to have a better first impression when bringing your vehicle in, and it is not an expensive route to go.  You can even have your interior detailed for a better clean.  This should remove dirt and other stains in both the upholstery and carpet, plus leave the interior smelling pleasant!  You can even bring the vehicle to a car body shop to have an inspection done to see if there are smaller issues to fix.  This could include exterior scratching or chipping paint that can be filled in, and it can mean replacing windshield wipers or floor mats.  If your vehicle has larger mechanical problems or tires that need replacing, factor it into what you are willing to spend in order to make the most out of your trade-in. Don’t spend more than you will see returned in trade-in value.

Bring Your Vehicle Maintenance Records

One step that can also make the trade-in process easier is if you have kept records of the maintenances and repairs done on your vehicle.  Collecting up this paperwork and bringing it with you at the time of trade-in can help give the dealership a clearer view of how well you have kept up with maintenances in the past!  It will also give them a better idea of what the condition of the vehicle is.

Trade-In Your Vehicle Today at Thelen Auto Group in Bay City

When you are ready to begin the trade-in process, Thelen Auto Group in Bay City, Michigan, is ready to assist you!  We can offer you top dollar for your trade-in, and we can even assist you in finding another used vehicle that better suits your needs and wants.  Contact us today with any questions you may have and our sales staff would be happy to help.