Our Top Tips on Maximising Your Trade-In

When purchasing a new vehicle, you’ve got two options when it comes to getting rid of your old one. You can sell it privately, or you can trade it in. We’re here to help you maximise the trade-in price of your old vehicle.

We know that it can sometimes be hard to let go (hello, memories!), and sometimes the sentimental value far outweighs the financial value. Whether you’re looking to trade in your vehicle right now, or you’re planning to in the next few years, here are our tips on ensuring you can maximise your trade-in value.

How can I maximise the trade-in value of my vehicle while I own it?

1. Keep your service logbook up to date – we can’t stress this one enough and it’s the most important tip we’ll give you. Genuine manufacturer logbooks are always looked upon favourably, and detailed service history is very important.
2. Ensure that each logbook entry is completed by a licensed mechanic and that each entry is stamped.
3. If you ever have an accident, ensure that you fix your vehicle promptly by a reputable and licensed smash repair.
4. Drive your vehicle responsibly. Don’t wear out parts such as your clutch or brakes unnecessarily, as this will decrease its value.
5. Avoid smoking in your car. Cigarette smoke is notoriously difficult to get out of seat fabric, and filters in the heating/cooling system once it gets in there.
6. Protection and shelter will limit the premature aging of the paint. Harsh sunlight can degrade interiors, fade fabric, and dry out leather.
7. Look after the exterior and interior of your vehicle. Vehicles that are washed, polished, and vacuumed regularly age better than those that aren’t.
8. Be smart about what modifications you make regarding the performance and mechanics. If you must make changes to your vehicle, try to keep the original part and refit it when it comes to the time to trade it in.
9. Ensure pet hair doesn’t build up. This kind of hair tends to stick around, and there’s nothing worse than finding random hair that’s not yours in your vehicle!

How can I prepare my vehicle for its trade-in?

1. Wash your car properly for its appraisal. First impressions count and you’ll want your vehicle to look the best it can.
2. Clean the interior thoroughly, so that your sales consultant can see what it could look like to a prospective future buyer.

What should I do when I trade in my vehicle?

1. Research what other cars of the same year, similar make, and brand are priced at. This should give you a good idea of what is fair. Our sales consultants have been in the automotive industry for a long time and will do their best to meet your needs.
2. Disclose any issues with your vehicle. This will make the appraisal process faster and easier for both you and our sales consultants!
3. Bring any extra keys or remotes along with you.

Our final tip? Don’t forget to take your toll tag out of your old vehicle when you trade it in!

Click here if you’d like to discuss trading in your vehicle with one of our friendly sales consultants today, otherwise come in and see us on the lake at Currimundi.