How Do Dealerships Value My Trade?

What Do Dealers Consider When Valuing My Trade-in?

There are a few different factors that go into evaluating your trade-in. The most common factors include:

• Current market demand
• Overall mechanical condition
• Interior & exterior condition
• Specific make & model
• Accident & service history

When you trade in your vehicle, you'll need to provide your VIN (vehicle identification number) and license plate number. That enables the dealer to locate your vehicle's history report, which gives them access to information like reported accidents and service records so they can provide you with a fair offer.

The auto market fluctuates throughout the year. There are some recurring patterns, but other times a specific vehicle is simply in high demand. If you're driving a popular vehicle, a dealer might be willing to give you a higher trade-in value. You may also receive more for your all-wheel drive SUV as the winter months approach and drivers prepare for snow.

Can I Boost My Car's Trade-in Value?

There are a handful of ways that can make your vehicle appear more appealing in a dealer's eyes. Try some of the following tricks:

• Have it inspected
• Take care of body work
• Get it detailed
• Provide service documentation

The overall mechanical condition of your vehicle is one of the most crucial aspects when a dealership is evaluating your trade. If you've stayed up to date with manufacturer-recommended maintenance, check this off your list. You can always have your vehicle inspected by a technician prior to the trade-in. Replacing any worn-out parts may also give its value a boost.

A dealership can find your service records in a vehicle history report, but if you've hung onto your receipts after each service, it's always a good idea to include them with your trade-in. This will help prevent any discrepancies and prove that you took immaculate care of your car.

How Do Dealership Value Your Trade Tools Work?

Value Your Trade tools will vary based on the dealer. Our tool is easy to use. All you need to get started is some basic information, including:

• Year
• Make
• Model
• Trim level

After that, you'll need to answer a few questions about your vehicle. You'll have the option to upload some current photos, which could help us provide a more accurate appraisal. We'll also need to know about equipped features, mileage, and current damage.

If you provide your VIN and license plate number, we can give you a True Cash Offer^™ in minutes. Once you have it, schedule a time to stop by our dealership for a side-by-side check. We'll confirm your car's trade-in value and then you'll be ready to browse our inventory for your next vehicle.