Trade-In
If your vehicle isn’t running the way it should, or if you just want to upgrade to something new, then a trade-in is most likely your best bet. Trading your vehicle in can be a great way to get a lower monthly payment on a new vehicle. Whether you are trading in your current vehicle for something new or just selling the vehicle to of our Jim Shorkey locations without purchasing another vehicle, pay attention to all of the details.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Trade-In
Before taking your vehicle to a dealership for a trade-in, the first step is to prepare your vehicle. Here at Jim Shorkey Auto Group we will take our time to look at every aspect of your vehicle, inside and out. We always want to give you the best price we can, and to do so we have to examine the value of the vehicle you are bringing in on trade.
Here are a few tips to getting your vehicle prepped for a trade-in:
Fix the Small Issues
It might feel weird paying to get the small things fixed before going to trade in your vehicle, but a small amount of money can make a big difference in the vehicles over all value. Check all fluid levels underneath the hood and be sure to top them off. Check all of the lights in and around the vehicle, and replace them if needed. An oil change and tire alignment can help the vehicle run more smoothly, if necessary.
Wash and Detail
Clean the vehicle, interior and exterior. This will be a great first impression of your vehicle. On the interior, clean it from floor to ceiling. Take out all your personal belongings and vacuum it, clean the floor mats to remove any dirt, stains, and scents. If you do not want to clean it yourself, you can always get the vehicle detailed beforehand at Jim Shorkey Finishing Touch.
Have the Extras
Bring any extra sets of keys along with your vehicle. Other may include:
Floor mats if you swapped out the originals for new or all-weather mats.
Instruction manuals for the vehicle’s technology systems
Have all of the accessories that accompany the vehicle.
Do Your Homework
The biggest mistake people tend to make when trying to trade in their vehicle is not knowing what the the current value of the vehicle is. When you walk into one of our dealerships, you should have a “price tag” in mind of what your vehicle is worth.
Take a look at KBB and see what the typical price is for the vehicle you are looking to trade. Look at what other people are asking for the specific make and model. This will give you a good understanding of the market and what you can get up to for your current vehicle.
Have the Important Paperwork
Be sure to bring all of the vehicles important paperwork with you. This includes the car’s title, service records, registration, and anything else you may need to trade over the vehicle. Vehicles that are well taken care of with records retain more of their initial value. The best way to ensure these we have these records is to have your vehicle serviced at any of our Jim Shorkey locations!
Understand The Dealer’s Perspective
Ultimately, the trade-in is left up to the appraiser. Some people are confused as to why a dealership may offer a trade-in price. However, there are factors that a we have to consider when appraising a trade-in and when determining the value. Once the appraiser determines what repairs are necessary and the cost to get the vehicle in good condition, you will receive an offer for the trade-in value of your vehicle. We take trade-ins at all Jim Shorkey Locations.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: Jim Shorkey Family Auto Group
Instagram: jimshorkeyautogroup
Website: jimshorkey.com
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- Winter Warriors: The Top 5 reliable SUVs for the PA Winters!
- Discover the Best Fall Activities in Pittsburgh, PA with Your New Vehicle from Jim Shorkey Auto Group
- How to Prepare Your Car for Winter: Winterization Tips
- Top 5 Most Fuel-Efficient Non-Electric, Non-Hybrid Vehicles of 2023!
- 2023 Dodge Hornet