There comes a time when your current car, truck, or SUV just isn’t doing as well as it used to. A new Ford vehicle is attractive, sure, and Ford specials make them all the more enticing, but it’s still a massive investment. Trading in your car is an easy way to lower the overall cost of your next ride. But did you know that there are easy ways to maximize your trade-in value?
In this quick guide, we’ll look at the benefits of trading in your car, how to value your trade online, and how to get the most out of your old car’s value. Let’s dive into maximizing your trade-in value to make your next Ford vehicle more affordable.
Step 1: Clean Your Car
Are there wrappers or bottles rattling around in your vehicle? A quick and easy way to increase your trade-in value is to take the time to clean out the interior. A dirty car will only hurt your trade-in value, so it’s best to make sure it’s clean to avoid more work for the dealership.
Step 2: Get a Wash
Even if your car’s interior is spotless, if the exterior is dirty and dusty, it will hurt your trade-in value. Head down to your local carwash and ensure that everything is spic and span. Like a nice meal at a Geneseo restaurant, people eat with their eyes first, so make sure you whet their appetites.
Step 3: Fix Any Issues
Is the check engine light on? Are your tires low on pressure? Each maintenance piece you overlook means more work for the dealership to get your vehicle lot-ready when you trade in. More work for the dealership means less money for your vehicle, so taking the time to fix any mechanical issues means you’ll see your trade-in value rise.
Step 4: Research
Once your vehicle is in tip-top condition, it’s a wise move to look at what similar models go for. Look for your model year with similar mileage and condition to know what your vehicle can be worth. With this information, you can work with the dealership to get the most out of your trade-in.
Step 5: Negotiate
The value of your old car depends on what similar vehicles have gone for, the mileage, the overall condition, and the timing of when you bring it in. Assuming you followed the first four steps, knowing when to bring your vehicle in for a trade can make a big difference when speaking with a representative.
For example, SUVs fetch a higher price in the spring ahead of spring break and the summer. Knowing what you have on hand, plug the data of similar vehicles’ values, and you can negotiate with the rep to get a price that will make purchasing your next Ford more affordable.
Get the Most for Your Trade-in Near Davenport
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At Ed Morse Ford North Geneseo, we want to ensure you get the most for your trade-in to get behind the wheel of your next Ford vehicle. By following the above steps, you’ll be able to get the most value out of your old car. Get started by contacting us for more information and to schedule a test drive of the Ford car, truck, or SUV that caught your eye.