Get Your Car Trade-In Ready With This Checklist

When it’s time to buy your next vehicle, you can use the value of your old model to increase the funds you have available. Try these tips to get your car ready to trade-in and boost your buying power.

Clean Up Inside and Out

Beauty is more than skin deep, but the better your old car looks, the better chance you have of earning a higher trade-in value when it’s time to part with it. That means that you’ll need to clean up the car’s exterior and interior as you get it ready for the trade. Give the car a good wash from top to bottom, making sure to clean up the hubcaps, grille, and any other places that tend to collect dirt. You can even make it shine with a wax, or leave it to a detailing expert. On the inside, clean away stains, vacuum up dirt, and clear out any clutter that has accumulated in the interior.

Keep Maintenance in Check

Your vehicle could earn a higher trade-in value if it runs well and doesn’t need any maintenance work, so make sure you’re keeping up with all its regular service needs. Take a look to see if it has adequate levels of all the essential fluids, if its oil is in good condition, and if it’s due for any maintenance visits. You’ll also need to make sure it has all its parts and pieces, from functioning light bulbs to any extra keys or fobs that originally came with the vehicle. It’s worth noting, though, that it might be fine to let the dealership handle the most serious repair jobs after the trade-in.

Value Your Trade

There’s no reason to spend all your time researching the details of your specific make and model. It’s easy to get a trade-in appraisal for your vehicle thanks to our online Value Your Trade feature. With just a few easy answers, you’ll be able to get a fair idea of what your vehicle could go for in the current market, and you’re always welcome to contact us if you have any questions about your trade-in estimate.

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Tempe Kia

We’re ready to work with you when it’s time for a trade-in, so check out our new vehicle selection to see what you could bring home soon!

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