Everyone wants to get the best deal on a car, but not everyone knows the tricks that get you the best deal. Barry Sanders Supercenter does.
Trading in you car is the best way to utilize your current equity to your new purchase. It’s the smart play, if you don’t want to keep the car, of course.
When considering trading in your used car to save money on a new car, you want to get the most money possible. Follow these steps to do just that:
1. Know your used car’s value.
One of the best ways to understand the value of your car is to research similar vehicles. See what dealers have them listed for, what Kelley Blue Book says they should be valued at, and how much other individuals are trying to sell them for. You will quickly begin to see the dollar spectrum your car can fall into. Then determine the shape of your car to place it at the high end of the spectrum or the lower end. Always be realistic. If you don’t, you are setting yourself up for failure.
2. Look at the car from the dealer’s perspective.
The first question you should ask is what will they have to fix. If the vehicle only needs a light cleaning and then it is good to be put on the lot, you have an absolute gem. Most people are not that lucky. The dealership will do a walk around of the car, they will drive the vehicle and then they add up the repairs, including alignment, tires, transmission, dents, window chips, etc. The dealer will also look at how heavily used the car is by reading mileage. That is a key factor in what people are willing to pay for a used vehicle.
3. Make it shine.
Give your car a THOROUGH cleaning before taking it in. From the tires to the sunroof, make sure anything you can make sparkle, sparkles.
4. Show proof.
If you have receipts, records or anything else to prove you have taken care of the car, bring them and use them as negotiation tools. The dealer can’t question the integrity of you engine if you have had the car for 2 years and you have had 5 oil changes. You should always have back up.
5. See if the time is right.
Are you selling a convertible? Don’t sell it in the winter. Are you trying to get a lot of money for a mini van? Try waiting until school starts. Seasons are indicators to what people will want, and dealerships will pay more for what people will want immediately.
6. Don’t surrender your keys until you are happy with the deal.
Use your walk away power. You have it, the dealership does not. You can always drive that car for a few months longer.
We hope these tips allow you to get a deal you are happy with when you trade in your next used car. Remember, Barry Sanders Supercenter is a dealership that is always on the look out to buy trade ins. If you have one that you’d like us to appraise (after you’ve done all your research and the other trade-in tips, of course,) give us a call or swing by our lot in Stillwater, Oklahoma, home of the Cowboys.
We look forward to meeting ya!
Connect with us
