Get The Most Out Of Your Trade-In

If you’ve decided to upgrade your vehicle and are looking for the best car deal possible, good news - we can help. One of the most important things to consider is the value you receive from your trade-in. When it comes to negotiating the lowest amount possible, car dealers are at the top of the food chain. For this reason, preparing yourself (and your ride), early on is the best defense available.

Here are some of the most reliable methods to ensure you get the most out of your trade:

Clean Trades Sell

It should come to no surprise that a clean vehicle is more appealing to a dealership than a filthy one. Whether you’re on the hunt for a brand new ride or are scouring your local car dealerships used cars, a clean trade-in is always better to bargain with. The trick is to remove any ammo they might use against you during the inspection process. Here are a few things to remember before heading to a dealership:

• Shiny sells - Bodywork is pricey, and dealers use exterior damage as a way to severely devalue your trade. Consider showing off the paint-job with a fresh coat of wax and fixing small dents or scratches before having it inspected.

• Smells - Nothing stands out more than a bad smell. If at all possible, try and remove anything really noticeable using an automotive specialty shampoo.Tip: If you’re a smoker, a great way to lessen the smell is to leave ground coffee beans in a cup under the seat.

• Wheels - If you’re after the best car deal possible, an easy way to make your vehicle stand out is to polish up the rims. Tire and wheel specific cleaning products are designed to make this task simple.

• Missing parts - Lost or damaged interior trim pieces can easily be added or replaced. Dealers use these as easy ways to devalue a trade-in. Fixing these ahead of time yourself will cost a lot less.

• Check-engine light - If your service light is on, consider a quick check-up to have it resolved. You should also get a quote for the cost of the repair and bring it along while shopping. Dealers often use this to shave thousands of dollars off your trade-in number.

Educate Yourself With Free Online Tools

Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to find information about the resale value of a vehicle. Free online tools, like NADA and Kelly Blue Book, allow you to show up prepared to fight for a fair deal. These resources also allow you to check the asking price when buying a used car from a dealer. Dealers use a paid version that enables them to search using a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). To ensure your values are similar, here are a few of the most common mistakes to avoid:

• Accuracy - When selecting the trim level and different options, try to be as accurate as possible. If you make a wrong selection or forget to add a feature, you could be costing yourself thousands. Be extra careful when selecting the engine or technology packages.

• Bring a Copy - Dealers know how to navigate this type of information. Not only should you bring a copy, but ask for clarification and have them show you if they claim there’s a mistake.

• Be Realistic - This information is meant to be used as a guide to aid in getting the best car deal possible. While the exact numbers can fluctuate, the added value should not be ignored.

• Pay a Fair Price - Not only are these tools great for getting a fair trade-in value when buying a used car from a dealer. They can ensure you pay a decent price for any vehicle in question too.

Additional Tip - Shop Around

Buying a new or used car is an emotional process that’s filled with many ups and downs. Never forget that you are the one with the final say. If you’ve gone through all of the above tips and a deal still doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to walk away and get a few more quotes. Doing so can often save you thousands.

Until Then There’s Autodigg.Com

It’s no surprise that there’s an air of annoyance when it comes to car buying and trading in a vehicle. Dealers are often tough to deal with and hard to compete against. Thankfully, due to technology advancements, new ways to approach the buying process have helped to make it easier. Take Autodigg.com - a 100% free and easy solution that connects buyers with reputable dealers, all from the comfort of your own home. Contact information is kept entirely confidential up until the point you’ve agreed on a specific vehicle. Simply create an account, specify the make, model, color, and year of the car you’re after, and dealers will compete to produce a competitive price.

Take control of your next automotive purchase by coming prepared and ready to deal, using Autodigg.com