Trade-ins 101

How To Increase Your Vehicles Trade-In Value 

When trading in your vehicle at Mitchell Buick-GMC, you’ll want to make sure it attracts the maximum offer.

Research

Before going to the dealership, do a bit of research on what your car may be worth. Online tools like Kelley Blue Book® determine your vehicle’s estimated value by answering simple questions. Special features such as a backup camera increases the market value, while dents and scratches decrease it.

It is also a good idea to check what your vehicle is typically selling for in San Angelo, Texas. Find what sets your trade-in apart from the rest. This may be as complex as premium add-ons or a simple as having matching tires.

Prep

While there is some discourse on how much you should prep your vehicle before trading it in, removing personal items and undesirable odors is worth the trouble. Thoroughly washing your car before bringing it in ensures that our dealers know you’re ready to negotiate.

Fix any mechanical and physical issues that your car has accrued, especially if they are easy and inexpensive to repair. Check engine lights and dents can hurt the value of your trade-in because the dealership may have to factor in the cost of fixing these issues themselves.

Negotiation

When you are ready to bring your vehicle to our dealership, come prepared with the proper paperwork. Past service receipts demonstrate that you’ve kept up with your vehicle’s maintenance. Trade-in evaluations ensure that the dealer knows you’re serious and can give you the fairest price.

Mitchell Buick-GMC offers online tools that assist in the negotiation process before you go in. The website includes a Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer page, a quick quote application, and an online chat function that allows you to speak with a representative.

Typically, newer models with lower mileage and only one owner accrue higher priced offers. But following these tips can contribute to extra trade-in value. 

How To Trade In Your Vehicle

After following the above steps, you may find yourself at the dealership wondering how a trade in is done. Trading in your vehicle is one of the most mutually advantageous ways to upgrade your ride.

One-Stop-Shop

While selling your vehicle privately may seem appealing, it is often inconvenient and time-consuming. Our dealership is committed to streamlining this process and getting you a fair offer. The only thing you should worry about in this process is getting your car to the dealership.

The transaction can be done all in one place, and you won’t have to worry about the arduous paperwork. Our dealers know which documents need to be filed with the DMV, saving you the headache.

Working out the financing and existing loans is also done at the dealership. Whether you have positive or negative equity on your vehicle loan, our associates collaborate with you.

What To Expect

After announcing that you are interested in trading your car in, an expert performs an evaluation. This may include a vehicle history report, a test drive, and a diagnostic test to assist in forming a fair offer. Features such as previous accidents affect their proposal.

Your financial situation does not affect the appraisal process, so your credit score and the new vehicle you are looking at will have no bearing on the amount you will be offered for your trade.

Once an agreement is made, you and the salesperson will head over to the financing office to finalize the paperwork. Keeping track of financing, the trade-in, and the new sale can be confusing. Take notes of all three offers to get the most out of this process.

It is important to read the documents carefully and make sure the deal is to your liking.

Mitchell Buick-GMC in San Angelo, Texas, makes sure that your trade-in process is smooth, so that you leave the dealership in a new Buick or GMC.