Should I Fix My Car Before Trading In?

When the time comes and you want to trade in your current vehicle, you may be wondering whether or not to fix certain things before you begin the trade-in process. Learn more with our helpful guide from the Ocean Honda of Hanover finance team. We can help you determine what to fix on your vehicle before trading it in near Boston.

What Not To Fix Before Trading In Your Car

At Ocean Honda of Hanover, we recommend that you don’t waste your time or money on major repairs for your vehicle before trading it in. Here’s why:

• Dealerships have the resources available, such as a certified Honda service team, to have these repairs done cheaper than if you brought the car into the professionals.
• Major repairs cost a lot, which will reduce how much you’ll actually get from trading in your current vehicle.
• Some dealerships might not conduct an inspection on your vehicle in detail, which means they may not take into consideration the costs of future repairs before making you a final trade-in offer.

What To Fix Before Trading In Your Car

Though there aren’t many changes to make before trading in your car, you will want to make sure to keep up on regular maintenance and turn in a clean car. Most dealerships want to make sure that the vehicle they’re going to resell is in good working order and appears well-maintained. Also, keep in mind that dealerships might lower the trade-in price so they can set the extra money aside to make needed repairs on the vehicle before it can be sold. So what should you fix before you trade in your vehicle? Here’s a quick checklist:

• Clean out the inside of your vehicle. Throw out the garbage and take out any personal belongings. You’ll also want to clean the windows and carpets.
• Fix any small scratches. Use touch-up paint or repair the dents to help with the appearance.
• Wash the car to give the vehicle a stain- or mark-free appearance. A clean vehicle will let the dealership know you’ve been caring for your vehicle.
• Inspect oil, headlamps, brake fluid, transmission fluid, radiator, and windshield-washer to ensure they’re in good working order, so the dealer will know you’ve been keeping up with basic maintenance.
• Wax your car for a shiny finish that will catch the eye of any potential Quincy buyer.

While you can benefit from your vehicle looking nearly new, you need to make sure these DIY repairs are done correctly. If these minor fixes aren’t done properly, the dealership might notice and take even more off of the trade-in value to cover what it’ll cost to fix it the right way.

What Else Can I Do Before Trading In My Car?

How can you increase your chances of a higher trade-in value near Norwood? As mentioned above, fixing the small things will be a big help. In addition, you can do the following free of cost to ensure that your vehicle is in great condition:

• Put together complete or at least recent maintenance records.
• Bring everything that came with the car when you show up to the dealership, including the mats, keys, and winter tires.

Get Your Trade-In Appraisal at Ocean Honda of Hanover Today!

No matter if you have questions about our finance options or about your trade-in value, our team can help. When you’re ready to apply for financing on your favorite new or used model, our finance experts are here to assist you in getting the process started. Have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our team or visit our dealership in Hanover.