How to Prep Your Trade for the Dealership - Do’s & Don’ts

Properly prepping your trade can end up saving you tons when you go to the dealership to trade it in. The dealer will always appraise your car and inspect the dents, dings and fixes needed. Now, it’s important to note there are definitely things you can fix before going into the dealership that will be worth your time and money and other things that just aren’t worth it. Follow along for what you should do before bringing in your car to the dealership!

Have you taken my car buying courses yet? This will also prepare you for the dealership!

What To Get Fixed Before The Dealership

Things worth getting fixed before going to the dealership:

1. Check Engine Lights

   Make sure if your car has a malfunction indicator light on you get it fixed! The reason being, the dealership has no idea specifically what the problem is and they would need to get the service department to take a look at it. They won’t have them do that on the spot so they will likely knock you on your trade in value.

2. Get a Nice Car Wash & Clean it Out

   It is always a good idea to get a car wash and clean your car out before bringing it in. You don’t need a professional detailing but a little car wash goes a long way because it shows the dealer you take good care of your car and they can better trust the condition of it at first glance.

3. Take Out Personal Belongings & Trash

   This will just paint a nicer picture for the dealership when they’re appraising your trade. Similarly to the previous point, it shows you take good care of your car!

4. If You Have a Cracked Windshield, Check With Your Insurance Company On What Your Deductible Would Be to Replace It

   If the dealer needs to replace the windshield your trade could be knocked down by $1000! I recommend you check with your insurance company on what the deductible would be because it may be worth the money to do it yourself.

5. Bring Both Sets of Keys

   If you have both sets of keys definitely bring them! These keys are expensive and can be a great negotiation tactic.

6. Bring Owner’s Manual & Service Records

   You really want to paint the picture that you took great care of your car. Keeping any important paperwork does just that!

7. Bring Anything That Originally Came With The Car

   Make sure you bring floor mats, headrests, seats, etc. that originally came with the car. Sometimes people take out headrests or replace floor mats and then forget to bring them to the dealership when trading in and the dealership can knock you for that. Bringing everything it came with builds value.

Here are a few things I wouldn’t do before going to the dealership.

1. Don’t Repair Minor Dents & Dings

   The dealership will be able to repair such things for a much cheaper price so you won’t necessarily get your money back on getting them fixed yourself. I would let the dealership knock your trade value and cut the loss there opposed to at the auto shop.

2. Don’t Get Your Tires Replaced

   Similarly to the previous point, the dealership will knock you if you need new tires but if you pay for them yourself you run the risk of putting on the wrong tires and spending more money than it would cost the dealer.

I hope these tips help you in your car shopping!