The Trade-In Process and What You Can Do to Get the Most Value for Your Vehicle

Are you thinking about trading in your old car? Whether you want a model fresh off a lineup or are searching for “used cars in Athens, TX,” Brinson Ford of Athens is here to guide you through the process and help you get top dollar for your old ride so you can drive off in a vehicle you love!

Step 1: Research Your Car’s Market Value

Before you step into a dealership and ask about enhancing models, you need to know your car’s trade-in value first!

 You can use trusted online sites like Kelley Blue Book, Car and Driver, and more, or you can value your trade with us using our Value Your Trade feature on our website, which has you put in some basic information about your car. Our drivers love that it’s quick to fill out; we won’t ask for unnecessary details to get you an estimated trade-in value faster!

Why should you know your old car’s market value? When you have arranged what your vehicle is worth, you can make strong negotiation points when you talk with a dealer, and it gives you confidence in ensuring you get every dollar you deserve!

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle

First impressions matter, and that goes for vehicles, too. A clean car that’s well maintained can catch you a pretty penny from dealers as they’re more likely to offer a better price when you’re looking to trade.

How should you prepare?

Wash your Car Inside and Out: Give your vehicle an old-fashioned scrub highlighting the body, and don’t be afraid to put a layer of wax on to help protect it from dirt and grime. It’ll make it shine! For the interior, vacuum your upholstery and get between the seats for lost crumbs or trash. Wipe down your dash and center console for any dust, and clean out your cupholders. Lastly, remove all your belongings so nothing gets left behind!

Fix Minor Issues, Not Big Ones: It sounds counterintuitive, but there’s a method to the madness. You should service more minor problems with your car, not major ones, as it could tank your net gain. For example, suppose you’re in Texas with used trucks. In that case, you should fix issues like dents and wiper blades rather than engine repairs because if you dump thousands of dollars to fix an alternator and a transmission, there’s a chance your pickup’s value only improves by a few hundred.

Step 3: Gather Documents and Accessories

Having all the paperwork ready speeds up the trade-in process and shows the dealer that you’re prepared and organized.

What do you need?

• Title
• Registration
• All Spare Keys and Key Fobs
• Proof of Insurance
• Maintenance Records
• Driver’s License

Step 4: Negotiate the Offer

As a new and used Ford dealership, Brinson Ford of Athens wants all drivers to feel comfortable negotiating with any salesperson. Don’t be afraid to state your price and open the dialogue!

What should you keep in mind?

Know Your Number: Your previous research should have revealed your car’s trade-in value, which you can use to justify a higher price.

Shop Around: Don’t be afraid to look at other dealers and vendors; they all can offer different deals, and you must get the one you love!

Know When to Walk Away: You’re in the driver’s seat when negotiating, so if you think something is too good to be true or doesn’t feel right, you can walk away!

Get the Most Out of Your Car!

With some prep work, you can easily trade your old ride in by researching the price, washing it, having all your paperwork ready, and having the confidence to negotiate; you’ll walk out with a model and price you love!

Are you looking for used cars in Athens, TX? Visit Brinson Ford of Athens today!

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