How do Dealerships Value My Trade?

If you’re like many drivers around Hurricane, Charleston, and Huntington, West Virginia, you may be asking yourself, “How do dealerships value my trade?” It’s a valid question and something we’ll explore in the guide below, created by Walker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Continue reading to learn more and contact us with any questions!

Definition & Determining Factors

First of all, what is a trade-in? Well, it’s when you trade in your current car to a dealership and then receive credit toward your next set of wheels. Generally speaking, a trade-in can be any ride with value, but there are huge discrepancies in the amount you get for the trade-in.

Now, let’s dive in and discuss how dealerships determine your ride’s trade-in value. Like anything else, there are multiple factors. Some of the more common considerations are the vehicle’s:

Mileage: As you may expect, the number of miles on the odometer greatly impacts the car’s trade-in value.
Maintenance: If you’re on top of regular maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, your car’s trade-in value will increase. Be sure to keep copies of the services you have done for your records.
Current market: What’s the popularity of your car? If there’s a high demand for the ride, your trade-in value will rise.

There are ways, though, to improve your vehicle’s trade-in value, as we’ll review next.

Boosting Your Car’s Trade-in Value

Luckily, there is a range of things you can do to increase your ride’s trade-in value, including:

Maintenance: As we mentioned above, staying up to date with your car’s regular service intervals is key to its longevity, performance, and ultimately, its trade-in value. It makes sense to take care of minor repairs, like scratches, dents, and minimal windshield fixes.
Detail the exterior: You’ll want your ride to look as aesthetically pleasing as possible, so it’s best to do things like wash the outside of the car and fix chipped paint.
Detail the interior: Heading inside, work on removing stains from the seating surfaces, vacuuming, and make sure to get rid of any personal belongings still in the car.

With some time and effort, you’re on your way to a better trade-in value for your car, meaning you’ll be set up to buy or lease your next model.

How We Can Help

When you’re ready to trade in your current car, consult our finance team for guidance. We’ll match you with a dedicated finance specialist who will work with you to inspect the vehicle and appraise it. After we evaluate the car and decide on a value, you can use that toward your next on-road companion. Our goal is to get you set up with a payment plan you feel confident in and one that aligns with your financial goals.

Plus, take advantage of our Edmunds Trade-In tool to get an idea of how much your car is worth. This online form is easy to use and only requires a few steps.

Speak with Our Team Today!

Now you know the answer to “How do dealerships value my trade?” and can start exploring your options. Our neighbors in Hurricane, Charleston, and Huntington, WV, are able to rely on us at Walker CDJR to assist with their trade-in along with other automotive needs. If you have questions about trading in your current car, let our finance team know today!