Determine the Trade-In Value

Generally, the trade-in value is the amount that a dealer is willing to offer towards the purchase of a new car in exchange for your current one. The dealer typically bases this on the market value of your vehicle, which is the amount it would sell for on the open market. You can determine this value by using a free car valuation tool offered by popular websites such as Trade Me and Car Price; you can purchase a personalised vehicle valuation from Redbook for a more in-depth examination. Your trade-in value can vary depending on factors such as the make, model, sub-model, age, and distance of your car. Once you know the value of your car, you can negotiate the trade-in value with the dealer.

Prepare Your Car

First impressions count when it comes to getting a higher trade-in value. A clean and well-maintained car is generally more desirable to dealerships, as a poorly maintained one will likely have problems under the hood. Thoroughly cleaning the interior and exterior, and fixing minor issues with the car, such as scratches, dings, or dents, can significantly increase the trade-in price. We recommend removing all personal belongings, including anything hanging from the rear-view mirror or dashboard. Investing in new floor mats can help rejuvenate your interior. Washing, polishing, and waxing the bodywork, cleaning the wheels and hubcaps, and treating the tires will help your car look newer. Alternatively, you can hire a professional vehicle groomer to avoid cleaning the car yourself. The trade-in process will easily recover this cost.

We recommend having these documents on hand:

• Vehicle registration: This document proves you are the legal vehicle owner.

• Service records: Having the service records of your vehicle can increase its value when trading in. It provides proof of regular maintenance and can indicate that it has been well taken care of.

• Vehicle valuation report: A personalised vehicle valuation report that lists private and trade-in prices can provide insight into the value of your vehicle before starting negotiations.

Shop for Trade-In Offers

Don’t settle for the first trade-in offer you receive. Instead, take the time to shop around and check with multiple dealerships to see who will provide the best deal. Ensure that the offer you receive aligns with your car’s current value.

There are several factors you must consider as well. For instance, some dealerships may charge additional fees associated with the trade-in process, such as transfer or documentation fees. Watch for special promotions or bonuses for trading in your car to get the most value from your trade-in. Additionally, the value of your vehicle can fluctuate depending on the time of year and the demand for your specific make and model. Try to time your trade-in for when the value of your car is highest, referring to car valuation sites like Trade Me.

Negotiate and Finalise the Trade-In Deal

Once you’ve thoroughly prepared your car, ensured that it is in excellent condition, and provided your dealer with its service history, it is time to negotiate a price you are satisfied with. After negotiating the trade-in value, it’s important to understand and negotiate other aspects of the deal, such as the price of the new car, financing, and any additional fees or add-ons.

When shopping for your new car, have a price you’re willing to pay, and stick with it. If you’re financing it, understand the terms and interest rates before signing any agreements. Be wary of any additional fees or add-ons the dealer may try to sell you, and prepare to negotiate these.

After negotiating all aspects of the deal, it’s time to finalise the paperwork and complete the trade-in process. Carefully read and understand all documents before signing and ask any questions if you need clarification on something. If you’re trading in your car, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork, such as the title and registration, and remove any personal items before turning the vehicle over to the dealer. Once you have completed all the paperwork and the trade-in process, you can drive away with your new car.

A Trusted Dealership Can Help You with the Process

Are you still confused about how to trade in your car? Don’t worry. At Alexander Motors, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality customer service and cater to your needs for a smooth and easy car trade-in experience. We value your car fairly and can handle all aspects of the process with transparency to ensure you get the best price. Contact us or visit our physical car dealership in Takanini today!