Should I Fix My Car Before Trading It In?
If the time’s right to improve your commute from Salinas to Monterey, you’re likely ready to sell your car. This can lead you to wonder, “Should I fix my car before trading it in?” The answer is yes – but the extent to which you work on your car will depend on the types of necessary repairs and their costs. While it can seem overwhelming, our finance team is here to help you score a great deal on your sale. Visit us in Seaside or read on below to learn more!
What Factors Impact Trade-In Value?
When evaluating your vehicle’s trade-in value, the dealers will look at a number of things during the appraisal process. These factors include:
- Vehicle make and model
- Age
- Mileage
- Appearance
- Mechanical condition
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Local market
While the mechanical status and cosmetic appearance of your vehicle are important, they’re not the only things that will be evaluated during an inspection.
To Fix or Not to Fix Your Vehicle?
Taking on minor maintenance tasks can help improve your trade-in value without taking too much time or money. If you can, cheap cosmetic repairs and cleaning can go a long way towards improving the curb appeal of your car. However, you don’t want to exceed minor repairs. That’s because the cost of the maintenance will likely outweigh the increase in the value of your vehicle. Instead, that money would be better used to bolster your down payment on your new vehicle.
Recommended Car Care Before Trading In
So, what fixes should you take on before selling your vehicle to a dealership? Here’s the car care we recommend when trading in:
- Clean your vehicle thoroughly inside and out
- Remove odors by cleaning your upholstery
- Fix small scratches with a paint pen
- Top off fluids
- Replace wiper blades
- Swap burned-out bulbs
- Repair windshield cracks (your insurance may cover this)
- Clean foggy headlights and/or taillights
Trade-In Your Vehicle Today in Seaside
When you’re ready to take on every Watsonville drive in a fresh set of wheels, Victory Toyota is here to help you find your perfect fit. If you’re still asking, “Should I fix my car before trading it in?” we’re here to help. Contact us today to receive personalized guidance on your next steps.
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