Should I Fix My Car Before Trading In?

Ready to upgrade to a new car in Spanaway? Then you may be wondering: “Should I fix my car before trading in?” There certainly is no right or wrong answer to this question, but the Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram team has some advice on how to approach your trade-in. For instance, we recommend making minor cosmetic corrections to your vehicle, like paint touch-ups or scratch fill-ins, and ensuring that your car is clean. Otherwise, paying for major repairs isn’t necessarily worthwhile. Find out what you should and shouldn’t fix in this guide from Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, and then discover your trade-in value with us!

Fix My Car Before Trade: Why Not to Make Fixes

There are a few reasons not to address major repairs and part replacements prior to making a trade in the DuPont area, such as:

• Cost: Significant repairs and major part replacements are expensive, and paying for them will offset how much profit you make on your trade.
• Dealership Expertise: Dealerships like Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram have the tools and know-how to quickly and easily fix major issues at lower costs than what you would pay out-of-pocket. This is how dealerships are able to make profit from buying and reselling used cars!
• Offer: The offer you receive when selling your car to a dealership doesn’t always factor in the cost of repairs. The valuation process varies by dealership.

Fix My Car Before Trade: What to Fix 

Here are some items to address when you consider how to fix your car before a trade:

• Clean the cabin, disposing of any garbage and removing personal items. Wash the windows and carpets as well.
• Wash and wax the exterior of your car to make it look as presentable as possible.
• Fix scratches and dents as you can.
• Check the headlamps, fluids, oil levels, and other such items to ensure everything is functioning properly and filled as needed.

All of these tasks serve to prove that the vehicle is well taken care of, which a dealership is sure to note upon inspection.

Fix My Car Before Trade: What Else to Do

What else can you do to prepare your vehicle for assessment for a trade-in value? One task is gathering maintenance records to provide to the dealership. Another thing you can do is make sure all other items and documents are ready, including the keys, vehicle title, owner’s manual, and more.

Trade In Your Car at Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Today! 

Should you fix your car before trading in? Now that you have a sense of what to do before receiving your trade-in value, it’s time to get it all done and bring it to Tacoma Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for an inspection and offer! Get in touch with our team if you have any questions.