Ready to upgrade your ride? Trading in your current vehicle is simpler than ever at Hoover Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, your trusted source of used cars in Summerville, SC! To score top dollar for your trade, read on!
Understanding Your Vehicle's Worth
Online pricing guides are a great way to estimate your vehicle’s value. Consult a few different sources, like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds, to get the most accurate value. Once you have a better idea what your car is worth, you can negotiate to ensure you get the best trade-in value.
Schedule vehicle appraisals at several dealerships and get a trade-in quote from each. Be sure to bring the necessary documents along, like your car’s title, vehicle registration, and driver’s license. Consider your options carefully before choosing the offer that’s best for your budget.
If you’re planning to purchase a new vehicle from the same location, your trade-in value will be applied to your next purchase. So the more you get for your trade, the less you’ll pay for your new ride!
Preparing Your Vehicle for Trade-In
Before your vehicle appraisal, be sure to do the following:
- Clean your vehicle inside and out.
Our team recommends thoroughly washing your car and applying a fresh coat of wax. Remove any personal items from the interior and vacuum the entire cabin. If you’d prefer a professional, simply get your vehicle detailed. - Fix any minor issues yourself.
Make sure all lights are in good working order, and replace them if needed. Top off all fluid levels (washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) as well. If more serious repairs are necessary, let the nearest RAM dealership handle them. They can perform repairs for less than it would cost you. - Gather all important documents.
Make sure you have the car’s title, registration details, and anything else a buyer may need. And because properly maintained cars retain their value, bring service records to show that you kept up with your car’s care. - Grab any extras,
Bring extra keys or other accessories for the vehicle. If the navigation system has a DVD or SD card, be sure to bring that too. - Perform your own inspection: Take your vehicle for a test drive and carefully observe any strange noises or smells. If there are any issues with the car, get them resolved.
Negotiating With Confidence
Maximizing your vehicle’s trade-in value may require some negotiation. As locals’ preferred used car dealer in Summerville, SC, we recommend these steps:
- Do your research.
Arm yourself with knowledge before entering the negotiation phase. Conduct online research on the specific make and model you’re interested in, making note of market value, year, trim level, available features, etc. - Set – and stick to – a budget.
Take a close look at your finances and set a clear budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on a car, including extra costs like taxes, registration, and insurance. Diligently sticking to your budget can help prevent impulsive purchases and overspending. - Consider the season.
Timing can play a pivotal role in negotiations. Dealerships often maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals, so visiting near the end of a month or during a slow season can work in your favor. - Secure pre-approval.
Before stopping by the dealership, get pre-approved for a car loan from your bank or credit union. Pre-approved customers are more appealing to dealerships, proving a solid financial standing. - Be prepared to walk away.
Make sure the dealer knows that you’re prepared to leave the lot without a vehicle – unless you get their very best deal. This motivates the dealer to offer the highest Jeep trade-in value and most attractive used car financing terms. - Watch out for added fees.
Many dealerships tack on additional fees, like extended warranties, service packages, or paint protection. You may want to take advantage of some available add-ons, but be sure to ask about each one to make sure. - Discover current incentives and rebates: As you shop for pre-owned Jeeps or used RAM trucks, check for incentives, rebates, and manufacturer discounts. These will likely rotate depending on the time of year, so ask about any available promotions.
Trading in and trading up? We’ve made the entire process simple here at Hoover CDJR! Whether you’re deciding between leasing and financing or want to learn more about optimizing your trade-in value, our team is here to help.
From service to selection, no Dodge dealership in Charleston, SC can compare. We’re conveniently located in Summerville, SC, so come see us today!