So, you’ve made the decision to trade in your car. Awesome! Whether you’re upgrading to something newer or just need a change, trading in your car is a great way to get some value back before making your next big purchase. But before you drive into 306 Deal in Warman, Saskatchewan, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your car is in top shape and ready for the appraisal. We know it’s not always easy to part with your old ride, but don’t worry, we’re here to make it as easy (and maybe even fun) as possible! Here’s a checklist to help you get your car in the best shape before bringing it in for a trade-in.
Clean Your Car Inside and Out
First things first—clean your car! No one wants to trade in a car that’s covered in dirt, dust, or fast-food wrappers. A little elbow grease can go a long way in boosting your car’s value. Here’s what we recommend:
- Exterior: Give the car a good wash and wax to make it look shiny and new. A clean car always gives a better impression.
- Interior: Vacuum the seats, floors, and carpets. Clean the dashboard and wipe down any sticky spots. A clutter-free car looks better and suggests that it’s been well cared for.
- Bonus tip: If you have leather seats, a quick wipe-down with a leather cleaner can really make your car pop.
Take Care of the Small Repairs
If your car has some minor issues—like a broken taillight, cracked windshield, or a funny noise coming from the engine—now’s the time to take care of them. While we don’t expect your car to be in perfect condition (we know accidents happen), fixing small problems can make a big difference when it comes to the value of your trade-in.
If you don’t have the time or budget for repairs, that’s okay! Just be prepared to be honest about the car’s condition when you come in. Full transparency helps us give you a fair trade-in offer.
Gather the Paperwork
Paperwork is the unsung hero of the trade-in process. It’s essential for proving that you’re the rightful owner of the vehicle. The more organized you are, the quicker the process will go. Here’s what you’ll want to bring:
- Vehicle Title: You’ll need to prove ownership, and the title is the official document that shows you own the car.
- Registration: This shows that your car is legally registered.
- Maintenance Records: If you’ve kept up with regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other important maintenance, bring the records along! It shows that you’ve taken care of the car and can potentially increase its value.
Any Recent Work Done: If you’ve had major work done on the vehicle, like a new transmission or recent brake repairs, bring those receipts too. It helps to show that the car’s in good working order.
Check the Tires
A set of worn-out tires can decrease the value of your trade-in. While we’re not expecting them to be brand new, having tires with a decent amount of tread will help your car’s value. If the tires are worn down or have visible damage, consider replacing them (or at least the worst one). We know tires can be expensive, but trust us, they’ll make a difference.
Clear Out Your Personal Belongings
Before bringing your car in, make sure to take out all your personal items. No one wants to find old receipts, sunglasses, or that forgotten McDonald’s fry under the seat when they’re checking out your car. Plus, it’ll give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t accidentally leave something important behind.
Check the Fluids and Gas Level
While we’ll check the fluids as part of the inspection, it’s a good idea to make sure the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are at proper levels. It shows that you’ve been diligent with maintenance. As for the gas tank, you don’t need to fill it up completely, but a quarter tank or so is usually appreciated. You don’t want to be driving on empty when bringing it in for the appraisal!
Give the Car a Test Drive
Before you bring your car in, take it for a quick test drive around the block. This will help you get a feel for any issues that might be present—whether it’s strange sounds, rattles, or handling problems. Being aware of any issues in advance means you won’t be caught off guard during the appraisal process, and we can be open about what’s going on with your car.
Be Honest About Your Car’s Condition
Last but definitely not least—be upfront with us about your car’s condition. We know that cars aren’t perfect, and we’ll take everything into consideration during the appraisal. Whether it’s been in an accident, has some cosmetic issues, or has a few miles under its belt, just let us know. We appreciate honesty and transparency, and it will help us give you the best trade-in offer possible.
Ready to Trade-In? Let’s Get Started!
Now that you’ve prepped your car, you’re ready to come in and get a trade-in value you can feel good about. At 306 Deal, we make the process easy, stress-free, and totally transparent. If you’ve followed our checklist, we’re confident you’ll get an offer that works for you.
Ready to find out what your car is worth? Get a free appraisal today and take the first step toward upgrading your ride. Plus, check out our amazing selection of used cars while you’re at it! Browse our inventory here.