How Do Dealers Value My Trade?

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Determining Your Trade-In Value

When it comes to valuing your trade, there are several factors that appraisers look at. Some of the most obvious ones include:

• Make
• Model
• Year
• Mileage
• Vehicle condition

You can get a rough estimate of your car’s trade-in value by plugging this information into a Value Your Trade tool, like the one on our website. Once you do, you’ll get a basic idea of what your car could be worth based on what others like it have sold for in your area.

Then, you’ll want to bring your vehicle by your local dealership to have it professionally appraised. The appraiser will look at these factors as well as others, like number of previous owners, tire condition, options and add-ons, and service history. They’ll also look at how closely your vehicle matches factory standards. All this information will allow them to get an accurate value for your vehicle.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of these criteria that dealers use to value your trade.

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Vehicle Condition

One of the most important factors to consider when trading in your vehicle is its condition. There are several factors dealerships may look at when it comes to vehicle condition, but here are some of the things to take note of:

• Signs of corrosion (rust, flaking paint)
• Noticeable dents
• Damaged upholstery

Keep your vehicle in great condition by driving carefully and scheduling regular service to potentially raise its resale value.

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Trim and Features

While vehicle condition is important, it’s good to take note of which features the vehicle has to offer as well. If your vehicle has optional features that are in demand, the car’s trade-in value will likely increase. Here are just some of the features that will likely raise the value of your trade:

• All-wheel drive
• Active safety features
• Premium audio systems
• Optional high-powered engines

A good way to tell if your car has valuable features is to consider your car’s trim. If a car features a higher trim level for its model year, you can be sure your vehicle has many of the premium features that will raise its trade-in value.

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How To Improve Your Trade-In Value

Certain factors dealers use to value your trade are out of your control, like make, model, and model year. However, there are many things you can do that may help raise your vehicle’s trade-in value later, like:

• Using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts

OEM parts are the ones installed on your vehicle when it’s manufactured. So, they’re most likely to keep your car built to factory specifications. They’re also more likely to be warranty compliant.

• Avoiding permanent customizations

Be sure any customizations you make to your vehicle are removable. Also, if you need to cover up any dents, dings, or scratches, have this work done at a factory-certified service center to ensure you’re using paint that matches factory standards.

• Watching your mileage

The average driver travels around 15,000 to 20,000 miles per year. Your car’s mileage plays an important role in how it’s valued, so try to keep your yearly mileage around that number—or less—if your goal is to improve your car’s trade-in value in the future.

• Schedule regular maintenance

Remember: Your vehicle’s maintenance history is recorded in your VHR. Keep an eye on its factory-recommended maintenance schedule and be sure to schedule service as needed. At minimum, you should bring your car by the shop every 7,500 miles—or twice per year—for an oil change and tire rotation.

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Trade in Your Car at Our Used Car Dealership

Now that you know how dealers value your trade, you can be sure we’ll provide an accurate offer for your vehicle. Once we do, we can apply that to the sale of your next ride. If you’re in the Indianapolis, Plainfield, or Bloomington, IN, area, test drive a car at one of our dealerships at Andy Mohr Automotive today!

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