How to Boost Your Car’s Trade-In Value Bloomington IN | Andy Mohr

#1: Get It in Good Shape

One thing that will help your vehicle be worth more is its condition and its operation. A vehicle that is up to date on its general maintenance and doesn’t require any repairs will have a higher trade-in value. However, if you’re behind on a few oil changes or have been meaning to get the brakes replaced, now would be the time to do it.

Alongside any general maintenance that your vehicle may need, you’ll want to have a technician check all the safety systems, such as the brakes, the lights, the steering, and the driver assistance features. Presenting a reliable ride, with all the safety systems working properly, will help increase the value of your vehicle.

The engine is the heart of your vehicle. If it isn’t functioning properly, this can cause the buyback price to fall. In order to avoid this, we recommend having a technician make sure your vehicle and all of its working parts are operating at optimal levels. If repairs are needed, we suggest scheduling a service appointment.

Replace Bad Parts

Are the floor mats tattered? Are the windshield wipers not doing their job properly? Has one of the headlights burned out? Fixing all of these parts and accessories will help boost your vehicle's trade-in value as well.

#2: Make the Exterior Look Brand New

You can always distinguish brand-new cars on the local roadways—they sparkle in the light and look pristine. In order for you to hike up your vehicle's trade-in value, you should take a trip to the car wash or grab a buddy and scrub it down at home.

If your vehicle has incurred any cosmetic damage, like a cracked windshield, a scratched bumper, a dented door, or a dinged hood, you should have those issues repaired prior to the appraisal.

#3: Refresh the Interior

Your car's interior can get dirty over the years. To help it look like you just drove it off the lot, we recommend taking your vehicle to a professional detailer. However, if you prefer to clean the interior yourself, you should do the following:

• Vacuum the floors and the mats
• Shampoo the upholstery
• Sanitize and dust all surfaces
• Remove personal information from the glove box and the infotainment system
• Remove all trash and belongings