When it comes time to get a new vehicle or a pre-owned vehicle, it’s vital to think about budgeting so you can get the vehicle you want without feeling priced out. One of the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to lower the price of your next vehicle is by leveraging the value in your current vehicle with a trade-in. That said, the value of your vehicle may not be so cut-and-dry, and many variables can affect trade-in value.
If you’re ready to move on to your next car, truck, or SUV and want to trade in your current vehicle, there are some things you should know to get the most for your trade-in. Let’s explore what affects trade-in value and how to get the most for your trade-in near Centralia.
Fix Any Problems

Seems simple enough, right? If your vehicle has any mechanical issues or warning lights on, it’s best to address these beforehand to maximize your trade-in value. Otherwise, the dealership will lower the value of your vehicle, since they’ll need to perform the repairs, which will cost time, parts, and labor. By fixing things yourself, you can provide a mechanically sound vehicle to your local Moberly dealership to get the most bang for your buck.
Clean Your Vehicle

If you show up to the dealership ready to trade in your vehicle, but it looks dirty inside and out, the associate assisting you may believe that if you couldn’t tidy up the vehicle, you may not have followed the recommended routine maintenance guidelines. Having a clean vehicle that’s gone through the car wash and has been detailed tells the dealership that you’ve gone great lengths to keep your vehicle in great condition, immediately maximizing your trade-in value. Also, be sure to take everything out of the vehicle that shouldn’t be there, such as coats, ice scrapers, and other personal items.
Research Your Vehicle
There are many online tools, such as trade-in value calculators and Kelley Blue Book, that you can use to your advantage. Online trade-in tools will do the heavy lifting for you, but searching around for your particular make and model with similar mileage and conditions will give you a solid foundation for what to expect when you go to trade in your car near Centralia.
Bring All Paperwork
Any and all records of maintenance and repairs will show without a doubt that you’ve kept your vehicle in good condition, eliminating a potential area for value reduction. Also, bringing evidence of what similar vehicles to yours are worth can help when you negotiate with the dealership for the maximum value of your car.
Use Time to Your Advantage

The time of year you trade in your vehicle can affect its value, as different times of year have different demands for certain types of vehicles. Dealerships will often have lower inventory around holidays, and SUVs are popular in the spring and summer months as more people prepare for breaks and vacations. Do a little digging to see when your style of vehicle is most popular for purchase; you’ll be able to get more value out of it.
Trade in Your Vehicle at Ed Morse
The best way to maximize car trade-in value is to head to a dealership that knows vehicles and wants to help you get your next vehicle to be happy, not just to make a sale. That’s what you’ll find (and much more) at Ed Morse Chevy GMC in Moberly. We work with you to get you the car you want at a price you’ll love because we want you to always come to us first for the best deals on Chevrolet and GMC vehicles anywhere near Centralia, MO. Visit us today to experience the difference, get the most for your trade-in, and get your next vehicle without any stress. Contact us today to get started.
