Should I Fix My Car Before Trading In?

Whether you’re looking to sell your car to a dealership or trade it in for an exciting new BMW at United BMW, you’ll want to make sure that you get the best price or trade-in value possible. Should I fix my car before trading in? Making small repairs, replacing burned out headlamps, cleaning the vehicle, etc., can go a long way towards ensuring you receive the full trade-in value. Learn more about how to get your car ready to trade in, then bring it into our dealership in Alpharetta for an appraisal today!

Fix My Car Before a Trade? Here’s What Not To Fix

You will want to do all that you can to make your car look presentable when you bring it to the dealer. Should I fix my car before trading in? As noted above, making minor repairs can help you get the trade-in value you want, however major repairs can be expensive and may not be cost-effective. Marietta-area dealerships are in the business of making a profit from buying and reselling used cars, and are able to perform major repairs at a cost that is considerably lower than what you would have to shell out on your own. 

I’m looking to fix my car before a trade, so what kind of repairs should I make in order to get the best trade-in value? We recommend that you take care of minor repairs and not spend too much. The following tips will help you prepare your vehicle for a trade-in:

• Remove any personal items, dispose of any garbage, and vacuum the carpets and upholstery 
• Wash the car, fix any minor scratches, then wax the car  
• Test the headlamps, taillights, and inside bulbs to make sure they’re working properly and replace them as needed
• Check the oil, brake, and transmission fluid levels, and make sure that the radiator, and windshield-washer fluid reservoirs are full 

When making small repairs, don’t try to do more than you are capable of handling. Improper repairs could reduce the trade-in value. Your goal is to make a good first impression that will show the dealership that the vehicle has been taken good care of. 

What Else Can I Do Before Trading In My Car?

Here are a few other things that you can do ahead of time that can help you get the best trade-in value: 

• Gather all maintenance and service records
• Make sure that you have the spare keys, owner’s manual, and anything else that originally came with the car
• List the standard features that the vehicle is equipped with, as well as any accessories that were added to the vehicle

Get the Best Trade-In Value for Your Car at United BMW  

I’ve done all I can to fix my car before a trade, now what? Use our online car trade-in value calculator to get an estimate on how much your car is worth, then head on down to our dealership near Roswell to get a formal appraisal and finalize your trade-in. If you are planning to trade-in for a new BMW, explore our new vehicle specials to take advantage of some of the best deals in the Johns Creek area. Are you ready to schedule your visit to United BMW? Contact us online or give us a call at 678-890-0741 today!