Should I Fix My Car Before Trading In?

Are you looking to trade in your vehicle to help you save on a new car purchase? If so, you may be wondering “Should I fix my car before trading in?” Fixing small issues like scratches, paint job touch ups, or cleaning your vehicle is generally recommended. However, it’s better to leave larger repairs alone. Learn more about what you should fix on your vehicle before you sell it with our service team below, then contact us to arrange a time to trade in your car! 

What Not To Fix on Your Vehicle

While it may be tempting, it’s generally not recommended to perform major repairs on your vehicle before you go to sell it. Our service team recommends this for three reasons: 

• Major repairs will be expensive, which will lower how much you will actually get from the trade-in.
• Dealerships have the expertise and tools to easily fix major issues at a lower cost than you will spend out of pocket. This is how dealerships are able to make profit from buying and reselling used cars!
• Depending on the dealership you go to, they might not do a detailed inspection of your car before finalizing the trade-in, so they might not deduct the cost of these repairs from your trade-in price. 

What To Fix on Your Vehicle

When you bring your vehicle into a Hahira dealership for a trade-in, there are some minor things you can clean and repair that will increase its resale value. It is recommended that you at least clean your vehicle before you bring it in, since some dealerships can deduct the value for money they will spend for reconditioning. See some of the things you can do to spice up your car’s appearance: 

• Clean the Inside: Dispose of any garbage, take out personal items, and clean the windows & carpets. 
• Wash the Car: Whether you decide to do it yourself or go to a professional, you should wash the car to get rid of any marks and stains. 
• Fix Scratches: If the scratches are minor, you can try to DIY remove it.
• Wax your Car: After washing your car, you can wax it to give a shiny finish. 
• Check the Headlamps: Make sure they’re working properly and replace them if needed.
• Check the Engine Fluids: Check the brake, transmission, oil, radiator, and windshield-washer- make sure they’re up to date, so the dealer will know you’ve been keeping up with basic maintenance. 

By doing these basic cleaning tasks, you’ll make your vehicle more appealing to the dealership during the trade in. These are also helpful tips to keep in mind while you own your vehicle, so you have a more comfortable Thomasville commute and your vehicle runs properly. 

What Else Can I Do Before Trading In My Car?

While fixing your car before a trade-in may not be worthwhile, there are some cost-free steps you can take to show the dealership that your car has been taken of properly:

• Have a complete set or a partial set of recent maintenance records neatly put together.
• Have everything that came with the car when you show up to the dealership, including the mats, keys, key fobs, and any accessories.

Trade In Your Car at Valdosta Nissan 

Are you ready to trade in your car for a new Moultrie ride? Visit our Valdosta showroom and we can help you get started! If you have any follow up questions after learning if you should fix your car before trading in, feel free to contact us. Or read our other DIY service tips like how often you should change your oil.