Should I Fix My Car Before Trading In?

You know that you want to trade in your current vehicle for a new one near Walpole, but should you fix your car before trading it in? The truth is that there are certain issues you should repair, and ones you should leave to the dealer. You should repair any minor issues, such as small scratches, and replace components such as windshield wipers. However, any large repairs that cost more than the trade-in value are not recommended. Learn more about what to fix when trading in your vehicle with the experts at Keene Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. For more information, feel free to contact us anytime! 

What Not To Fix When Trading In

If your vehicle has any type of significant damage, we don’t recommend fixing it before you value your trade. Let’s check out a few reasons you should leave these repairs for the dealer:

• Large repairs are expensive, lowering the profit you’ll make from your trade-in. 
• Most Keene dealerships have the know-how to fix any large repairs for less than you would pay. This is one of the main ways that dealerships are able to make a profit off of trade-ins. 
• The dealership might not catch your repairs with their inspection, so you wouldn’t receive more for your trade-in. Additionally, they will not subtract the difference from your offer. 

After you’ve got a sense of what your trade-in is worth, find out how your next moves will impact your monthly payments.

What to Fix On My Car Before Trading In

So, what should you fix on your car before you trade it in? You should only fix small things on your vehicle, such as light scratches, paint chips, and components such as windshield wipers. Let’s check out some of the things you should fix on your vehicle before trading in:

• Make sure both the interior and exterior of your vehicle are clean, and remove all of your personal belongings.
• Wash your vehicle, either by doing it yourself or sending it to a professional. This will make your vehicle look presentable, and perhaps help you to receive more for your trade. 
• If there are any minor scratches, you could try to repair these yourself before appraisal. 
• We recommend waxing your vehicle, as it will provide a nice deep shine to the paint.
• Make sure your headlight and taillights are working properly, and replace them if needed. 
• Make sure all your vehicle’s fluids are topped off, including transmission, radiator, and brake, and windshield washer fluid. These important maintenance aspects will tell the dealership that the vehicle is well-maintained.

Should I Fix Anything Else Before Trading In My Car?

Although all of the small repairs we’ve listed cost a small amount of money and time, there are some things you can do that are completely free and could increase your trade-in value. Let’s learn more below:

• Make sure your maintenance records are up to date and organized.
• Make sure that you have both sets of keys, floor mats, tires, and so on.

Value Your Trade at Keene Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Today! 

Now that we’ve answered the question, “Should I fix my car before trading in?”, come trade-in your vehicle with Keene Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram! Come visit our expert finance center to get the best value for your trade, and use our trade-in valuation tool to get an estimate of your vehicle’s value. If you’re looking to put your trade-in value towards a new or used vehicle, be sure to take our special offers on new and pre-owned models!