How to Trade in a Car

Step 1: Figure Out Your Vehicle’s Value

Although an official appraisal is needed for our trade-in process, it’s important that you conduct some preliminary research beforehand. Whether your vehicle is a hand-me-down or one that you bought last year, you can calculate its worth in a multitude of ways. These include:

• Valuation tools: We offer a Value Your Trade tool that can determine your vehicle’s value. All you have to do is input some information and you’ll receive a real-time estimate.
• Local listings: Conducting research on the used car market, such as browsing our inventory, will help you see just how much your particular model is going for.

Comparing prices and values from multiple sources will help you find the common ground price for your vehicle, which will be particularly helpful if you choose to negotiate after the appraisal.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle for the Appraisal

Once you’ve scheduled an appraisal, you will want to make your vehicle look like you just drove it off the lot. To do so, you should clean the interior and exterior, and take your vehicle in for maintenance. If you’re interested, you can even send your vehicle in for professional detailing to get all the nooks and crannies sparkly and clean.

Step 3: The Appraisal

On appraisal day, you’ll hand over your vehicle’s keys to the appraiser and wait until their inspection is complete. You are more than welcome to wait in our customer lounge—we have complimentary snacks, beverages, and entertainment.

What Does the Car Appraiser Look For?

Our in-house vehicle appraiser will be inspecting every aspect of your ride. They will do the following:

• Check the exterior for any cosmetic damages
• Check fluids under the hood
• Test out any technology in the cabin
• Look for any upholstery wear and tear
• Check the tires and more!

To make sure your vehicle operates smoothly, they will take it for a quick spin around the block.

Step 4: Negotiating and Accepting an Offer

Once the appraisal is finished, one of our representatives will present their final trade-in value. If you choose, you can negotiate until you agree on an offer you’re comfortable with.

Please note: Don’t be afraid to walk away. You do not have to take an offer right away—you will have some time to think it over.

Step 5: Hand Over the Keys

If you do agree to an offer, you will have to sign some additional paperwork. Before you hand over the keys, make sure you clear out any remaining personal items from the vehicle. Don’t forget to hand over the owner’s manual and the vehicle’s maintenance schedule as well.