If you feel you’ve outgrown your current vehicle, you may benefit from trading it in for a newer model. People trade in their cars, trucks and SUVs every day for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your family has grown and you need a more spacious and kid-friendly car, or you’ve developed a penchant for off-roading and need a vehicle with more clearance.

Whatever the case may be, drivers looking to sell or trade their cars and trucks are in luck. As the post- pandemic car chip shortage continues to be in full swing, many drivers are choosing to purchase used vehicles instead of waiting for brand-new models to be released. This has resulted in an unusually high demand for pre-owned cars and top-dollar offers for trade-ins.

Whether you’ve decided to trade-in your car or sell it, don’t assume a lucrative deal is guaranteed. You’ll need to take several steps prior to arriving at a dealership to ensure you’re getting the most out of your transaction.

Learn Your Vehicle’s Value

Firstly, you’ll want to research your vehicle’s value. This is an important part of the trade-in or selling process because without having a good idea of what your car is worth, you may miss out on getting the best value.

There are a few ways to determine your car’s worth. For instance, you can use vehicle valuation websites, like Kelly Blue Book, but make sure you’re honest about your vehicle’s condition so the estimated price you’re given isn’t inflated. You can also check dealership websites for instant offers on your car.

Remove Your Belongings and Clean the Interior and Exterior Thoroughly

If you’ve owned your vehicle for several years, it’s possible it has accumulated plenty of your personal belongings. Make sure to remove these belongings no matter how insignificant they may be. Also be sure to thoroughly clean your vehicle, both the inside and outside. Whether it’s a dealer or a private party, the buyer will likely be more willing to purchase a car they believe has been well cared for, and nothing conveys care better than a squeaky clean and delightfully smelling car.

Fix Minor Issues

Apart from cleanliness, make sure your vehicle is in top-notch mechanical condition. This includes replacing any broken bulbs, touching up minor cosmetic flaws and topping off fluids, like coolant and brake fluid. If your car needs more extensive repairs, leave that to the dealer. You likely don’t want to invest a lot of money for major repairs or body work on a car you’re trying to sell.

Gather Documents and Accessories

To avoid any unnecessary hassle, be sure to always carry important documents pertaining to your current vehicle, like the title, registration and maintenance records. Knowing where these are and having them gathered ahead of time will ensure you’re not frantically searching when the buyer is ready to purchase your vehicle. You’ll also want to keep any of your vehicle’s extra items handy as well, like an extra set of keys.

Don’t Settle for the First Offer if You Don’t Think It’s Fair

Once you’ve researched prices and cleaned out your vehicle, it’s time to shop around. Since used cars are so in demand, you may get a quick offer from the first potential car buyer you speak with. As tempting as it may be to accept, it’s likely in your best interest to get a couple offers before making a final decision.

Looking to Sell or Trade In your Car in Washington D.C. or Baltimore? Get a Firm Offer From Direct Car Buying

If you’re in Washington D.C. or Baltimore, consider trading in or selling your car to Direct Car Buying. Get an instant and firm offer by submitting your vehicle information online.

Are you looking to purchase a high-quality pre-owned vehicle? Browse our inventory to find your perfect match.

For more information, call 877-927-6093.