Know Your Market

With the boom of online marketplaces and dealerships having an online presence for both their new and used inventory, it’s never been easier to compare prices on all kinds of makes and models in varying conditions. Consider what aspects of your vehicle a potential buyer will be interested in:

• Miles on the odometer
• Visible interior and exterior wear and tear
• History of accidents
• Make, model, and year
• Vehicle type (SUV, sports car, sedan, etc.)

Make a note of listings that are similar to your vehicle and their list price so you’ve got an idea of what to expect. This is a good baseline for when you reach out to dealerships for offers.

Devil’s in the Detailing

The next step is to make your vehicle as appealing as possible. Nobody wants to buy a car with stains on the seats or pet hair on the upholstery, so it’s time for a makeover! Buyers will be looking very closely at every little detail when deciding whether or not to buy your vehicle, and you never know what little thing will knock value off, so it’s best to invest in detailing before you begin shopping it around. Key Auto Group offers a range of reasonably-priced detailing packages that cover shampooing, cleaning, and even tire dressings, depending on which level you opt for. It may feel silly to spend money on a car you’re trying to get rid of, but trust us–it’ll go a long way towards your vehicle’s value.

Service Your Vehicle

Your vehicle’s health is just as important as its appearance. Has it suffered visible damage? Does the AC work? Is its regular maintenance up to date? If you’re not sure, it’s worth bringing it to one of Key Auto Group’s locations for an inspection. Our factory-trained experts will give your vehicle a once-over to diagnose any suspicious noises or performance drops and get you fixed up with whatever you need. When even something as small as a worn pair of tires might be the difference between a good offer and a disappointing one, it’s worth making an appointment as soon as possible.

Trading In vs. Selling Privately

Some drivers are staunch believers in, “If you want a job done right, do it yourself,” but going the private selling route comes with a lot of extra stress. You’ll have to do all the legwork of finding price comparisons, spend hours making and distributing advertisements, and that’s before you get to the time spent talking up your vehicle and haggling. It’s as exhausting as it sounds, and far from convenient when you’ve got a busy schedule, which risks the vehicle just sitting in your driveway losing value until you have the time to sell it. 

With a dealership, we’ll run the numbers in-house and take the vehicle off your hands as soon as we shake on a deal. Better yet, you can put the amount towards the cost of your new vehicle and drive it off the lot that day! No matter if you prefer a Cadillac, a Kia, or a Toyota, Key Auto Group has a storefront for you. We also have two great Chevrolet locations to choose from!

Trade-in Your Vehicle with Key Auto Group 

And that’s all there is to it! We wish you the very best of luck with your trade-in value and hope you’ll consider Key Auto Group among your prospective dealerships when trading in your vehicle. Why not reach out to our finance department today and see how much you can get? We’re happy to discuss your expectations and answer any questions you may have. We also carry a great inventory of new and used vehicles across our multiple locations, so don’t forget to explore each location’s selection!