May 18, 2022

5 Common Mistakes When Trading in a Car and How to Avoid Them

When trading in a car, many things can go wrong if you’re not careful. This post will discuss the most common trade-in mistakes people make when trading in their cars and how to avoid them. These tips will help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible and that you get a god deal on your new vehicle!

1) Not Knowing Your Car’s Value

One mistake people make when trading in a car is not knowing its value. Many people rely on the dealer to give them an appraisal, but dealers are in the business to make money and will often lowball you on your trade-in. It’s imperative to do your research to know how much your car is worth before going into the dealership.

One way to find out your car’s value is to use an online tool like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. These sites will give you an estimated range of your vehicle’s price based on its make, model, year, and condition. It’s important to note that your car may be worth more or less than the estimated range, depending on the current market conditions.

2) Not Negotiating with the Salesperson

Another mistake people make when trading in a car is not negotiating. Many people accept the first offer the dealer gives them without trying to negotiate for a better price. Remember that the dealer’s initial offer will always be low; it’s their job to get the best price for the dealership, not for you. If you don’t feel comfortable negotiating with the salesperson, bring someone with you who does. A family member who is experienced in dealing can be a big help.

3) Not Repairing the Prominent Issues before Trading-in

A common oversight people make when trading in their car is not repairing any significant issues it may have. This is a mistake because the dealer will likely find these issues during their inspection and use them to lower the trade-in value of your car. If you can afford to, it’s always best to repair any significant issues before taking your vehicle to the dealership.

4) Not Negotiating Both Deals Separately (Trade-in & New Vehicle)

When you’re at the dealership to trade in your car and buy a new car, it’s important to negotiate each deal separately. Many people mistake negotiating the trade-in value of their car and the price of the new vehicle they’re buying. This is a mistake because the dealer will likely give you a lower trade-in value if you’re also negotiating the price of a new car at the same time.

If possible, it’s best to negotiate the trade-in value of your car before even discussing the purchase of a new vehicle. This way, you can get a fair trade-in value for your vehicle.

5) Not Providing Maintenance Records

Another mistake is not providing maintenance records. If you have receipts for all the routine maintenance and repairs you’ve done on your car, bring them when you trade-in your car. This will show the dealer that you’ve taken good care of your car, making them give you a higher trade-in value for your car.

Brownsville Toyota, serving Brownsville, TX, is a reliable dealership for buying a new car. We offer a large selection of new cars, trucks, and SUVs. We also offer competitive pricing and financing options. We provide a stress-free car buying experience, and we’re dedicated to our customers’ satisfaction. Visit us today and see why Brownsville Toyota is the best place to service your car.