How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Trade-In

Know What Affects Trade-In Value

A trade-in offer is based on the specific vehicle in front of the appraiser: its year, make, model, trim, mileage, condition, equipment, and history, along with current demand for that vehicle in the local market.

Some of these you cannot change, but you can make sure the vehicle is presented clearly and that the appraiser has the information needed to see its full value.

• Write down your exact trim, engine, and major optionsThese details can be easy to miss during a quick look.
• Note the current mileageRead it from the odometer on the day you visit.
• List any known issues honestlySurprises found during the appraisal can slow things down.

Gather Your Paperwork

Having your documents ready makes the appraisal and paperwork go faster. If you still owe money on the vehicle, the remaining loan balance will be part of the transaction, so it helps to know the exact figure before you arrive.

• Title, or your lender's information if the vehicle is financedAsk your lender for a current payoff amount.
• Current registrationConfirm the name on it matches the title.
• All keys, remotes, and key cardsMissing keys can be costly to replace.
• Maintenance and repair recordsOil changes, tires, brakes, and major repairs.
• Owner's manualKeep it in the glove box.

Clean It Up Inside and Out

A clean vehicle is easier to evaluate and makes a better first impression. You do not need a professional detail; a thorough wash, vacuum, and wipe-down usually go a long way.

Remove personal belongings before you arrive, and check the trunk, under the seats, and every storage compartment.

• Wash the exterior and clean the windowsInclude the wheels if you can.
• Vacuum the carpets, seats, and cargo areaRemove floor mats and shake them out.
• Remove personal items and clear stored dataUnpair your phone and erase saved addresses and garage codes.

Decide Which Small Fixes Are Worth It

Inexpensive items such as a burned-out bulb, worn wiper blades, or low fluids are often worth addressing before an appraisal. Larger repairs are a different decision: the cost of the repair may not be fully reflected in the offer you receive.

If you are unsure whether a repair makes sense, ask about it during the appraisal before you spend the money.

Understand How a Trade-In Fits Your Purchase

Your trade-in value is applied toward the vehicle you are buying. If the vehicle is worth more than you owe, the difference can work like a down payment and lower the amount you finance. If you owe more than it is worth, the difference has to be paid or included in the new purchase, which increases the amount you borrow.

OpenBook Auto offers onsite trade-in appraisals, so you can learn what your vehicle is worth and review your options in the same visit.

• Compare your loan payoff with the appraisal offerThis shows whether you have equity in the vehicle.
• Ask to see the trade-in value and the vehicle price separatelyIt makes the numbers easier to compare.
• Keep driving and insuring your vehicle until the paperwork is signedThe trade is not complete until then.