Clean It Inside and Out
Clean the inside and outside of your car before bringing it in. First impressions really do matter when it comes to perceived value.
Trade-In Guide
Trading In a Car for the First Time
How appraisals work, what affects your value, and how to walk in prepared — from the team at Gandrud Nissan in Green Bay.
If you've never traded in a car before, the whole process can feel a little mysterious. What happens to your old car? How do they value it? Will it actually save you money?
At Gandrud Nissan, we talk to first-time trade-in customers all the time, and we've found that once people understand the basics, the entire experience feels a lot less intimidating. Here is everything you need to know as well as trade in vehicle tips.
The Basics
What Does It Mean to Trade In a Vehicle?
Let me explain. A trade-in is basically when you turn over your vehicle to a dealership to help pay for another vehicle you're purchasing. Instead of selling your old car and buying a new car separately, a trade-in car deal combines the two. A dealership appraises your vehicle, gives you an offer, and then applies that offer to the purchase price of your new car.
For a lot of people, this is just an easier way to do everything. Instead of placing ads, meeting strangers, and bargaining with private buyers, you can do everything in one shot.
Trade In or Sell Privately
Reasons People Prefer Trading In Instead of Selling on the Private Market
There are a few clear reasons a trade-in vehicle option tends to appeal to first-time buyers and experienced buyers alike. It's convenient, since you're not managing a separate sale on your own time. Another possible benefit is the speed, since the sale can often be concluded in a day when you're buying your next vehicle.
In certain states, another advantage may be offered by trading in a vehicle, since the sales tax on the purchase of a new car may only apply to the difference between the price of the new car and the price of the trade-in vehicle.
That said, the dollar amount you receive may be a little higher if you sell it privately. So, it's really a matter of how much time and energy you're willing to put in and how much convenience means to you.
Trade-In Vehicle Tips for First-Time Traders
If this is your first time, there are a few things you can do to help yourself.
Bring Your Service Receipts
Bring any receipts for work done on your vehicle, such as oil changes, to help show that you've maintained the vehicle.
Check the Market Value First
It may also help to check the fair market value of your vehicle ahead of time, so you have an idea of what it is reasonably worth in case you have questions about the appraisal.
These small tweaks won't make your car drastically more valuable, but they will help you feel more prepared and confident when talking with the dealership.
Keep It Simple
A Guide to Trading In a Vehicle Without Stress
One of the best tips for trading in a car is to ask questions if there's something you don't understand or you're unsure how a certain number was reached. There is nothing wrong with asking questions. You should understand the process, not just sign a bunch of papers at a dealership.
It also helps if you can keep your trade-in conversation separate from your new car purchase conversation as much as possible. If you can keep them separate, or at least think of them as two separate transactions, it helps you see exactly what you're paying for your new car and what you're getting for your trade-in.
What to Know Before Trading In a Car
Before going to a dealer, keep in mind that the trade-in value of your vehicle will differ depending on these four factors. Checking all of them can help you feel more prepared and may make a good deal even better.
01Mileage
02Condition
03Accident History
04Current Market Value
If you have a car loan on your current vehicle, the remaining loan balance will need to be accounted for as part of the transaction, so be sure to know your payoff amount.
Knowing what to expect before trading in a car means fewer surprises and a much smoother experience once you're actually sitting down to go over the numbers.
How Our Team Can Help You Trade In Vehicle
While trading in a car can seem like a complicated process, there are trained professionals ready to help you through every step at Gandrud Nissan. From explaining how we calculate the trade-in value of your car to answering any questions you may have, we'll make sure you're comfortable with the trade before you sign.
If you'd like to come in and talk with us to understand the process and your options, with no pressure, we're happy to look at your current vehicle and go over your options. If you'd like to work toward a trade today or just want to know what to do when you're ready, we can help!
Trade-in values are determined by an in-person appraisal and vary based on mileage, condition, accident history, and current market demand. Sales tax treatment of trade-ins varies by state. This page is general information and not tax advice. See Gandrud Nissan for complete details.