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Tips for preparing your car for a trade-in
06 Feb 2025
Preparing your car for a trade-in is a great way to maximise its trade-in value, ensuring you receive the best possible offer from a dealership.
By taking the time to clean and detail your vehicle, addressing any minor repairs or maintenance issues, and gathering all necessary documentation such as service history, you can present your car in the best possible condition.
This not only enhances its appeal to potential buyers but also strengthens your negotiating position, allowing you to potentially knock off a significant amount of money from the price of your next car.
Our top tips for trading-in your car
Make sure it's in good condition
First impressions matter! Ensure your car is in the best possible condition before trading it in. This includes checking for scratches and cleaning your car.
Minor scratches can often be polished away, giving your car a cleaner look. And giving your car a thorough cleaning, both inside and out, can make a significant difference.
Check that everything works
Make sure all the features and functions of your car are in working order.
This includes the lights, indicators, and warning signals, radio, air conditioning and any other electronic systems.
Top up your fluids
Keeping your car's fluids at otimal levels is crucial and shows the dealer that you take good care of your car. Check and top up:
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
- Windscreen Washer fluid
Work out the value of your car so you know its worth
It's good to have an idea of the value of your car so that you know the dealer isn't giving you an unfair offer.
Get all your paperwork together
- Service history
- V5C logbook
- Driving licence
- MOT certificate
- Proof of address
- A finance settlement letter if needed
You should also remember to bring any spare keys and the locking wheel nut key.
Car trade-in FAQs
What is the car trade-in process?
A dealer will inspect your car to assess its condition and determine its value. Once the inspection is complete, the dealer will present you with an offer. If you agree on the price, the dealer will handle the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership. The agreed-upon value of your car will then be applied as a credit towards the purchase of a new or used vehicle from the dealer.
Can you negotiate car trade-in value?
You can haggle with a dealer on a used car, but it’s important to do your research first and have a fixed budget in mind.
Can a car trade-in be used as a down payment?
Yes, part-exchange is all about trading in an old vehicle as part payment for another vehicle.
Will car dealers take any trade-in?
Most car dealers will take any car as a trade-in.
Can I trade my car in after one year?
Yes, you could trade in a car that you bought yesterday if you wanted to. However, trading in a newly purchased car could also be a waste of money as you’ll almost certainly lose money. If you’re trading in a financed car, you may want to wait until you’ve paid off your loan.
It is possible to trade in your car while you still have a loan, but you’ll want to make sure that your trade-in vehicle value is worth more than the remaining loan balance, otherwise you may end up with even more debt than you went into your original deal with.