Should I Fix My Car Before Trading In?

Has your car reached that point where several repairs need to be made and/or parts need to be replaced, and you’re debating which route to take – schedule service or trade-in? If that’s the case, you may be asking yourself if you need to make repairs to the vehicle before trading it in anyway – does it matter? Will I get a better trade-in price? Will I get a lower trade-in price? Tipton Ford Brownsville is here to provide some answers.

We would recommend fixing anything minor (like a scratch on your door) and cleaning the interior and exterior of your car. When it comes to major issues, however, you’re likely better off not making those repairs since the cost could be more than your trade-in value. Read on for more trade-in tips from Tipton Ford Brownsville!

The DON’Ts of Fixing a Car Before Trading-In

Tipton Ford Brownsville advises you to not fix large issues before trading in, and here’s why:

• Major repairs will be expensive, which will lower how much you will actually get from the trade-in.
• Dealerships have the expertise and tools to easily fix major issues at a way lower cost than you will spend out of pocket. This is how dealerships are able to make profit from buying and reselling used cars!
• The individual doing your vehicle inspection may not be able to tell how recently parts were replaced, so this may not be factored into the trade-in estimate.

The DOs of Fixing a Car Before Trading-In

Now that you know what NOT to fix, what are examples of things you SHOULD fix before trading in your vehicle? Think about first impressions. Below are just some examples of things you can do to improve the appearance of your vehicle:

• Clean out the inside – dispose of any garbage, take out personal items, and clean the windows & carpets
• Wash the car – whether you decide to do it yourself or go to a professional, you should wash the car to get rid of any marks and stains
• Fix any scratches – if they’re minor, you can try to fix car paint scratches at home
• Wax your car – after washing your car, you can wax it to give a shiny finish
• Check headlamps – make sure they’re working properly and replace them if needed
• Check the fluids (brake & transmission), oil, radiator, and windshield-washer – make sure they’re up to date, so the dealer will know you’ve been keeping up with basic maintenance

While you’re considering minor fixes to your car, it’s best to stay realistic about your own skillset. If the dealership notices poor craftsmanship or incorrect repairs, this could result in a lower trade-in estimate.

What Else Can I Do Before Trading In My Car?

While fixing your car before a trade-in might be a double-edged sword, there are some cost-free steps you can take to show the dealership that your car has been taken of properly:

• Compile a list of recent maintenance records (as far back as possible)
• Provide everything that came with the car — floor mats, all sets of keys, winter tires, etc.

Trade In Your Car at Tipton Ford Brownsville Today!

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Should I fix my car before selling it,” it’s time to take the next step toward prepping your car. When you’re ready, use our car trade-in value calculator to start the process today! Visit us at our Brownsville location and we can help you get started! If you have any follow up questions after learning if you should fix your car before trading in, feel free to contact us.