What Helps Trade-In Value
Before you find out what your car is worth, knowing what affects its value is essential. One of the most critical factors in keeping the value of your vehicle is regular maintenance and keeping good records of it. A written record makes proving you have taken care of the car easier. Keeping the upholstery clean and in good condition and taking care of the paint is also essential. The number of miles on your vehicle will also affect the trade-in value. In most cases, the lower the number of miles, the higher the value.
What Hurts Trade-In Value
If your car has any dings, scratches, or problems with the bodywork, it will lower the value. If you can get these fixed before bringing them into the dealership, it will help raise the value. Also, keep in mind that mechanical problems will affect the amount the car is worth, so you want to have these fixed as well. If the tread on the tires is wearing thin, change them, and check the brake pads and headlights. If it looks like you neglected the car while you owned it, you’ll see it in the trade-in value. A car that smells like smoke is also a hard sell for the dealer, so they won’t offer as much.
CarFax
One of the most well-known tools for determining your car’s value is CarFax. You can order a report on your car by entering the VIN number or your license plate and the state. This report will check for any accidents the car was involved in, the number of owners, and the service history. It will also provide information about what the car was used for, such as a taxi, a lease vehicle for business, or just personal.
The Dealer Website
Another good resource is the dealer website. The Huffines Kia website has an online application where you can enter information about your car to find out its estimated value. They use the Edmunds calculator to calculate the vehicle’s worth, and all you need to do is enter the make, model, year, and style. You can then use this information as a guide as you look at their inventory of new and used vehicles.
There are many online tools to help you find out what your trade-in vehicle is worth. You can then start your new car search with all the necessary information to make an intelligent decision. Your dealership is also a good source of information.