Vehicle Trade-In FAQs

What Affects My Trade-In Value?

If you want to slide into the driver’s seat of a new car while also unloading your current vehicle, trading it in at our dealership is the quickest option. When it comes to calculating your vehicle trade-in offer, we will consider several different factors, including:

• Mileage (odometer reading and fuel efficiency)
• Internal/external condition (dents, scrapes, marks, and part damage/replacements)
• Car features (tech and safety features, audio/stereo upgrades, and body customizations)

Ultimately, the trade-in offer you receive will depend on the overall condition and market demand of your current set of wheels.

What is the Kelly Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer?

The Kelly Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer is a free estimation tool that assesses your current car’s value, then offers you instant cash for your vehicle. Best of all, once you receive your estimate, it’s there if you want it, however, you’re not required to take it. 

This program considers more factors to get an estimate for your trade-in, including your region, historical trends, and supply and demand. Once you input details about your car, such as its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you can then complete the following steps to calculate and view your estimate:

1. Receive the offer, which usually takes a few minutes.
2. Submit your car for inspection.
3. Receive a check in hand or put it towards a new vehicle.

This easy-to-follow process guides you through your vehicle trade in and can get you instant cash to apply towards your next vehicle. Once you receive your offer, you’ll have seven days to consider it before making your trade-in decision. Access this offer through our website today!

Can I Trade in a Car I’m Currently Paying Off?

If you have a car you’re still actively paying off and are up to date with your payments, in most cases, you can still trade in your car at our dealership. This will include transferring the remainder of your loan towards your next car loan. However, there are a few extra steps you will need to take.

If you have positive equity in your vehicle, this means the value of the car is greater than the amount you have left on your car loan. On other hand, upside-down equity means you owe more on your auto loan than the total value of the vehicle as a trade-in. 

If you have upside-down equity, the difference will then be added to your new car loan. Though this is still an option, if possible, you may want to wait until you have positive equity before trading in your vehicle. 

It’s helpful to verify whether you have positive or upside-down equity before proceeding with a trade-in so you have a clear picture of your future automotive payments. 

Does Trading in Affect My Insurance?

Once the trade-in process is over, all you will need to do is update your car information with your insurance company. The same plan will then be transferred to your new model. That means, if you currently have liability coverage, you will also have liability coverage on your new car, truck, or SUV.

However, if you would like to change or update your current insurance when you get your next car, you will also have that option. 

How Can I Increase the Value of my Trade-In?

Though there are factors you can’t control that will impact the value of your trade-in, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your vehicle looks its best and is in good working condition.

For example, if your vehicle is due for an oil change or another type of maintenance, you can schedule a service appointment and save the records before bringing it to the dealership.

Along similar lines, if your vehicle has minor dents or scratches, you can schedule an appointment at a body shop. In some cases, you may be able to get paint-less dent removal.

Then, you’ll want to remove your personal belongings, wipe your personal information from any integrated technologies, and make sure the exterior and interior are clean. To do this, you can either pay a professional to detail it, do it all yourself, or take the vehicle to a car wash.

What Should I Bring with Me When I Trade in My Car?

After you’ve taken all the steps to boost the value of your trade-in, you’ll want to gather important documentation before heading to the dealership. Be sure to grab a copy of the vehicle title and your driver’s license as well as:

• Auto Loan loan information if you’re still paying it off
• All sets of keys to the vehicle
• Vehicle Registration

When you arrive at the dealership, let an associate know you want to trade in your car. Another way to speed up the process is by searching through our current inventory online so you have an idea of which new vehicle you want to drive home.

What Are the Benefits of Trading in My Car at a Dealership?

Trading in your car at a dealership comes with many benefits. For one, you don’t have to handle any of the paperwork, including transferring the title and other required documents for the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV).

Along with that, you won’t have to advertise the vehicle, schedule test drives, or find an appropriate buyer. Between the paperwork and connecting with the right buyer, selling or trading in your car at a dealership will save you both time and energy, which means you can take the wheel of your next car, truck, or SUV even sooner!