New Cars – Add value to your trade-in

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Don’t get ripped off when trading in your car. Doing it right can get you the discount you deserve on your new purchase.

For starters, know your car – mileage, optional equipment, repair history, the works. Show the dealer its service record. And top it off with a vehicle history report you can obtain from Web sites like www.autocheck.com or www.carfax.com. It’s only $19.99 and gives a third-party perspective on the history of your vehicle – accident and flood damage, emissions inspections, and more.

Next, visit the Edmunds Web site at www.edmunds.com , click on Used Cars, look for Trade-In, and find two important figures – the suggested “private party” selling price of your car and the industry standard trade-in price. It’s obvious you’ll get more by selling the car yourself. But if you still want to trade it in, these pointers will help you get the top dollar.

If you do not have access to a computer, Edmunds also has books available at most bookstores and libraries.

* Avoid talking about the trade-in until you’ve settled on the price of the new car.

* See if your trade-in will reduce the sales tax on your new car.

* Make sure your engine oil is clean and topped-off. Clean oil is a sure-fire sign that the motor has been cared for.

* Clean your car inside and out. And fix everything that needs fixing. Each flaw eats away at a car’s value. That clean, well-maintained look enhances your car’s “curb appeal” and assures a higher trade-in value.



All the best,



Timben