How To Increase The Value Of Your Trade-In

How To Increase The Value Of Your Trade-In - Schumacher Auto Group

When it comes time to shop for your next vehicle, it’s completely understandable that you’d want to get the most out of your current car when you trade it in. Whether you’re shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, trading in your existing ride is an excellent way to offset the cost of your next one. Prior to bringing your old car in for a trade-in evaluation, there are a number of simple steps you can take to make sure that you’ll get top dollar for it. Our team at the Schumacher Auto Group has created this informative guide that names our top suggestions and tips for maximizing the value of your trade-in vehicle.


How Does Trade-In Work?

In the majority of situations, trading in your existing car is the fastest, most stress-free way to apply its current value toward your next vehicle. Trading in your vehicle eliminates all of the wasted time, stress, and annoyance that comes with selling the vehicle yourself. You won’t have to advertise your vehicle or spend hours negotiating with complete strangers. Instead, the Schumacher Auto Group combines the buying power of our 5 locations to ensure that you get maximum value for your used car, truck, or SUV.

Our team also understands that today’s car buyer has done their research and is more informed than ever before. Not only have they researched the vehicle that they want to purchase – but they’ve also researched the value of their trade-in as well. Some of the most popular online tools from Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Black Book are able to provide average values for most used cars. The Schumacher Auto Group takes this one step further! We transparently share the local market conditions here in New Jersey for any used car. This means we can share with you exactly how many vehicles like yours are currently for sale along with their condition, mileage, and asking prices.

This means that you’ll receive an offer based on real-time supply and demand for vehicles similar to yours right here in New Jersey, something other tools won’t provide. Simply click the button below to get your vehicle’s current market report!


How to Get the Most for Your Trade – Quick Tips

Wondering how to get the most for your trade-in vehicle? We’ve assembled a list of our top tips for getting top dollar for your old car. Simple and straightforward, these steps can go a long way toward getting your existing vehicle looking its best when it comes time to trade it in.

Interior & Exterior Detailing

Interior & Exterior Detailing

It’s no secret that cosmetic appearance plays a big role in determining the value of your existing vehicle. After all, if you had the choice between two otherwise identical vehicles, wouldn’t you pay more for the one that looked great both inside and out? Whether you do it yourself or take it to a professional, having the interior and exterior of your vehicle cleaned is great for enhancing your vehicle’s value.

Perform Routine & Required Maintenance

Perform Routine & Required Maintenance

In a perfect world, this step begins long before it’s time to trade in your car. Staying on top of routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other preventative services helps to extend the life of your vehicle and increase its value. It’s always a smart idea to have these types of services performed at an authorized dealership that you trust.

Save Your Receipts

Save Your Receipts

Has your vehicle had a major repair or service completed within a 6-month window of you trading it in? Be sure to bring your big-ticket service receipts with you when you bring the vehicle to the dealership. For example, if you’ve recently purchased a set of four brand new tires — you have a better opportunity to leverage these expenses at trade-in.

Consider Seasonal/Demand Factors

Consider Seasonal/Demand Factors

While it might not seem obvious at first, seasonal and demand factors can play a big role in determining your vehicle’s value at trade-in. As an example, a snowy January morning is not an ideal time to trade in your convertible sports car. Conversely, bringing that vehicle to the dealership in July when the demand is high is a much more lucrative option. In the winter months, you’ll find increased demand for 4X4 pickup trucks along with all-wheel drive sedans and SUVs. If gas prices continue to rise, gas-guzzling vehicles are less desirable while hybrid or electric vehicles will command premium prices.


Use Our Convenient Value Your Trade Tool

Now that you have a better strategy for getting the most from your trade-in, you’re just minutes away from receiving a competitive offer from our Value Your Trade Tool. Based on real-time information for both wholesale and retail pricing here in New Jersey, this tool provides the most accurate pricing possible. All you need to do is provide some brief information like the year, make, and model information in the tool and the best match for your car will automatically populate. Our transparent market pricing tools give you the true market value based on all of the vehicles currently on the marketplace TODAY.