Should I Fix My Car Before Trading In?

If you’re looking to upgrade from your current vehicle, you’ve likely considered trading it in. Trading in your car is a quick and easy way to upgrade to a new vehicle, as well as save some money on your next vehicle purchase. Drivers who decide to take on the trade – in process often ask themselves, “Should I fix my car before trading it in?” While there’s no right or wrong answer, the service and finance experts here at Oak Lawn Toyota would recommend fixing minor issues like scratches, touching up paint, and making sure that your car is clean. As for major repairs, you may want to consider holding off on correcting issues that will cost more than your trade – in value.

Read this guide to learn more about the ins and outs of the Toyota trade – in process. Then, when you’re ready to make a trade, bring your car to Oak Lawn Toyota, one of the premier Chicago area Toyota dealers!

What Shouldn’t You Fix on a Trade – in Vehicle?

You’ve likely been wondering, “Should I fix my car before trading it in?” In short: if any major repairs need to be done to your Evergreen Park ride, we advise not fixing them before trading in your car. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t:

• Cost – Major repairs can be costly and can lower how much you receive from your Toyota trade – in
• Dealerships Can Repair it for Less – Orland Park area dealers are well – equipped with tools and knowledge on how to fix issues at a way lower cost than you pay to have them corrected yourself. Ultimately, this is how dealerships make a profit from buying and reselling used vehicles.
• There May Not be an Inspection – Some dealerships don’t perform detailed inspections before finalizing the trade – in. So, they may not deduct the cost of these repairs from your Toyota trade – in cost.

What Should You Fix When Trading in Your Car?

Now, what should you fix on your trade – in car before bringing it to Chicago area Toyota dealers? Here are some maintenance tasks that you can do to spruce up your trade – in vehicle;

• Deep Clean – Clean the exterior and interior of your vehicle. You can either do this yourself or have the car professionally detailed. Either way, you’ll want to dispose of any garbage, remove your personal belongings, clean the windows and carpets, and make sure there aren’t any stains on the seats.
• Wax the Car – After the car has been cleaned, giving it a good waxing will give the vehicle a nice and shiny finish.
• Fix Scratches – If you have any minor scratches on the car’s exterior, there are plenty of DIY methods you can try to remove them.
• Check Headlamps – Make sure that they’re working properly and replace them if need be.
• Check Fluid Levels – Inspect your brake, transmission, windshield – wiper, radiator, and oil levels so that the dealer knows that you’ve been keeping up with basic maintenance.

While these tasks may seem small, they make a huge difference. Dealerships are much more inclined to make higher offers for vehicles that have been well – maintained, as opposed to cars that have been neglected.

Additional Toyota Trade – in Tips

Now that you have an idea of what to fix on your trade – in car, here are some additional steps to take that will help your trade – in process run smoothly:

• Have a copy of your maintenance records on hand, so the dealer can see what services the vehicle has received.
• Come to the dealership with everything that is a part of the vehicle including the mats, keys, and winter tires.

Trade In Your Car at Oak Lawn Toyota Today!

If you’re ready to make a trade for a new Countryside ride, turn to the experts at Oak Lawn Toyota for guidance. We pride ourselves on being one of the top Chicago area Toyota dealers, and we work with our customers to ensure that their Toyota trade – in process is as seamless as possible. Contact us today if you have any additional questions about how to trade in a car, or if you’d like to set an appointment for an inspection. We can’t wait to work with you!