How to Trade in a Car

You've been scoping out candidates for a new car and finally settled on one that fits your needs. Since your current car is still in great shape, you've decided to trade it in towards the newer one. However, if this is your first time, you may be wondering how exactly trading in a car works.

What should you do beforehand? What should you expect at the dealership? If you're a driver in Syracuse, Oneida, or Liverpool, NY, our team at Bill Rapp Subaru is here to help answer your questions. We've put together this quick guide for how to trade in a car, so you can be ready on the big day!

Preparing Your Trade-in

Gather Paperwork

A great way to show the history of your current vehicle is with its documentation. Before trading in, you'll want to be sure you have some crucial documents on hand, including:

• Service records-These show that you've kept up with your car's maintenance schedule and it has been properly cared for during your ownership period.
• Car title-The title establishes proof of ownership and you'll need to sign it over when trading in.
• Sales paperwork-This will help to inform you and the dealership on details like your car's trim level and features.

Clean It Up

When trading in your vehicle, you're essentially selling it to the dealership. While most of the time the cost of refurbishment will be baked into the agreement, you'll still want the vehicle to look its best. Be sure to stop by the car wash, clear out any personal items, and give the cabin a once over for any clutter.

You'll also want to clean out your car's technology at this point. If your car uses connectivity features, be sure to delete any saved personal information, like phone numbers and addresses, before bringing it in to trade.

Learn Your Value

Knowing the approximate value of your trade-in can be a big help during the process. Be sure to take some time to research before heading to the dealership. You can use our website's value your trade tool, which lets you fill out information for your vehicle, and shortly afterwards, receive an estimate.

Trading In

Once you're prepared, the next step is to contact the dealership and schedule an appointment to trade in your vehicle. Once you arrive, an appraiser will assess your vehicle by inspecting it, taking it for a test drive, and even possibly running a history report. Some of the criteria they'll be looking for includes:

• Vehicle age
• Vehicle condition
• Mileage
• Options and add-ons
• Seasonal demand

Once the appraisal is done, you'll receive a trade-in offer that can be used towards your next vehicle. Afterwards, our team will help you sign over the title and begin the process of purchasing your new car.

Trade in Your Car With Us