When you want to buy a new car, it's important to think about your trade-in vehicle. Financing for your new car is a huge consideration when you start shopping, and the amount of money you plan to get for your trade-in plays a critical role in figuring out your budget. When it comes to what to do before trading in a car, there are a few steps to take so you can get the best value for your trade-in. Let's go over one of the top ways to start — a thorough cleaning.
Why Cleaning Your Car Before Trading In Is Essential
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Dealerships consider various factors when determining the value of your trade-in. That means you'll want to make your car appear as appealing as possible before bringing it in to help the dealership see its full potential. You should treat your trade-in the same way you would treat any product you plan on selling. Cleaning it up and making it look appealing will bring in more money, which you can then apply to the purchase of your next vehicle.
Cleaning your vehicle before bringing it to be valued will also save the dealership time when it comes to cleaning your car after it's in their possession. If the dealership recognizes that they can save time and effort when it comes to cleaning your car, they're more likely to reward your efforts with a higher offer for your trade-in.
Keep in mind that a dealership will look at a clean car and equate that cleanliness with an owner who takes care of their car. An owner who keeps their vehicle clean and tidy is more likely to take care of other parts of their car, including staying up-to-date on routine maintenance and practicing safe driving techniques. Dealerships who take this into consideration are more likely to value the car higher than a car that appears to have been neglected.
The Benefits of Cleaning Your Car Before a Trade-In
The most important benefit of cleaning your car thoroughly before trading it in is getting a higher amount when you finally make the deal. This, in turn, has a significant impact on what car you can afford when you're shopping. Receiving a greater amount for your trade-in not only allows your car payment to be lower each month but also means that you might be able to afford a slightly more expensive vehicle than you had expected.
DIY Car Cleaning vs. Professional Detailing
When you're cleaning your car before bringing it into the dealership, you can either clean it yourself using at-home cleaning supplies or opt to bring it in for a professional detail. Each of these options has pros and cons.
The first thing to consider when deciding between the two is the overall cleanliness of your car. If you've consistently kept your car clean over the course of your ownership, it might be feasible to do a DIY cleaning. However, if your car hasn't been cleaned in a while and has stains or odors, professional detailing would be a better choice.
Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Car for Trade-In
If you choose to clean your car yourself, you'll want to put in enough time and effort to make your work worthwhile. It helps to go in with a plan, as this ensures that no area of your car is left untouched by the cleaning process.
Interior Cleaning: Ensuring Your Car Looks and Smells Fresh
It's best to start with the interior of your car because this area will most likely require the most time and attention. Start by decluttering. This means removing all trash and personal items from the car. When you take your car to the dealership to get it valued, you should have it showroom-ready, which is why removing all of your belongings is crucial.
Next, you'll want to perform a thorough vacuum of the interior of your car. Remove the floor mats and vacuum underneath them, then vacuum under the seats and in the trunk. While your floor mats are out, you'll want to clean them as well.
After vacuuming, you'll need to spend some time cleaning your seats. If you have leather seats, your job will be a bit easier, as a leather cleaning solution and a soft cloth will most likely do the trick. For vehicles with upholstered seats, you'll want to find an appropriate upholstery cleaner to thoroughly remove any dirt, stains, or odors.
Finally, you'll need to clean all of the hard surfaces: dashboard, center console, door handles, doors, steering wheel, and windows. A general all-purpose cleaner will be sufficient for most of these surfaces, but as with any cleaning solution, you should always test it on a small area first to make sure it doesn't damage the material's surface in any way.
Exterior Cleaning: Making Your Car Shine
After the inside is clean, it's time to focus on the outside. While an automatic car wash is good for normal cleaning, you'll want to handwash your car this time to make sure every inch is touched by the cloth and soap. After washing, dry your car completely with a microfiber towel to eliminate any spots. Finally, apply a wax coat to shine it up and get it looking like new.
Let Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville Value Your Trade-In Today
If you're curious about what your car is worth, you can check our online trade-in tool for a rough estimate. Of course, your trade-in value will ultimately be determined by the condition your car is in, but this tool will give you a good estimate to start with. At Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville, we're here to answer any of your questions about how to get the most value for your trade, so don't hesitate to reach out and give us a call.