How Should I Prep My Car for Sale to a Dealer?

Getting your vehicle ready for a trade in is an important step that should be taken care of. This will help with a smoother process when it comes to buying your next car. Being prepared will help you save time when you get here.

From getting your vehicle prepped to what paperwork you need to bring, here are some key things to get ready:

Getting Ready to Trade Your Used Car for a New Car

Here are a few things you can do to ensure you get the most out of your trade-in before you go to sell your car:

• Clean the thing, inside and out. For the exterior, give it a thorough wash and a fresh coat of wax. On this inside, get rid of your personal items and vacuum out the whole thing. Don't want to do it yourself? Have it detailed. Making a good impression only raises your chances of a better offer.
• Fix small issues yourself. Check all the car's lights, including interior dome lights, and replace them if needed. Also, check all fluid levels (washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) and ensure they're topped off. If your car needs more serious work, leave that to us. Any major issues will lower the value of the trade-in, but getting major work done can cost you more money. After all, that's probably why you are trading in your vehicle in the first place!
• Gather all important documents. Current registration, title for your vehicle, and if your current payoff for your vehicle is important to bring in. This will help save you time at the dealer.
• Grab any extras. Bring extra sets of keys or other accessories along with the vehicle. If the navigation system has a DVD or SD card associated with it, be sure to bring those items, as well. Owner's Manual for your current vehicle is a definite plus.
• Conduct your own inspection. Note any exterior dents and dings that can't be buffed out with a little elbow grease. Take your current car out for a test drive and pay close attention to anything that just doesn't seem right. If there are any issues with the car, whether electrical or even a need for new tires, note them.

Trading in your current vehicle doesn't have to be a hassle. At Sierra Subaru of Monrovia, we make it easy to purchase your current vehicle whether you buy from us or not. If you need additional information, please feel free to give us a call. Thank you for your business.