Tips To Sell Car Back To Dealer

When it comes time to sell your car to the dealer there are a few things you should do in order to ensure that you are getting the best price. Before selling your vehicle, find out how much it’s worth by checking its Blue Book value. It may be worth more to you than to anyone else, especially if it’s older or in poor condition. While you’re checking the value of your old car, consider looking up your next vehicle, as some cars depreciate much more than others.

Here are some other tips to sell a car back to the dealer.

Keep Up the Maintenance

Ensure that all routine maintenance has been completed and recorded. Top up all the fluids, including oil, transmission, antifreeze, brake, and windshield washer.

Tidy Up the Car

Clean the car thoroughly both inside and out. Fill any scratches and repair any dents that can be pulled using a paintless method. If there are scratches or cracks in the windshield have them repaired. Try to remove any stains and fix any tears in the upholstery. Remove all personal items from the vehicle, and ensure that the owner’s manual, jack, lug nut wrench, and any other items that came with the car are still in their proper places.

Photo by Stock Photograph

Check the Tires

Ensure that the tires are in good shape. If not, consider purchasing new (or used) tires. If you have an extra set of rims, check to see if they will fit your new vehicle before including them in the sale.

Talk About Trade-In Value Last

If you are trading your car in, don’t mention it until you have settled on a price for the new car, otherwise the dealer may raise the price of the new vehicle to offset the trade-in value.

Spare No Details

Be truthful, but don’t volunteer too much information. Dealers (as well as consumers) have access to databases where they can look up the car’s VIN number to find accidents. They also have mechanics who will go over the vehicle and give it an inspection.

Time of Year Matters

Sell your car at the appropriate time. convertibles generally sell for more in the spring when demand is higher as opposed to winter when the cold temperatures rule.

Photo by Holly Reich

Document with Photos

Before parting with the car take pictures of every part of the car as proof of its condition.

Get Car Inspected by a Third Party

When returning a car after a lease, the goal is not to get the best price, but to make sure that you aren’t stuck with a large bill. Your lease agreement should specify what is considered normal wear and tear and what will cost you money to have repaired. Try and have the car inspected before it needs to be returned so that you can perform the repairs yourself or shop around for the best price.