How to Trade in a Car

There are many benefits to choosing to trade-in when you make your next new or used vehicle purchase in Bradenton, one being that you can receive offers on your vehicle without going through the process of becoming a private party seller. If you’re unsure exactly how to trade in a car, Cox Chevrolet near Sarasota is here with a convenient overview of the process! Learn more below, and contact us with any questions.

What Is Your Trade-In’s Value?

Before you can select an offer, you need to know your vehicle’s current value. This can easily be found with a value your trade-in tool like the one here at Cox Chevrolet. Simply input your car’s year, make, and model, then supply your name, email, and phone number. A report will be sent to you containing the local market supply, popularity, and estimated value of your vehicle. If you’d like to continue your research and see how other resources value your car, you can also use tools like Kelley Blue Book® Value and Edmunds True Market Value®.

Seek Appraisal

The next step for how to trade in your car is to have it appraised. A popular source for this is CarMax, who has a convenient location right here in Bradenton. CarMax will complete a detailed inspection of your vehicle, which will then be valid for one full week. Or, you can schedule an appraisal directly with Cox Chevrolet. We’ll examine your vehicle’s condition, and take our own used inventory into account to determine whether we’d be able to re-sell it in the future. If you do visit CarMax before coming to us to trade in, just remember to bring their appraisal along, as well any other trade-in offers you may have received, so we can reference them as we make our own offer.

Negotiate or Accept a Trade-In Offer

Following the appraisal process, it’s time to either negotiate your offer or accept the terms and sign on the dotted line. We probably don’t need to tell you to accept your highest offer, but here are a few additional trade-in tips for you to consider:

• While CarMax can be a good source to have your vehicle appraised, they don’t allow negotiations, so the trade-in amount you’re given is exactly what you’ll receive. At a Tampa area dealership, there will typically be room for negotiating.
• If your auto loan is upside down and you want to consolidate what you owe with the cost of your prospective new car, you’ll have a higher chance of success at a certified dealership.

After making your decision, you’ll have the choice of either trading in for cash or putting your car’s value toward your next purchase.

Trade in Your Car at Cox Chevrolet!

Have lingering questions surrounding how to trade in your car? Reach out to Cox Chevrolet or visit us near Palmetto today to learn more! Our sales and finance specialists are always available to assist. Before your visit, be sure to take a look at our lease and finance offers to further increase your savings.