Should I Fix My Car Before Trading It In?

If you’re hoping to trade in your Fresno car and make an upgrade, getting top dollar is a major priority. This may lead you to ask, “Should I fix my car before trading it in?” The answer varies based on the condition of your vehicle and the cost of the repairs it needs. Luckily, our Freeway Toyota finance team is here to help you decide what needs to be worked on to maximize your trade value. Learn more with us below!

What Goes Into Calculating Your Trade-In Value?

When it’s time to calculate your trade-in value, there are a number of things a dealership will consider. These factors include:

• Vehicle make and model
• Age
• Mileage
• Appearance
• Mechanical condition
• Maintenance records
• Vehicle history report
• Local market

While mechanical and cosmetic issues can decrease the value of your vehicle, it’s important to remember that they aren’t the only determining factors when it comes to your estimate.

To Fix or Not to Fix Your Vehicle?

When deciding what to fix on your trade-in vehicle, you want to weigh the costs of the repairs vs. the potential profits. Sprucing things up and taking care of basic maintenance is a cost-effective way to improve the curb appeal of your car. You can quickly clean your car and handle simple cosmetic repairs without spending too much time or money on the project.

However, you don’t want to go beyond minor, inexpensive repairs. This is due to the fact that you likely won’t see a good return on your investment. Ultimately, the money you spend on expensive repairs would be better used as a down payment for your new vehicle.

Recommended Vehicle Fixes

So, what should you do to get your car ready for a sale? Here are some of the fixes we recommend before you sell your car:

• Thoroughly clean your vehicle inside and out
• Clean upholstery to remove odors
• Fill in small scratches with a paint pen
• Top off fluids
• Replace wipers
• Replace burned-out bulbs
• Fix windshield cracks (your insurance may cover this)
• Buff foggy headlights and/or taillights

Trade-In Your Vehicle Today With Freeway Toyota

Still asking, “Should I fix my car before trading it in?” Not to worry! We understand the process can be a bit overwhelming, so our Hanford team is here to assist you through every stage. Score a competitive trade offer when you team up with Freeway Toyota. In the meantime, contact us with any questions. We’re here to help you improve your commute from Tulare to Selma in no time!