Should You Fix Your Car Before Trading It In?

Minor fixes and a little bit of detailing can help you reap a bigger return on your trade-in, but major repairs are unlikely to be worthwhile. So, should you fix your car before trading it in? The answer could be both yes or no, depending on the fixes you have in mind—but we can help you make the right choice. Read on to find out how to maximize your trade-in value with our team.

What to Fix Before Your Trade-In

Dealerships can deduct the cost of restoration from the amount that your trade-in is worth. In order to maximize your return, you can take care of restoration work before you bring the vehicle in for appraisal. Before trading in, you may want to perform the following fixes:

• Clean the vehicle’s interior and exterior and dispose of any personal items.
• Fix any small scratches or dents on the vehicle’s exterior
• Wash the car as thoroughly as possible, and finish with a fresh coat of wax.
• Make sure that your headlamps and tires are in good working condition.
• Check each of your fluids and ensure that all of your levels are right where they should be.

Why should you plan on completing these tasks before your Mercedes-Benz inspection? Taking good care of your vehicle’s appearance signals to the dealership that it’s probably been well-maintained overall.

What Not to Fix Before Your Trade-In

If your car has bigger issues than those we’ve already identified above, you shouldn’t try to fix them before your trade-in. That’s especially true if you’ll need to pay someone to make the repairs for you! Here’s why:

• The money that you’d spend on major repairs would be better spent on a down payment.
• The repairs might end up costing more than they’re worth.
• Dealerships can make repairs for a much lower cost than the average individual driver.
• Your dealership might make you an offer before performing an extensive inspection of your vehicle’s systems, and as a result, your repairs may not be factored into their decision at all.

What Else Can I Do Before Trading In My Car?

If you really want to maximize your return, fixing your car before the trade is just one of several things you can and should do before you drive in from Providence or East Greenwich. It’s also with it to keep the following points in mind:

• Maintenance history is the single best indicator of a vehicle’s potential longevity, so providing a complete account of your vehicle’s maintenance records could help you receive a better price.
• Make sure that you keep—ånd eventually return—every piece of equipment that came with the vehicle. This includes mats, key fobs, spare tires, and more.

Trade In Your Car at Mercedes-Benz of Warwick Today! 

Now that you know how to fix your car before you trade it in, we’re sure that you’ll be eager to find out how much your vehicle could be worth! Value your trade-in from your home in Warwick or Cranston, and make an appointment to finalize your trade today.