Should I Fix My Car Before Trading In?

If you live around Glendale Heights and are thinking of trading in your old car for a new Chevy Equinox or another model, you probably have a few questions about getting the best trade-in value for your car. “Should I fix my car before trading in?” While there is usually no best answer to this questions, the team at Sunrise Chevrolet is happy to help. Learn more below about fixing your car before trade, and if you want to get started, use our trade-in estimator tool.

Fix My Car Before Trade: What Not to Fix

Most experts recommend fixing only minor things, such as paint scratches, or replacing overly worn windshield wipers and floor mats. Also, give your car a thorough cleaning before you trade it in. But, don’t repair any major issues, especially if they will cost more than your estimated trade-in value. These are the reasons why you shouldn’t fix a car before trading it in: 

• Major repairs in Chicago are expensive, and those funds come right off the top, so in essence, you’re getting significantly less for your car when you trade it.
• Auto dealerships have the tools and expertise to more easily fix major issues at a fraction of the money you’ll spend on the same repairs. This is one of the main ways dealerships make a profit when buying and reselling used cars.
• It’s also possible that the dealership may not do a detailed inspection of your car before you trade it in, so they might not deduct the cost of repairs, netting you a greater trade-in value. 

Fix My Car Before Trade: What to Fix

So, now you understand what not to fix and why. What should you fix in your car before trading it into a Carol Stream-area auto dealer? These are some of the things you can do to improve your trade-in value. 

• Fix any minor scratches by buffing the paint or using some filler. 
• Clean your car’s interior and exterior, or have it professionally detailed. This will reinforce that you took good care of your vehicle. 
• Replace your old floor mats.
• Wax your car to give it a shiny finish. 
• Check all your lights to be sure they’re working properly and replace any that are burnt out. 
• Top off all your fluids, including oil, brake, transmission, and radiator, and don’t forget your windshield-washer fluid. 

Get Your Trade-in Value From Sunrise Chevrolet!

Now that we’ve answered the question, “Should I fix my car before trading in?”, are you ready to get your trade-in value? Just use our online tool or drop by the dealership near Addison. While you’re here, ask about our new car specials! We’re also happy to offer more expert insight and car-buying information to help you make a confident trade.