When trading in a car, it only makes sense that you'd want to find the best deal possible and the best vehicle to meet your needs. Knowing the right steps to take, as well as some things to avoid, will help you accomplish these goals. Below are a few do’s and don'ts to be aware of as you plan and prepare for a car trade-in.

Do:

Wash the car inside and out.

With vehicles—as with people—you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Before going to the dealership for a car trade-in, take the time to thoroughly clean the vehicle inside and out. Dealers are looking for cars that are in good shape, and appearance and presentation go a long way in highlighting the condition of the vehicle.

Have an idea what the vehicle is worth.

Check blue book values before trading in your vehicle. You should have some knowledge, even just a ballpark figure, of what a car of your make, model, and general condition is worth. This way, you will not only know if the dealer is making a good offer, but you'll be ready to negotiate if necessary.

Don't:

Perform major repairs.

If the car needs work, you may be tempted to try to have everything fixed beforehand to get the highest possible trade-in value. But dealers know how to handle repairs quickly and economically, and there's a strong chance you won't be able to recoup all of your repair costs in trade-in value. Offering a clean, presentable vehicle "as is" is typically the best course of action.

Forget to show how you've cared for the car.

Bring along all of the vehicle's service records and receipts. This demonstrates to the dealer that you've taken proper care of the car and stayed on top of issues. It also gives the dealer a fuller picture of the vehicle's history, which will help them determine value and the extent of any work, if any, that needs to be done.

Following these dos and don'ts will make the car trade-in process smooth and stress-free. Discount Auto Sales offers cars for sale and rental in the Mountain Home and Baxter County region of Arkansas. To explore their inventory or to start your vehicle trade-in, call them today at (870) 425-1775, visit their website, or send them a message on Facebook.