When it’s time to upgrade your vehicle, there’s no need to go through the hassle of selling and buying. Why not get both done by trading in your current ride? If you’re considering this alternative, you’ll want a fair appraisal to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Here are some of the factors that dealerships consider when assessing trade-in cars.

What Impacts the Value of a Trade-In Car?

1. Make & Model

First, the appraiser will consider the average value of the vehicle. For example, a Mercedes-Benz® will obtain a higher trade-in value than a Kia®, and a 2018 model will be more valuable than a 2009 car from the same manufacturer.

Depending on the dealership, you may also encounter varying bids due to the popularity of the vehicle. For example, if plenty of families in the area are expressing interest in Honda® minivans, you might be able to earn more than usual.

2. Wear & Tear

Once they have a rough estimate of the particular make and model, the appraiser will need to assess the condition of the vehicle. Mileage is a major consideration because it impacts the expected life span.

If you’ve been taking the car on road trips for the past five years, those thousands of miles could bring down the estimate. The dealership will also look for signs of cosmetic and mechanical damage, such as dents or strange noises.

3. Special Features

If you’ve invested money into optimizing your ride, you might be able to raise its trade-in value. For example, cars with leather seats, sun roofs, and built-in TVs for the kids, will be more valuable.

Other perks include GPS systems, automatic transmissions, anti-lock brakes, and backup cameras. Auto work such as engine enhancements, spoilers, and other performance-oriented upgrades could lower the value of a trade-in, as they’re less likely to appeal to the general population.

If you’re interested in learning the value of your trade-in car, reach out to Paniagua Auto Mall of Dalton, GA. They serve customers throughout the North Georgia area, offering a wide range of top-quality vehicles. Whether you’re looking to swap your ride for a Ford® or add a Porsche® to your collection, you can trust their staff to offer a fair deal. To learn more about their inventory, visit their website or call (706) 279-4360 to ask about financing opportunities.