How to Trade in a Car

You’ve found that perfect new car on our lot and you’re ready to get the keys in your hand – but what do you do with your old car? Learning how to trade in a car can help you in a few different ways. Not only will we take care of selling your old car for you, but you can also use the money to get an even better deal on your next vehicle! Find out how to trade in your car in the Redmond area, and get in touch with us at Honda of Kirkland to get the ball rolling.

Step 1: Estimate Your Trade-In Value

Before you head to the dealership, it pays to do a little research. Finding your car’s true market value will set you up well for the negotiation process, but there are few things to keep in mind:

• Many companies offer free, online trade-in estimation tools, so you can start the research process without leaving your living room in Woodinville! You could try Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or even our Value Your Trade tool.
• What influences your trade-in value? Everything from your make, model, year, trim, condition, and maintenance history can affect your price.
• Don’t forget to search locally as well. Trade-in values vary by location, so be sure to investigate the local market in Seattle for a better estimation.

Step 2: Get Your Car Appraised in Person

Once you’ve gotten a ballpark estimate, it’s time to get your car appraised in person. When you visit Honda of Kirkland in Kirkland for an appraisal, a skilled Honda technician will go through your vehicle inside and out to determine its condition. If you’ve kept up with your maintenance over the years, this will help your chances of getting a really great trade-in value

Step 3: Negotiate Your Offer

Once your appraisal is over, you have the choice to accept the offer or negotiate. If the price that the dealership offers seems very different from your estimations from Step 1, bring your paperwork and show why you think you deserve more. This can help you get a higher offer. Then accept the deal, sign the paperwork, and hand over the keys!

Find Your Next Car with Honda of Kirkland

Now that you know how to trade in a car, are you ready to find your next upgrade? Contact us at Honda of Kirkland with any questions about the trade-in process, and we can walk you through the steps. Learn more about how you can trade-in a car that’s not yet paid off at our dealership!