Should I Fix My Car Before Trading In? Honda of Kirkland

If you are trading in your vehicle to purchase a new vehicle for your Kirkland commutes, you may be wondering if you should fix your car before trading in. The general tips our finance and service team would give, is to only do minor fixes. Scratches and paint touch ups and cleaning your vehicle are worthwhile, but you shouldn’t do any major repairs. Major issues could cost more than your trade-in value, and thus you lose out on the financial benefit. Keep reading to learn more about trading in your vehicle with Honda of Kirkland.

Fix My Car Before Trade In: What Not To Do

If your current vehicle needs some major repairs, Honda of Kirkland suggest that you don’t fix them before you upgrade your Redmond ride:

• The cost of major repairs will lower how much you will ultimately get from the trade-in.
• The dealership has the expertise to easily fix major issues at a lower cost than you would spend out of pocket.
• Depending on the dealership, they might not do an in-depth inspection of your vehicle prior to finalizing the trade-in. The cost of the repairs may not even be deducted from the trade-in price.

Fix My Car Before Trade In: What to Do

Is it worth the trouble of performing minor repairs before you trade in your vehicle with a dealership outside of Woodinville? Minor fixes like paint touch ups, buffing out scratches, and a few more, can make your vehicle seem more presentable at trade-in. When you go to trade in your vehicle, the dealership will deduct the value of repairs, and you want to minimize that deduction. So, here are a few things you can do to improve your vehicle’s appearance prior to trade-in:

• Deep clean the inside including any garbage and personal items. Make sure the windows and carpets are also clean.
• Wash your car. If you get it detailed or do it yourself, make sure marks and stains are gone.
• Repair minor scratches, you may be able to fix car paint scratches at home.
• Wax your vehicle after washing your car, for a like-new, shiny finish.
• Check your headlamps to see if they’re working properly and replace them if need be.
• Do basic maintenance like checking the fluids (brake & transmission), oil, radiator, and wiper fluid.

Do these basic maintenance activities, and following the routine maintenance your vehicle needs can show the dealership you have taken care of your vehicle. This can be incredibly beneficial for you, if done right, when it comes time to the trade in value of your car.

Fix My Car Before Trade: What Else Can I Do?

If done correctly, fixing your vehicle before trading it in can be extremely beneficial. There are some other steps you can take, at no extra cost, to benefit you when you bring your car to the dealership:

1. Put together the most detailed list of your maintenance records possible.
2. Bring everything that came with the vehicle including keys, spare sets, mats, winter tires, etc.

Upgrade Your Ride at Honda of Kirkland Today!

If you want to get the best trade in value of your vehicle, take these few small steps to get your vehicle ready. When you are ready, you can use our value your trade tool, to get an estimate of the value of your car. Contact us to set up an appointment at our dealership outside of Seattle. We’ll help you with the trade in process, and if you are looking for a new vehicle, you can browse our inventory. Contact us today if you have any questions!