Should I Fix My Car Before Trading It In?

Thinking about trading in your current vehicle for a brand new Chevrolet model? Harbinger shoppers often ask themselves “Should I fix my car before trading it in?” Although there is no correct answer to this question, the Service and Finance teams at Boyd’s OBX Chevrolet have some tips for getting as much value out of your trade as possible. For example, minor fixes such as paint touch-ups, scratches, and garbage, should be taken care of, whereas major repairs and expenses should be left alone, lest you pay more in maintenance fees than you would receive for your vehicle’s trade-in value. Learn more about whether you should fix your car before trading it in with Boyd’s OBX Chevrolet below!

What I Shouldn’t Fix in My Car Before Trading It In

If there are any major repairs or malfunctions in your current Southern Shores ride, Boyd’s OBX Chevrolet advises you not to fix them before trading in for several reasons:

• Major repairs will be costly, which won’t be covered by the money you’ll receive from trading in your vehicle at Boyd’s OBX Chevrolet.
• Spending your own money out of pocket isn’t worth it in most cases because many dealerships have the tools and experience to fix major issues at a faster rate and lower cost. This is how dealerships make a profit off buying and reselling used vehicles!
• Not every dealership does a detailed inspection of your vehicle before finalizing the trade-in. This means you could run the risk of your repair costs not being deducted from your trade-in price, ultimately losing you money in the long run.

What I Should Fix in My Car Before Trading It In

Now that you know what not to fix, what should you fix in your Duck vehicle, and is it worth the cost? While you can fix minor things to at least make your car presentable in hopes to maintain or increase the trade-in value, dealerships can deduct the value for money they will spend for reconditioning just in case there are major issues that aren’t apparent. Take a look at this list of just a few things you can do to improve the car’s appearance and your chances of getting a good trade-in value:

• Clean the Interior: Clean out the inside, dispose of any garbage, take out personal items, and clean the windows and carpets
• Car Wash: Wash the car yourself or go to a professional car wash.
• Repair Cosmetic Damage: Fix minor scratches. There are some simple DIY methods that can repair small scratches.
• Car Wax: Wax your car to give it a shiny finish
• Headlamp Check or Replacement: Check the headlamps to make sure they’re working properly and replace them if needed
• Fluid Check or Replacement: Check the fluids (brake & transmission), oil, radiator, and windshield-washer and top-off if needed. This shows the dealer that you’ve been keeping up with basic maintenance

If you’re thinking to yourself that “I should fix my car before trading it in”, it’s important to be confident in your ability to make DIY minor repairs, otherwise, you might end up lowering your vehicle’s trade-in value rather than increase it. Make sure to take advantage of Boyd’s OBX Chevrolet’s DIY tips and advice if you’re having any difficulties at home!

Trade-in Your Car at Boyd’s OBX Chevrolet Now!

If you’re ready to trade in your vehicle for a new Chevrolet vehicle that’s sure to turn heads on Southern Shores roads, then you should visit us at Boyd’s OBX Chevrolet to get started! Have any questions about whether you should fix your car before trading it in? Feel free to Contact Us for a consultation!

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