Any tips on getting the most out of a trade in?

[james u]

I want to trade my SUV in for a new F-150. Is there anyting I can do to get more for it? Things such as making sure it was cleaned recently, new tires, little things that will pay off. Thanks.

[206 BALLER]

Clean ashtray
Stream clean engine
Shampoo carpet
Replace windshield if crack
Make sure spare tire is there and it good
Make sure you have floor mats
Change all the fluids(oil,coolant,transmission, ect)

Try to sell to a private party.......Dealer will try and low ball you

[Stevie B]

Clean it up the best you can, but don't go to crazy fixing things. Most wear and tear stuff is going to cost you more to replace than its going to add on the trade in value. The better it looks will get you a little more money, in the end the dealership is going to look at what they can buy or sell your same car for at auction, so if it looks clean and well maintained they will put 500-1000 more into it, but probably not much more than that. And like the other people said, know what the rebates are and figure somewhere between 8-10% of the sticker price is money the dealership has for profit (not including rebates).

[Sophie B]

Depending on the age of the SUV, making sure it's clean is most important....

To get the most from it (especially if it's older than 2003),fix any thing obvious, replace the tires, and sell it yourself.... You will get a higher dollar amount for it...and without a car to dispose of, the dealer may give you a better deal.....

[Stevie B]

Clean it up the best you can, but don't go to crazy fixing things. Most wear and tear stuff is going to cost you more to replace than its going to add on the trade in value. The better it looks will get you a little more money, in the end the dealership is going to look at what they can buy or sell your same car for at auction, so if it looks clean and well maintained they will put 500-1000 more into it, but probably not much more than that. And like the other people said, know what the rebates are and figure somewhere between 8-10% of the sticker price is money the dealership has for profit (not including rebates).

[C Erick K]

Go to Edmunds.com and put all of your information in and take printed paper with your specs and everything about your trade, their vehicle and check fords incentives, rebates or whatnot, and trade their retail value to your trade-in value or your middle value. The site will give three values. Go to the car lot with paper in hand, and do not discuss payment right away. Tell them this is what you are willing to do. If they say no, say my vehicle runs good enough, leave a phone number where you can be reached, and leave. My brother does that all the time, and they have actually let him leave and then call him when he got back to work and took him up on his offer. Ask them what they paid for the vehicle, that makes it even easier to trade. Just dont put money in your truck because they dont add value to it for that anyway. I have witnessed that first-hand. Make sure you know factory rebates!!! Dont let them fool you. God Bless and good luck