4 Little-Known Tips to Get the Most Money for Your Car Trade-In

There may come a point when you decide that it's time to get a new car, whether because you need a larger vehicle or simply want an upgrade. It's still a seller's market for used cars, according to Kelley Blue Book, so you may be in a good position to get a better price on your trade-in. 

Of course, the more money you get from your trade-in, the more affordable your next car is apt to be. And if you can pocket some extra cash, it could make it easier to afford expenses like auto insurance for your next car. So with that in mind, here are some tips to get the best offer you can.

1. Take care of minor problems

If your car has minor issues, you may be inclined to ignore them when trading in your car. After all, why sink money into repairs when you're not even sure what price you'll end up getting for your car? 

But dealerships have a way of blowing tiny repairs out of proportion. And you don't want that to be used as an excuse to give you a lowball offer. So instead, shop around with different mechanics, compare quotes, and try to get your car fixed in the most affordable manner possible.

2. Make sure your car looks clean

A clean car gives off a much better impression than a dirty one. You don't necessarily need to raid your savings account to the tune of thousands of dollars for a detailing job that buffs out every single ding. But you should give your car a thorough cleaning, either in your own driveway or via a car wash service before trading it in.

3. Do your research

You wouldn't sell a collectible you inherited from a family member without doing some digging to see what it's worth, right? Well, similarly, it's important to research what your used car is worth before trading it in. Sites like Kelley Blue Book allow you to put in data that includes your car's age, condition, and mileage to get a sense of what trade-in value you should be able to get for it.

4. Do a trade-in when you're not under pressure

Trading in your car in a stress-free manner could make it easier for you to negotiate. So don't wait until the last minute to go this route if you know you need a different vehicle than the one you currently have.

If you're expecting an addition to your family in three weeks, for example, and you need to swap your two-row vehicle for a minivan with three rows to accommodate another car seat, you're basically under the gun and don't have as much negotiating power. But if you try to trade in your vehicle at a time when you could technically keep driving it for months, you may have more leeway to talk a dealership into giving you a better price. 

The more money you're able to get for your trade-in, the better. Use these tips to walk away with the best price -- and the feeling of victory that comes with knowing you got a good offer for your old car.