​​How to Boost Your Vehicle’s Trade-in Value​ 

Most buyers don’t purchase a vehicle to be their forever car. Instead, you buy a car, truck, SUV, or van that is great within your price range, with the thought that you will probably trade it in or sell it within five years or so. And while you may not be thinking about it now, it is important to keep in mind that your vehicle’s value matters throughout your ownership.  

Getting The Most from Your Vehicle 

To maximize the value of your current vehicle means taking great care of it throughout your ownership. While it may cost you hundreds or even thousands over 5 years to maintain it, you can easily recoup that when it’s time to trade it in for something else. Here are some tips to ensure you get the absolute best trade-in value when you’re ready.  

How Values Are Measured 

First, dealers like Alderman Automotive consider your car’s specific value when determining a fair market value to offer you. This means using information from Kelley Blue Book and average car auction prices to help determine what a car is worth. Then your specific vehicle is assessed based on how nice the paint is, the interior’s smell and appearance, tire wear, whether your windshield or windows need to be replaced, and even how well the maintenance seems to have been kept up during your ownership.  

Keep It Clean 

To ensure you get the most value from your trade, you will want to follow simple ownership practices, such as keeping the exterior and interior clean and free from large scratches or wear. So, if you eat in your car, make sure you vacuum the interior regularly and use interior cleaning supplies that will not dull the plastics or leather but instead nourish them. The same goes for the exterior. Investing in high-quality cleaning supplies from your local auto parts store, Amazon, or Walmart will not only keep your car looking clean and shiny but also provide the paint with special protection against harmful contaminants, such as road debris, dirt, bird droppings, bugs, and the like.  

Mileage Is Important 

When owning a car, it can be easy to just get in and go. However, mileage is a key factor in determining what the value is, and the higher the mileage, the lower its worth when it comes time to trade it in. While it’s normal to drive 10,000 or 12,000 miles per year, try to be careful when getting near 15,000, as this not only decreases your value but also increases the amount of maintenance you need to perform each year.  

Good Maintenance Is Vital 

Speaking of maintenance, that is arguably the most important thing you can do as a car owner. Keep up with regularly scheduled oil and air filter changes. Some modern vehicles will tell you when it’s time for an oil service, while others rely on a typical schedule of 7,500, 10,000, or even 15,000 miles. Speak with a service advisor at Alderman Automotive to learn more about your specific car’s needs. While brake jobs can be pricey, it is extremely important that you do normal fluid flushes and brake pad changes, as this will increase the life of your brake rotors, which are the most expensive part of the brake system. If you have a vehicle with higher mileage and your car starts to ride rougher and/or feel weird, have your shocks and various bushings checked to ensure the most comfortable ride.  

And while you may not be thinking about it now, it is important to keep in mind that your vehicle’s value matters throughout your ownership.

Tread Lightly with the Aftermarket Mods 

When you are doing maintenance on your car, be careful not to go overboard with performance modifications, as they can lead to a loss of value. You will spend big on adding spoilers, wings, stickers, horsepower, suspension, and sound, but you could lose thousands as these items can attract unwanted attention for future buyers. Some dealers will offer you less money and then turn the vehicle back to stock to maximize its sales potential. If you do modify your vehicle, put the stock items back on before trading it in, and then sell them individually to someone who’ll appreciate them.  

Let Alderman Automotive Help You with Your Next Purchase 

If you have questions about buying or trading a vehicle, the helpful and knowledgeable sales team at Alderman Automotive can answer them and help you get the right price. And don’t forget to ask about the lifetime engine warranty provided by Lucas Oil.  

Why Choose Alderman Automotive   

With summer heating up, the deals are getting even hotter at Alderman Automotive. At Alderman Automotive, we work tirelessly to give you the best possible price and service on every used car we sell, and our finance department will work within your monthly payment needs. Whether you are looking for a high-end luxury car or SUV, or if your budget is something under $15,000, we have a whole host of vehicles best suited for your wants and needs. Our state-of-the-art service department and helpful staff will ensure your vehicle is always in the best condition possible.