How to Determine a Car's Trade-In Value

Though you can typically get more money from selling a vehicle yourself than trading in through a dealership, many owners value the convenience of trading in and purchasing in one transaction. To get the most from your car, it is essential to do your homework and determine your vehicle's trade-in value.

Instructions

1

Locate all of the specs, features and important information about your particular vehicle model. Items including the year, make and model, special packages (such as EX, LX and sports packages) and special options and features may add to your vehicle's value.

2

Access the Internet and utilize some of the many online trade-in value calculators such as Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.

3

Visit several different car dealerships. Include both those selling the same make and model as your car and those selling other makes and models and ask them to provide you with a trade-in quote.

4

Compare models. Learn all you can about the reliability, fuel economy, warranties, operating costs, theft rates, general features and options of each vehicle you are considering.

5

Compare the various trade-in values from both your online and dealership searches. Add the individual quotes together, and divide by the number of total estimates you have to obtain an average trade-in value for that vehicle.

6

Use the average trade-in value calculated to sell your vehicle for the most money possible.